My Long Walk to Freedom. . .and Back

About 200 miles south of the equator, near the Tanzania-Kenya border, lies the highest point in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro.

Photo of Kilimanjaro from the Plane

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My Feathered Friends

I have paid a lot of attention to the mammals of Africa but I should give a little love to the birds that live here!

Below are some of the birds I’ve met on my travels (and I included where I saw them). I’ve identified the ones I can. If you know what the others are, let me know!

Seagull (South Africa)

Ostrich: The largest bird in Africa. (Namibia)

Kori Bustard: The largest flying bird in Africa. (Namibia)

Black Eagle (Zimbabwe)

Don't know what kind of bird he is but thought he was cool! (Botswana)

 Secretary Bird: I love to watch these guys strut! (Namibia)

African Penguin (South Africa)

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Keeping Tradition Alive

There are more than 3000 different tribal groups in Africa. East Africa alone (which comprises only 5 countries) has over 300 tribes. Of all of Africa’s tribes, probably the most famous is the Maasai tribe of Kenya and Tanzania. Although the 450,000 Maasai comprise less than 5% of the population of these two countries, they have become for many the quintessential symbol of tribal Africa.

While other tribes may be larger or may have played a bigger role in African history, the Maasai have resisted pressure from the outside world to assimilate. They have worked hard to maintain their ethnic identity and traditional lifestyle. Their distinct customs and attire make them memorable in the minds of many.

The Maasai are nomadic pastoralists: they do not have permanent villages or homes but move around seasonally to find the best grazing lands for their cattle.

Huge herds of cattle are essential to the Maasai way of life. The number of cattle a man owns determines his wealth and nourishes his family. According to Maasai beliefs, God gave all cattle on Earth to the Maasai tribe. This belief caused them to invade other tribes and steal cattle, which they believe to be rightfully theirs. This practice gave the Maasai a reputation as fierce warriors.

As a traditionally nomadic people, Maasai homes are simple, and built of readily available materials: sticks, grass, mud, and cow dung. The sticks make up the framework, and a combination of mud, ash, and cow dung is used to make the walls. (Cow dung is odorless when dry)

The homes are small, usually about 9 feet by 15 feet and less than 5 feet high. These small homes include a sleeping area, cooking area, and even space for young livestock.

Maasai villages consist of a number of these homes with a cattle corral in the center.

Both the corral and the entire village are surrounded by a circular fence made of the thorny branches of the acacia tree.

These thorny branches keep both the livestock and the Maasai themselves safe from predators.

The Maasai are known for their distinct dress and jewelry.

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The Bums of Africa

Some wild animals approach humans (usually in search of food).

But most turn their backs and leave as soon as they see people. So, it’s not always easy to get good animal photos while on safari. Much of the time on safari is spent looking at various animals from behind.

Bums of the Big Five

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