Alan McSmith Safaris turns 25Feb 2024
In 1999 Sarah and i left Tanda Tula to embark on an amazing journey.
A journey of exploration, discovery, privilege and deep personal meaning. One that has taken us through the wild-lands of 7 African countries in search of the ultimate wilderness and wildlife encounter. For us, this has always been under canvas, at a remote bush camp, preferably at the end of a distant dirt track, and always around an isolated campfire.
Often under only the stars themselves.
It could be said that this is the address of life, the luxury of time, of space and of belonging. Just perhaps, home happens when we realise that we belong to the land, and that the land does not belong to us. This is what the old continent allows, if you choose to dive in on ‘her' terms, that is.
Along the journey we have seen our industry evolve and grow. And these spaces are fewer now, and have become more precious than ever before. Conservation awareness remains a non-negotiable absolute in our work and philosophy. Wilderness has never been a place for us, but a way of life and we continue to explore this relationship with the wild. One that declares that nature is not a thing apart and that the human soul depends on her ways.
And then there are elephants.
To walk the same ancient pathways, to drink the same water and to breathe the same air as the largest walking mammal on the blue planet is both humbling and inspiring. For no man walks down this pathway twice. After all this time we are often asked "what is your most memorable elephant encounter?" The answer? The next one.
And through it all we have been blessed to connect with the most extraordinary people. Folks who have changed our lives forever. We have many mentors out there. To Jake and Meg who have been the most enlightening lanterns along the trail, and have stuck with us through all the thin. And for bringing such wonderful people into our precious little herd. Thank you, we love you and are so grateful.
So in short, despite this milestone, nothing but everything has changed. Our intention for the past 25 years has never been to push the boundaries of wilderness, but only to nudge those of our own and our clients. This journey has now magnified itself to do more of the same, and with even more respect, humility and curiosity than before.
We continue to take our lead from the wild.
Onwards ...
Alan & Sarah
In 1999 Sarah and i left Tanda Tula to embark on an amazing journey.
A journey of exploration, discovery, privilege and deep personal meaning. One that has taken us through the wild-lands of 7 African countries in search of the ultimate wilderness and wildlife encounter. For us, this has always been under canvas, at a remote bush camp, preferably at the end of a distant dirt track, and always around an isolated campfire.
Often under only the stars themselves.
It could be said that this is the address of life, the luxury of time, of space and of belonging. Just perhaps, home happens when we realise that we belong to the land, and that the land does not belong to us. This is what the old continent allows, if you choose to dive in on ‘her' terms, that is.
Along the journey we have seen our industry evolve and grow. And these spaces are fewer now, and have become more precious than ever before. Conservation awareness remains a non-negotiable absolute in our work and philosophy. Wilderness has never been a place for us, but a way of life and we continue to explore this relationship with the wild. One that declares that nature is not a thing apart and that the human soul depends on her ways.
And then there are elephants.
To walk the same ancient pathways, to drink the same water and to breathe the same air as the largest walking mammal on the blue planet is both humbling and inspiring. For no man walks down this pathway twice. After all this time we are often asked "what is your most memorable elephant encounter?" The answer? The next one.
And through it all we have been blessed to connect with the most extraordinary people. Folks who have changed our lives forever. We have many mentors out there. To Jake and Meg who have been the most enlightening lanterns along the trail, and have stuck with us through all the thin. And for bringing such wonderful people into our precious little herd. Thank you, we love you and are so grateful.
So in short, despite this milestone, nothing but everything has changed. Our intention for the past 25 years has never been to push the boundaries of wilderness, but only to nudge those of our own and our clients. This journey has now magnified itself to do more of the same, and with even more respect, humility and curiosity than before.
We continue to take our lead from the wild.
Onwards ...
Alan & Sarah