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A2A Safaris - People https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/tags/people en Meet Ketji, our Community Outreach Officer for Namibia https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/meet-ketji-our-community-outreach-officer-namibia <div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded">When guests travel to Africa it tends to be because they want to see the wildlife, but upon their return it’s often the people who they remember. It’s not only conservation work that we undertake, we’re also committed to supporting the local communities and one man who’s very involved in this is our Namibian Community Outreach Officer who’s widely known as Ketji. “My full name is Jermain Ketji,” he explains. “But I prefer to be known by my last name Ketji and that’s how everyone knows me. I was born in Grootfontein, a recently established town that’s a main business hub and supports the nearby farming community both commercial and communal.” <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="681" src="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Blog-category-1024-x-681px_0004_WhatsApp-Image-2024-11-25-at-09.10.01.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13706" srcset="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Blog-category-1024-x-681px_0004_WhatsApp-Image-2024-11-25-at-09.10.01.jpg 1024w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Blog-category-1024-x-681px_0004_WhatsApp-Image-2024-11-25-at-09.10.01-300x200.jpg 300w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Blog-category-1024-x-681px_0004_WhatsApp-Image-2024-11-25-at-09.10.01-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> From day one, community has been a core component of life for Ketji. “I grew up with a strong rural rooted upbringing which was very common,” he tells us. “Working parents in towns would send their children to grandparents in the village until they reach school age.” This practice familiarised the young children with the adults’ daily chores and they learnt to contribute to the household. “My interest was mostly in goat herding,” notes Ketji. “It provided an opportunity to be out in the bush which meant the chance to enjoy the different treats that nature has to offer.” The young Namibian also learnt from the older generations who guided him through the traditional herding practices. “I was so fascinated by the bush skills of the herders,” he nods. “The way they were able to find their way around and use the native plants to treat different ailments – it’s as though they were the pharmacists and everyone would order different plants from them on a daily basis. Throughout my schooling I would spend all my holidays and weekends back at the village and get straight back into my chores.” <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="681" src="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Blog-category-1024-x-681px_0002_5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13707" srcset="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Blog-category-1024-x-681px_0002_5.jpg 1024w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Blog-category-1024-x-681px_0002_5-300x200.jpg 300w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Blog-category-1024-x-681px_0002_5-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> This sense of community has stayed with Ketji right through to the present day as has the love of nature that his days out herding instilled. “It connected and tied my soul and spirit to nature. Throughout my life I have only wanted jobs that involved travelling to remote rural areas. It is a connection I have been fortunate to grow and strengthen over the years as I learnt more about conservation, tourism and how they can be used to develop and empower rural communities.” Today, home for Ketji is Namibia’s capital Windhoek where he lives alone and continues to travel frequently in his role for us. Ketji had already spent 16 years working in tourism and outreach prior to joining Natural Selection three years ago. In this previous role he undertook guiding, lodge management, concession management and served on the boards of lodges as well as a non-profit. Ketji’s role with us as Community Outreach Officer for Namibia sees him ensure that the local communities benefit fully from Natural Selection’s ecotourism endeavours and it’s a model that he wholeheartedly believes in. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="681" src="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Blog-category-1024-x-681px_0000_Namibia_WarmquelleVillage5_AntonCrone_L4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13708" srcset="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Blog-category-1024-x-681px_0000_Namibia_WarmquelleVillage5_AntonCrone_L4.jpg 1024w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Blog-category-1024-x-681px_0000_Namibia_WarmquelleVillage5_AntonCrone_L4-300x200.jpg 300w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Blog-category-1024-x-681px_0000_Namibia_WarmquelleVillage5_AntonCrone_L4-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> “I am passionate about people and their harmonious existence in nature,” he enthuses. “Over the years I have seen tremendous transformation of people and landscapes due to sustainable eco-tourism concepts. If done well and centred on people, I believe that community outreach is the best form of development. It should be done by the people, for the people, with serious passion and conviction from all involved.” Ketji’s days are spent acting as liaison between conservancy and community partners on a range of different initiatives through Namibia. “We concentrate our efforts on impact through education,” he notes. “We’re currently sponsoring 20 learners from two high schools to help aid their chances of qualifying for tertiary education. In addition to this we recently built a kindergarten for a rural community in the Sesfontein area, the Otjikondavirongo Conservancy.” <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="681" src="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Blog-category-1024-x-681px_0001_IMG-20230725-WA0001.