Colours of Tanzania

One of the things I loved discovering in Tanzania was how, when you’re not on safari (when you should stick to light-coloured clothes and avoid black or blue because it attracts the Tsetse flies, which can give you malaria), the people use really vibrant colours for their clothes and textiles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This young Maasai, for example (who was showing us how to make a toothbrush out of a twig – apparently his dad refuses to use anything else and has perfect teeth) was wearing one of the traditional red Shúkà.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I really loved the colours and patterns of this throw, cushion and rug – such a great combination, and it totally works with the pale mink colour of the chaise longue; it made me think that I really need to be a bit more experimental with colour at home…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…and this stunning hand-decorated espresso cup and saucer, which would definitely wake you up in the morning, right?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even this delicious Mugumu omelette, based on a traditional recipe, filled with peppers and plantain and topped with avocado, was brightly-coloured.

 

 

 

 

 

 

But of course the best colours are found in nature; as you can see from the fabulous pink of these wild flowers, which are almost Warhol-esque. I promise you, no filter.

 

 

 

 

 

And if you look very closely at this photo you’ll be able to see a pack of African Wild Dogs – an endangered species, so seeing them at all was a real privilege; their coats camouflage them beautifully, so they can carry on lazing in the shade, while keeping a watchful eye for predators. I hope they manage to stay safe.

*This is my entry for The Gallery – the theme this week is ‘colour’.