The Rhythm of the Wild: Seven Days on Safari in Kenya
What better place to experience the coexistence of man and wildlife than in the Serengeti, a vast ecosystem of national parks known for its stunning landscapes and home to some of the most exotic members of the animal kingdom. Spending my first week of 18 days in this unique, vast ecosystem to witness some of the most spectacular landscapes of sweeping golden plains and exotic wildlife ever seen. It is painful to imagine that the combination of human behavior and climate change could one day end this vital ecosystem. Yet, there is much that is being done to ensure its sustainability. Here is what I witnessed and learned from this unique wilderness experience…
But First a Bit of History
Wonder how safaris started? Sadly, they were first started in the 19 century for rich Europeans and then Americans to hunt and collect animals as trophies….part of what has been centuries of colonization by Europeans in African countries. Unfortunately, the safari industry remains dominated by descendents of Europe or by white Afrikaners. Black Africans remain on the bottom of this rather lucrative industry.
When Africa experienced decolonization in the 20th century, local governments started to protect and preserve their wildlife habitats as a valuable asset for now and future generations. In fact…