"Freedom and Unity" by Mwalimu Julius Nyerere

This book is a collection of speeches by Tanzania's founding president Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere (1922 - 1999) delivered between 1952 and 1965.

They span the precolonial period and the period of Tanganyika's independence struggle and the early period after Tanganyika's independence as well as the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar: Tanzania.

In the book he writes: "Whatever the size of society and whatever its institutions, the freedom and well-being of its members depends upon there being a generally accepted social ethic - a sense of what things are right, and what things are wrong, both for the institutions in relation to the members, and for the members in relation to each other."
The author sought to reveal an understanding of the basic purpose of a new administration of an emerging nation. Furthermore it is an attempt to enable the reader to acquire a "...historical understanding of the development of Tanzania and of the philosophy which it is trying to practice."

I recommend this book to some of the younger generation of Tanzanians who tend to read commentaries on Mwalimu rather than read his own words.

Free eBook: Learn to read minds

I recently stumbled upon this eBook by author William Walker, Learn to Read Minds: Practical Mind-Reading and I believed I had at last found the means to discover what some people say about me behind my back. I was mistaken. Mind reading proponents claim it is possible to acquire slightly different, but nevertheless remarkable abilities.

The author attempts to demonstrate in a series of gradual steps how a "suggestor" - a person who projects a thought or image - can transmit a thought or image to a "receiver", or person who receives the transmitted thought pattern or image, only by means of what is also known as telepathy or thought transference and "without the medium of words, or any other visible means of communication."

Reporting on some experiments, the author reveals how this process enables a blindfolded "receiver" to discover objects in rooms or words in books that are transmitted in this manner by the "suggestor" or "suggestors."

I thought the experiments provided rather compelling evidence although some scholars discredit claims that it is possible to transfer thoughts or images.

Here's the link to the free Android app download version:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=learn.to.read.minds&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImxlYXJuLnRvLnJlYWQubWluZHMiXQ..

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http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2010/09/africa-gets-bad-press-even-in-fiction.html

No shortage of people who believe in magic

Mganga is the name of the Tanzanian medicine man, or woman in some cases, and like other Tanzanians, many members of the Zanaki ethnic group who reside around Butiama regularly consult a mganga.

To believers the mganga has a remedy to most problems affecting humans, from health issues to the resolution of conflicts arising out of social relations. Some even claim to possess potions that can bring instant riches to their clients.

In the book Bantu Customs in Mainland Tanzania author P. van Pelt writes:

When we speak about religious beliefs, we do not only speak about a Bantu's understanding of Being or of a Supreme Being and his relationship and conduct towards this Being or Supreme Being. We speak also about his understanding of other non-human beings and his consequent relationship with and conduct towards these other beings. As a matter of fact the Bantu is very much occupied with those other beings. The question is then which are the consequences for his relationships with human beings and his synthetic understanding of the universe. These other beings exist in nature, that means they are not transcendental. They are spirits or things having forces which surpass in power people who are bodily living and these forces can act on living persons, animals and things. But it happens also that specially gifted people by themselves or with the assistance of spirits can command these forces.

This belief gives rise to magical practices.

The mganga falls within this class of "gifted" people.

A medicine woman preparing her tools of trade before consultation with a patient.

In a consultation I witnessed, the mganga began the healing process by summoning the spirits of her ancestors through incantations, the spirits having provided indications of the problem that was only fleetingly hinted by the patient.

Post related to this one:
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2008/11/letter-from-butiama-modern-day-witch.html

Trying to make sense of the term 'common sense'

The term 'common sense' does not make sense. Particularly when making reference to human behaviour.

Humans are gifted with the ability to learn, memorize, and gather experience that should allow them to possess the "...natural ability to make good judgements and to behave in a practical and sensible way." In a gist, that is the basic character trait that the author of the phrase 'common sense' assumes every adult human should possess.

There is a limit to this definition. We have to assume that it should only apply to a human being confronted with 'common' day-to-day situations. We cannot assume that any human can possess the common sense that is expected of an astronaut.