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13709" srcset="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Blog-category-1024-x-681px_0001_IMG-20230725-WA0001.jpg 1024w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Blog-category-1024-x-681px_0001_IMG-20230725-WA0001-300x200.jpg 300w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Blog-category-1024-x-681px_0001_IMG-20230725-WA0001-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> Our community champion won’t be drawn on a favourite amongst the projects we run, but does have a favourite aspect of the job. “I really enjoy interacting with people and learning more about cultures, customs and traditions – I treasure unity in diversity.” As has been the case since he was a boy spending his school holidays herding goats, Ketji also places immense value upon being amongst nature’s spoils, “breathtaking, spectacular views, fantastic sightings, serenity and the solitude that only Mother Nature can provide.” He will also concede that resource mobilisation is the most challenging part of his role. With such an involved job it’s natural that Ketji needs some downtime, and when he’s not working on our projects he can be found out running or camping in Namibia’s unspoilt landscapes. The post <a href="https://naturalselection.travel/meet-ketji-our-community-outreach-officer-for-namibia/">Meet Ketji, our Community Outreach Officer for Namibia</a> appeared first on <a href="https://naturalselection.travel">Natural Selection</a>. </div><div class="field-tags" rel="dc:subject"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><a href="/africa/blog/tags/people" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">People</a></div> Tue, 07 Jan 2025 10:25:26 +0000 Anonymous 3987 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/meet-ketji-our-community-outreach-officer-namibia#comments Kwessi Born and Bred: Gert Tsaobeb https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/kwessi-born-and-bred-gert-tsaobeb <div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="681" src="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12204" srcset="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-5.jpg 1024w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-5-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> The vast desert wilderness of Namibia’s striking NamibRand Nature Reserve extends to more than 200,000 hectares encompassing rolling desert plains, craggy mountains and iconic red dunes. Here time stands still and space bowls on forever. It’s here, among ochre sandscapes and ethereal fairy circles that Kwessi Dunes sits, enabling travellers to venture out and explore this incredible landscape for themselves. These explorations take place under the watchful eye of Gert Tsaobeb, a man who knows this land better than most. Gert, widely known as Papa-G is our Head Guide at Kwessi Dunes and he has known this area since he was very small. “I was born on a farm in Hauxabfontein,” he explains. “Which is about 40 kilometres east of Kwessi at the base of the Zaires mountains. This area used to be used for Karakul sheep farming before the sheep were wiped out by drought during the 1980s.” This is a region that Gert has known since he was very small, as both his parents also grew up here and then lived and worked here for a variety of farms and owners. “My parents have been in this area since they were born,” notes the guide. “My father was born on Farm Elim in 1933 which is now part of the Namib Naukluft Park, northwest of Sesriem. My mother was born on Farm Netherhakan in 1934.” <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="681" src="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12205" srcset="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-1.jpg 1024w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-1-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> Because of the employment opportunites that sheep farming in the area afforded Gert’s parents, they both stayed in the vicinity and now live in the small village of Maltahohoe which is also where Gert calls home. The village is around 150 kilometres southeast of Kwessi Dunes. “The lodge sits on the site of the old farmhouse of Kwessiegat,” Gert recalls. “’Kwessie’ is an old Afrikaans word that means ‘misunderstand’ and ‘Gat’ means ‘hole’ which in this case was borehole. There was a kwessie between two brothers over the bore gat and so the farm was called Kwessiegat.” Papa G has seen many changes during his time in this part of Namibia. “Between 1980 and 1990 this area was very quiet,” he tells us. “After independence in 1990, tourism began and became the fasted growing industry in the country. Lodges were established and hundreds of kilometres of fencing was removed to allow animals to migrate across vast distances in search of grazing as they would have done in the past. This facilitates a robust and natural ecosystem. The old farms have become guest farms, guest houses, campsites and lodges.” Gert’s life may have centred around the NamibRand area but he’s well versed in Namibia as a whole too. “I have pretty much lived in this area all my life,” he smiles. “Although I have explored most parts of Namibia to expose myself to new areas and build experience and knowledge in field guiding. Before Kwessi Dunes I was working as a tour guide in other parts of Namibia.” As guests who’ve travelled to Kwessi Dunes will attest though, the lure of the NamibRand is strong and Gert couldn’t stay away for long. