Birds

One morning in Mozambique

- Faansie Peacock

Landmines are at the forefront of my mind as I take my first steps off the track. It has only been a few years since the peace declaration between RENAMO and FRELIMO, and many parts of Mozambique are still decorated with signs warning,“Perigominas!”

I doubt whether this remote floodplain north of Beira would have been a strategic target for land mining, and a few cows chomping on the grass lessen my fears… a bit. But with every step further into the waterlogged grass, dopamine is overtaking adrenaline in my bloodstream.

The shallow water is around that temperature when you start to wonder if you should drag yourself out of the bath, or top up the hot water. Small silvery fish dart away just as you’re about to step on them, and clouds of blue, red and green dragonflies flash past.