Shivering ever so slightly, I pull my scarf around my neck a little firmer as I savour the last few mouthfuls of my hot rooibos tea. The aroma of this rich dark red liquid enlivens my spirit, connecting me back to Africa and, long ago memories of the Kalahari. Predictably, the commotion of vehicle engines and guides shouting instructions over excited travellers commands me back to the present. There is a sense of haste, an urgency to depart, for the first light in Africa offers unsurpassed opportunities. It is with immense anticipation that I set out on safari to get a taste of Etosha National Park, Namibia. On our first afternoon we discover a herd of elephants swimming in one of the local waterholes; a clearly welcomed reprieve from the hot baking sun. In every direction there are elephants of all sizes drinking and splashing about in absolute delight; the largest of the herd performing sidewards belly flops, scoring low on agility and technique. As for the littlest members of the herd, it is virtually impossible to avoid becoming completely immersed in what is, the divine silliness of baby elephants. A morning drive a few days later takes us to an even larger waterhole resembling the organised chaos of an international airport. A kaleidoscope of kudu, ostrich, giraffe, impala and zebra arrive sporadically to quench their thirst; then quickly retreat. The mired of black and white stripes continually creating accidental movements that terrify each and every other animal. I imagine that consideration of survival over thirst is a daily challenge. The bedlam continues as warning calls see animals scattering frantically for safety as a lion and lioness emerge from the dense bush. One defiant jackal however, boldly decides that he is going to stand his ground. Alas, he is swiftly reminded of his subordination, his audacity neither successful, nor determining his destiny. The lions are merely here to drink, their stomachs evidently full. As we head north the following afternoon, I catch sight of Namibia’s most recognised and remarkable landmarks, the Etosha pan; the salt encrusted earth shimmering pale blue; an enticing oasis contrasted against the hot orange Namibian dust. This immense space of seemingly nothingness extends further then my eye can possibly see yet, I make out the outline of a lone ostrich searching for nutrients. How precious rain must be to this arid environment. We are fortunate to be staying at Okaukuejo and, as we drive into this administrative hub, the stillness lingering from our morning safari is quickly overturned. Safari vehicles are pulling in and out, while a combination of exhausted and excited travellers gather necessities like busy ants. Here as night falls, Okaukuejo, famous for its flood lit water hole, puts on one of the greatest shows in Africa. Tonight’s performance begins with a family of white rhinos out at a social gathering; catching up, dining and a cheeky late night swim. An opportune moment in the next few days finds us in view of a solitary lioness and her most recent kill, moving toward us with grit and grace. This strong willed feline has her jaw tightly clenched around her victim; the fresh blood trickling from the black and white labyrinth and staining her coat. I watch intently as every few minutes she releases her prize then meticulously, recalculates her grip to continue; the shade just meters away. Her destination is met with both triumph and exhaustion as she proudly straddles her lifeless prey before falling into a heavy slumber. As our last safari comes to an end and the bright blue skies became saturated with pallets of orange, yellow, pink and purple, I continue to revel in the hot African sun, the sticky sunscreen and, the rough overlay of Namibian dust. I am still fully connected to the liveliness of the African bush as I head home; reintroduced to the noise and never ending hum of city life. Sipping my rooibos tea, I stop and smile, for I know that even the smallest taste of Etosha, has left me hungry. If I dare, even for a moment to listen, I can hear her loud and clear; Africa, she is calling me once again.