By Peter Silvester May News Brief

Our last news piece ended with an African proverb, “Hope is the Pillar of the world.” I am glad to say that pillar is still standing, perhaps even a little taller.

Two months ago, the first green shoots of recovery were beginning to show. The microscopic organism that had defeated the world’s most accomplished scientists seemed in some places to be in retreat. For the first time, there was solid evidence that science was winning.

In the interim, the news has been full of variants and vaccines. The triumphs have been matched with the reality of India, a shocking reminder that things can change fast. Yet in other parts of the world, where vaccine roll out has been successful, cases are on the decline.

A considerable effort in the last few months has been getting vaccines for the crew and guides.  It is an ongoing process, and each country has its own set of challenges and priorities. The limited global supply and the complications of distribution for vaccines that require very cold conditions has not helped. Ensuring that each safari group is safe and does not return with unwanted passengers is a serious business. The correct protocols and rigorous attention to detail have never been more important.

Some clear facts have emerged. Open-air transmission is remarkably low which is very good news for safaris. Airports and airline travel are much safer than was first thought and there have been no recent “super spreader” events recorded from airplanes. Many of us have now had recent first-hand travel experience. Petrina recently travelled from the USA to Kenya and back in a week and other members of the RAS team have travelled to Ecuador, the UK and regionally on the continent. The actual process of getting to and from a safari is cleaner, more efficient and safer.

Suddenly we are getting busier. There have of course been a number of postponements and there are those who are simply not able to come. However, there are others who have moved to take advantage of this last-minute window of opportunity, seeing the chance before the rest of the world begins to travel again.

We are back doing what we love.

As I write, Richard is on safari with guests in the extraordinary beauty of Namibia. Michael Turner and Chris departed Monday with guests to the wide-open spaces of Tanzania. Indi is off to Rwanda, with an unexpected front-row seat to see the volcanic eruption of Mount Nyiragongo and trek for gorillas. Alex is just back from a few weeks with a group in the Maldives. Simon and Michael Lorentz finished a trip in Kenya with rave reviews. Adam is very engaged in a wildlife filming project in Botswana. Shane continues his conservation focus in Tsutsubega, Botswana and in Kenya, Calvin continues his work with Oldereksi. Malcolm has spent some quality time at his camp Shompole Wilderness in the Rift Valley and Bobby is still on his farm close to the Aberdare mountains. Tim has been busy with Alakra, the organisation he founded to help young Tanzanian women, as well as designing ingenious safari furniture in Arusha. Peter G, having finished his house, is now planning his next trip to Madagascar. Uhuru is in the Mara, setting up the private canvas units, ready to look after those of us coming to see the migration and explore the Sand River Corridor and the Sacred Forest. The crew will have been in quarantine for a full two weeks before the first guests arrive.

Of course, these are uncertain times; yet each safari has so much positive impact for the communities in the areas we travel. The need to get out there and stay engaged is critical.

Let’s hope that pillar keeps standing.  To those travelling this summer, we look forward to welcoming you soon.