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="681" src="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12206" srcset="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-2.jpg 1024w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-2-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> “This is the oldest desert in the world with some of the highest sand dunes,” enthuses our Head Guide. “There is some unique, endemic flora and fauna and great diversity of endless and beautiful landscapes and Sossusvlei is a World Heritage Site. Here, the sound of silence becomes loud, the sand and the rocks start to speak to you and the wind has a voice. The oryx are the only ones who can negotiate the heat and dust, and only those who carry the spirit of the Namib will survive here. A visit here will open your eyes and you’ll learn to appreciate this ‘no man’s land’.” This is such a special place to Gert that he takes the responsibility of showing it to guests very seriously and it’s important to him that travellers come to appreciate this part of Namibia. “It’s a place where you feel at home away from home,” nods Gert. “What makes the real difference is disconnecting from the outside world and connecting back to nature. We allow space for that connection to nature here. Guests can feel their souls and their bodies can feel the touch of the sand, the rocks and the air around them. To be a nama from the nama ethnic group is what I love the most. Our culture represents our identity to the region. Our click language is one of the oldest spoken languages in the world and guests love to listen to it.” <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="681" src="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12207" srcset="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-4.jpg 1024w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-4-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> The enormity of the landscape here is something that always resonates with visitors and it extends skywards. The NamibRand is Africa’s first designated International Dark Sky Reserve meaning it’s one of the least light-polluted areas in the world. Those who visit appreciate how precious this environment is and Gert is passionate about its conservation. “Conservation is the key to environmental protection,” he shares. “Eco tourism with responsible management helps to maintain the environment for future generations.” As Head Guide Gert spends his days sharing his love of the reserve, and in return he sees even more of the world through the eyes of his guests. “Meeting people is the thing I love most about my job,” he confides. “It’s an opportunity for endless learning about the diversity of cultures, history, current affairs and economics. People dream for years of coming to Africa and the most challenging part of my job is making sure their dreams come true.” That might seem a daunting challenge, but it’s one that Gert adeptly navigates, inspiring many a traveller not only to return to this remarkable part of the world, but to really care about its conservation. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="681" src="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12208" srcset="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-3.jpg 1024w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-3-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> The post <a href="https://naturalselection.travel/kwessi-born-and-bred-gert-tsaobeb/">Kwessi Born and Bred: Gert Tsaobeb</a> appeared first on <a href="https://naturalselection.travel">Natural Selection</a>. </div><div class="field-tags" rel="dc:subject"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><a href="/africa/blog/tags/people" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">People</a></div> Thu, 03 Oct 2024 10:42:57 +0000 Anonymous 3961 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/kwessi-born-and-bred-gert-tsaobeb#comments Conservation Faces of Khwai Private Reserve https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/conservation-faces-khwai-private-reserve <div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded">In northern Botswana, amidst the ornate, watery carvings of the Okavango Delta, lies 200,000 hectares of pristine wilderness. This is Khwai Private Reserve, affectionately known as KPR. Any guest who’s stayed here will tell you that the wildlife is prolific and today this verdant landscape serves as the picturesque backdrop for a number of inspiring conservation and outreach projects. But it was not always so. We spoke to some of the conservation faces of Khwai Private Reserve about how the area has transformed. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-1.