“Words are poor” was an expression that was used more than a few times during our recent Masiyembo Association Annual Members’ Gathering.

The two-day bush camp held at the Biomimicry Camp in the Bitou Valley was rich in the kind of experiences that remain at the edge of language’s capabilities.

Members came to the gathering from across the Southern and Eastern Cape, eager to responsibly reunite outdoors in person – and connect properly once again.  It has been a tough year for many, especially for guides who have been at the mercy of a non-existent tourism sector.

Masiyembo Gatherings have concrete objectives and envisaged outcomes but, what we again found this time is that, more than what was achieved in terms of outcomes, is what was experienced in the gaps, the in-between moments… in the space that was co-created through spontaneous interactions.

Nourishing campfire conversations, dinner table laughs, small group dialogues, group sensory exercises, serene canoe sojourns, solo walks and siestas.  All the things that Zoom cannot do. The richness is in these direct embodied experiences.

Frankly, it is entirely fitting and should be of no surprise to us: after all, Masiyembo’s mission is to create more opportunities for people to find meaning, connection and wellbeing through nature.

And if we can achieve that for our Members, then we can be confident that we can deliver that for our fellow citizens too.

The Masiyembo Association is hosted by the Organisation for Noetic Ecology. The Gathering was made possible through the in-kind support and hospitality of Bhejane Adventures, and a philanthropic donation from a kind-hearted local resident.