It might sound a bit strange none the less here I go. Years ago I watched a discovery type TV programme about one of the African villages that is located on an ocean\'s shore, don\'t remember which one. People in that village were making living by building boats, fishing in the ocean and selling that fish on a market in the nearest town. Does anyone know locations of such villages in Africa? How practical is to join one of those villages for let\'s say 6-12 months? The reason I am asking is that I want to go away from civilization for some time to thing about things and this is a good way to do that.
Thank you.
Reply to this You might be thinking of Zanzibar...Bwejuu or Stonetown maybe? Its an island off the coast of Tanzania. I dont know if you can join a village...
Reply to this There are many places where you can be accepted as a guest and eventualy taken into a family. Once they embrace you, you can participate in their day-today activities. The most important aspect is finding what anthropologists call ''social entry''. How do you approach them such that they will accept you on face value without suspecting you of ulterior motives? ordinary Africans worry about researchers who take them for experiment specimens .
In Kenya Uganda and Tanzania inland, there are communities aound Africa's largest lake-Lake Victoria. The lives of people here is basically allabout fishing, eating,selling the same to buy other essentials. May be if you join a local youth group and say you will be training them some sort of skill then you will be overwhelmed by the genuine african hospitality.I hope this helps.pato
Reply to this you can go to ethiopia around omo valley or lake tana.which you can get all you said in your message.
Reply to this Hi, i agree with Pato
"Social entry" is very important, and one needs to honestly evaluate one's own intentions. Remember that most people through Africa, though they may live in a setting of paradise, few live totally independent of some form of financial income, as small as it may be. You need to find the balance by bringing something of worth to them, contributing to their livelihood in return for the luxury of indefinite "guesthood" and space to think about things.
Reply to this Regarding living in an African village, one thing is for sure - you are going to learn a new language. Do not under-estimate the importance. It will make all the difference to your interactions and relationships, so try to learn something before getting there, even if only a greeting and introduction and perhaps an apology about you not being able to speak their language better, or that you are still learning. Take a look at the following forum for an interesting perspective and possibility of language learning and authentic cultural experience in South Africa. The Ubuntu Bridge Experience.
Southafrica-direct or go straight to
Ubuntu Bridge Reply to this I too wish to live in Africa -- South Africa near the Drakkensberg Mountains and I do not wish to stay in a B&B, but rather in one of the small towns and rent a room or a home for a few months or longer. Any ideas?
Reply to this There was a Canadian living near my school in Malawi who had rented some land from the local headman and was living beside the sea in a tent hung from the trees, and farming his land for maize, cassava and vegetables, which he swapped with his neighbours for fish (he was useless at fishing). He made some friends, and as far as I know was content, although all the village elders I spoke to were suspicious about him. Eventually he was arrested by police because he hadn't renewed his visa and was expelled from the country.
I can't imagine a Westerner living in a rural African village and getting by. The people would on the whole welcome you into their community, but it is you as a person who probably would not fit in. The culture difference, the hard life, and if you have any money the african way is to share it with your neighbours and adopted family. How about becoming a school teacher or health worker? I know you say you want to 'go away from civilization', but I think you'll find that africa is very much civilized in a refreshingly different way.
Reply to this There are lots of villages in Africa, away from all the 21st century civilisation. I believe what we are talking about here is "homestays", whereby you join a family and literally become one of them - living, working, eating, the works! Its the greatest way to interact, learn and understand different cultures.
The way I see it, you travel to the village of your choice ( a little homework beforehand is a good idea), interact & get to know the people, then somehow intergrate with a family there. Any better ways anyone?
A local language is a MUST. Pick up the basics before you even set off for the place. Plus be ready to leave all those conveniences behind - email, cellphone (but lots of inhabited areas are covered anyway-text messages home are okay I guess), fancy electronics (may attract thieves, run out of power), bring along lots of jeans and cotton/linen stuff (stand the laundry and harsh conditions), bring lots of tolerance if its not in you (things are done very differently this side of the world - cliche but true).
When all is said and done, have the best time of your life - a surprising number of such visitors never leave, village life is sooooo much stress free!
Welcome all!
MotoBaridi, Kenya.
Reply to this Westerners CAN and DO live in rural Africa. Why? For starters, African culture(s) dictate acceptance of a "visitor". Most people here will gladly take you in the first day you show up. Thats the time you should get to know your hosts (the entire village, not just the house you stay at). All it takes is acceptance (learning and using their language to communicate shall get you lots of that), honesty (that you are not some researcher) and willingness to be one with them at everything - work, festivals, culture, the works. There are lots of westerners who came to Africa to visit but stayed on, got married, had kids.......
Maxim: "Accept us for who we are, We accept you for who you are"
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