The Explorer
December 2007
News from the Bush!

Greetings everyone! It’s been a while, yet again, but life seems to be just a little hectic around Olerai this past year. Or maybe it is just like that all the time?

I am pleased to write that Tanzania seems to be the flavour of the safari community and maintains its crown as the most important and unique wildlife destination in the world.

The general climate here in Tanzania continues to be one of growth, monitored for quality and exclusivity and our own type of community lead tourism continues to be of paramount importance to many government organizations.

Migration Location

I have no idea where the actual Migration is at this time, however, I can share with you all that the plains around the Alamana Wilderness Camp are packed with ambling Zebra and Wildebeest after the rains of the past few weeks have greened up the grasslands nicely for the start of the season.

Godfrey, Sebastian, Mzee, Naiman, Henry and Urassa are all headed out into the bush over the next few days with three separate safaris, exploring all that is good and exciting in the world of Wildlife Explorer! They will inevitably report back where said Migration will be for inclusion in the next newsletter.

Naftal and team are just in the final process of building the Alamana Wilderness Camp, whilst John and crew are headed this morning to the Ndutu woodlands to start building their Migration Mobile Tented Camp.

Serengeti Walking Safaris

Under the new General Management Plan recently adopted by the Serengeti National Park, new zones were created to allow selected safari outfitters to conduct guided walking safaris in the wilderness zones.

Wildlife Explorer has permission for our guides to carry their rifles in the Serengeti National Park and to guide our guests on foot during the course of a walking safari.

This new development continues to expand our portfolio of uinique safaris in Tanzania and promises to be a very exciting addition to our ever-popular Wilderness Camp experience.

The main area of interest for Wildlife Explorer and the Serengeti Walking Safaris is the location of one of the selected walking areas bordering our own concession, The Ngaroi and Alamana Wilderness Camp.

We plan to incorporate up to 5 nights in a specifically tailored light weight camp able to accommodate up to 8 guests in fly camp comfort with additional nights spent in the luxury of the Migration Mobile Camp set according to game movement location.

Please e.mail us for more detailed information.

Journey of Dreams

Finally! The book is out and available. Brady and I have worked increasingly hard on the production of Journey of Dreams to produce an amazing book of selected images and bush recipes from Eastern and Central Africa.

Our good friends Mark Deeble and Victoria Stone kindly agreed to pen some words for the forward which follows:

Anyone who has traveled to Africa knows how difficult it is to shake the dust of their sandals - such is it's allure. Some, like Gary, never try - and it becomes home. It is a home he has seen through fresh eyes - open to all that the continent offers, and he is prepared to seek it out, make it work, and savour the challenge. All the time, delighting in its light side, seeing humour and opportunity where others see self-doubt and risk.

His photography epitomizes that, and somehow embodies the enthusiasm of a naturalist with the eye of an artist. Never shy in any other aspect of life, Gary has been remarkably reticent to share his photography - a reflection of how much it means to him. Now that he has finally done so, we are all the richer for it.

In an age where few photographers have the luxury of waiting for the 'magic hour', Gary has had the luxury of waiting for the 'magic season' - and the selection of images reflects this - technically flawless, they capture moments that even seasoned naturalists applaud.

To go on safari with Gary is to venture out with a best friend - to share time together and the experiences that only a period in the bush with one who is totally at ease there can offer. There is never a dull moment - moments to relax and savour certainly, but dull? - never. For Gary, 'Carpe Diem' is not a motto, but an instruction for life.

Apart from the visual feast, I am glad he has shared some recipes. When we filmed in the Serengeti twenty years ago, the jam puffs of his camp cook, Custy, were the stuff of legend - worth traveling thirty miles to savour - in the dark, across the plains, with only the tantalizing whiff of pastry on the breeze and a hurricane light to guide us in.

There is an old safari adage that 'any fool can be uncomfortable' - it has never been an accusation that could be leveled at Gary - who has transformed 'comfort in the bush' into an artform. In a frantic world, what better way to take time out, re-focus and experience wilderness and wildlife that will stimulate and satisfy in equal measure - who knows, it has changed lives before and will certainly do so again.

The book is on sale for $39.95 plus post and packaging and can be ordered directly from Brady Donley at the link below.

b.donley (at) comcast dot net

St Anthony’s Fund Raiser and Community Development.

This past October, we were proud to attend the St Anthony’s fund raising event in San Francisco. The auction event, hosted in a very large tent in downtown San Francisco raised significant funds for St Anthony’s, and the homeless of San Francisco. Wildlife Explorer donated a 4 person safari in peak migration season without any reserve ie full auction price donated to St. Anthony’s.

Both Marianne and I attended the event, which, other than being a fun evening, gave us both the opportunity to renew old friendships and introduce Marianne to our safari colleagues in and around the Bay area.

After the event, Marianne and Solomon sped off in a convertible Mustang for some wine country experiences, followed by highway 1 and Big Sur!

I on the other hand headed off to an evening presentation to keep the funds coming in to support Marianne’s car hire tendencies!! Just kidding?

In addition to St. Anthony’s, Wildlife Explorer has a long history of support for Community Development and personal scholarships, which to date has resulted in many students obtaining secondary education, classroom construction, as well as the buildling of entire school here in northern Tanzania.

We are also proud to provide ongoing financial support for Mkombozi, an organization here in Arusha that helps the growing number of homeless street children get back on their feet and re-enter society.

Another inspiration from the wilderness

Tanzania

As its fiery sun rises over the plains
It steels my heart and pulls with might
as
Its purist nature made everything clear.
To return someday, for that I long.

To be in a world so different than mine
I felt its magic take a strong hold
and
Found strength in its serenity and grace.
To return someday, for that I long.

Enlightened by its sights and sounds
Its people, its language, and its creatures abound
while
Its timeless glory glistens in the light.
To return someday, for that I long.

It’s where nature is the absolute rule
What lives and dies is not by choice
because
Nature makes sense to the animal world.
To return someday, for that I long.

As the setting sun makes silhouette trees
The darkened sky renews the night
yet
To most, this ends with but a dream
but
For me, this dream is true.


Asante Sana Tanzania.

by K. Cowles

Enough!!

We have seen the busiest end of year that the Strand Family has ever experienced, with Jo’s brother Roger getting married to Erica in November we all donned hats and suits, dresses and boots for a weekend of merriment in Everdon.

Finally Kellybeare Farm completed and so the start of a new UK base for the family. Kellybeare is idyllically placed on the edge of Dartmoor National Park to extend invitations to our friends around the world to come and sample some beautiful West Country hospitality. Of course being constructed in the 17th century and consisting of farmhouse and barns there is a little work to be done to fix the roof and remove the stabling but hey, the experience has to be worth it doesn’t it? Olerai remains the family home and primary base with Kellybeare a delightful distraction!

The family is intact this year for Christmas and the New Year with Hannah, Jamie, Hunter, Jo and I all together for the festive season! What a joy.

And so, Festive greetings and New Year merriment to all of our friends and best wishes from us all.

With warm wishes,

Gary & Jo