The
History of Safari - How it All Began
The History
of Safari - How it All Began
Throughout
the 20th century, the safari has been popularized in
film and literature through grand tales of adventure,
romance and thrills. But just how long has this activity
been going on? What was going on safari like 100 years
ago? Read on to learn about where it all started …
First, the word safari originated from the word “safar”,
which is an Arabic verb that roughly translates to
mean “to make a journey.’” From
there, you get the noun “safariya,” or
journey and then to safari which is actually a Swahili
synonym of the Arabic word. Clearly, in this original
definition, you do not get connotations of tents,
backpacks, hiking and Land Rovers that are currently
associated with the concept of safari. Rather, in
its original context, it referred to the long distances
people would have to traverse for trade routes and
so forth.
The earliest safaris recorded were primarily focused
around the trading industry. With the Arabic and
African cultures so closely connected during our
early in human history, there would often be large
caravans of traders traveling across vast landscapes
to bring their wares from one city to the next. According
to The History of Safari, Travel Africa, in the 18th
century, trading was a profitable and successful
business as many prized items -- and unfortunately,
even people -- were sold and used for barter.
According to Gemma
Pitcher in Tanzania’s Safari
History, European safari caravans were large-scale
operations that involved a huge contingent of staff
and crew along with supplies and weapons. Some of
these trade routes were rather treacherous, so skillful
bartering and negotiating also played a crucial role
in getting from point A to point B, especially when
dealing with trading slaves.
Fortunately, the
safari that was associated with slave trade ended
before the turn of the 20th century, changing the
purpose of safaris from a business focus to a fun
adventure or exploration. According
to People Behind the Names, African Wildlife & Conservation,
early naturalists and explorers like William John
Burchell, Thomas Ayres and Gustav Adolf Fischer not
only redefined the purpose of the safari, but were
instrumental in identifying several species of animals.
Their legacy is the great work they did during their
exploratory travels, and of course, the animals that
now carry their names:
• Burchell’s
Coucal, Courser, Sandgrouse, Starling and Zebra
• Ayres’ Hawk-Eagle
and Cisticola
• Fischer’s
Lovebird, Sparrow-Lark and Turaco
Unfortunately, along
with these great naturalists and men of science
came the hunters, who revealed a more negative
side of human nature -- the side that wants to
rule and dominate. In some cases, the safari become
associated with the “hunt”,
that is, conquering the big unattainable wild beast
and returning from the hunt with trophies ranging
from hides, skins and heads, to an entire beast.
Of great renown were hunters like William Cornwallis
Harris, who not only hunted big game, but documented
the hunts so that everyone would be aware of his
courageous adventures into the African wilderness.
Despite his fame for hunting, Cornwallis was also
a keen observer of nature, garnering credit for his
discovery of the sable antelope (aka Harris Buck).
Oddly, his writings and watercolor drawings of the
mother continent created a new sense of awareness
and appreciation for the wildlife of Africa. Another
great hunter/explorer was Frederick Selous, whose
safari exploits in East Africa consisted of shooting
elephants and collecting specimens for museums in
Europe.
Ironically, it’s because of men like Seleous
and Harris that the conservation movement ignited.
This movement would ultimately sanction saving these
pillaged areas of Africa and the native wildlife,
allowing them to continue to exist unspoiled for
future generations and leading up to today’s
photographic safaris.
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.
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Eyes
on Africa was selected most knowledgeable
Regional Expert for Southern Africa / Safaris by
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