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
Mount Meru Game Lodge
Mount Meru Game Lodge and wildlife sanctuary not far at all from the Tanzania town of Arusha is set in beautiful and tranquil surroundings with magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Game Lodge near Arusha forms part of a wildlife sanctuary and provides guests and especially children, the chance to get up close and personal with many of the orphaned animals and birds.
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.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is set in the heart of a mahogany forest within the Lake Manyara National Park, offering an experience of remoteness, privacy and understated luxury, an asset within one of Tanzania's most prized national Parks.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge and its treehouse suites that offer the utmost in luxury in a safari destination that offers guests only the best.
Kibo Palace Hotel
The Arusha Kibo Palace Hotel has been well known to many people for many years for providing excellent accommodation, food and organizing Mt. Kilimanjaro treks; sits amidst landscaped gardens of fruit trees, tropical trees and exotic flowers in Arusha.
Kibo Palace in Arusha offers up the ideal base from which to explore the area and Mount Kilimanjaro, a popular hotel used by hikers.
Dik Dik Hotel
Dik Dik Hotel in the small Tanzania town of Arusha is the ideal starting point for visitors eager to explore the splendours of the Tanzanian landscape with its rich flora and fauna, eight hectares of lush tropical gardens compliment the forested environment and attract prolific birds.
A popular hotel and for good reason, with excellent accommodation, amenities, facilities and service levels one would be hard-pressed to find better in Arusha.
Roho ya Selous
Roho ya Selous tented safari camp is located in a prime hotspot for both wildlife and birdlife in Tanzania's famed and remote Selous Game Reserve and Rufiji River.
The Rufiji River Camp in the Selous is the ideal option for those seeking out a small and intimate safari camp far away from humanity.
Serengeti Pioneer Camp
Serengeti Pioneer Camp is themed after the original safari camps of the 1930's, located in the central Serengeti National Park region within an area called the Moru Kopjes.
An exceptional camp by any stretch of the imagination, perfect for small families and couples alike.
Tarangire Treetops Lodge
Astride the path of the Elephant Migration, Treetops sits alone in a private game reserve bordering the Tarangire National Park and the Maasai Steppe amid rolling, baobab-studded hills with views of Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley wall.
Game drives in the Tarangire can compete with the best in Africa; one will certainly not be disappointed by any stretch of the imagination.