Posts Tagged ‘guidebook’

What’s Africa’s hottest new tourist destination? Namibia has been described as the last frontier, a wild and rough country, exposed to the elements like no other southern African nation. Sandwiched between two of the world’s oldest deserts, the Namib and Kalahari, the landscapes are weathered, desolate, and exposed to some of the harshest conditions on the face of our planet. From the rolling hills of Kaokoland, to the Skeleton Coast and the misty cold blanket of the South Atlantic, to the diamond rich area of Sperrgebeit, Namibia is a diverse and contrasting place to experience, luring in the mysterious frontier for explorers to mark a hot new tourist destination.

So with all this excitement why has it now only become a new tourist destination?

As a journalist in 1980 noted…

“South Africa has mobilized thousands of military reservists to reinforce army units in northern Namibia, where one of the biggest operations in the 13 year war against nationalist guerillas is said to be underway. Hundreds of trucks, troop carriers, and armored vehicles have been moved north through Windhoek in convoys often several miles long.”

With the coming of Independence and peace only the most intrepid travelers whole-heartedly jumped into a newly independent Namibia in the early 1990’s and pioneered this new tourist destination.  Since those early days, the word has spread and continues to excite the traveling masses with extraordinary visions.

The Hottest New Tourist Destination in All of Africa

What was it exactly people were saying about Namibia?  And why were their words creating a contagious buzz?

From the days our ancestor’s left Africa and ventured out into the frontiers of Asia minor and what is now Europe, to the Vikings of Scandinavia sighting Greenland for the first time, and even with the curiosity of a great philosopher himself, Thomas Jefferson willingly sending two men on a secret expedition to collect knowledge about the North American continent, human hearts have always discovered purpose and a rejuvenated living spirit in venturing to the unknown.

In an area half the size of Alaska…

Populated by only a measly 2 million people (Namibia is the least populated country in the world, second to only Mongolia) nature reaches to the far horizons, obstructed by nothing.  Wildlife flourishes in what could easily be categorized as some of the earth’s harshest environments, giving life to endemic species such as the Desert Adapted Elephant and the Welwitschia mirabilis in the Namib Desert.

And with each year that passes…

The native peoples of Namibia are being understood and sought after.  The San Bushmen of the Kalahari are treasured and marveled, placed upon the same pedestal as one of Africa’s last remaining semi-nomadic tribe –the Himba.

But even past the sights of an older world, the Herero , Kwangali, Damara, Lozi, and Owambo peoples spark curiosity and inspire compassion.  Namibia’s rich diversity allows for new cultural activities and foods to be discovered and no trip shall go without delving into the ancient Bantu and Bushmen traditions… adding to the allure of a new tourist destination.

Here are some other African Safari related resources you may find of value and interest. Beware, THEY WILL LEAVE THIS SITE. First, bookmark this page then click on the link.


Port Alfred - Wikipedia the free encyclopedia
What do African safari hunters do with the animals they kill ...

Not too long ago, I received a phone call from a traveler on her way to Namibia.  She had spent months planning, booking, and figuring out the logistics – car hire, the ideal lodge, tours, activities, game drives, cultural experiences, restaurants, etc. – it takes to have the PERFECT Namibian Safari.

This was a family affair.

I asked her where her family planned to visit; what they planned to do.  I pumped her up about the Cheetah Conservation Fund (a place she booked an overnight) and shared the histories of the Bushmen people (also another planned activity).

Although there was one problem.  A kink needed to be worked out.

No one could help her.

That is until she called me and I offered her an alternative.

Through the telly I could hear her google the name of the township I mentioned.  When it came up on her computer, her excitement was radiant.

Only days prior to the family’s departure, at the finish of our conversation she said, “I wish I had found you earlier.  I have spent countless hours working with several different travel agents who didn’t really know what they were talking about.  I ended up planning most of it myself.  Talking with you, I know feel more secure with our little adventure!”

What a compliment!

This is how I made her life easier AND how I’ll make your life easy:

I’ll work with you directly, discussing YOUR thoughts and ideas.  Our casual discussion will look at the ‘big picture’ to be sure not to miss any important details.  Then, I’LL begin the initial preparation; create the safari schedule, and most importantly…

Keep in constant contact with YOU, during all of the planning before I receive the ‘go-ahead’ and book what you’ve decided.

This is how I’ll save you time:

You’ll deal with ONE expert.  Don’t waste your valuable time and energy with people who aren’t intimate with the country/region.  That was the MISTAKE the family in the story made.

Or for the ultimate time saver choose one of my ALREADY planned and prepared escorted portfolio safaris.    http://wildsafariafrica.com/budget-safari/

Why work with me?

This is solid proof AND my personal guarantees:

I lived in Namibia, learning the culture, wildlife, nuances of southern Africa as a Peace Corps Volunteer.  I intentionally extended my time in Namibia to research and write my 300 page travel guide, covering the logistics and culture of Namibia.

A safari planned or lead by me is guaranteed to make the ENVIRONMENT and CULTURAL sensitivity a top priority, ensuring authentic safaris to continue on through the ages.

But don’t take my word for it, read what past clients have said: http://wildsafariafrica.com/testimonials/

Why throw your hard earned money at professionals who aren’t experts?

Let’s talk safari.  Call me and you’ll hear the highly experienced safari consultant you were looking for, to collaborate YOUR tailored made safari.

To being pampered with peace of mind,

Jeremy (Jermibia)

P.S. Call me, 720-272-0828, let’s talk.

P.P.S. Seriously.

Here are some other African Safari related resources you may find of value and interest. Beware, THEY WILL LEAVE THIS SITE. First, bookmark this page then click on the link.


Botswana Shopping and Services - Yahoo Directory
Hills of Africa Travel Plans Family Safaris for Great Migration of 2011

A Namibia travel guide written by a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer. Experience Namibia like a local, off the beaten path, eco-friendly, responsible travel and great tips to making the most of your journey.

The Namibia travel guide story…

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 Namibia travel guide 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 Namibia travel guide.  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 Travel Guide 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.

Here are some other African Safari related resources you may find of value and interest. Beware, THEY WILL LEAVE THIS SITE. First, bookmark this page then click on the link.


Port Alfred - Wikipedia the free encyclopedia
Modeling and sensitivity analysis of fire emissions in southern Africa ...

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!

Here are some other African Safari related resources you may find of value and interest. Beware, THEY WILL LEAVE THIS SITE. First, bookmark this page then click on the link.


What to Expect on a South Africa Safari
Gemsbok | Define Gemsbok at Dictionary.com

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.

Here are some other African Safari related resources you may find of value and interest. Beware, THEY WILL LEAVE THIS SITE. First, bookmark this page then click on the link.


Victoria Falls | Africa Safaris | On The Go Tours - YouTube
Game-reserve | Define Game-reserve at Dictionary.com