That place that Inspired me…
Giraffe Sanctuary, Nairobi, Kenya
How can a travel destination be inspiring?
Is it a place that changed your perspectives in life?
A place that encourages you to do something more in life?
Is it simply a destination that inspires a smile on your face?
Or a happy heart?
When I think of an inspirational place that changed my life and covered all of these aspects, it’s hard to go past Africa.
It’s a place that changed the way I look at life. It changed how I see animals. It changed my perspective on owning possessions and clothes. It inspired me to be a better person. To live a more thoughtful life.
Elephant feeding, Nairobi Elephant Orphanage, Kenya
Meeting the people of Africa
Sadia Orphanage, Kenya
From Sadia orphanage in Kenya, the local orphans in Kibale, Uganda to the local people on the roadside. Every single one held a huge smile and incredible laugh. They were so happy.
The things westerners generally deem necessary like a wardrobe of clothes and 5 plus a day food items, these people did not have.
Yet they were happy and full of life.
It puts in perspective how much we actually need to feel happy.
Budding photographer at Sadia Orphanage, Kenya
Sadia Orphanage, Kenya
Sadia Orphanage, Kenya
Sadia Orphanage, Kenya
I buy things out of necessity usually now, some things are creature comforts but they’ve taken me years to allow myself to buy. Like a cushion for a couch. I put more value on decent food than processed now and really weigh up how many possessions I need to own to live happily.
People on the roadside, Kenya
Waving on the roadside, Kenya
People on the roadside, Kenya
There was heartbreak at times and sadness from genocide memorials to child labour. Sometimes it set me in a mode of sheer confusion.
Child Labour, Uganda
Walking the train tracks from city to slum
Child on roadside in Kampala, Uganda
Roadside cooking, Uganda
Markets in Africa
There were so many people helping others and making a difference in the world, then there were the hidden ones that cause more damage than good. But I guess that’s the same all over the world.
Meeting the people of Africa made me want to do more in the world. To make a difference. To help others.
Seeing animals wild and free
Never again will I feel the desire to visit a zoo.
Baby baboon’s that are carried by cuddling the back or tummy of a parent, Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
Seeing animals wild and free roaming the African plains is incredible. They seem so happy and healthy. Yes, they are in danger of being poached, but they are living a real life.
Lion pack, Etosha National Park, Namibia
Waterhole, Etosha National Park, Namibia
Leopard, Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
How much of a life is a lion or elephant kept in a small enclosure in a zoo, compared to the vast area of Africa’s national parks and valleys?
The sanctuaries I’ve visited in Kenya, Namibia and even in Ecuador have all given me plenty to consider when it comes to the amount of space wild animals need vs their safety and wellbeing. Each of these places tried their best to give as much space as possible to the animals, some more than others, but none of them will ever crowd animals like a zoo.
Leopards, Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary
Wild Dogs being fed
Baby Baboons, Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary
The baboons and monkeys are perfect proof of this. They can run like no tomorrow (and get into all sorts of mischief). Compared to a zoo enclosure where they often see no daylight or actual grass. I live in hope that some of the zoos I’ve visited in the past improve, but it will be nothing compared to the wild.
Why have animals locked up for human enjoyment? You can’t tell me it’s always to preserve the species from extinction.
Landscapes of Africa
Then you come to the pure beauty that Africa holds in its nature. It’s stunning. It inspires peace.
Campsite at Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
Near Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
View from Table Mountain over Cape Town
Dune 45, Namibia
Sunset over Spitzkoppe with the group, Namibia
Africa inspired me to make a difference in the world.
I’m not sure if I will ever get that chance or to what level that will be. Yet, I live in hope that I’ll find my place in life to make that difference. For the moment its small steps within my own life (and my travel blog), who knows what the future holds!
Really enjoyed this reflection on your time in Africa, Ngaire. It’s certainly inspired me to get to Africa again one day. Just been to South Africa, and loved every minute of it. Thanks again!
Totally recommend it! I still need to go back too, missed a few middle and Western Africa countries out!
This resonates with me so much as I am from Kenya. LOVE LOVE LOVE
You have a lovely country!
Very thought provoking. I’ve been to South Africa and found that a very inspiring place particularly the focus on peace and reconciliation. I would love to see more of Africa.
So true, hope you get to see more if it one day!
I love Kenya!
It’s stunning isn’t it?!
You have such beautiful photos here, and what a heartfelt piece of writing! I think everyone should experience a place where people manage to be happy with so little at some point in life – it really does change your perspective.
Polly xx
Aww thank you Polly.
I been to Zanzibar and had a similar feeling.. I was very inspired.
I fell in love with Tanzania when I went on honeymoon but there is so much more of Southern Africa it got me wanting to visit especially the Victoria Falls, South Africa & Rwanda or Uganda. Your images are lovely.
Highly recommend all those spots! Visiting the gorillas is incredible in Rwanda or Uganda
Truly inspiring!
Thanks!
Yes, Africa looks pretty inspiring! I’m yet to get there myself, but really want to so I for reasons similar to those that have inspired you 🙂
It’s a place unlike anywhere else, hope you get there sometime!
What an amazing trip. I’d love to see animals in the wild like that.
Africa is pretty incredible
We share the same love for Africa! It really is probably my favourite continent. From Rwanda to Cape Town I’ve loved every moment.
Awww it’s pretty incredible isn’t it?!
Those gorgeous, gorgeous souls Ngaire!
What an inspiring post, it is too easy to not see the real country – very reflective
Thanks for reading!