WHAT WE'VE LEARNED ABOUT SOUTHERN AFRICA
The countries we visited have set aside huge tracts of land for wildlife preservation and protection of habitat. They are to be admired for this. In addition to National Parks, large tracts of land have been leased to private conservationists. In fact, some of these private game parks have more protection for the animals against poachers than the Parks. That is understandable as some of the countries cannot afford the staff to protect against poaching.
Glen also told us about the dangers of Malaria. It is a real killer but it is the reason why Africa has one of the lowest population densities of any continent. He worries that if a cure is found for Malaria, Africa's population would explode and these wild areas would disappear with human encroachment. With the habitat gone, there will be no more large herds of different species of antelope, no more elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions, wildebeests, wild dogs, cheetah, Cape buffalo. The diversity of bird life would be no more. Africa, as we have come to know it, would be destroyed. Just another teeming continent. I used to think programs like Rick Mercer's 'Spread the Net' were worthwhile but I'm not sure it is such a good idea any more. Sixty years ago, my Mother was concerned about population growth - and it has exploded since then. If this keeps up, we will eventually overrun and destroy the planet.
The people we have met have been wonderful, friendly, and proud of their country. The staff at Wilderness Lodges have been well trained and considerate. I would without a qualm, recommend a stay at any one of their camps. The decor is rustic and authentic. Tree trunks are used as side tables, branches are used to hang curtains. They are isolated and quiet. Everything you could ever want is provided for. All of our driver/guides have been top notch. The service is incredible and so is the food. Amazing considering how isolated their camps are. Wilderness Safaris cares about the environment using only environmentally friendly liquid soap, shampoos and conditioners. They also have programs to help conserve habitats and to educate the people in the area where the lodges are located. On a game drive, we are not allowed to leave any litter. Toilet paper is put in a brown paper bag and disposed of at the lodges. I've seen the guides pick up an eggshell from a hard-boiled egg or a nut that someone dropped.
We have had more incredible sightings than we thought possible. Many of them were highlights for Glen as well and he has lived here all his life and travelled in the continent extensively. What a trip!
The countries we visited have set aside huge tracts of land for wildlife preservation and protection of habitat. They are to be admired for this. In addition to National Parks, large tracts of land have been leased to private conservationists. In fact, some of these private game parks have more protection for the animals against poachers than the Parks. That is understandable as some of the countries cannot afford the staff to protect against poaching.
Glen also told us about the dangers of Malaria. It is a real killer but it is the reason why Africa has one of the lowest population densities of any continent. He worries that if a cure is found for Malaria, Africa's population would explode and these wild areas would disappear with human encroachment. With the habitat gone, there will be no more large herds of different species of antelope, no more elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions, wildebeests, wild dogs, cheetah, Cape buffalo. The diversity of bird life would be no more. Africa, as we have come to know it, would be destroyed. Just another teeming continent. I used to think programs like Rick Mercer's 'Spread the Net' were worthwhile but I'm not sure it is such a good idea any more. Sixty years ago, my Mother was concerned about population growth - and it has exploded since then. If this keeps up, we will eventually overrun and destroy the planet.
The people we have met have been wonderful, friendly, and proud of their country. The staff at Wilderness Lodges have been well trained and considerate. I would without a qualm, recommend a stay at any one of their camps. The decor is rustic and authentic. Tree trunks are used as side tables, branches are used to hang curtains. They are isolated and quiet. Everything you could ever want is provided for. All of our driver/guides have been top notch. The service is incredible and so is the food. Amazing considering how isolated their camps are. Wilderness Safaris cares about the environment using only environmentally friendly liquid soap, shampoos and conditioners. They also have programs to help conserve habitats and to educate the people in the area where the lodges are located. On a game drive, we are not allowed to leave any litter. Toilet paper is put in a brown paper bag and disposed of at the lodges. I've seen the guides pick up an eggshell from a hard-boiled egg or a nut that someone dropped.
We have had more incredible sightings than we thought possible. Many of them were highlights for Glen as well and he has lived here all his life and travelled in the continent extensively. What a trip!
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