30/09/2024
Every year, Andrew and I tell ourselves that this is probably our last year hosting our Magical Mana Pools trip (Zimbabwe).
Zim can be unpredictable, costs keep rising, we often have to make a plan.
But we can’t stop, you see. Nowhere in Africa can you experience the things you see and do in Mana Pools. The freedom that comes with walking to our hearts content is unrivalled. Mana is magical, yet you won’t see it if you chase it.
The magic lies as much with the place as it does with its people, who curate the experience. We wouldn’t be able to do this without the ever so inspiring and resilient Tess, Dave, Roogs & Kevin , who create the perfect home away from home.
On safari, conversations often venture to AI and its impact on photography and our industry. While it is undeniably re-shaping art and, well, the world as we know it, there is something I think it will struggle to compete with: authenticity. The feeling of the hot African air slapping you in the face as you step out of a Cessna onto a carpet of red dust. The deeply caring and warm hospitality that Tess, Dave, Roogs, Kev and the whole Mwinilunga team embrace us with. The bucket shower that hangs over a beautifully arranged bathing area, with spectacular views of the Zambezi, hippos grunting and lions roaring in the (near) distance. The feeling of awe as a huge bull elephant steps back onto his hind legs and reaches up to grab unattainable branches. The bellowing roar of a male calling right outside our tents at 4am (that is a story an a half!). The food Tess and her team so beautifully prepare (and the love poured into every single meal or snack)… I could go on for ever.
With the push for everything faster, better, and the Sisyphian quest for perfection, comes the growing need for stillness, disconnection, simplicity. Bucket showers and mesh tents. Crystal clear skies with thousands of glittering stars. No internet or mobile connection. And above all, friendship, laughter, joy.
I’ve always believed that spending time in nature is a powerful incubator for such simple yet essential (and often forgotten!) states.
How lucky are we, to have such special guests who fall in love with the simplicity of the wild and deeply seek authenticity? This year, more than half of the group were repeat guests, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to once more host guests turned friends, and meet new ones. I have to pinch myself, when I look at how our little safari company has grown and the joy and excitement that surrounds it. So thank you, to our wonderful Mana team this year - Christine, Kim, Drew, Grant and Gary, for being wonderful guests who make our job feel easy.
Authentic, meaningful and joyful experiences, that’s what Odysseia is all about.
To all of you out there who crave such a thing, come and join us. The wild is a wonderful state to be in ✨🐘
See you in the bush
With love,
Alice
The Odysseia Collection
