The
Safari Education - Africa’s Treasure
Trove of History
The Safari
Education - Africa’s Treasure Trove of
History
Going
on a safari is a uniquely exciting and amazing experience
that everyone should take advantage of if given the
opportunity. A safari is about much more than camping
out in the wilderness, viewing endangered species in
their natural habitats and experiencing new cultures
-- it’s
about history.
Consider that this
diverse continent was once part of the super-continent
Pangaea (meaning “all
lands” in Greek) that, according to the theory
of continental drift, was believed to encompass all
the land on earth. This continent is also known as
the origin of the human race, the pyramids, the possible
missing link between humans and primates and so much
more. So going on safari or just traveling in Africa
is as much about learning as it is about outdoor
adventures.
Take Ethiopia for
example. This is a country ensconced not only in
ancient history but in biblical history as well
with a civilization that goes back thousands and
thousands of years. Where else in the world could
you find a three million year old celebrity? According
to Australopithecus, Human Evolution Index, the
remains of an Australopithecus, (named Lucy by
scientists and one of the most primitive human
ancestors identified), was found in the Ethiopian
Rift Valley in 1974 and changed the face of human
genealogy forever by asserting that humans walked
on two legs much earlier than was originally thought.
Imagine all that history, and that’s just
one country!
When you’re traveling on safari, don’t
just consider the possibility of seeing an African
elephant or a black rhino, think about all you could
learn from the history of the land and the civilizations
that occupied these regions thousands of years ago.
Another fantastic
example of a vast treasure trove of history is
South Africa. An ideal safari destination, South
Africa is a region rich with landscapes and wildlife
unlike any other. But consider for a moment that
this country has hosted human life for more than
100,000 years. Evidence of advanced civilizations,
artifacts and fossils are all right there for you
to explore--it’s a learning experience you
won’t get in any classroom.
Even the continent’s name is an education in
and of itself. Africa derives its name from the Romans,
who used the name Africa terra - "land of the
Afri - to describe the northern part of the continent
(modern day Tunisia).
According to author Pier Larson in Origins of Africa,
the general belief is that the Afri were a tribe,
possibly Berber,
who lived in North
Africa in the Carthage area. The origin of Afer
may also be connected with the Arabic ‘to
be dusty’ (afar = dust). Some other possible
etymologies include:
• Greek -- aphrike meaning without cold and
• Latin -- aprica meaning sunny
So imagine traveling
to a living, breathing encyclopedia that not only can
you learn from, but that you can interact with, take
pictures of and go back and visit time and time again.
That’s the true treasure
of Africa and the beauty of getting more out of your
safari than some great animal photos and entertaining
stories. A continent, a living history and a link to
who we were and how far we've come, all lies
on this vast continent waiting for you.
Eyes
on Africa,
an African safari company, boasts an extremely
knowledgeable team of staff members, who are
passionate about every aspect of travel to Africa, including its wildlife and safari destinations.
When you're ready to plan your African safari,
a holiday in Africa, or if you just have questions,
please feel free to contact us toll free at 800-457-9575
or visit our web site at http://www.eyesonafrica.net/contactus.htm and
complete an information request form.
 |
Eyes
on Africa was selected most knowledgeable
Regional Expert for Southern Africa / Safaris by
National Geographic Traveler Magazine,
20th Anniversary Special Issue. |
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