Africa Experiences Celebrating Black Heritage
Africa is famous for its wildlife, yet the continent’s people are as equally fascinating. There are over 2,000 languages spoken and a myriad of cultures, including some of the world’s oldest, that call this beautiful continent home. To explore the diversity of Africa’s culture and heritage is one of the most rewarding experiences.
We are sharing a video of incredible cultural experiences in Africa, narrated by African Travel, Inc.’s president, Sherwin Banda.
Below are different ways guests on safari can learn how art, nature and culture has helped shape Africa’s black heritage and how each guest can celebrate it in the future:
Inspiring Change in Kenya:
Kenya is a magical mix where both the modern and ancient exist. It is also a place where many family roles have evolved, and people have learned to adapt to changes in modern society. You’ll hear these stories in conversations with your Masai or Samburu guides while on your safari plus enjoy the following experiences.
See first-hand the progress taken to promote education and wildlife conservation at the Lewa conservancy. The local Samburu are learning to live in harmony with wildlife by eliminating poaching, which was once a normality for their pastoral lifestyle to protect their grazing herds.
Your stay at the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy provides the opportunity to explore Kenya’s first elephant orphanage, the Reteti Elephant Sanctuaryand learn about the awe-inspiring women of Kenya. Here you can meet some of the Samburu women who proved they are great at taking care of elephants, but also are a living example of how gender equality in the workplace empowers not just women in her community but in her country and the continent.
South Africa’s Voices:
A historic figure for equality and peace, Nelson Mandela paved the way for human rights in South Africa and is one of the most respected black leaders in modern history. We can arrange to meet Christo Brand who can share his experience as friend and guard during Mandela’s infamous 27-year prison stay at Robben Island. Or you can visit the island to see how Nelson Mandela’s South Africa is brought to life in Cape Town and Johannesburg through a collection of soulful encounters with the people and places he touched in his efforts to end apartheid.
Hear about the fascinating history of South Africa through its artists while exploring the Ellerman House collection and spend some time with artists at Ardmore who create colorful home decor, lively paintings, beautiful jewelry and delicate ceramics that demonstrate Zulu traditions.
Namibia’s Wild Existence
Namibia is also home to the statuesque Himba people who are one of the last true nomadic tribes on earth. On safari, learn about their fascinating way of life. While based at Hoanib Valley Camp, you can visit one of the remote villages and learn why they live in cone-shaped homes, why Himba womenfamously rub their bodies with a red ochre cream to protect their skins, and how the Himba are able to continue their traditions today.
Rwanda’s Symbol of Hope:
For a country that was in turmoil just 25 years ago, today a united Rwanda stands as an extraordinary example of the best of humanity. A guided tourof Kigali Genocide Memorial gives a deeper insight into Rwanda’s darker history. The museum uncovers the history of the divisive colonial experience in Rwanda and background of the horrific genocide against the Tutsi tribe in 1994, which spanned 100 days.
We recommend a few days in Kigali, perhaps staying at The Retreat, which showcases Rwandan arts, photography and more. Meet local artisans at the Inema Art Centre and revel in colorful dance and musical performances
With the help of an interpreter, you can visit the Nyamirambo Women’s Center and work with a local weaver who educates you on importance of the craft, where the vibrant colors come from, and helps you make your own earrings or small Agaseke baskets.
