Nature’s noise is more important to our well-being than we realise.
Chrissiesmeer. Image by Evan Haussmann.
I was born in some Vryheid hospital and spent my first few years on a farm called Doringkraal. I remember it well, or at least I think I do, because studies show that children’s memories are not necessarily accurate. Some things they absorb into their subconscious, though, such as sounds, which become associated with feelings.
In my case, good feelings are linked to the following noises: in the human realm, Zulu, English and German lullabies, the hum of a lawnmower or a distant generator; in the natural realm, a cheerful orchestra of birds, the shushing of grass and leaves in the wind, the melody of a running stream, distant thunder, a symphony of frogs and crickets. It turns out natural sound is very necessary to humans in order to relax (see our story on page 27).
In the end, we left Doringkraal and were sad about this. But the reason was a happy one when viewed from a collective point: it was bought by the government to form Ithala Game Reserve, so this exquisite area (and its beautiful noise) is now protected and preserved for future generations – and nature itself.
Another area that has been recognized as an important environment is South Africa’s very own Lake District, Chrissiesmeer. Although well known to people in Mpumalanga, it’s more of an undiscovered gem to those of us living in the rest of the country. Do yourself a favour and tap the name into Google Maps. What you’ll see is a pretty pattern of blue patches, like the pattern of a Na’vi Nguni cow. These are lakes that saturate the area, and they’re filled with a myriad frogs and inhabited by rich birdlife. Chrissiesmeer has been declared a Protected Area, and the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Conservation Plan recognises it as highly sensitive and vulnerable. And yet it appears the area is under question. Chrissiesmeer, filled with lakes and precious fresh water (which is an increasing source of concern in this country, mind you) is faced again with the threat of mining, and all the environmental hazards that come with that. This month, we feature this wonderful little town in our guide.
It’s a dream for those who love the outdoors and nature. We, the public, must follow Chrissiesmeer’s fate closely (see how below). Our voices may be its only protection. Not only to preserve all the lovely sounds that emanate from it, but because important natural environments are vital to our broader ecosystem.
It’s all about getting outdoors in this cracking issue: read about our 13 great camping sites, five of them rooted out by actor and comedian Rob van Vuuren, who took his family meandering through the Karoo, and eight by Jacques Marais in the magnificent Cederberg. There’s leopards in the Tuli block, and jaguars, caimans, capybaras and wild river chases in Brazil. And there’s vibrant, sexy Antananarivo for cultural adventures, plus a host of good-value quick escapes.
Enjoy!
This article first appeared in the November 2015 issue of Getaway magazine.
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