Now let us turn to real life examples and my experience of driving on Tanzania's roads provides excellent examples.

Don't forget to read about the next news of a tragic road accident involving a passenger bus in Tanzania where the driver escapes serious injury. What you are likely to also read is that the driver of the ill-fated bus ran away from the accident scene. Why? Because he is running away from being prosecuted for reckless driving and causing the death and/or injury to his passengers. 'Common sense' (and perhaps this is only one of the very rare instances where the use of 'common sense' makes some sense) tells me and you that while driving recklessly with absolute disregard for the safety of his passengers the driver knew that he was driving recklessly and with absolute disregard for the safety of his passengers. We can safely assume this is the case because he runs away after the accident.

That he nevertheless exposes his passengers to the risk of injury and death even with prior knowledge ('common sense') that driving dangerously might produce those tragic consequences makes little sense of the phrase 'common sense.'

There are numerous other examples on the road, including overloading, overtaking on blind spots, driving fast in residential areas where humans who we assume to have 'common sense' show signs of having very little sense in how they behave.

There are many other examples in society that will produce the same conclusion: the phrase 'common sense' makes no sense at all.

Overspeeding was the cause of this bus, plying between Tarime and Mwanza, to veer off the road near Mwanza on 18th October 2012. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.

On a positive note, psychologist Daniel Willingham, while reviewing the book What Intelligence Tests Miss by Keith Stanovich, says that 'common sense' can be taught. To a bus driver who builds a reputation among passengers by how fast he drives from Dar es Salaam to Mwanza? I beg to differ.

The reason why I plan to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro at least six more times

I have climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro seven times, and I plan to climb Africa's highest peak at least six more times between now and the end of 2014.

Here' the reason why. When I first decided to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro my objective was to raise money for charity. It remains the basic objective. So I continue to raise money for a charitable cause during one of my climbs each year. From having planned a single climb each year between 2008 and 2010, in 2011 I have been climbing twice each year, one of those climbs being specifically targeted at raising charitable donations.

During my first ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2008.

I have since decided it is possible for me to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro thrice each year, particularly after deciding that I would like to write a book on climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. So, for next year and 2014 I have scheduled three climbs annually. I plan to climb all of Kilimanjaro's official routes at least once as part of the book project. Climbing only once a year would have taken too long.

Here's my tentative schedule:

Year	Month/Days	Route	Objective
2013	Jan 21 - 27	Machame	Fundraising for construction of roof for Kichalikani Primary School, Tanga Kilimanjaro book research
2013	May 20 - 26	Rongai	Kilimanjaro book research
2013	Sept 23 - 30	Shira	Kilimanjaro book research
2014	Jan 20 - 27	Umbwe	Kilimanjaro book research
2014	May 26 - June 2	Lemosho	Fundraising Kilimanjaro book research
2014	Sept 22 - 28	Marangu	Kilimanjaro book research

Interested in joining me in one of those climbs? Write to me: madaraka.nyerere@gmail.com

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Here's yet another CV update from Prof. Sospeter Muhongo

Early this month, Prof. Sospeter Muhongo was in the United States at the invitation of the Geological Society of America (GSA) for his appointment as Honorary Fellow to the GSA. This updated CV includes the recent addition to his accomplishments and also expands his other contributions in the field of geology and mineral maps.

If you need help writing your CV, you might want to look at author Corinne Mills' top-rated book You're Hired!: How to write a brilliant CV which is available through Amazon.

