Here we are more a traveler than a tourist as we set out on safari changing hotels each night. We follow the Garden Route, the premier tour route preferred by locals. I (Adventures for Solo Travelers, 770-432-8225, $1824 land) bring in a way-cool group of 45 singles which includes a fighter pilot, 2 physicians, 2 psychoanalysts (who came in handy for me), mother/daughter, father/son, the uncle of Julia Roberts and one of my favorite clients whose … [Read more...]
Morocco: Where is my crown of olives?
There is far more to Morocco, Al Maghreb, as it is known among its citizens, than I can describe in just a short little blurb. Other than the intrusions of various cultures into this part of the african continent, the geography plays a large role in shaping Morocco as well. First and foremost, the High Atlas mountain range dominates the heart of the land. Eclipsed only by Kenya's volcanic Mt. Kilimanjaro, the High Atlas rise to a maximum … [Read more...]
Mohammed And The Crocodile
In 1979 I was 18 years old and living with my family on a mission outpost in Northern Kenya. I was invited to go with a similar organization on a two-week trip to show a film called "The Jesus Film" and meet people in several area communities. There was quite a mix of young people. We had youth from several tribal groups including Maasai, Samburu, Kikuyu, a German, me- an American and an old Somali man named Mohammed. (From my vantage point 20 … [Read more...]
The Safari
Marangu, Tanzania 9/9/2000 - Saturday At 9 am Bill, Carole and I left the Kibo Hotel in Marangu in a green Land Rover with our driver Fred to start our photo safari in the Tanzanian bush. We drove to a bank in Moshi where I obtained a VISA advance to buy a tanzanite gem and then to a jewelry store for ring sizing and setting. The stone I've selected is to be set into a ring while I'm on safari and will be delivered to me later. Then we … [Read more...]
Zanzibar – Lodging
Amaan Bungalows are located in the northern most village on Zanzibar called Nungwi. Besides the bungalow lodging, they also have three restaurants on the premises. Annex of Abdulla Guest House is centrally located in Stone Town within walking distance to the old Anglican Church built in 1824, the Africa House (a special place for watching the sun set), and to the Old Central Market opened in 1904. All their rooms are self contained and they … [Read more...]
Lamu, Kenya
Hundreds and hundreds of miles of lush green vegetation lie below me seemingly never changing as we bounce from one cloud to the next in a small 10-seat prop plane - green, so much green covering this vast terrain of eastern Africa. A single strand, so small and barely noticeable comes into view. It reminds me of a dark thread out of place on light colored shirt. A muddy road, unbroken except for the occasional truck, winds its way eastward … [Read more...]
Lamu, Kenya – Attractions
I highly recommend hiring a guide for touring Lamu. Visitors probably will only need a guide for no more than 2 days as much of the town can be accessed on your own on foot. However, a guide will point out difficult to find attractions and may introduce you to some of the locals and hidden gems of the town. He can also be a good source of restaurant and lodging recommendations. Lamu is small enough where the guides are aware of most of the … [Read more...]
Lamu, Kenya – Ali Hippy
A portly middle aged man sometimes can be found down by the harbor front waving large live lobsters in the faces of tourists. This gentleman, Ali Hippy is well known by the locals and tourists alike. Ali invites anyone who will take him up on his offer, to dine with himself and his 2 or 3 wives. His guests are usually tourists. His family lives in a dirt brick house located several blocks from the water front in the area of town without … [Read more...]
Lamu, Kenya – Ramadan
I visited Lamu in December and during this particular year, the Islamic holiday Ramadan was held right in the middle of the month. Most of the local people were participating in this. Fasting occurred each day between the hours of approximately 6:30am and 6:30pm. During that time period no food or water was consumed. During the night every several hours small meals are eaten. The two primary meals are iftar after sunset and suhoor before … [Read more...]
Lamu, Kenya – Shopping
Gallery Baraka is an excellent gallery selling items from West Africa as well as some crafts (especially Maasai beadwork) created in other parts of Kenya. They also sell a few locally made wood carvings. The craftsmanship on some of the pieces on display is incredible. Small wood carvings, pottery, jewelry and other artisan work fill the walls and tables inside. This is the best gallery that I found in Lamu. They are located on the main … [Read more...]