ABOUT
The Gossip
In the pioneering days on the African continent, exploration of uncharted territories was a romantic pursuit impossible to parallel in the "civilised" world. Though dangerous and often deadly, those whose spirit of adventure outweighed their fears flocked to places all over Africa to make their mark-either in the public limelight, like many of the renowned explorers, or privately, making do with a soul enriching and often life changing experience. As exploration by foot gave way to technical advancement, authentic African pioneers, especially in Kenya, took to the skies and aviation became the most efficient way to explore, and the most romantic way to live, the magic that was deep dark Africa.
Despite the existence of other modes of transportation, the aeroplane, locally deemed the "bush plane," became the pre-eminent vessel for wealthy colonials who sought ultimate adventure. These early explorers, both those who were funded on formal missions and those who simply made Africa their home because of its mystery and glory, created the fabric of the colonial lifestyle in Kenya. And their stories became folklore for those abroad that could only dream of Africa and the inspiration for future generations of young Kenyans.
I developed a vicarious nostalgia for this romantic past and an obsession for wild places and exploration at a very early age. Born a third generation Kenyan in 1971, I grew up in Thika on one of the original coffee farms established during the colonial era. As an only child to divorced parents, I spent most of my time in the company of my maternal grandparents and uncle who all played key roles in my upbringing and provided me with the sense of adventure and inquisitiveness that ensured I would want to explore and learn to fly throughout my life.
After attending boarding school in the Great Rift Valley followed by high school in Nairobi, I felt the need to discover lands further a field than the Kenyan borders I knew so well. This desire took me to England, and while living in the UK, I travelled extensively in Europe, but I very rapidly began missing Africa. Concurrently, my family began a safari operation in Tanzania using camels as main mode of transport. Their mission: to allow travellers to experience more remote frontiers than could be reached by safari vehicle and they appealed to me to develop the itineraries. This opportunity to be a modern-day explorer was too tempting to resist and I packed my bags and headed for Tanzania.
After supervising the building and establishing the logistical operation of the camel base camp, I set out on many a reconnaissance mission with camels in tow. I walked with only the provisions that we and the camels could carry. Walking the entire way around and across the famous Lake Natron, and perhaps being the only white man to have done so, the explorer dream for me became a reality, and I was honoured to be invited as fellow of the Royal Geographical Society for these explorations. Utilising bush skills that were necessary for the most basic survival and interacting with tribes that I had never been exposed to in the more conventional safari formats, I learned the meaning of truly being at one with nature and the wilderness.
I spent 2 years with Camels Only before the desire to learn more about the diversity of East Africa led me to begin working as a freelance safari guide and camp builder throughout the region. This opportunity allowed me to focus on learning more about the incredible wildlife that makes the area one of the most unique ecosystems in the world.
I decided in 1999 to take one year to travel the world. I covered 5 of the 7 continents and ended up being ‘on the road’ for 18 months. Upon my return I again realised the magnificent treasure that was at my fingertips in my own backyard. I quickly took a job managing a luxury bush camp and set out to realise my childhood dream: learning to fly. I obtained my private pilot's license, finally flying the skies of Kenya. I then went on to earn his commercial pilot's license, instrument and night credentials from the British American Flying School in San Diego, California.
During one of the many tourism downturns, I was forced to take a job in Pakistan building and then managing a police training camp that was funded by the US government. I ended up doing this for 4 years and in this time built a wealth of security experience which has led me to my present job, sadly more desk bound, since I have started a family.
Combining my passion for flying, wilderness and exploration, I thought it would be of some interest to put down a few stories and experiences of my exploration and flying experiences. They are not necessarily in chronological order and I have omitted names for the privacy and security of the people I talk about.