Global Peace In An African Village
April 2, 2001
Watamu, Kenya. Global peace can be reached by stopping wars,
eliminating poverty, educating children... or perhaps simply by living in an African
village.
According to Eco-resorts, an eco-adventure safari company, and
Immersia Travel, a US based travel company, cross-cultural exchanges are one of
the lasting ways to create worldwide understanding and tolerance. Their "One Journey,
Five Faces" eco-tour not only includes time spent in a local Kenyan village, but
also includes a traditional safari as well, offering the best of both worlds.
"After someone has slept in an African village, cooked food and
collected water with the mamas, and played with the village children, it's almost
impossible that there won't be a broader understanding and acceptance of different
people and cultures for everyone involved. After returning home, the traveler
can then plant the seed of cultural change in their local communities, creating
a ripple effect from one continent to another", explains Anne Loehr, director
of Eco-resorts.
While you stay in the local village, you can watch the local medicine
men, help at the primary schools, explore the Watamu National Marine Park, visit
the Snake Farm, discover Mida Creek, uncover the mysterious Gede Ruins and experience
the fascinating Swahili culture first-hand.
Also of interest are the local fishermen and communities that
developed in the Coastal area. A short journey by dugout canoe takes you to a
small island village where you'll drink fresh coconut milk, husk and cook coconuts,
collect oysters and crab, and try your hand at traditional hand-line or net fishing.
THE ITINERARY
After spending five nights in the Coastal village, experience
a camping safari in the Rift Valley Lake area, exploring the remote Mt. Elgon
and the world-famous Masai Mara, You'll spend time with the Njemps tribe, helping
make reed fishing boats. Learn about the famous salt mining elephants in Mount
Elgon and how they shared the caves with entire villages of people for centuries.
Collect plants and herbs in the Masai Mara with a medicine man, or track buffalo
and lion with a Masai warrior when walking over the savannah.
Your camp provides excellent meals and comfortable nights as you
sleep under stars, with your bedtime serenade provided by the animals of the African
night.
While there is a set rhythm during your stay, following the equatorial
sunrise and sunset from 6AM to 6PM, there are no set rules or set times. Actually
living these lifestyles will help you to understand the local cultures first hand,
in ways you never thought possible. In this remarkable environment of animals
and people interacting together, you will be sure to gain a unique experience
that many travelers dream of, but few accomplish.
Bookings can be made with Immersia Travel at 800.207.5454 (within
the USA); 540.687.8555; or by email at adventure@immersiatravel.com.
Complete trip details are available online at http://www.immersiatravel.com/kenya1.html.
Eco-resorts sells tailor made, eco-friendly adventure safaris
in Kenya and Tanzania, such as camel trekking, cultural immersions and wildlife
walks, to suit all budgets and ages. A percentage of these safaris support their
East African community and conservation projects, such as the local schools, clinics
and orphanage.
Their featured camps and lodges can be environmentally friendly
by using solar panels or wind turbines, recycling waste, planting trees or building
camps without damaging the environment. These companies could also be community
orientated by leasing land from the local tribes, giving a percentage of their
profits to the local communities, supporting the local schools and clinics, or
training and educating the tribes people in their areas.
CONTACT: Anne Loehr
EMAIL: anne@eco-resorts.com
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