Under African Skies

As we begin the transition from the southern summer to winter, the sunset comes earlier – around 5:45 p.m. It's now pretty much dark by about 6:30, whereas during December we still had some light in the sky after 7. Not a huge difference I know, but it is noticed nonetheless.

While people find inspiration in evening skies just about everywhere on the globe, those found in Africa must be among the most beautiful. These days, when I go running after work, I run under beautiful cloud formations painted all shades of gold, blue, orange, pink and purple. It's quite a nice treat after a sometimes difficult day.

I've decided to post some of the evening sky shots I've taken over the last several months, to give everyone the idea of what I mean. A photo will never fully do justice to a full sky-scape... I guess you'll have to come and see for yourselves some time.

Sunset over Lake Kariba

Setting up camp on the Lower Zambezi River after a long day of paddling.

The blues, golds and purples of Kasanka N.P.

Sunset on the walk home from work.

Skies over Mazabuka

Another evening sky phenomenon is also worth sharing. During the sugar harvests, the fields are set alight to burn off all the unwanted plant matter, which leaves the cane to be cut more easily. The first time I saw the fields on fire, I actually heard it first. It sounded a bit like the roar of a heavy rainstorm on the roof, but not quite. I went outside to investigate and was amazed to see the tongues of fire rising above the treetops!

Fire's burning, fire's burning, draw nearer, draw nearer, in the gloaming, in the gloaming, come sing and be merry.

This looked and sounded particularly impressive.