The last time we swam was a few weeks ago in the pool at the Kupferquelle Resort in Tsumeb, Namibia. Back then with ducks that followed us curiously as we went about our journey. What did they think when they saw our swimming style? We also felt like swimming at the Mana Pools on the Zambezi. But it’s better not to do that, because there are not only crocodiles but also hippos in the water. And both of them are not to be trifled with…

Now, at the Pungwe River, where we camp for two days, there is a natural pool at our feet. Yesterday Tatanda, the caretaker, told us that we could swim here without any problems. (Tadpoles and fish are not dangerous to swimmers.) We could hear the laughter of children in the distance as we descended to the pool. They were amazed when suddenly two white men in swimming trunk and bikini stood in front of them.

Even without a swimming instructor license, I saw that I could teach the children a few things. (Most of them struggled in dog-style and could barely stay afloat.) I gave them the advice: «Swim like a frog and move your legs accordingly. » I demonstrated this straight away – much to the children’s amusement. Soon we were swimming in the river with the young Africans and laughing with them. Half an hour later, refreshed, we climbed over the rocks that reminded us of the Verzasca – minus the many tourists who are there…

PS: If you want to know where you can learn to swim properly, read here.