Travelers react to poverty differently. For many (especially US travelers) it is their first time witnessing extreme poverty.

Snotty nosed kids, tattered clothes, shoeless children, toothless mothers begging and dangling malnourished babies off their hips, lepers crippled, the blind holding their hands out without direction are all common sights throughout the developing world.

A medieval vision to spook the mind.

Some find it easiest to ignore, others break down and cry, some take photo’s to raise awareness; others ignorantly hand out gifts without thought of the future.

A couple weeks ago a traveler planning to visit Namibia mentioned on tripadvisor she would “like to take with us some gifts for children…Also the best place to hand these gifts in so that they go to where they are most needed.”

I recommended to ‘barter’ and ‘trade’ for souvenir’s – as an ALTERNATIVE – suggesting it is a bad idea to just give hand-outs to children and adults.

Surprised, my comment sparked in uproar with other’s in the Namibia, tripadvisor community.

In response, one comment said, “All very well bartering until you find a remote school where the kids don’t have shoes…Apart from the warm glow I get from bringing a little happiness into someone’s life, I don’t really look for anything in return.”

This reminded me of something.

DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS! – National Parks are glittered with these signs. There is a reason for it; if you feed a wild animal today, will you feed it tomorrow? And the day after? Because if you don’t YOU will KILL them!

The same goes for when travelers react to extreme poverty by handing out free-bee’s to feel better about their emotions.

These uneasy emotions are the most NATURAL of feelings and I would be worried if you didn’t feel bad.

However, when travelers react this way it becomes a destructive, self-righteous mission, that is neither good for the people in the developing world OR yourself.

Developing countries are in a critical time in history; either they will grow into a productive, contributing member of our globalized world, or they won’t.

Children are cute –even when they’re wearing tatters. Not too many people think the same about a mangy grown man begging.

Do the people, of what ever country you visit, the kindest of favors – give BUT only if you receive something in return. Trade for souvenirs at the craft market, exchange photographs, sample a meal, or ask to tour a homestead – in exchange for your gift.

That way you can GIVE, feel positive about your deed, boost your karma, AND receive something in return, making them feel like they had to WORK for what they got. THIS single act will benefit both that person and the cultural mentality shared, working towards a productive, self-sufficient future. It’s a win –win situation and stories will be told on each side, guaranteed.

To creative giving,

Jeremy

P.S. A portion of your Safari payment is donated to the Uukwaluudhi people and children at Nambula Combined School – the school I had the pleasure of teaching English.

Read the following:

Food Crisis in Niger, AIDS in Uganda, Somali Journalists Are Assaulted and Jailed, Shaky Rule in Madagascar Threatens Tress.

These are the top New York Times news headlines for Africa.

Pretty depressing huh?

Did you notice that none of them are about Namibia?  So why is Namibia never in the news?

Here are just a few of the more obvious reasons:

• In many respects, colonialism was a huge benefit to modern Namibia.  Colonialism built many of the SCHOOLS children are taught in today.

• Colonialism built many of the ROADS, paved and gravel, both of which are in excellent condition and regularly maintained to the point the Fishing Industry’s main port at Walvis Bay links with the Trans-Caprivian Highway connecting with Central Africa and its many countries (Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, to name just a few).

• The WATER is potable, thus can be drunk in over 90% of the country, a huge benefit in maintaining a healthy population.

• ELECTRICITY is prevalent and powered by Namibia’s own power plants.

• Crime is LOW.

• Located between two of the world’s oldest deserts makes the arid environment a perfect ingredient to MINIMIZE diseases such as cholera, typhoid, malaria, and yellow fever – Again helping maintain a healthy population.

• Namibia is the first country in the world to incorporate the PROTECTION of the ENVIRONMENT into the constitution, thus eliminating future issues in that topic and making it a place home to more animals than people!

• Since its Independence in 1990, the country has remained stable, GROWN productive, and peacefully elects heads of state every five years.

• The government HAS A GOAL properly named “Vision 2030” in which it aims to have Namibia’s Industrial sector competing with the 1^st world, its population increased to 3 million, and its population educated and skilled in the work force.

So I ask again, why is Namibia never in the news?

An old wise man once said “plan for the future by first building a solid foundation.”

To building that solid foundation,

Jeremy

P.S. What are people saying about Wild Safari Africa? Read for yourself – http://wildsafariafrica.com/testimonials/

This is not your typical safari.

