DUDUZ SAFARIS

In the annals of adventure and exploration, few experiences evoke the mystique and allure of a safari. The word itself conjures images of vast savannas, majestic wildlife, and intrepid travelers seeking to uncover the secrets of the natural world. But where did this celebrated tradition originate, and who were the luminaries that shaped its course?

To trace the origins of safaris, one must venture back to the turn of the 20th century, to a time when the African continent held an irresistible allure for intrepid explorers and adventurers. So let's dig in...

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Kenya has had a long standing relationship with the outside world courtesy of trading with the Portuguese, Persians, Indians, Omani Arabs and there's also evidence of also Chinese presence at the Kenyan coast but of all these interactions the Arabs had the most influence over the locals as the adoption of language, architecture and religion was quite high. As such, the Arabic language merged with the local Bantu language and gave birth to "Swahili" which now happens to be Kenya's National language spoken countrywide and to an extent regionally in Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi and even Mozambique.

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One such word that came out of this fusion of language is "Safari" which happens to be the topic today. The Swahili word "SAFARI" means "journey", originally from the Arabic noun سفر, "Safar", meaning "journey", "travel", "trip", or "tour"; the verb for "to travel" in Swahili is "kusafiri". The Arabs would come down south to the East African coast on their wind powered dhows trading in salt, Ivory,  spices, gold, pearls, precious stones, textiles and unfortunately, even people. Over time, Hunting Safaris became popular with the western aristocracy visiting Kenya hunting big game like Lions, Elephants and Buffalo as trophies that they will then get to hang in their houses back home. Big Game hunters like Frank Maurice "Bunny" Allen, Baron Bror Fredrik "Blix" von Blixen-Finecke (who was husband to Karen Blixen), Major Gordon H. "Andy" Anderson, Walter Dalrymple Maitland "Karamojo" Bell and quite probably the most popular of this bunch being The Hon Denys George Finch-Hatton who hosted the likes of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) and his brother Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester in 1928. It is during this period that Africa and in particular Kenya was being seen by the outside world as an enticing destination for those born with an adventurous spirit.

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Safaris have become more and more popular over time as Africa hosts tens of millions of visitors yearly on Safari but did you know that Kenya is the birthplace of Safari? As far back as 1909, former United States President THEODORE ROOSEVELT landed on the Kenyan coast along with his son KERMIT ROOSEVELT and a retinue of guides and porters. Their mission was not merely one of leisure but of scientific discovery and conservation. Roosevelt's expedition aimed to document the region's flora and fauna while also advocating for the preservation of its natural wonders.

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​   Pic is Courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute.                         Roosevelt with son, Kermit in 1910. Source

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During his time in Kenya, Roosevelt immersed himself in the splendor of the African landscape, encountering an array of wildlife that fueled his passion for conservation. His experiences in the wilds of Africa would later inform his conservation efforts back home, leading to the establishment of national parks and wildlife refuges in the United States.

Roosevelt's journey to Kenya helped popularize the concept of the safari among Western audiences, sparking a fascination with African wildlife and landscapes that endure to this day. But while Roosevelt's expedition captured the imagination of the world, it was not the only chapter in the story of safaris.

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You can watch more of Roosevelt's Safari HERE.

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Enter Karen Blixen, one of Denmark's best writers best known for her memoir, "Out of Africa," which chronicles her life on a coffee plantation in Kenya. By far her most popular work amongst other stellar works, "Out Of Africa" was adopted as a movie and went on to win not one, not two but seven Academy Awards popularly known as "THE OSCARS"! Blixen, who lived in Kenya from 1914 to 1931, immersed herself in the local culture and landscape, forging a deep connection with the land and its people. Quite probably one of the most popular settlers in Kenya, Karen enjoyed a cordial relationship with her workers at her farm where she built a small school for the local children at a time that locals were not supposed to get an education. Karen was different from most women in the sense that she would venture out of town for Safaris with her partner Denys Finch Hatton for weeks and even escorted supplies herself to the frontline during the First World War (most ladies would shudder at the thought of venturing out that far especially at a time of war) to the Kenya-Tanzania border (Tanzania was a German colony at the time while Kenya was a British colony) braving the vagaries of a non-existent road system, harsh terrain and weather thus showing her mettle courtesy of the very popular Viking spirit that her home country of Denmark is known for.​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Blixen's coffee estate, located on the foot of Ngong Hills outside Nairobi, became a sanctuary for writers, artists, and intellectuals drawn to its tranquil beauty. It was here that Blixen found inspiration for her writing, capturing the essence of Africa in eloquent prose that continues to captivate readers from all around the world.

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But perhaps, Blixen's greatest contribution to the legacy of safaris lies in her depiction of the African landscape as a place of profound beauty and mystery. Through her writing, she transported readers to a world where the line between human and animal, civilization and wilderness, blurred and disappeared.

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In many ways, Blixen embodied the spirit of the safari – a spirit of exploration, discovery and reverence for the natural world. Her legacy endures in the countless travelers who continue to flock to Africa in search of adventure and enlightenment.

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Over time, Safaris have evolved from having a long line of porters and guides residing in rudimentary movable camps to more settled luxurious camps and lodges that lure millions from all the corners of the world for Experiential Safaris with the number of visitors growing by the thousands on a yearly basis.

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Kenya is well known to not only be the birthplace of Safaris but unfortunately not as much for it's stunning lovely beaches with turquoise waters that have since enticed luminaries like Foot ball Coach Jose Mourinho, Entrepreneur Richard Branson, Entertainer Ellen Degeneres, Comedian Chris Rock and Formula 1 great Lewis Hamilton to book safaris to Kenya. Princess Elizabeth became Queen while on Safari in Kenya in 1952 when her Father passed away while her grandson Prince William proposed to his then girlfriend Kate Middleton, now Duchess of Wales, while on Safari in Kenya at RUTUNDU

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The origins of safaris are as diverse and multifaceted as the continent itself, shaped by the journeys of iconic figures like Theodore Roosevelt , The Brtitish Royal Family , and Karen Blixen. Their experiences in Africa helped popularize the safari as a quintessential adventure, inspiring generations of travelers to embark on their own voyages of discovery. And though the world has changed since their time, the allure of the safari remains as strong as ever, beckoning adventurers to explore the untamed wilderness and unlock its secrets.

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