Safari: from Slaughter to Sanctuary
Faraaz Abdool goes on safari in the land where the concept originated. As he leads a photographic tour, he reflects on Kenya’s 50 year journey that has changed the connotation of the word “safari.” (All photos by Faraaz Abdool) We are all familiar with the word “safari” – associated with the African continent and its wilderness experiences. Safari is a Swahili word which translates to “journey.” Swahili is the national language of Kenya, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of safari. It is easy to become caught in the trappings of the immediate context and neglect the consideration of the journey. Our modern safari in Kenya is made possible by many factors falling into place. There must be a system suitably applied to safeguard tourists and wildlife, with the long-term preservation of both in mind. In Kenya, this was not always the case. With roots in exploration, the first forays into the African continent by Europeans were wholly extractive in intent. The ...