Zebra Montage 1
Introduction

Wildebeest MigrationIt is said that the heart beat of man-kind can be heard in the vast wilderness of Eastern Africa. One of the few, true, natural wild places left on the globe, Eastern Africa has attracted adventure-seekers of all races, cultures and ages. The cycles of life and death are prevalent to any who visit this part of the continent; often displayed by the great migration of the wildebeest that travel thousands of miles each year to reach their destination, to the birthing season of the great kings and queens of the savanna. With a varying landscape of equally diverse flora and fauna, tribal villages and modern cities, and a range of natural habitats absent from any other place in the world, it is hard to deny that East Africa is a journey into nature at it’s purest.

The wilderness here provides opportunity to follow the majestic herds or track the great predators through pure, unspoiled wilderness. Coasts allow visitors to delve into the undersea wonders or discover the hidden paradise of coastal forests. Forest land means trekking on foot into a land teaming with wildlife from the bright canopies above to the comfort of the forest floors below. High mountainous regions offer sanctuary to big game and thermal currents to a plethora of bird species. Lakes are dotted with flocks of flamingo and hippo hideaways, giving a safe haven to the creatures of their vast expanses. Uncharted territory lies within the grasp of every adventuring soul as they trek out onto the dusky regions of the East African desert. It is beyond this amazing display, just out of reach of wilderness where you can see lions, rhino, wildebeest and the elusive leopard that one might catch a glimpse of a shining cityscape.

Tsavo LionsCulturally and naturally diverse, East Africa is a place of wonder. Few other places in the world would allow such a delicate balance to be struck between the natural and technological landscape. But be warned: like all naturally beautiful things—East Africa is dangerous. Afar, the wilderness is but a painted landscape of cultural beauty and pride, mysterious and compelling. To touch that wild flower, to drink the essence of the earth, to mingle with the cultures, to gaze a little closer at that pride of lions… could prove to be your demise. Africa is a truly untamed continent and in defense of the life it harbors, East Africa does, indeed, have the power to lash out and strike back at those who would forget the balance. Explore. Delve. Dream the dream of Africa. But never forget it’s demand for respect. For just as prevalent is the heart beat of man kind found on these shores, as is the power to take life as easily as it had been given.

Why East Africa?

My first images of East Africa were horrifying.

I, a sobbing five year old running to her mother about a special she had found on the television about elephant poachers. Asking the impossible 20 questions about why this happened, how it could be allowed to take place, how we could help them.

The answer came only years later when I was able to comprehend that Africa wasn’t just a simple hop, skip, and a jump away from my back door. As I began to understand politics, conservation and world-views, I slowly came to the collective understanding that life in Africa was far more complex than that of my own small-town American city.

I dedicated hours of study to Africa; it’s vast landscapes, its primal cultures, it’s seemingly never-ending landscapes of some of the most interesting animals and plants known the world over. This dedicated study has become more of a way of life for me.

I have never stopped to wonder why it is that I feel such a deep connection to Africa, nor why I feel such passion for the conservation of its animals, tribes and land. I have learned to accept that, as with all great wonders in life, some things just are.

Africa is my passion, my hope and my dream.

It is because of this that I have taken such pride in presenting this setting to the players and future gamers of this website.

Perhaps, with a small hope, that I can share my appreciation of East Africa with you.
—Leslie