The pitter-patter of bare feet slapped against the paved two lane highway.  The cool blanket of fog hung low in the sky.  To their left were the fiercely cold waters of the south Atlantic.  To their right, mountains of sand, drifting and scurrying across the highway; it was the Namib Desert.

The number “041” was printed beneath the Lucky Star logo.  The boy ran next to a taller girl whose stride was longer than his.  Another man drifted off the two bare footed runners; he wore cross-training shoes, a hat with a small brim, sunglasses, and his nose was covered in pasty-white sunscreen.

Together, the three strangers pushed and pulled each other closer to the finish line.

Once I had volunteered at a track meet in the town of Tsumeb, Namibia.  African’s competed against the whites.  The whites had shoes and starting blocks.  Only some of the African’s wore shoes.

The advantages of one group were the disadvantage of the other, yet the races were close.

A student of mine in the village had talent.  The first race I saw Maria run, was on a make-shift track, around a few trees, a pile of stones, and finishing past a line drawn in the dirt.  She dodged herds of goat and went around the stray cow; all without shoes.

Her talents got her on the Namibian national team.  She joined the Namibian team in Botswana to compete.  She came home with a Bronze.  She was disappointed by her performance, she knew her speed was quicker, however they made her wear shoes that slowed her down.  She was much faster without shoes, sprinting across the ground in bare feet, her everyday “shoe.”

Today, these kids came from the far corners of their country, from the deepest of villages, to the town of Swakopmund to run a marathon.  Some were lucky to have shoes, some fit, others were a size too large or too small, yet they were still worn.

Annually, Etosha Fish hosts the Lucky Star Marathon between Namibia’s coastal towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. Open to the public, hundreds of Namibian students flock to the event and compete against other Namibians and foreign nationals from across southern Africa, Europe, and America.

It is an incredible opportunity to experience, whether you’re running or casually relaxing and cheering on the athletes.

I had recently read a quote simply saying “life is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Namibia, Africa is a place that follows this motto better than anywhere else on earth.  The athletes run with passion and celebrate with ease.  No hurries, no worries.  Namibian students study hard in hopes of a better future, a future where one day they may be able to buy their own shoes.  Winning is recognized, yet it’s the travels and new journey’s these young Namibians experienced that sprouted the most smiles.

For many of these athletes, this was their first time visiting Swakopmund and the ocean!  Their collective spirit was contagious.  Our bus ride home, back to the village, was filled with joyous stories, stories that continue to be relived each and everyday.

However, that was their story. This is your story:

http://wildsafariafrica.com/budget-safari/namibian-marathon-wildlife-safari/

Will your story fill the room with contagious joy?

To running without shoes,

Jeremy

Pass the baton, and forward this story on to all your friends who run.

And remember “life is a marathon, not a sprint.”

The moon shined down upon the homestead like a large spot light.  I dug my feet in the sand watching the shadows dance off the fire’s glittering glow.

A sharpened high-pitched ululation sang out into the night’s air, “lelelelelelelelelelelele.”   I remembered the first time I heard this distinctly African trait.  It had put chills down my spine, just as it had done once again.

Women howled between the choruses they sang, during moments of happiness, in brief spurts of joy, and in times of celebration.

Tonight, the women’s “lelelelelelelelelelele” rose, then fell wavering in a long sweet sound to celebrate the union between a man and woman.

For the next three days we celebrated honking our kazoos, singing into the open skies, and dancing the night away.  The men and I slaughtered the bull, as the woman prepared the feast.  We drank.  We laughed.  We celebrated!

In the village, there were many reasons to celebrate.  A child came home with good grades and a chicken was slaughtered.  Birthdays, the long anticipated visit from an old friend or surprise stopover from family, we would celebrate. The birth of a child, or a wedding, the celebrations were bigger and longer.

However, when my book was published last Friday I could already see the men congratulating me with a hug and the woman throwing their hands up in the air and letting out their cry of happiness “lelelelelelelelelelelelelelelelelelelelelelelelele.”

And when a good Owambo friend of mine said “Owa longa nawa tate Jeremy.  Kalunga ne ku yambeke” I knew she flicked her tongue in ululation.

It was great to have a Namibian, an Owambo, approve of my book and celebrate with me.  Worlds apart, I responded “Ito ligola, ito li!” or “if you don’t sing, you don’t eat!” simply meaning if you don’t join in the celebration than both of us will starve.

You see there are many reasons to celebrate life.  It just so happens this week I celebrate because after 10 long months of tackling a task so daunting, such as writing this book, it was finally published and caused reason to celebrate.