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Prof. Sospeter Muhongo, a distinguished scholar, is the Minister of Energy and Minerals of the United Republic of Tanzania and a Nominated Member of Parliament. He is, "Officier, Ordre des Palmes Académiques", an Honorary Fellow of the Geological Society of America (HonFGSA), an Honorary Fellow of the Geological Society of London (HonFGS), an Honorary Research Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences (HonFCAGS), a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (FTWAS), a Fellow of the Geological Society of Africa (FGSAf), a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (FAAS), and a Fellow of Tanzania Academy of Sciences (FTAAS). He is a fellow of ten highly learned professional societies. He is the first recipient (2004) of Prof. Robert Shackleton (UK) Award for Outstanding Research on the Precambrian Geology of Africa. He is the Vice President of the Commission of the Geological Map of the World (CGMW). He is a Full Professor of the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and an Honorary Professor of Geology at the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Prof. Muhongo was the Chair of the Jury for the African Union (AU) Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards - Continental Awards for Outstanding Scientists 2011 Edition. He is a member of the Executive Board of the African Inter-Parliamentary Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation (AIPF-STI).

Mama Maria Nyerere with
Prof. Dr. Sospeter Muhongo (Officier, Ordre des Palmes Académiques), FGSAf, FAAS, FASI, FASSAf, FTAAS, FGIGE, FTWAS, HonFCAGS, HonFGSA, HonFGS, CGeol, EurGeol
 during his visit to Butiama.

He is effectively involved in various high level regional (Africa) and global science, technology and innovation strategic policy processes (Africa-Europe STI partnerships). He is a Member of the International Experts Group (Global Science Forum) of OECD and has occupied numerous important national, regional, and international professional positions dealing with STI, earth resources, science policy, and science diplomacy. Prof. Muhongo was nominated by his country to be a candidate (2009) for the post of the Director General of UNESCO.

He is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of African Earth Sciences (Elsevier), Associate Editor of Precambrian Research (Elsevier), and a member of several editorial boards of science journals and bulletins. Prof. Muhongo is the Senior Editor of the published book (2009) on, "Science, Technology and Innovation for Socio-Economic Development: Success Stories from Africa."

Prof. Muhongo was the President of the Geological Society of Africa (1995 - 2001). He was the founding Regional Director (2005 - 2010) of the ICSU Regional Office for Africa, Pretoria, South Africa. He was the Chairperson of the UNESCO-IUGS-IGCP Scientific Board of the International Geoscience Programme (2004 - 2008), and the Chair (2007 - 2010) of the Science Programme Committee (SPC) of the UN-proclaimed International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE). He is a Chartered Geologist and an active member of numerous professional societies including the Geological Society of America, the Geological Society of London, the Royal Commonwealth Society, Geologische Vereinigung (Germany), Geological Society of Africa, Geological Society of South Africa, and the Tanzania Geological Society.

He was the Chairman (1995 - 2005) of the Board of Directors of the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO), Tanzania; and was the Head (1997 - 2000) of the Department of Geology, University of Dar es Salaam. Prof. Muhongo was the Chairman (2002) of the Tanzania Government's Commission of Inquiry on the deadliest Merelani Tanzanite mine's accident.

Prof. Muhongo is mentoring young scientists, engineers, and technologists around the world. He is the Patron of the University of Dar es Salaam Geological Association of Students (UDGAS), a Patron of the National Young Earth Scientists Network (YES, Tanzania), and is an Advisor to the Global Young Earth Scientists Network (YES, Global).

Prof. Muhongo has published over 200 research papers in international journals of high impact factors. He has co-authored widely used geological and mineral maps of Africa, East Africa and Tanzania. He has co-authored widely used geological and mineral maps of Africa, East Africa and Tanzania. He has delivered more than 300 invited keynote speeches around the world at international conferences. He has undertaken over 100 contracted scientific research projects, and consultancy services in the mineral industry, environmental issues and STI policy matters. Prof. Muhongo has been on many STI review/evaluation panels and advisory boards for both national and international institutions and organizations. He has been an External Examiner/Referee for numerous universities, i.e. examinations moderator and academic staff referee/evaluator (e.g. candidates for professorship positions). Over the past two decades, Prof. Muhongo has co-organized over 100 expert group meetings and international earth sciences, STI and science policy conferences, including those on "Science with Africa (Rapporteur-General)" which are hosted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the African Union Commission (AUC) and their partners.

