Brothers in arms: Pieter Hugo, Tom Riteo and Brian House (photo below, at right) attempt to drag the fully laden mokoro they are harnessed to through the mud, sharp reeds and leeches to Madinari Island. A South African carpenter, a ba'Yei poler, and an American sound artist. Camaraderie under hardship can be one of the most beautiful aspects of human nature.

Main photo below: While we were drifting through one of the many burnt landscapes along the Cuito River a black whirlwind rose from the ashes and hurtled towards our procession of mokoros. I noticed Schnapps and KG immediately drop to their knees, trying to avoid its path. Later I asked Schnapps about his fearful reaction and he told me with a grave face that was an Uxuli and that if it blows through you it might take your soul away. A few weeks later another of these ash-devils came towards the expedition team, this time passing right through one of our friends. The next day he fell very ill, so much so that we had to spend a day off the water to help him recover. That same day I was photographing a distant fire and another ashen whirlwind rose up in front of me, and as I took a couple of steps back I found myself questioning the line between superstition and reality.

Share this Story

Everything you need to know about going on safari with me.

Six new images available for sale.

Christie's, Los Angeles (2019)

Christie's, London (2017)