Fellow backpackers, photographers, and wind driven travelers, Africa?
29 December 2007
I am looking to mark off the last continent (ex. Antarctica) that I have not visited Africa and wanted to see if anyone is interested. I am looking at doing the off the beaten path travel as I usually do and that means getting local and seeing places most do not. I am looking into Eastern Africa such as Tanzania and Zanzibar, Kenya, or any places others may suggest perhaps Madagascar to see the unique wildlife like the Lemurs and Chameleons. I want to carry just a backpack with supplies for hiking, photography, and the bare essentials. This will not be an expensive trip as I plan on using my airline miles for flights, and staying at local spots which are around $20 a night and a few camp nights on trails. I would love to see some up close wildlife encounters, snakes <g>, ants, the savannah as well as forests and rural areas. I am looking at February, March or April as that would be just before the rainy season as I understand it. Also of interest is early March is the timing for the worlds greatest migration which is the migration of wildebeests across the Serengeti plains and some river crossings where crocodiles await to greet them with wide open jaws.
I would also offer my technical skills in trade for places to stay and local assistance if anyone is local in Africa. I could train people on Autodesk products, engineering, and my humor of course. I would also be willing to work mapping by GPS or doing other things local for the experience and getting to know people and the region. It is always nice to do something good in places where you travel. I have been trying to find a Tanzania guide that would be willing to allow me to work helping them map with GPS, photograph, update or create website and document their safaris in return for just basic food and lodging. Any sponsors for a live blogs and geotagged photo gallery during the trip or want someone to field test equipment? I blogged from deep in the Brazilian Amazon with a HP TabletPC in a rugged case on a GSM modem a few years back.
So, is anyone adventurous and dare to consider to join my African Safari? Could be the trip of a lifetime and fun as I tend to end up in strange places and meet all sorts of people as I do not like the typical tourism busses and drive by points of interest. I also have a knack for getting those odd travel stories that make you shake your head and laugh, but isn't that what it is about? Places and rural cultures and wilderness are changing or disappearing with every click of the clock, so see it while you can or live through people photographs and books.
I am also looking at a return to Brazil and Costa Rica this year.
Just email me or post a reply to this blog post if interested or have any tips on Africa travel and places.
Cheers and Happy Travels!
Shaan