Rufiji River in the rainy season

The first thing that I notice upon arrival to the Rufiji River is the sweltering heat. The strong sun and humidity that saturates the air is uncomfortable even after a few days acclimating in Dar es Salaam, a low lying coastal city. It truly feels wet, in the sense of a rain-forest and sweat is inevitable as is a sluggish feeling that comes from my body sending signals to my brain to slow down, find some shade, and rest. 

But it has been several weeks since my last trip here and there have been unseasonal heavy rains in areas further upstream. The Rufiji River is actually the end result of the Ruaha River as well as the Kilombero and Luwegu Rivers. I want to check out how the water levels are so we trek down towards the river. Although we're within village land, the riverine habitat is thick with seasonal tall grasses and reeds. When we walk a constant stream of small crickets jumps to avoid us, a type of strange visual that makes the ground look like it's ever so casually erupting. 

When we reach the rivers edge the high grasses obscure the view. But the sun is setting in the background and the thick humid air spreads the light in a particularly beautiful fashion, with soft hues that change slowly as the sun emits less light. I'm hot and at this point my shirt is nearly drenched but for just one moment, I can forget that all and take in the quintessential tropical sunset.