Prof. Muhongo has developed a special interest in the application of STI for sustainable growth and socio-economic development of the global society. Prof. Muhongo, who is the recipient of numerous scholarly and professional awards, recognitions, grants, and fellowships, studied geology at the Universities of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), and Gӧttingen (Germany). He graduated with Dr.rer.nat. degree from the Technical University of Berlin, Germany. Prof. Muhongo is fluent in Kiswahili, English, German and French (basic).

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http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2010/08/prof-sospeter-muhongo-has-returned-to.html
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2010/09/africa-gets-bad-press-even-in-fiction.html 

Chassis, chesisi, or kiunzi?

There are certain foreign words that just don't respect international boundaries and they find expression and usage in far away places, much farther than where they came from.

Chassis is one of them. It made its way from French into English usage. How, I do not know. And where alternatives do not exist in other languages, the use of English words is widespread. Inevitably, in Swahili chassis is also widely used although its spelling is not always correct, as is the case with this instance of a motorcycle chassis number that was written on a motorcycle pending the issuance of a registration number.

The standard Kiswahili translation is chesisi, which sounds familiar or kiunzi, which does not - even to Swahili speakers. As someone who prefers originality, I would prefer the latter word but its use will most likely create a few problems. Try to tell a customs official: namba ya kiunzi ni [the chassis number is...] SH42A-105716 and no will will understand you.

Kiunzi has been in the authoritative Swahili - English dictionary, Kamusi ya Kiswahili-Kiingereza published by Taasisi ya Uchunguzi wa Kiswahili (Institute of Swahili Research) of the University of Dar es Salaam since 2001 but is yet to appear on the online English to Swahili Dictionary.

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My version of the year 2012 in review: 12 December

Maurice Housni wrapped up the photo session at the Highview Hotel in Karatu in the lobby of the

hotel. I had one of the best breakfasts at the hotel.

Before we left, we were asked to make our contribution against global warming; each one of us planted a tree.

It is time for Maurice to plant his tree.

Then, with his colleague Benjamin Leers, we began a game drive that took us through the

Zebras on the slopes of  the Ngorongoro Crater.

Wildebeest in the Ngorongoro Crater.

A large Elephant in the Serengeti National Park.

A Zebra in the Ngorongoro Crater made its own crossing in front of our car.

In the Ngongoro Crater a family of Warthogs ran away from an appraching Hyena.

In the Ngorongoro Crate a lioness approached the pride after an unsuccesful hunt.

The other lions looked up, noticed the lioness was approaching empty-handed, and continued with their siesta.

More Wildebeests in the Ngorongoro Crater.

The same Elephant from a different angle.

Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park, where we saw most of the animals found in these two World Heritage sites.

There is a wide selection of books on the Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, including:

Ngorongoro by Reinhard Kunkel

Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Great Game Parks of Africa) by Daryl Balfour

The Beauty of Ngorongoro by author Graham Mercer and photographers Mohamed Amin and Duncan Willetts

Ngorongoro: the eighth wonder by Henry Fosbrooke

The Ngorongoro Story by Tom Lithgow & Hugo Lawick and photographer Hugo Van Lawick

The only blotch to the day was when a few kilometres before reaching our destination - Zara Tours Ikoma Wild Camp - our car was bogged down in mud.

However, it only took a while before a rescue vehicle arrived from the Camp and we were soon reunited with delicious meals and comfortable accommodation.

Other posts in this 2011 review series:
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-version-of-year-2011-in-review-11.html
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-version-of-year-2012-in-review-13.html

Prof. Sospeter Muhongo gets more accolades

In addition to the other numerous awards and distinctions that he has to his credit, Prof. Sospeter Muhongo, who is also Tanzania's minister for Energy and Minerals, has received yet another honour in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in the field of Geology.

He is now also a Fellow of the Geological Society of America (GSA), a recognition bestowed by the GSA on individuals in recognition of their distinguished contributions to the geosciences.

