Exactly The Same…Just Totally Different.

From the inception of Clearly Africa (the platform which I use for my guided adventures), bespoke itineraries was the only option because “Beauty, is in the eye of the beholder”. Having absolute latitude to mould each adventure according to requisite parameters, is what we pride ourselves in. Having each person intimately involved in the design process of their own adventure is critical.

Personal evolution over the past 5 years, spurred particularly by autonomous backpack trails (read HERE and HERE) has however resulted in my heightened sensitivity to and lowered tolerance for contaminants of a sense-of-place. These detractions, unnoticed or accepted by most, are however pernicious despite their apparent subtlety. I have reached the point where I am incapable of, and finally unwilling to, ignore them…prompting me to for the first time, in addition to bespoke, propose specific itineraries. These soon-to-be-released set itineraries, will be based on what I consider a requisite formula for a fuller immersion, facilitated by the absence of/reduction in contaminants and very deliberate intention setting.

I am not abandoning everything wholesale to exclusively pursue these “ideal” niche itineraries. Very few will consider the logistical effort to access these remote wildernesses and concomitant cost as worthwhile. I do however want to draw attention to the philosophy which led me here and have this available to those who are seeking what I describe below.

Following are the aspects which I pay fierce attention to for these Specialised Itineraries:

Habitat.

Large ecologically intact areas possess greater resilience and somehow are imbued with a spiritual sense-of-place which transcends mere superficial appeal. This deeply visceral connection with the rocks, soil, grass, trees, rivers and wildlife, recalibrate our own natural resonance. Just the knowledge that unfettered ecological interplay result in a healthy enough habitat, supporting the wildlife sans human intervention, adds to my perceived integrity of an area. Varied and or dramatic landscapes also contributes to an interesting environment within which to explore. Having only absolute wildlife density as primary focus is like using a super-telephoto lens to snap isolated and disconnected portraiture of animals. However, zooming out to include its surrounding environment, is to holistically consider wildlife in-context of their habitat…inextricably connected and interdependent. 

Duration

Apart from a few exceptions, most itineraries comprise a multi-stop format with an average of 2 or 3 nights in each location, allowing for covering numerous Parks, rather akin to a tour. Like a butterfly flitting from blossom to blossom, this approach is high on variety but precludes wholesome immersion and synchronisation with relevant environments…something I opine is exactly what our souls are actually yearning for. I’m therefore favouring less venues and much longer communes, increasing exposure, to eventually fall into a natural lock-step with each destination…

Exclusivity

Destinations with extremely high wildlife concentrations are popular and thus result in equally high human densities. To paraphrase, personally I would eagerly compromise the quantity of actual wildlife encounters in exchange for exclusivity. Reducing or eliminating exposure to other people when out in the wilds, allows for a sense of intimacy with nature which I have come to consider as sacrosanct and non-negotiable.

Receptivity

In an understandable endeavour to differentiate themselves from competitors, camps tend to add value through upping the ante in terms of amenities and the guest experience in-camp. Appreciating that this might be my subjective opinion, I however feel very strongly that beyond a specific threshold these attempts enter the realm of the contrived which diverts ones focus away from what I hold dear, that which happens outside of camp. Rendering ourselves most receptive to nature’s subliminal gifts, require as much simplicity as we can muster, as receptivity is inversely proportionate to the insulating effects of distracting ostentatious luxuries. A friend once said “Life is not about you…YOU are about LIFE! It is not necessary to forego all comforts and luxuries all of the time, start with occasional and incremental sacrifices in terms of prestigiously luxurious lodges in favour of more rustic (yet comfortable) camps.

Simplicity is the ultimate liberator. 

Silence

Another aspect which I’ve become hyper sensitised to is man-made noise…excessive talking or unnecessary shouting, generators, vehicles, air traffic, boats, cold-storage compressors, 2-way radios, workshops, etc etc ad nauseam. The impact of this ubiquitous noise leads to a subconscious sense of disconnect which negates the very reason for travelling to these places. Finding camps sympathetic to this aspect is tough because providing all the added-value services mentioned above, translates into a commensurate increase in noise. The more simplistic…the quieter…

Silence creates an environment conducive to sober contemplation and is easily achieved by deliberate and mindful dedication to auditory engagement! Tasting sustained absence of noise whet one’s appetite for more.

*As a side-note, I’m convinced that my intolerance to noise is exacerbated by the fact that from childhood, I have suffered from tinnitus and hyperacusis-with-pain…more about these afflictions in a future blog.  

Darkness

Escaping visual pollution in the form of excessive lighting within camps or even distant sources beyond the horizon, is more challenging that you might think. The result is that I am drawn to destinations where any “outside” influences are mitigated due to their remoteness from civilisation. A night sky void of artificial light has so many beautiful shades of darkness that it’s breathtaking! It is as if this celestial expanse mirrors our internal constellations which close scrutiny of, will most certainly reveal a guiding star… 

Due to the demand to always be alert when on foot, my situational-awareness (engagement of all senses) does not have an OFF switch anymore, leading to serious sensory overload. As a result of this fierce attention, it is disheartening to discover that my perception of some supposedly “wild and remote” places, is only an illusion. I do however appreciate that the acuity of this audio-visual sensitivity might be particular to me alone.

Intention

Walking will always remain my preferred mode of exploration as the physicality of it forces me to be present in the here and now. Heat, sweat, exhaustion, aches, chafes, elevated pulse, accentuated breathing, dehydration, alertness, navigation, occasional injections of adrenaline etc all prompt presence. Other modes have their own merit too, depending on the intention of the activity. Semantics dictate that we fall victim to our compulsion to always be “busy”, to “actively” pursue some or other objective or quest…perpetuating the hamster-wheel of our professional lives which exactly we are attempting to escape. It is my belief that we undervalue the activity of sitting still. If we make being still and engaging all our senses the intention, spending an hour, morning, afternoon or entire day just assimilating tranquility through osmosis, definitely does not constitute a waste of time. It’s all about objectives and framing. 

Places with exclusive/near-exclusive access to topographically spectacular, remote, under developed wilderness areas containing wildlife, are extremely rare and will only come under more pressure going forward. Despite the difficulty and cost of accessing these bastions, making a pilgrimage to one, or all of them whilst they still exist, is a priority I shall pursue with the fervour it deserves.

Go ahead, dip your toes in with these new considerations, it will surprise you with reward..an incredible world of discovery and connection awaits just beyond your comfort zone!

Yours in immersion,