Zanzibar. Every bit as exotic as it's name. Yesterday was Eid, the end of Ramadan and all the alleyways and rabbit warren lanes of Stonetown were alive with Zanzibaris in their very finest heading for family feasts. Zanzibar formal dress seems to be crisp white robes (kanzus) and embroidered pill box hats (kafiyas, I think) for men and boys; kitenge cloth and Malaysian- style headscarves for the women and girls. An air of post- fast jolity in the air, as viewed...

Mnemba island, 14th August. The island is a little tropical spec just off the coast of Zanzibar, three and a half hours from Joburg on the weekly 1Time flight. A slightly ragged, toothy fellow by the name of Bimji greets us effusively and packs us into a mini van for an hours drive north east across the island and then a short boat transfer to Mnemba where we are greeted by PJ our very good friend and one of the island managers. Also on hand is Christopher, our...

Hwange National Park, Matabeleland,Zimbabwe. 10th to 12th August. All fears about a decrepit game reserve decimated by poachers prove unfounded. Hwange Main Camp is the old familiar collection of green,thatched rondavels under the acacia trees with a store and a simple restaurant (The Waterbuck Arms). As we meet up with old friends from Bulawayo, Miles and Moira Thompson and Ant Morris-Davies, we have no need of the restaurant instead braai-ing boerewors and a ...