“I lived in Africa for several years. I first went there in 1957. Then, over the next forty years, I returned whenever the opportunity arose. I travelled extensively, avoiding official routes, palaces, important personages, and high-level politics. Instead, I opted to hitch rides on passing trucks, wander with nomads through the desert, be the guest … Continue reading The Cobra’s Heart
Tag: Travel
When in Rome. Or Africa.
Whenever I find myself in front of a group of students, or young people aspiring to work in development, I’m usually asked to share one piece of advice with them. I usually go with this: Get out there while you can and understand the context of the people you aspire to help. As you get … Continue reading When in Rome. Or Africa.
Footsteps
I’m something of a walker. During my time at Stanford University my battered old trainers got me to and from most places, as they did in San Francisco and as they continue to do today in London, Cambridge and anywhere else life takes me. Walking – accompanied by my trusty iPod – is the only … Continue reading Footsteps
11 days, 12000 miles, progress, and sheep.
Eleven days and 8,500 miles ago I stepped on a plane to Washington DC (I’m about to do a final 3,500-odd miles back to London). It’s been a hectic but very productive few days. To kick things off, I spent a couple of days with the Institute for Reproductive Health helping them design a prototype … Continue reading 11 days, 12000 miles, progress, and sheep.
Chilubula 08.93 to Karuma 08.98
This is no ordinary August. In fact, it’s a bit of a double anniversary for me… If you’d have come looking for me fifteen years ago, you’d have needed to get yourself to Chilubula, a small town about an hours drive from Kasama in northern Zambia, where I was working on a building project. In … Continue reading Chilubula 08.93 to Karuma 08.98
Mobiles in Africa: A Travellers Perspective
This essay was originally commissioned in April 2008 by Vodafone receiver, Vodafone’s “neutral space where pioneer thinkers challenge you to discuss exciting and future-oriented aspects of communications technologies”. All images taken from the kiwanja Mobile Gallery It didn’t take us long to find it. After all, mobile phone masts aren’t that easy to hide, and … Continue reading Mobiles in Africa: A Travellers Perspective
What not to do on safari: Take a rubbish camera
When you visit one of the only national parks in Africa where you can freely walk – quite literally – among the animals, make sure you have a decent camera with you. After all, it’s not every day that a pack of African wild dogs pass through. Here’s one looking for breakfast. As for the … Continue reading What not to do on safari: Take a rubbish camera