Diamonds in the Sky

We have many visitors, from far and wide. Some are locals who enjoy spending time in nature, listening to the morning chorus as the birds celebrate the rising of the sun breaking the dark, and some are from as far afield as Scandinavia or Australia, who usually cannot wait to see lions chasing a wildebeest across the plains.

Of the many exciting things we get to see it here, one thing always seems to get the "wow" going amongst the guests, no matter where they are from.

When we escort guests back to their rooms after dinner (there are no fences around the lodge, and all sorts of animals roam through the lodge), we are often asked what we come across on the pathways as we walk, but once they see the African sky at night, all the worry of bumping into a lion or buffalo seems to fade away, and we often just stand in awe as we stare at the numberless lights twinkling in the sky above. It's very different to the Northern night sky, and even Africans are surprised at how many stars are visible when you're far from the cities.

A favourite thing to do for me is spend time with guests who are interested in photography, and try to get a few pictures of that night sky, and watch the sense of pride come over them as they see the photos they can get. It's really quite something!

Not always an easy thing, but with the right lighting, timing, and surroundings, there are some truly amazing opportunities for that type of imagery.