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="681" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34756" srcset="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-1.jpg 1024w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-1-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Botswana was a popular hunting destination up until the recreation was banned in 2014. Khwai Private Reserve had been a hunting concession but turned to ecotourism and photographic safaris in 2009 when the previous shareholders decided to switch to non-consumptive use. Due to the area’s history of consumptive use (ie hunting) the wildlife was both skittish and scarce. We became involved in 2018 and took over management of the area alongside the local Khwai community who are stakeholders in the concession. “Since there wasn’t much wildlife inside the concession, the activities from the camp there at the time took place in Khwai,” explains our co-founder and director of conservation Dr Jennifer Lalley. “Khwai Private Reserve was completely unmanaged and there was rife bushmeat hunting and unchecked harvesting of grass that disrupted habitats and brought in domestic dogs. So I would say the reserve has only been an actively managed ecotourism area since we began there in 2018.” <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-2.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="681" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34758" srcset="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-2.jpg 1024w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-2-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> We don’t manage hunting concessions, but it speaks volumes for the sustainability and success of the eco-tourism, non-consumptive land use model we adhere to, that no stakeholders wished to return the area to hunting when the ban was lifted in 2019. This model relies on the sustainable use of areas where eco-systems are intact, In the process this provides crucial refuge to countless species and biodiversity under threat, important corridors for migration as well as buffers between wildlife and surrounding land uses. “KPR is situated between Moremi National Reserve and Chobe National Park and is a very important corridor between the Savuti and even the Linyanti to and from the rich delta ecosystem where water and food can be in abundance in the dry season, when the pans have dried up,” notes Frances King who was concession manager up until the beginning of 2024. “It also borders the Khwai Village where the community is completely reliant on the tourism industry, and if not looked after could be forced to turn to illegal ways to make a living. It is a huge piece of land, and very important to keep the balance and conserve the area as best possible.” Although Frances has now returned to her family’s farm in South Africa, she remains involved in the reserve’s conservation work. While Frances’ future lies in sustainable farming, her impact on the reserve has been enormously valued, and she too has left with precious memories. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-3.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="681" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34759" srcset="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-3.jpg 1024w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-3-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> “Working with the staff stands out,” she smiles. “Seeing how some of them have grown significantly into more senior roles and then taught the next junior staff member that comes into their old position. Growing a sense of passion and ownership for the conservation of the environment, whether they are in maintenance, a ranger, a guide or a waiter, they in turn share it with the guests or fellow staff members, and even better with their families back home in the Khwai community. There is still a long way to go, but I firmly believe that through education the next generation will have a different outlook on the area, and that is also why the Maria Ramsden Learning Centre in Khwai Village is very dear to my heart. It also has been great seeing the increase in the game numbers on the concession, whether it is plains game or predators and how relaxed they are.” Stepping into Frances’ sizable shoes is Gofiwa Thebanala. Originally from the nearby village of Shakawe, Gofiwa was previously head ranger in the reserve before stepping up to become Conservation Manager. When not in Khwai Private Reserve he’s based in the safari town of Maun along with his family but his is a vital role so it keeps him occupied. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-4.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="681" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34760" srcset="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-4.jpg 1024w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-4-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> “Being the conservation manager means I work with everyone on the concession to make sure that every aspect of conservation is well maintained,” he affirms. “The job entails ensuring the effective patrolling and monitoring of the rangers; arranging and facilitating the grass harvesting season; resolving human-wildlife conflicts; reporting and record keeping on the concession and arranging and monitoring the ranger training and the leopard habituation.” It’s a fast-paced job for sure, but so is the reserve itself. With Tuludi, Sable Alley, Little Sable, Hyena Pan and Skybeds all within its realm and a wealth of conservation projects on the go, Gofiwa is a busy man. “Being the conservation manager is challenging and it needs someone who is hands on all the time,” explains the conservationist. “That’s one of the things that makes my job so interesting though. My favourite aspect is dealing with the community during the grass cutting. I get to know more about their cultures.” <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-5.