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African Jewelry SafariI am Tantalized by African JewelryBy Madelyn Miller
Not me. I am an indoor girl. I like food, shopping, spas and culture. So when I briefly stopped by an Adventure Travel trade show while in New York recently, I did not expected to get seduced by seeing some jewelry. Well…that is not exactly what happened.
So I asked him if all the men in Africa wore jewelry like that---because if they did, I wanted to go shopping. I think he was surprised. I think most people ask him about Africa, wild animals, and safaris. Not too many people at an adventure travel show go nutso over the jewelry. But after talking to him for awhile, I decided I wanted to get to Africa for more than the jewelry as he described the safaris where they even make birthday cake over an open flame. Good food and jewelry. Sign me up. So what if I have to sleep outside and might be woken up by some wildlife. Then, I learned that there are luxury lodges near all the best National Parks so I don't even have to sleep outside. Definitely sign me up. Soon I learned that my new friend’s name was Winston and he actually owns an exclusive Tanzanian safari company. Here are some of the questions most people ask. If you are interested in jewelry, you will have to contact him directly. The necklace I am wearing in the picture is mine now. You will have to get your own FREQUENTLY ASKED SAFARI QUESTIONSHow safe is Tanzania?
There are many news stories of people taking an African safari, and being robbed at gunpoint. Take a good look at the stories. We won’t point fingers at other countries, except to say, these stories are not about Tanzania. Like any country, there are certain areas in certain cities that are less safe than others. Use the same common sense you would use when walking the streets of, for instance, New York City. Winston will advise that you leave all flashy jewelry and expensive watches at home. You won’t need them on safari, and a pick-pocket won’t be tempted to snatch it, if you are not wearing it.
In 50 years of documented tourist safaris in Tanzania there have been only two deaths, both by old buffalo. In both instances the tourists ignored their guide’s advice and aggravated the buffalo.
However, you should have no fear of the animals. In the parks, they have never been hunted and have not learned to fear or hate man. As long as you listen to your guide and take whatever precaution he recommends you will be completely safe.
Health:Do I need any inoculations? Yes. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the following are required:
You may also need a DPT booster (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis). Plan to visit your doctor at least 6 weeks before your safari. Some of these medications take a few weeks to become effective. Anything else I should do in advance for my health? Yes, you need to begin malaria prophylaxis. This is taken orally, starts before your safari, and finishes after your safari. Plan to visit your doctor at least 6 weeks before your safari. Are medications commonly available while I’m on safari? NO! Over the counter medications such as aspirin, Tylenol, cold capsules, etc., are available at some lodges and in some towns. But you cannot count on anything being available to you while you are on safari. We advise you to have a discussion with your physician concerning medications he/she recommends for you to take. At a minimum, we recommend:
Can I catch anything from insect bites? Yes, it is possible. Although there are not many mosquitoes out and about in the dry season, it only takes one bite from a mosquito carrying dengue fever, or a host of other potential diseases to infect you. Mosquitoes are more plentiful in the wet season than the dry. There are tsetse flies all year round, mostly in bush areas. They are almost completely absent in the plains. Mostly they are a nuisance with a nasty little nip. However, in some places, like Tarangire park, they carry sleeping sickness. We recommend a two-pronged approach to protect yourself from insect bites: 1. Purchase and take with you, a non-aerosol repellent containing 50% or more DEET. 2. Buy a permethrin repellent to spray on your clothes before packing. Winston Safaris and Trekking, Ltd. does only private custom safaris. You will not be on a package tour with strangers. You will not be in an air-conditioned van which is incapable of off-roading. You will be in a 4wd vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimum game viewing. Your itinerary will be custom designed, just for you. So, if you want to shop for beaded jewelry, tell Winston and he will make sure that several stops to Maasai villages will be included in your trip. Bring Hand Mirrors. Maasai women love them and can't get them. Valuable trading tools! Someone needs to start Jewelry Hunting trips. Maybe I can convince Winston. Maybe I am not the only woman more interested in adorning her body with beads than looking at the animals. For more information on Winston Safaris and Trekking, Contact Margaret Bain, V.P. of U.S. Operations Winston Safaris and Trekking, Ltd Adventure expo www.adventureexpo.com |
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TM
Most people want to go to Africa to view the wildlife,
to experience a safari, or marvel at the magnificent scenery.
I saw an African man in native dress, with sandals made
of tires and incredible beadwork on his belt and bracelets. I was in love
(with the jewelry). I decided I had to have it (the jewelry).
Tanzania is a stable, democratic country whose citizens
appreciate the value of tourism, and the money it brings to the Tanzanian
economy.
How safe is safari?
Winston can give you the experience you want. If
up-close-and-personal is not how you want to experience the animals, then
Winston will be glad to book you an all-lodge safari. You will sleep with
firm walls between you and the great outdoors. While driving, Winston will
only go as close to the animals as you want. 
So, if up-close-and-personal is what you always dreamed
of, book a luxury tented safari. You might have a lion come to smell your
tent in the night so close you can hear him breath. Or, you might sleep
under the trees of a forest that is home to a leopard. That is, if you’re
lucky!