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
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.
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a unique blend of world-class luxury, timeless volcanic splendour and ethnic style, as for the views, from lilac-streaked sunrise to indigo star-studded night, the immeasurably ancient NgorongoroCrater delivers a theatre of vistas.
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is perfectly positioned on the rim overlooking those famed Ngorongoro crater views.
Selous Serena Camp
Selous Serena Camp in the Selous Game Reserve offers guests 12 tented suites that is perfect for couples and families with older children.
The Camp with 360-degree views over the surrounding Selous teaming with birdlife and wildlife is ideal for those wanting to experience this true wildlife region of Tanzania.
Sanctuary Kusini Camp
Sanctuary Kusini Camp is perfectly sited in a cluster of kopjes, Kusini's 12 luxury safari tents blend seamlessly into the surrounding game-rich plains, part of the charm here is its remote location offering exceptional and essentially private game viewing.
One of the better options for a Serengeti safari in the southern regions of the Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti Migration Camp
Migration Camp is an upmarket tented camp, located in absolute isolation among the wide flat rocks and acacia of the Serengeti, above a northern Grumeti River; the camp exudes a decadence reminiscent of old Africa.
For those seeking out the very best safari adventure to witness the wildebeest migration, this Serengeti camp is for you.
andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge
andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge, with ten tented suites on the banks of the Grumeti River, offers seasonal sightings of the Great Wildebeest Migration, including river crossings.
Located in an area of the Serengeti famed for its high densities of cheetahs, numerous prides of lions and solitary leopards.
Tarangire Safari Lodge
At the heart of Tarangire Safari Lodge are the impressively high thatched roofs over looking some of the best views in the whole of Tanzania.
The lounge area at Tarangire Safari Lodge has oversized armchairs made from old Zanzibari dhow boats, which make a perfect place to relax in the evenings.
Sand Rivers Selous
Sand Rivers Selous on the banks of the Rufiji River in one of Africa's largest reserves offers a blend of classic safari elegance and that rugged bush adventure feel.
A small and intimate Selous camp with just eight rooms and suites and more activities that one can shake a stick at.