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="681" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34761" srcset="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-5.jpg 1024w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-5-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Gofiwa is referring to the <a href="https://www.naturalselectionfoundation.org/conservation/khwai-village-grass-harvesting-botswana/">Khwai Village Sustainable Grass Cutting</a> project. Every year more than 200 members of the Khwai village community come into the reserve to harvest grass that they then use for building or to sell. This practice generates important income for the community, but with small children and elderly folk joining the harvesters, the challenges they’ve historically faced have been significant. The group, who stay for three months, have needed to build temporary shelters and provide food for themselves and their dogs. Lack of transport also made it difficult for them to get the harvested grass to market, leaving some uncollected for months. In order to alleviate some of these obstacles, Khwai Private Reserve and Natural Selection support the harvesters with safe dome-tented accommodation, food and transportation. Furthermore, the provision of pet food and dog sitters meant that canine companions can remain in the village, keeping both them and the wildlife safe. We support over 38 households during the grass cutting season and our rangers advise the harvesters on sustainable practices ensuring the season is low impact on the wildlife and environment. We also purchase a portion of the grass ourselves and provide them the means to get to Nata and sell their grasses. Grass bought from the community has thatched Little Sable, the village Kgotla (a traditional meeting place of court and council in the Botswana community) and Khwai Preschool. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-6.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="681" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34762" srcset="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-6.jpg 1024w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-6-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> One of the conservation manager’s most memorable experiences was associated with grass cutting season. “In 2020, when we started engaging with the community on the issue of grass cutting I had to stand and give a speech in the Kgotla in Khwai which was full to capacity,” he recalls. “It was my first time giving a speech in a Kgotla meeting but I managed to handle it well and everyone congratulated me afterwards. That day changed the mindset of the community and improved how they work with the Khwai Private Reserve rangers.” Another project that’s close to Gofiwa’s heart is the tree wrapping in the reserve. “We have wrapped five baobab trees, seven camel thorns and two marula trees,” he tells us proudly. “We only have a few of the baobab and marula trees on the concession and we are trying to protect them from being destroyed by the elephants. The elephants enjoy eating the bark of both trees and over time this can cause the tree to fall. Since we’ve started to wrap them they’ve all recovered though. They eat the camel thorns too, and they’ve all recovered so far too, although the elephants have tried to remove the mesh wire!” <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-7.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="681" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34763" srcset="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-7.jpg 1024w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-7-300x200.jpg 300w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-7-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> It’s not only the flora in the reserve that keeps this Motswana busy, he’s also been very involved with the habituation of leopards in the area. “When the rangers first arrived in Khwai Private Reserve all the animals, especially the leopards, were very skittish,” he confides. “This is because it was a hunting reserve before changing to photographic safaris. It took a lot of work and determination from the team to habituate them so they became calm around the vehicles.” Anyone who’s visited KPR will attest to the success of Gofiwa’s endeavours, but he’s hardly started, and has one very clear ambition that he hopes to bring to fruition during his tenure. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-8.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="681" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34764" srcset="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-8.jpg 1024w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-8-300x200.jpg 300w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-8-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> “I would like to have an environmental awareness campaign that will teach both our staff members and the community on the impact of not taking care of the environment. I hope for a community that will be knowledgeable about environmental conservation and animal conservation.” We’ve no doubt that Gofiwa will achieve his goal, and we’ll support him every step of the way. </div><div class="field-tags" rel="dc:subject"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><a href="/africa/blog/tags/people" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">People</a></div> Tue, 16 Apr 2024 20:08:23 +0000 Anonymous 3874 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/conservation-faces-khwai-private-reserve#comments Finding Meaning Alongside Africa’s Indigenous Peoples https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/finding-meaning-alongside-africa%E2%80%99s-indigenous-peoples <div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-5.