Here  is the latest CV of Prof. Muhongo:

Professor Sospeter Muhongo, is the Minister of Energy and Minerals of the United Republic of Tanzania and  nominated member of parliament. He is, Officier, Ordre des Palmes Academiques, an Honorary Fellow of the Geological Society of America (HonGSA),

********************************************************************************

Prof. Sospeter Muhongo, (Officier, Ordre des Palmes Academiques), FGSAf, FAAS, FASI, FASSAf, FTAAS, FGIGE, FTWAS, HonFCAGS, HonGSA, HonFGS, CGeol, EurGe

**************************************************************************************************

an Honorary Fellow of the Geological Society of London (HonFGS), an Honorary Research Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences (HonFCAGS), a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (FTWAS), a Fellow of the Geological Society of Africa (FGSAf), a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (FAAS), and a Fellow of the Tanzania Academy of Sciences (FTAAS). He is a fellow of ten highly learned professional societies. He is the first recipient (2004) of the Robert Shackleton Award (Outstanding Research on the Precambrian Geology of Africa). He is the Vice President of the Commission of the Geological Map of the World (CGMW). Prof. Muhongo is a Full Professor of Geology at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and an Honorary Professor at the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Prof. Muhongo was the Chair of the Jury of the African Union (AU) Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards - Continental Awards for Outstanding Scientists 2011 Edition. He is a member of the Executive Board of the African Inter-Parliamentary Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation (AIPF-STI).

He is effectively involved in various high-level regional (Africa) and global science, technology and innovation strategic policy processes (e.g. Africa-Europe STI partnership). He is a member of the International Experts Group (Global Science Forum) of OECD and has occupied numerous important national, regional and international professional positions dealing with STI, earth resources, science policy and science diplomacy. Prof. Muhongo was nominated by his country to be a candidate (2009) for the post of Director General of UNESCO.

He is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of African Earth Sciences (Elsevier), Associate Editor of Precambrian Research (Elsevier) and a member of several editorial boards of science journals and bulletins. Prof. Muhongo is the Senior Editor of the published book (2009) on "Science, Technology and Innovation for Socio-Economic Development: Success Stories from Africa."

Prof. Muhongo was the President of the Geological Society of Africa (1995 - 2001). He was the founding Regional Director (2005 - 2010) of the ICSU Regional Office for Africa, Pretoria, South Africa. He was the Chairperson of the UNESCO-IUGS-IGCP Scientific Board of International Geoscience Programme (2004 - 2008), and the Chair (2007 - 2010) of Science Programme Committee (SPC) of the UN-proclaimed International Year of the Planet Earth (IYPE). He is a Chartered Geologist and an active member of numerous professional societies including, the Geological Society of America, the Geological Society of London, the Royal Commonwealth Society, Geologische Vereingung (Germany), Geological Society of Africa, Geological Society of South Africa, and the Tanzania Geological Society.

During a visit to Butiama, Prof. Sospeter Muhongo with Mama Maria Nyerere, left, widow of Tanzania's founding president, Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere.

He was the Chairman (1999 - 2005) of the Board of Directors of the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO), Tanzania, and was the Head (1997 - 2000) of the Department of Geology, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Prof. Muhongo was the Chairman (2002) of the Tanzania Government's Commission of Inquiry on the deadliest Mererani Tanzanite mine's accident.

Prof. Muhongo is intensively mentoring young scientists, engineers and technologists around the world. He is the Patron of the University of Dar es Salaam Geological Association of Students (UDGAS), a Patron of the National Young Earth Scientists Network (YES, Tanzania) and is an Advisor to the Global Young Earth Scientists Network (Yes, Global).

_______________________

For those seeking useful advice for writing CVs, Author Midred Talabi offers useful advice in her book 7 Keys to a Winning CV: How to create a CV that gets results.

