Whales, Wildlife & Wilderness                                                                                                                                                 Pam & Wayne Osborn

Africa

An African Infatuation

 

This ancient land of deep grandeur and beguiling fauna exerts a primal pull and we are regular visitors. Along with nature's majestic presence comes crippling poverty, suffering and sometimes violence.  Whilst there are pockets of hope and progress, it seems that for many, little has changed in several generations.

 

It is easy to become gripped by the pessimism as expressed in Paul Theroux's classic African travelogue, 'Dark Star Safari.'  Despite this we continue to be touched by the people we meet.  Massai guides in Kenya who have made great sacrifices to attain their positions and deeply care about the wildlife in their care. Himba tribespeople in remote Namibia living a traditional nomadic lifestyle with great dignity and élan.

 

Tourism is a vital component of most African economies and the people most impacted during civil unrest are those who can least afford it.  We think it is important to continue to travel and support these emerging economies.

 

Our travels have taken us to Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa.