In 2014, most of Europe, the UK, North America and the majority of the former British colonies and territories will be commemorating the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War. These commemorations will be times of reflection, of memory and certainly not of celebration. Much has happened in Africa since 1914 but not many people realise that there was an active and very real war fought during that period. If the Burma campaign of World War 2 was fought by the forgotten army, the African campaign of World War 1 was the forgotten war.
Whereas the carnage in Europe dominated and obliterated all other news coverage, the African campaign (campaigns) was notable for many reasons:
- The campaign in East Africa was the longest campaign of the war (5 August 1914 – 25 November 1918)
- The first shot fired in anger by a British combatant in WW1 was by RSM Grunshi (Gold Coast Regiment) in Cameroon
- The only naval vessel from WW1 still in active service today is the MV Liema (formerly the Graf von Goetzen) plying her trade as a peaceful passenger/cargo steamer on Lake Tanganyika
- The German general von Lettow-Vorbeck was the only undefeated German general of the war
- The same general was the only German commander to occupy British territory during the war; Taveta in British East Africa
- It was the first war in which organised native troops (African) on either side fought with white men and against them
- The highest casualty rate of the whole conflict due to illness and starvation rather than wounds in battle: 75%
- The longest naval battle of the war was against the German light cruiser Königsberg in the Rufiji Delta
Due to its scope and range, the majority of interest in the African campaign is focused on East Africa. Sensing an interesting and alternative tourist experience, the Sarova Taita Hills Lodge and its dynamic manager Willy Mwadilo have recently started offering battlefield tours; similar to the tours undertaken in northern France and in Zululand. In the Taita Taveta area, a significant amount of shell casings and other battlefield remnants have been found in the trenches and along the encampments.
One of the most curious stories of the war has its origin in this area: that of a German lady sniper (out to avenge her dead husband) hidden in a hollowed-out Baobab tree, which then became a target for the British and survived as the most shot at tree during the whole war and still has the bullet holes to show 100 years later.
The Kenyans and Tanzanians are the keenest to promote this battlefield tourism. Not only for the interest it will generate and money which it will earn but also as a chance to tell the story from an African perspective; of the tens of thousands of indigenous tribesmen who fought on both sides but who have no known grave and are not commemorated in well-kept cemeteries.
This is part of our universal duty of memory and it is fitting that it occurs on this great anniversary.
100 Years Anniversary of WW1 in Africa
Matemwe Lodge
Matemwe Lodge, Zanzibar, offers accommodation consisting of 12 beautiful bungalows built from local materials and surrounded by a beautiful beach.
Each lodge suite has a private veranda with hammocks and couches overlooking the Matemwe beach and Indian Ocean.
Mount Meru Hotel
Mount Meru Hotel is nestled against one of the most majestic backdrops in Africa, Mount Meru, the sister peak to Africa’s highest summit, Mount Kilimanjaro a few kilometres away from Arusha.
Mount Meru Hotel in the city of Arusha is surrounded by 9 acres of tropical landscape and breathe taking views out over the slopes of the mountain.
Kilindi Zanzibar
The absolute in 5-star luxury on the island of Zanzibar, the Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar Lodge offers up unique architectural design that embraces a sense of calm and tranquillity throughout all the while offering up the ultimate in privacy and romance.
An exceptional beach lodges and resort with views out over a white sand beach area and waters of the Indian Ocean,
Plantation Lodge
Plantation lodge's location promises maximum safari enjoyment: a stone's throw from the entrance to the Ngorongoro crater, a short hop from the Tarangire and Lake Manyara national parks, and just a short journey from the Serengeti.
Kitela Lodge
Kitela Lodge with 20 cottages is located on a coffee plantation surrounded by the incredible highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
It is from here that guests get to view wildlife, birdlife, culture all whilst staying in a haven of peace and comfort.
Dik Dik Hotel
Dik Dik Hotel in the small Tanzania town of Arusha is the ideal starting point for visitors eager to explore the splendours of the Tanzanian landscape with its rich flora and fauna, eight hectares of lush tropical gardens compliment the forested environment and attract prolific birds.
A popular hotel and for good reason, with excellent accommodation, amenities, facilities and service levels one would be hard-pressed to find better in Arusha.
Roho ya Selous
Roho ya Selous tented safari camp is located in a prime hotspot for both wildlife and birdlife in Tanzania's famed and remote Selous Game Reserve and Rufiji River.
The Rufiji River Camp in the Selous is the ideal option for those seeking out a small and intimate safari camp far away from humanity.
Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge
At Moivaro Coffee Plantation lodge, you are looked after in a unique, friendly and peaceful environment, helping you to prepare for your safaris and cosseting you on your return in the evening; a fantastic and classic Arusha boutique hotel.
Located not far from the town of Arusha and the Kilimanjaro International Airport, an ideal base from which to explore the highlights of the region.