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="681" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-33630" srcset="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-5.jpg 1024w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-5-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Actress, filmmaker, artist and activist, Aleksandra (N’aisa) Orbeck has found true meaning alongside Africa’s indigenous peoples. Those keen to learn more could join the Walk Of Ancient Wisdom that she’ll be guiding alongside Ralph Bousfield this June. 25% of the amount you pay will go directly towards supporting the San people as well as wildlife conservation efforts in the Makgadikgadi. NS: You’re originally from Norway, so how did you discover your love for Africa? AON: “I was born in Oslo, Norway but found solace in the lush landscapes of Asker. Growing up in the embrace of nature, I discovered an unyielding desire for adventure. With Oslo’s rigid norms stifling my spirit, I seized an unexpected opportunity at 13, entering the world of modelling. The allure wasn’t in the runway lights but in the escape it promised from Norway’s stifling societal constraints. However, as my modelling career blossomed, so did my sense of disconnect. A fateful night in New York, where I was robbed, served as a harsh wake-up call. Seeking respite, I impulsively pointed at Namibia on a spinning globe. Two weeks later, I found myself on a plane, flying over the captivating landscapes of Africa. Namibia wasn’t just a destination; it was a revelation. Determined not to be a mere tourist, I delved into volunteering with wildlife. Weeks turned into years and then serendipity struck when I encountered the San people. Their introduction opened my eyes to a world I never knew existed. My journey in Africa transformed from a quest for self-discovery to a realisation that the Western perception of this continent is laden with limitations. The San people saved me from my narrow perspective, revealing the wealth of spirit that transcends material possessions. Inspired, I decided to challenge the traditional outreach approach, urging inter-dependency, mutual learning, and shared decision-making.” <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-3.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="681" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-33635" srcset="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-3.jpg 1024w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-3-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> NS: Please tell us about Nanofasa. AON: “Nanofasa was born in 2011 and is a non-profit dedicated to awakening creativity as a catalyst for positive change in Africa. Our mission is to empower indigenous cultures and heal nature through a unique blend of creativity, ancient wisdom, and innovation. Nanofasa Indigenous Innovation harmonises age-old wisdom to become inventive planet solutions, creating a platform for cultural preservation, job creation, and sustainable development. As we embark on this transformative journey, we aim to break free from the shackles of preconceived notions about Africa, fostering a future where cultural heritage and the environment co-exist and flourish.” NS: Where do you live now and why have you chosen to base yourself there? AON: “Right now I live in Kenya where I work with the Yaaku people. An indigenous group of peoples that were thought to be extinct. Nanofasa’s Word Forest project is a groundbreaking initiative in partnership with the Yaaku people that aims to save their language, culture, and ancestral forest from extinction. By attaching Yaakunte words to trees in the Mukogodo Forest, this project transforms the forest into a living Yaakunte dictionary and a place for passive learning, promoting cultural identity and tree preservation. For every tree planted, a word is tagged and saved, preserving culture, stories, wisdom, and connection. The Mukogodo Forest, managed exclusively by the Yaaku people, is vital for biodiversity, wildlife corridors, and cultural identity. This partnership with Nanofasa ensures its preservation and promotes sustainable development. The project aims to sustain itself through honey harvesting, creating a cycle where diverse trees attract bees for honey production, generating revenue to support language revival and tree planting. The project’s impact extends to the revival of the Yaaku language, preservation of traditional stories, songs, and oral history, as well as digitisation efforts for wider accessibility. Cultural expression through songs and games in the Yaaku language fosters community pride and identity. Honey harvesting and tree planting create a sustainable cycle that promotes environmental conservation, cultural heritage, and economic viability within the Yaaku community. Nanofasa Indigenous Innovation’s approach blends ancient wisdom with modern solutions, empowering communities, celebrating culture, and preserving traditions while fostering positive socio-economic growth and sustainable resource management. This unique initiative represents a return to ancient practices in harmony with nature, infusing new life into age-old traditions for the benefit of people and the environment. Nanofasa Indigenous Innovation honours the past, sustains the present, and shapes a future where ancient wisdom and modern innovation co-exist for the greater good of all.” <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-4.