Considering Trail Risk
It may seem that humans are preposterously vulnerable out in the African savanna. Nearly every large animal that occupy this space is stronger, faster and ‘toothier’ than us. So, how did it come to be that our species survived the savanna for hundreds of thousands of years, despite this imminent threat from dangerous animals?
Why Choose a Primitive Trail?
If there is one thing that we are certain of at Lowveld Trails Co. it is that immersive experiences in wild places changes the way that people think and behave. We are proud to be driving a travel option with a positive impact. Primitive Trails can improve the ecological integrity of a landscape while increasing participant’s well-being and support for Wilderness conservation. It’s not just tourism, its regenerative travel.
Trail de Akagera
There were two more sets of eyes reflecting back from a thicket nearby. “We’ve got company” I told Jackson as the pale shapes of two male Lions appeared in my binoculars. Nobody knew these Lions better than Jackson; one of the Park’s more experienced Field Rangers that had been tasked with monitoring the population since their reintroduction in 2015. The two male Lions were now striding leisurely towards us as Jackson and I held our position in front of the group.
At the End of the Rainbow
His noble arrival grew more gripping with each stride as he calmly moved towards the group. We happened to be positioned directly between him and the spring. Although he was still unaware of our presence, it became clear that interaction would be unavoidable.
Assume Nothing, Expect Anything
There was no uncertainty. I had to kill or be killed. Assisted by a surge of adrenalin and muscle memory I prepared my rifle, placed it in my shoulder and took aim. My sights neatly lined up with the Buffalo’s brain as I confidently squeezed the trigger with less than five paces between us.
Trails Guide ‘Dreamtime’
Aboriginal Australians have developed, and are bound by, highly complex belief systems that interconnects the land, spirituality, law, social life and care of the environment.
A Native Land Ethic
In 1854, the President of the United States in Washington (the “Great White Chief”) made a purchase offer for a large area of Indian land and promised a ‘reservation’ for the Indian people. Chief Seattle’s reply has been described as one of the most profound statement of modern environmental matters.
“How can you buy or sell the sky, the warmth of the land? The idea is strange to us. If we do not own the freshness of the air and sparkle of the water, how can you buy them?” -Chief Si’ahl
‘Three Command System’
George B. Shaw summed up the current status of the Trail Guides’ Brief when he said; “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place”. This greatly neglected, yet critical discussion between the Lead and Back-Up Trail Guides before a walking safari should include standard operational procedures (SOP’s) or ‘golden commands’ for a sudden situation or dangerous encounter.
Trail Junkie
Follow the journey of a recovering addict as he explores the origin of his compulsive behaviour. “I had to understand myself better. I had to understand you better. Why do Primitive Trails make us feel so good?”