To travel the world had been a goal of mine since I was little.  When I finally stepped out into the world, I found myself evolving, discovering new dreams, and one of those dreams was to write a book.

I have now both circled the world and wrote a book.  And guess what?

Just because my goals have been completed, doesn’t mean the dream is dead.   I will never stop traveling to distant lands and am in the middle of writing another book, continuing to live the dream.

They say the first time is always the most difficult and I would have to agree.  My first trip overseas was overwhelming.  I didn’t know how to communicate to people who couldn’t speak my language, or how to listen and learn to speak theirs.  I was fearful of getting lost, even when I was lost.  I had fears of getting sick, of being robbed, and the list went on.

However, the second time around it made more sense.  The third, much easier; and now a distant land thousands of miles away, such as Namibia (a place I now call my second home), is only five minutes away inside my head.

If we never challenge ourselves, how will we ever fully develop as an inspirational human being?

To making life a Safari “journey,”

Jeremy

P.S. My Namibia Guidebook is full of detailed descriptions of the many clans of Namibia, cultures, traditions, histories, geography, and much more!  Even if you’re not planning to visit, this is one book that will inspire the dream!  Get your copy today – http://www.otherplacespublishing.com/namibia.html

P.P.S. Safari is a Swahili word meaning journey.

Good day!

The 2010 World Cup is only four months away.

On a continent where soccer is a daily activity, played by all ages, and held high in the hearts and minds of all Africans, I cannot think of a better place for such a grand tournament to be hosted.

From the villages, to the townships, into the heart of the nation’s capital, soccer is a daily activity.

Deep in the northern Namibian bush of Uukwaluudhi, the village in which I lived for over two years, soccer was a daily activity.  Creativity thrived with the groups of children and the most important thing was never if they had an actual soccer ball to play with, rather the MOST important thing was the game itself.

Whether the ball was the size of a tennis ball, made of several wrapped plastic bags, or old rolled up socks, the game played on.

Mothers and grandmothers fought the children to take a breather from the game to complete their daily chores of herding livestock. All the boys wanted to do was play soccer.

Fields were abstract.  Goal posts were wooden sticks gathered from the forest.  Very few shoes were worn, and the idea of shin pads and green fields –well forget about it.  Yet the passion and spirit for the game could not be broken.

Between classes, before and after school, in the mornings and afternoons, after a meal or while hungry, the kids found a way to play the game.

Where there is a will, there is a way and in that way there was purpose to be found.

The 2010 World Cup in South Africa could perhaps be the most energetic, exciting places to host this international event.  Thousands from around the globe will attend, celebrate, and mourn, the loss, or win, of their home teams.

African children will be kickin’ a makeshift ball in the townships imagining they were Ronaldo playing in the large stadiums and being cheered on by thousands.  They will be creating their own celebrity.

These children are inspiring and this is motivating.

If there is anything that shines upon the World Cup 2010, it’s that it will continue to allow young African children to run with their imagination and create their own reality, inspired by the best soccer players in the world.

Be inspired by the World Cup’s future stars and be inspired to be thankful for what you have, as you’re never too old to quit imagining and creating.  If you don’t somebody else will!

To finding that something in your life that brings you zest and passion for life,

Jeremy

P.S. Many aren’t just attending the games but also have plans for safari in South Africa or nearby countries.  Even if your safari isn’t this year but next, you got to watch this!

There was nothing more enjoyable than to sit back and listen to the San Bushmen speak in clicks and clacks.  Their physical features are undeniably different than most southern African clans of the Bantu descent, making them something of an anomaly.

Recently I read an article in the Denver Post stating a recent study of African genetics by an International team from the University of Pennsylvania.  The team claimed the San of southern Africa are the most genetically diverse peoples on earth.

They went a step further and boldly stated the San homeland, the Kalahari Desert, could have very well been the exact spot where modern humanity began.

The San Bushmen are the last remaining indigenous people of southern Africa.  They are nomadic, and sustain life entirely by what the land provides: Hunting and gathering.

Their wisdom of survival has been well known and shared with British and South African military special opts teams for centuries.  Their tracking skills are better than any other clan in all of Africa, and perhaps the world.  Their perseverance is legendary.

If it is true that the Kalahari Desert is the place where modern humans were born, is it then possible it may be the place where humans survive an apocalyptic collapse?

Their ancient wisdom is thought to have been around for 30,000 or more years.  Not a single generation has been denied this wise knowledge of the land, and perhaps is the only reason why the San Bushman continues to live in their traditional customs.

It is so good; there is no reason to change… unless the “taker” culture (you and me) coerce them into change.