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="681" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-33632" srcset="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-4.jpg 1024w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-4-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> NS: Where does your great affinity for the San people come from? AON: “Meeting the San people was akin to encountering avatars, individuals who speak the language of nature as their mother tongue. They possess a unique perspective, not merely living surrounded by nature, but truly being of nature.” NS: Please tell us about the Walk Of Ancient Wisdom trip and what makes it such a special adventure? AON: “This walk is a very unique and special adventure where we take you to where the wifi is weaker but the connection is stronger.” <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-2.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="681" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-33633" srcset="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-2.jpg 1024w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-2-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> NS: Why should people join your Walk Of Ancient Wisdom trip? AON: “We offer a unique and fascinating opportunity to immerse in the age-old rituals and traditions by following tracks, absorbing knowledge and reconnecting to the nature that surrounds you. In our world there are very few places where we can experience silence and stillness. Our senses are over stimulated with noise and constant input. Overload of information both audibly and visually is stretching our nervous system, and we are no longer capable of connecting to ourselves, nature, our purpose or to others. We often find ourselves walking around in circles, not moving forward, not accomplishing our goals. We feel lonely and stressed, when all we want to feel is freedom to create, contribute, share and be who you were meant to be. This walk will welcome you home. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-1.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="681" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-33634" srcset="https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-1.jpg 1024w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://naturalselection.travel/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blog-category-1024-x-681px-1-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> NS: What has been the highlight of your time in Africa? AON: “There has been many highlight moments in my life. I have built an organisation, raised lions, helped people take charge of their life, and watched them continue to work to inspire and empower others. I have worked for big brands, walked across countries, hosted documentaries and acted in movies. But the greatest moments in my life have been the times when my heart feels happy. Not happy because I was searching for happiness. But the moments when you find something greater than happiness or unhappiness, which is meaning. Because meaning transfigures all. Once what you are doing has for you meaning, it is irrelevant whether you’re happy or unhappy. You are content – you belong. The San taught me that.” NS: What do you still hope to achieve on African soil? AON: “I would like to continue working with different indigenous peoples and help them protect our last wilderness areas. 5% of the world’s population protects 80% of our last wilderness spaces.” Click <a href="https://naturalselection.travel/safari/walk-of-ancient-wisdom/">here</a> to find out more about the Walk for Ancient Wisdom with Aleksandra. </div><div class="field-tags" rel="dc:subject"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><a href="/africa/blog/tags/people" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">People</a></div> Tue, 20 Feb 2024 13:14:52 +0000 Anonymous 3853 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/finding-meaning-alongside-africa%E2%80%99s-indigenous-peoples#comments People of Singita: Eddie Mzimba https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/people-singita-eddie-mzimba <div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded">We love sharing the stories of the people who call Singita home as much as we love to share thrilling wildlife encounters and conservation successes. By now, you’ve met a number of our team members, including <a href="http://singita.com/wildlife/people-of-singita-tengwe-siabwanda/" target="_blank">Tengwe</a>, a second-generation field guide based at <a href="http://singita.com/lodge/singita-pamushana-lodge/">Singita Pamushana Lodge</a>, <a href="http://singita.com/food/tks-journey/" target="_blank">TK</a>, a talented young chef who has worked with Liam Tomlin at <a href="http://singita.com/lodges-and-camps/singita-lebombo-lodge-evolved/" target="_blank">Singita Lebombo Lodge</a>, and Singita’s formidable <a href="http://singita.com/general/get-to-know-us-singitas-female-field-guides/" target="_blank">team of female field guides</a>. Today we would like to introduce you to someone affectionately known as “King Eddie”: <img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16171" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/eddie_3-1024x505.jpg" alt="People of Singita: Edward Mzimba" width="1024" height="505" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/eddie_3-1024x505.jpg 1024w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/eddie_3-300x148.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/eddie_3-768x378.