SOLVED. Invasive alien ecology in Africa; main character Gabby(?) is a reporter. [s]

[Rachel]

Science fiction novel from ~20 years ago. Year I read it: 2000, 2001?

An alien ecology/ecosystem has begun to grow and spread somewhere in Africa, and the main character (Gabrielle or Gabby / Gaby) is dispatched to either study or report on it. The infestation as a whole has a name starting with C, and I think this was a standalone novel rather than a trilogy. It's not a book heavily based in realistic biology -- lots of pretty unlikely stuff happens in the alien zone. I was reminded of it recently when I read Annihilation.

I remember some completely random detail though:

The main character has to study up on African culture. Someone pop-quizzes her "those two men who are walking down the street holding hands. Are they gay?" She correctly answers, no, physical affection between hetero same-sex male friends is common in this part of Africa.

She's in some other country watching news of the invasion on TV when her boyfriend tries to initiate sex, and she feels the "inquisitive prickle" of his genital area from behind her. She exasperatedly swats him away, fascinated by the news instead.

From a helicopter or other low plane of some kind, over Africa, she sees a black woman running in a red one-piece or outfit with incredible grace. Later on she has that woman as her roommate.

She and her camera crew (?) crash a helicopter or otherwise become stuck very close to or in the infestation. One person tries to lighten the mood with "I spy, with my little eye", and someone else responds "Something that begins with C" and that kills the attempt at levity. This scene is why I'm so sure the stuff starts with C

She tries being casual lovers with one of her crew members, late in the book.



Although the stuff starts with C, this is NOT War Against the Chtorr by David Gerrold. Thanks for any help!

[Ayshe]

Chaga seems to match your description?

[Rachel]

Ayshe wrote: "Chaga seems to match your description?"

That's it -- an exact match. On reading the reviews there I recognize the term "Kilimanjaro Event". And I see it was also published under Evolution's Shore, which is more familiar and I think was the edition I read. Thank you so much! I will go about marking this one as solved/found.

Edit: I see that the mods are the ones who do that, and they have done it. Thank you mods. I'm off to read other threads and see if I can make someone else's day.