“The route we are launching today is a special destination for those interested in authentic travel experiences. The Kavango people still uphold their culture and this proud tradition is what makes this route especially interesting and attractive.” So said Sem Shikongo, Director of Tourism in Namibia in his speech at the Windhoek Tourism Expo launch of the 62nd Open Africa route recently.
Stretching from Mpungu in the west to Divundu in the east, and incorporating Mahango and the Khaudum Game Park in the south, the Kavango Experience Route is populated by friendly people, prolific wildlife, pristine vegetation and rich cultural heritage. Sponsored by the Canada Fund, this route connects with others to cover the whole of the Caprivi Strip and from there deep into Zambia in the steady advancement northwards of the Open Africa network.
“It is kind of dreamy down there,” is how someone described the new premises to which we have relocated. Quiet and peaceful and in a wind shadow too, though every now and then a train rushes by just five or so metres away, momentarily jerking things back to reality. These features together with the space for parking and the comfortable interior (even sans furniture) make for a really nice Open Africa space, on top of which the address is Wilderness Road. We look forward over time to welcoming all our friends there – the street number is 35.
Donors rightfully expect many things from Open Africa. How many jobs have been created, what capacity building is done, what are the enterprise development parameters, are the participants representative of BEE, how many people trained, what are the sustainability statistics and so on. The core question at the centre of all this however should be how much business is Open Africa pumping into rural and marginalized areas? Everything else emanates from the answer to that and happily presently booking enquiries across openafrica.org are 46% up on last year despite the fact that tourism is going through a soft patch.
One of the loneliest jobs in the social space is that of raising money. Nobody will ever know how much sweat goes into that. Nor how deep you have to dig into your insides to compellingly explain in the fewest possible words why anyone should be interested in the cause. As Open Africa approaches the goal line we are in need of a seriously strong push right now, resulting in a new case statement of which the first page reads as follows. Can you see or feel from this which way it is heading?
Job creation in Africa that works for everybody
Your and my links to Africa are far more than just an airline ticket
Or that we care. Or love it for its magnificent landscapes, plentiful biodiversity, and the friendliness, hospitality and charisma of its people.
It is because even if we do not know why, something inside us recognizes this place. Recognizes that this is the birthplace of our origins. That here is where our souls feel at home.
400 million years of ancestry
That is what we share, All of us. And it started in Africa, the birthplace of humankind. Here is where our genomic journey began.
Come home
So Open Africa is inviting you for a visit. But not just an ordinary visit. Nor just to have fun. This is going to be a pilgrimage. Something that can change your life forever. And the lives of many millions of Africans too.
Documenting the autobiography of a continent
To prepare your visit Open Africa partner AEON (African Earth Observatory Network) has for 10 years been compiling the history of the destination. Divided into 20 corridors of geological events that in turn have spawned 400 nodes of present day circumstances, they are narrating how what happened over time, when and why in this house of our joint forefathers.
Which room was yours
Together with another Open Africa partner, Cape Town University’s Division of Human Genetics, we will show you which space in particular your soul recognizes in Africa.
Two-way Connectivity
Putting you back in touch with your roots and your own humanity. Reconnecting Africa with its descendants and their great accomplishments. Restoring the balance.
It is about now and the dream of a better tomorrow
About the spirit of Africa’s people, their pride, and the use of their indigenous skills; their culture, the value of their natural assets, and the use of their own resources. About liberating the renowned spirit and resilience of rural Africans through faith in their worth, building confidence, giving them strength to raise themselves through their own self-esteem.
