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What Is And Will Always Be (Part 1)

There are some things in this world that defy conventional description, where language can fall short of communicating these experiences or the complex meanings behind them. In the same way that an inspiring dream or revelation can evade articulation, I’ve always found it difficult to describe my love for Africa to someone who has never been. However, that has never stopped me from trying to understand the root of this passion that has inspired so many artists, writers, adventurers, hunters and conservationists over the centuries.

In my experience there is little sentimental middle ground; one either can’t endure the harsh elements, relentless insects, and logistical chaos, or one absolutely loves it and the charms sink deep into one’s bones, never to leave. Africa becomes a calling that must be answered and many have pursued it relentlessly even to their demise. But what is it exactly that we love so much? Ask anyone who’s spent an extended amount of time in the bush and they’ll probably tell you that it’s small observations of the senses that provide the vibrant source of what we know Africa to be. These are things you often don’t realise until later, having to reflect on the source of mild melancholy that creeps in once you return home. 

For me it has become something of a sickness; a dull ache of longing that surfaces in some way or another almost every day. Despite long stints between safaris or too much time spent in the city, these memories hardly fade and are brought to the front of the mind with undeniable force at the scent of certain woodsmoke, the pang of a fly bite or the colourful sound of Swahili. The signifiers of memories might vary for each of us but the result is the same, and in this way the complexity of experiencing Africa becomes more clear. 

It’s the symphony of sound hinting at the constant scrape for survival: the call of mourning doves, the hum of cicadas and crickets, a distant raptor’s call or the lethargic honks of a wildebeest herd that stretches well beyond the horizon...

Part 2 of Tyler's sensorial journey in Africa will launch this coming Friday 17th July 2020. Watch this space...

The Explora Blog is the world’s premier online journal for field sports enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, conservationists and admirers of bespoke gunmaking, fine leather goods and timeless safari clothes. Each month Westley Richards publishes up to 8 blog posts on a range of topics with an avid readership totalling 500,000+ page views per year.

Blog post topics include: Finished custom rifles and bespoke guns leaving the Westley Richards factory; examples of heritage firearms with unique designs and celebrated owners like James Sutherland and Frederick Courtenay Selous; the latest from the company pre-owned guns and rifles collection; interviews with the makers from the gun and leather factory; new season safari wear and country clothing; recent additions to our luxury travel bags and sporting leather goodsrange; time well spent out in the field; latest news in the sporting world; and key international conservation stories.

2 Comments

  • William L ( Bill) Jones on July 14, 2020 at 7:43 pm

    Well done Tyler. I have those same feelings daily. I’ve been in most of Africa over 35 years. Sometimes several safaris per year. One never can escape the love or beckoning of Africa, always calling you to return. Best, Bill Jones

  • James E Davidson, Jr on July 16, 2020 at 8:10 pm

    Our family shared 10 wonderful safaris together in Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa over a 9 year period. Mr. Taylor speaks well of the experience felt by us all.
    Thank you.
    Jim

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