A Diary among Friends from Niassa Reserve
I first came here five years ago and it seems that some days I feel I just arrived and others that I should have left a long time ago depending upon my mood, or depending on her mood. I quite adore it for the most part and endure it for the other. It’s a place of change that never sleeps but continues however excruciatingly slow as well as mystifyingly fast depending on your view from day to day. Niassa Reserve indeed is a Rare Bird, she bares ruffled feathers from many struggles past, present and to come, often or not inviting you in to take part of the ebb and flow of her way, and you are duly stricken by her charms and made aware of her needs, needs that left unattended will most definitely lead to the collapse of this International Treasure.
I am writing this as much for me as for the place called Niassa Reserve. I have been searching for a way of personal contribution and have over time conjured up many ideas that try to correspond to the successful future of her wellness, but none approached the solving of her problems with any expediency. The thing that she needs most in my opinion is to be known. And so I listen, observe, put my feet on her soil, feel her pulse and write. I can’t stand the thoughts of things changing for the worst here, it would be like an old home place with all the family history, pictures, books etc. burning to the ground. This is all I know to do for now and I sincerely hope it helps to get out the Message. The Message that in all the world there are places that need to be fought for to remain as they are, not rushed and pushed down the road to oblivion for such paltry sums of monetary gain that will be forgotten tonight before our heads touch the pillow of sleep. Most places that are rare and are in crisis are already well known. I have no idea how to judge which is more important and which deserves the quickest attention. All I know is that there are a handful of advocates that over the past ten years or so have hung on tenaciously defending the realization that right in front of them is something that demands their sacrifice and they have willingly given. I hope through their words and those of my own, you will recognize also, what we have come to know and begin to share with others this remarkable place. I hope you seek the opportunity to visit and make your own memories in a place that deserves you presence and your acknowledgement. Audwin P. Mcgee, Oct 2009, Luchenge Camp Block C, Niassa Reserve.
This Diary is dedicated to the memory of wildlife species that are no longer with us, that exist no longer on this earth, to those that are destined by us to follow in their footsteps.
Each of the contributors to “Dancing with the Wild Beasts” is well acquainted with Niassa Reserve and I will give a brief description of their role there. I will also direct you to other information if available on the individual themselves. Some are Professional Researchers, Concession Operators, or employees of the Reserve. There will be opinions and information from Government officials as well as stories from various characters even the average poacher.
Keith and Colleen Begg; Resident Researchers Niassa Reserve
Annabella Rodriguez; CEO of SRDN and Chief Game Warden of Niassa Reserve
Derek Littleton; Manager/Operator, "Luwire" Lugenda Wildlife Reserve and Safaris
Paula Ferro; Paula has lived and worked in the Reserve for the past five years researching the native people there.
Rob Janisch; One Africa
Bryan Allen; Bryan Allen Photography
Audwin McGee; I have lived and worked among the above for the past five years, awsome folks. A.P.McGee, Kurtz and Marlow Inc. Sons of Savages
David Langerman (manawana). David works as a PH for Luwire Safaris, has spent most of his life in and around the Safari Bussiness of Africa.
Thomas Prin; Field Officer, Foundation IGF Mozambique
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