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.