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/eddie_3.jpg 1185w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Edward Mzimba started his professional journey in hospitality as a waiter and barman at a rest camp in the Kruger National Park, having completed a training course with a local skills development program. After only a year of service, he was promoted to supervisor and stock controller and soon made his way to nearby <a href="http://singita.com/region/singita-kruger-national-park/">Singita Kruger National Park</a>, where he was appointed as a banakeli (personal waiter). He was promoted to Head Banakeli only two years later, and continues to be an inspiring, delightful and valuable member of the team. <div id="attachment_16172" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="size-large wp-image-16172" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/eddie_4-1024x683.jpg" alt="Singita Lebombo Lodge" width="1024" height="683" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/eddie_4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/eddie_4-300x200.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/eddie_4-768x512.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/eddie_4-320x213.jpg 320w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/eddie_4.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Singita Lebombo Lodge </div> “For me, working at Singita is a privilege because I get to interact with guests from all different countries and cultures,” Eddie says. In fact, some of the highlights of Eddie’s career include meeting some of the more high-profile guests whom he greatly admires: “It made me realise how important my job is and every time I get feedback from guests, it motivates me to improve.” <img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16170" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/eddie_2-1024x332.jpg" alt="People of Singita: Edward Mzimba" width="1024" height="332" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/eddie_2-1024x332.jpg 1024w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/eddie_2-300x97.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/eddie_2-768x249.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/eddie_2.jpg 1184w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> And there is no shortage of complimentary comments in the guest book! Here are just a few examples: “Edward always had a huge smile and went out of his way to ensure we had everything we need.” “Edward was friendly, helpful, and eager to be available whenever we needed him.” “Edward, he’s my man, would take him everywhere with me!” “Edward had an amazing attitude – always smiling and accommodated any request. Thanks Eddie.” “Eddie was very dedicated and lovely. We felt very well taken care of by him.” <img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16169" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/eddie_1-1024x506.jpg" alt="People of Singita: Edward Mzimba" width="1024" height="506" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/eddie_1-1024x506.jpg 1024w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/eddie_1-300x148.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/eddie_1-768x379.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/eddie_1.jpg 1184w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> The other thing that motivates Eddie is his family; wife Tears and two daughters, Ablaze and Edwina. He also likes to read, play soccer, and catch up on the news, and is always striving to improve his leadership skills. He enjoys travelling, paying regular visits to different restaurants and lodges in order to learn from others, and helping where he can in his local community. Eddie personifies what it means to <a href="http://singita.com/about/careers/">work for Singita</a>: Working with purpose, pursuing excellence in your choice of career and working in a fully empowered way. <img class="aligncenter wp-image-16174 size-full" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/eddie_6.gif" alt="People of Singita: Edward Mzimba" width="998" height="1500" /> <a href="http://singita.com/lodge/singita-lebombo-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Lebombo</a> and <a href="http://singita.com/lodge/sweni-lodge/" target="_blank">Sweni</a> Lodges lie in 33,000 acres in the southeastern corner of the famed Kruger National Park, on South Africa’s border with Mozambique. Singita’s concession here is an isolated piece of pristine wilderness where each lodge “touches the earth lightly”. Visit <a href="http://singita.com/region/singita-kruger-national-park/" target="_blank">our website</a> to discover this unique area for yourself. The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/people-of-singita/people-of-singita-eddie-mzimba/">People of Singita: Eddie Mzimba</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>. </div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/people-singita" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">People of Singita</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/kruger-national-park" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kruger National Park</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/people" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">People</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-lebombo-lodge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Lebombo Lodge</a></div></div> Tue, 21 Jun 2016 08:00:34 +0000 Anonymous 2006 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/people-singita-eddie-mzimba#comments

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