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
Mivumo River Lodge
Serena Mivumo River Lodge comprises 12 superior rooms decorated in an elegant African style of a bygone era incorporating local materials from the region, within Africa's largest game reserve, the Selous Game Reserve, a proclaimed world heritage site.
The Selous lodge is situated on the Rufiji River in the Selous and offers fantastic game drive options in the area where Wild Dog is often spotted.
Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Zanzibar Serena Hotel is located in the heart of Stone Town; this stunning property is set in two historic seafront buildings that have been integrated and restored into a unique single property echoing the grandeur of days past.
One of the better hotels for those looking for something in the heart of Stone Town.
The Manor at Ngorongoro
The Manor at Ngorongoro, with 19 rooms is perfectly positioned adjacent to the famous Ngorongoro crater all within a 1500-acre Arabica coffee estate.
One of the first safari lodges of its kind to blend East African hospitality with old-world Afro-European architecture and decor.
Singita Sasakwa Lodge
Singita Sasakwa Lodge is situated on top of Sasakwa Hill with panoramic views of the vast Plains below; this Serengeti National Park lodge is built in the style of an East African ranch house.
If it's solitude you seek, then Grumeti Reserves is the place to be, game drive safaris near the Grumeti River are fantastic year round.
Olakira Migration Camp
Olakira Camp, with her nine intimate en-suite traditional safari tents, follows the massive herds of wildebeest to two spectacular locations in the north and south of the Serengeti National Park.
Expert Serengeti and Maasai safari guides and trackers with specialist knowledge showcase all that is one of the natural wonders of the World.
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.
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.
Maramboi Tented Camp
Maramboi Tented Camp offers permanent accommodation facilities and endless vistas of rolling golden grasslands and palm-lined desert between Tarangire and Lake Manyara; accommodation is ten spacious tents on generous, ample wooden decks.
Maramboi Tented Camp is surrounded by an area of plains with Lake Manyara in the distance; wildlife sightings here are exceptional.