In 2002 many San groups were forcibly removed from their ancestral land in the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park (Botswana) to clear way for government endorsed diamond mining.

This directly threatened to forever extinguish their traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle.

However…

The Bushman won a historic ruling in 2006 against the government of Botswana, permitting them to return to their ancestral land.

With access to water minimal, along with the lure of modern life, many did not return.  They freely chose to stay in the areas surrounding settlements, and once these people are gone, so is the ancient wisdom that will be lost forever.

The uncertain future the Kalahari Bushmen face is as bleak as our own.  But without sharing our wisdom to younger generations, they have to start from scratch.

To sharing wisdom,

Jeremy

P.S. The two best countries to visit and interact with the most genetically diverse peoples on earth are in Namibia and Botswana.

P.P.S.  I guarantee you’ll come home a much wiser person.

Namibia is the first country in the world to incorporate the protection of the environment into its Constitution.

As of December 2, Namibia has once again democratically voted for President.  Hifikepunya Pohamba succeeded once again in taking his SWAPO party into office for a second term.

For the first time in Namibia’s history, the ruling SWAPO party was significantly challenged by the Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP.  With RDP’s official emergence in 2007, the SWAPO party was rattled and at the time appeared to be a significant threat.

Voter tension tightened as the polling dates neared.  There was speculations of intimidation to occur (with RDP calling for UN Peacekeepers, which never came) and in the months prior to November, rumors swirled about the possibility of Namibian schools being closed nearly two months before their scheduled end of the year to ensure polling stations would be open for assured success.  They never closed early and intimidation was rare.

RDP wasn’t popular enough to win the election, however proved to be an opposition party who is here to stay.

Namibian Safaris are some of Africa’s best and the country itself is like no other African nation.  Open skies sparkling more stars than one has ever seen, endless savanna’s continue uninterrupted for miles, and more animals than there are people all make Namibia a perfect place to get in touch with your wild side.

Wild Safari Africa salutes President Pohamba for his victory, as well as SWAPO’s powerful contender RDP for their gallant and courageous efforts.

A government whose top priority is environment needs the recognition it deserves.  On safari in Namibia is stepping into one of the true last frontiers on earth.  It’s harder to remain in urban centers (because they’re just not that big!) than it is to find yourself surrounded by amazing wilderness.

To “going green” and keeping Namibia wild and untouched!

Jeremy

P.S. For more information about President Pohamba and the Rally for Democracy and Progress buy my book!

Last week I was teaching a High School Geography class.  The topic: Africa.

I asked the students what were the first things that came to mind when you think of Africa?

“Poverty” one student shouts out.  “Blood diamonds” another says. Starvation, child soldiers, and disease were also mentioned as our discussion jig sawed around the room and it was no surprise to me.  We hear nothing but the tragedies and atrocities in Africa, and nothing about the good.

Is this perception really good for Africa?

Well I was happy to read an article titled “Africa’s Rising Stars” in the New York Times Upfront Magazine about The New Face of Africa.

Ghana (West Africa) and Botswana (southern Africa) stand out considerably from other African nations for two reasons 1) Political progress 2) Economic Progress.

Sure it’s natural for the media to want to talk about corrupt dictators like Liberia’s (West Africa) former President Charles Taylor, or ethnic conflicts in the Sudan or Rwanda (North & Central Africa), and even countries who are reluctant to seriously address the issue of HIV/AIDS, because it creates a “movie-like” story.

Tragedy melts our hearts and opens our eyes.

But what about the progress African nations have made?  Why do we so rarely hear about that?

Botswana and Ghana have successfully and more importantly consistently changed power peacefully, created a strong and flourishing free market, and developed an education system on a strong foundation for its citizens.

Possibly this is the reason Botswana makes for such a great Safari destination?

Shortly after Botswana achieved independence in 1967 from Britain, a HUGE diamond mine was discovered.  Unlike other countries that used their wealth in natural resources to fund civil wars, Botswana’s new government set aside the money for public projects (i.e. roads, clean drinking water, education, etc.).

Botswana’s philosophy was simple.  The people’s natural rights and future success were linked to the wealth of the country.

Botswana went from one of the poorest nations in all of Africa, to one of the richest.  Today, it is Africa’s longest continuous multi-party democracy, with an outstanding human rights record.

Safaris in Botswana are top-notch.  The government is the sole reason why.  The private concessions (vast wilderness areas set aside by the government) make for an experience unlike anywhere else in Africa, leaving you with zero noise pollution and nothing but the chirps, barks, and songs of nature.

