Capturing Africa’s Untamed Beauty

---

Before kids and Calgary, Regina and I saw Jurassic Park on the big screen in downtown. Edmonton. People my age will remember what a revelation the special effects were for that time period.

My favorite part of the movie, however, was not the special effects. Rather, it was the reaction of the scientists when they first see the dinosaurs - joy and disbelief in equal measures.

For me, that is Africa. And that is why I hope to go back many times.

In 2010, we did our first family trip there. Alex was 13, John was 11. Flying out of Maun, Botswana, to a camp in the Okavango Delta. We were low enough to see herds of buffalo, Elephants, and Hippos. At one point, 4 or 5 galloping Giraffes appeared below us.

After landing at the Airstrip, we hopped in a Land Cruiser for a ride to the camp. Immediately, some Impalas came into view. And then a kudu. And then, around the bend, a towering Giraffe. We were those scientists in Jurassic Park.

If you are lucky enough to be able to, go to Africa.

Smelling the sage, you will feel as if you have returned home. When a Leopard or Lion fixes its gaze on you, a shiver will go down your spine - undoubtedly an instinct buried in our DNA from long ago!

And if you are really lucky and you look into the eyes of a Gorilla or chimpanzee, you will feel a kinship. You just will.