Archive for the ‘Botswana’ Category

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.

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.