MUKHALABYE

He turned to face me, as my cautious step suddenly cracked the dry savannah grass.

Mukhalabye means "old man" in Tsonga.

The sun's last golden rays filter through a gap in the low, thorny forest, casting streaks of warm light on the old warthog below. He presses on, leisurely searching the roots and leaves for his chosen food. Abruptly, he pauses, alert to my presence, but after some scrutiny, he grunts, satisfied that Im not a threat, resuming his movements. He continues for a little while, pressing his snout here and there into the rough earth. With the setting sun bathing its last over his curved tusks and wiry back mane, he eventually recedes, shifting his way into the shadows of the early evening.

It was late afternoon, with the gentle rustling of leaves and the occasional call of birds filling the air. The presence of a nearby buck and a flock of red-billed oxpeckers brought a comforting harmony to the scene. The bush was alive, yet tranquil. The old warthog had become a familiar figure around our camp, earning a grandfatherly status among his kind and those who stayed there. Despite the passing years, Mukhalaybye remained strong and alert, a testament to the unforgiving nature of the bush and his tenacity to survive. Countless encounters had tested his abilities, solidifying his reputation as a formidable presence even more in the wild.

Watching him that late afternoon, I thought that in many ways, the warthog's life perhaps exemplifies the true value of wisdom and mental strength as we age. It made me ponder our own growing human tendencies to seek instant gratification and easy rewards. We take so much for granted that once required more effort and some hardship to get. The warthog's presence that day reminded me that nothing worthwhile seems to come without some struggle. So I suppose that when we savour the joys of discovery through effort, we cultivate a genuine sense of appreciation for life's blessings. Much like the old warthog, having the tenacity to keep going and keep searching seems to be a key elixir to longevity, one that might be worthwhile considering in our own lives.

RAW AFRICA COLLECTION

Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, and the life giving.

This soulful land of dreamers gives rise to the underbelly of a beautiful, gentle beat that is only heard by those who listen for it. This photographic journey explores, profiles, and captures what I hope is the heart and soul of Africa's true wilderness kingdom. From its deep bush to its dry savannah and desert, Africa remains a place where life is represented by timeless vistas that are distilled into moments to treasure.