Wild Safari Africa loves Botswana because of this.  The government encourages a healthy tourist industry and does an incredible job maintaining its ecosystems, which in turn makes us want to bring groups and families to their country to experience an incredible Safari.

Governments who strive to work in the best interest of their people and their lands and resources is what should really melt our heart and open our eyes, not tragedy.

Positivity spreads with a good aura.

Let’s get that train a rollin’ beginning in Botswana!

Jeremy

P.S.  2010 Calendars are NOW available!  Each month’s photo takes you straight to that southern African waterhole you have been dreaming about.  Cozy up your office for the next twelve months.

P.S.S. Learn more about all the exciting destinations & adventure activities to be had on Safari in Botswana with Wild Safari Africa.

He was both surprised that I was an American and that I was not interested in hunting any of Africa’s big game.

“You’re probably green or something” he said.

I was simply glad he had picked me up from the side of the road.  I had worked slowly all the way from Swakopmund, hundreds of kilometers hitchhiking, and had been in four vehicles before he had come to a skidding halt and made it my fifth.

“I’m an idealist” I told him.  I knew Outjo, the town we were moving towards, was the gateway to Etosha National Park and asked him, already knowing the answer, if there were any good places to hunt in the area.

He was speeding into the sunset like the car had been stolen.

I was shocked when he told me he had a game farm and “you know the real problem?” he asked me, answering his own question before I had time to respond, “cheetah.”

He was a white Namibian telling me his struggles to ranch and own a game farm while the cheetahs are preying upon his investments.  “And then that American lady at CCF (Cheetah Conservation Fund) is telling the world the cheetah are no more, while their populations are increasing because they are killing my animals” he said somberly.

I thought his story was interesting, seeing as the CCF works directly with farmers, and as the government encourages many farmers to move from cattle ranching to game farming as a means to both conserve Namibia’s natural wildlife and attract tourists.

I asked him if cheetah predation was a problem with his livestock as well.  He responded with ease, telling me that with livestock there are certain procedures one can take to ensure the safety of his animals; the use of Anatolian shepherds as guard dogs, hiring a shepherd to follow the animals, and fencing and corral at night.  “But the wild game, there is nothing.  You know, last year I put 200 impala on my farm and in less than a year I was left with only 20” he said.

“Is it only cheetah that are your problem?  What about other big cats? I mean you are near Etosha” I questioned him.

He had no problem with lions or other smaller cats.  He experienced occasional leopard kills, however, he didn’t mind leopards.

“ You see, the cheetahs, if they can, will kill every day.  Leopards, like lions, will feed on a single kill for several days, until it is finished.  Cheetahs they kill, eat what they can that day and move on.  They prefer the fresh meat” he explained.

“So what is the solution?  What can you do?” I asked.  He told me he had made several visits to CCF and they kept giving him the run around.  “The only solution is to kill them” he said without hesitation.

I knew that if farmers see their livestock being harmed or endangered by a predator they were in their legal rights to take the predator out.  I asked him about this, and he told me, that I was right and all the kills had to be reported with the government.

“I bet many kills go unreported” I said.  His eyes glowed above a small grin before he looked forward into the sun we were traveling.

At Wild Safari Africa we are dedicated to protecting animals such as the cheetah.  Instead of hunting wild game with rifles, we bring our high powered cameras to take amazing killer shots.  And when we get home we hang our trophies on our wall.  Did you notice I said trophies?  That’s right, plural.  It’s much cheaper to print multiple photos than mount an animal’s head or get an entire body stuffed.  And much more practical too!

Although, the cheetah population is flourishing in Namibia, Namibia remains one of the few countries in the world home to such healthy populations.  Let’s keep it that way.  Together, we can do our part saving the fastest land mammal.

Wild Safari Africa partners with foundations like the Cheetah Conservation Fund, making your dreams of up-close and personal interaction with some of Africa’s most majestic animals a reality.  You too, can help save the cheetah.  To learn more about the Cheetah Conservation Fund visit, www.cheetah.org.

Keep things young and wild!

Jermibia

P.S.  Only thinking about a safari?  Answer Wild Safari Africa’s 6 Most Important Questions to better decide on where, what, when, how, and why you want to Safari with Jermibia.

P.S.S. The story above was from this past July when Wild Safari Africa founder, Jeremy “Jermibia” Allen was in Namibia writing the first edition of his guidebook to Namibia.

Coming Soon!

Publication: December 1, 2009

Author:  Jeremiah Allen

Pages: 312