Walking with Africans

The San People

The San are the original inhabitants of southern Africa; their culture is thought to be one of the oldest on earth, going back at least 20,000 years. Also known as Bushmen, they are traditionally hunter-gatherers and possess many skills that allow them to live simply but comfortably in the semi-arid deserts of the Kalahari and Namib.

A walk through the bush with San people provides insight into some of these skills, including identification of plants for natural medicine, fire-making, spinning twine and rope from native plant fiber and finding water sources.

An enlightening discussion of the use of animal dung….. including an easy way to transport it…..

These ladies were kind enough to dig a thorn out of my hand using a needle plucked from a tree..

The Bushmen demonstrated a popular pastime…… a game that seems to be a more sophisticated version of rock/paper/scissors….

Come the apocalypse, these are the people who will thrive. We could only hope to be among them.

Walking Safaris in Zambia

Most people seeking wildlife safaris go to Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana or South Africa. Zambia, however, boasts several wonderful reserves – Kafue, Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi.

Not only do they feature abundant wildlife, but walking safaris are commonly offered, sometimes allowing travel from one camp to another. Regulations require the services of a guide as well as an armed park ranger – for the safety of humans and wildlife alike. It’s a great alternative to passively viewing things from a vehicle, and provides a unique perspective on the countryside.

Fun Encounters

Christian is a lodge employee who as a teenager got together with some of his friends in the area to construct a bark canoe. Their photo is a cool focal point in the main lodge…. Here he is posing in front of his younger self.

Celebrating a visit to a local textile craft workshop…. And of course a purchase!

Sometimes you go for a walk but are unprepared for what is waiting upon your return!

Tertius and Ty

We cannot express the full depth of our gratitude to Tertius, who planned our trip for us, and Ty, who was also key to making it happen. Our experiences were immeasurably enriched by their company…… in Durban and Kwa Zulu Natal, to the Wild Coast, exploring LeSotho, and through almost a month navigating the wonders of Namibia. They even helped Henry put together a festive birthday for me….. featuring perhaps one of the ugliest (but quite delicious) cakes ever!

Tertius is originally from Namibia, and Ty is South African – both descended from Europeans who came here – Tertius from the Dutch (later called Afrikaans) who first settled in the Cape beginning in the 17th century, and Ty from the English, who took over South Africa in the early 1800s. Both have a perspective and love for their homelands that made our trip special. And now we are proud and happy to be their friends.

Tertius is a gifted photographer who contributed a number of the photos shown in this blog. He makes spectacular videos using his beloved drone…..

A couple of short clips have been incorporated in the blog….. you can see more on his website – https://www.eyeseeafrica.net/videos/

If you do decide to visit Africa and wish to have an extraordinary adventure, contact Tertius….. the personalized advice and support you get cannot be compared to that of a traditional travel firm.

Whenever we think back on this amazing adventure, we will always see our dear friends Tertius and Ty (usually with a beverage in hand!)

Final Thought

And so we come to the end of our epic journey of 2022. A last thought on travel in this era of concern about our fragile but still sturdy world….. a pledge articulated by the Treadright Foundation and discovered in our hotel room in Durban….. and one we subscribe to whole-heartedly.

Make Travel Matter

I will make my travel matter – for our planet, for people and for wildlife.

When I explore this planet, I will do my best to tread right. I will refuse single-use plastics when I can and recycle what I cannot avoid. When possible, I will offset my travels.

When I meet new people, I will honor their home as I do my own, and do so in the spirit of diversity and inclusion. I will purchase locally-made items wherever possible and pay a fair price.

When I experience wildlife, I will do so in nature. I will not ride animals that ought not be ridden, nor support animal cruelty in any way.

Together, we will tread right upon the earth – and we will make our travel matter.

Treadright Foundation

Dear readers – thank you for following this blog. Not sure where we will venture next, but will spend most of the coming fall and winter enjoying home and East Texas. We wish you health and happiness, friendship and kindness.

Robbie & Henry