________________________________

Prof. Muhongo has published over 200 well acknowledged research articles, geological and mineral maps. He has delivered more than 300 invited keynote speeches around the world at international conferences. He has undertaken over 100 contracted scientific research projects, and consultancy services in the mineral industry, environmental issues and STI policy matters. Pro. Muhongo has been on many STI review/evaluation panels and advisory boards for both national and international institutions and organizations. He has been an external Examiner/Referee for numerous universities, i.e. examinations moderator and academic staff referee/evaluator (e.g. candidates for professorship positions). Over the past two decades, Prof. Muhongo has co-organized over 100 expert group meetings and international earth sciences, STI and science policy conferences, including those on "Science with Africa (Rapporteur-General)" which are hosted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the African Union Commission (AUC) and their partners.

Prof. Muhongo has developed a special interest in the application of STI for sutainable growth and socio-economic development of the global society. Prof. Muhongo who is the recipient of numerous scholarly and professional awards, recognitions, grants, and fellowships studied geology at the Universities of Dar es Salaam and GHttingen (Germany). He graduated with Dr.rer.nat. degree from the Technical University of Berlin, Germany. Prof. Muhongo is fluent in Kiswahili, English, German and French (basic).

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Marching with Nyerere

I made a resolution to read one book every week for this year. I am already lagging a book behind schedule.

Before making this resolurion I picked up a book, Marching with Nyerere by K.L. Jhaveri, presented to me by the author a few years ago. Jhaveri was a member of the legal defence team in the criminal libel case against then nationalist leader Mwalimu Julius Nyerere in 1958. The legal team was led by D.N. Pritt, Q.C., and assisted by another Tanganyikan lawyer, M.M. Rattansey.

The book deals with the contribution made by the Asian community in the independence struggle of Tanganyika and particularly the part played by the Asian Association in conjunction with the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) which was led by Mwalimu Nyerere. Jhaveri was the president of the Asian Association in Tanganyika, a former member of parliament and president of the Tanganyika Law Society. He also served with distinction as member of the Judicial Commission and judge of the High Court.

Posts related to this one:
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/12/no-shortage-of-people-who-believe-in.html
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2010/09/africa-gets-bad-press-even-in-fiction.html

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Africa gets bad press, even in fiction

This is not a book review, just some observations I am making on a novel I read a few months ago.

First, I rarely read fiction because I feel I cannot keep up with the volume of non-fiction I have to read already. Besides, there is enough of make-believe even in writings classified as non-fiction.

I was recently given a novel written by Uwem Akpan, Say you're one of them. It contains five short stories told from an African child's perspective. Throughout the book I noticed a representation of some of the same cliche's that have pervaded non-fiction writing on Africa from a western perspective: AIDS, prostitution, child trafficking, religious and ethnic strife.

It is little use denying that these cliche's represent some of the challenges encountered in many parts of the African continent. But (this could also be another cliche'), the truth remains that not much coverage is given to the African success stories. Consequently, the reader in the West interested in a more balanced view has to go out of his/her way to dig behind the mainstream depiction of fictionalized and factual Africa.

A section from Reporting Elections in Southern Africa: A Media Handbook reads:

Western media attention is like that, usually limited to "parachute journalism" covering a major famine or conflict - a quick in-and-out during crisis situations.

The same approach to choice of subject appears to influence the writing in Akpan's novel. No doubt, Akpan is writing for a western audience and what I yearn for - a positive image of African society - does not sell.

I look forward to reading another book given to me recently by Prof. Sospeter Muhongo: Science, Technology, and Innovation for Socio-economic Development: Success Stories from Africa. It seems like Prof. Muhongo had read my mind.

Given that I talk of being given two books in this post, you may wonder if I ever buy books; I do.

Related posts:
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Snakes and Chiefs

Some 20 kilometres from Butiama on the road to the Serengeti National Park that passes through Fort Ikoma a traveler comes across the village of Nyamuswa, the seat of the late Chief Mohamed Makongoro Matutu of the Ikizu ethnic group who died in 1958.

I have recently visited Chief Makongoro's homestead on several occasions and have been informed that there is a huge snake at an area with a granite rock outcrop near the homestead. One of the Chief's sons who took me around the area in an attempt to locate the snake said the snake has been around for a long time. He recalls seeing the snake from his childhood days. I estimate the son is close to 60 years old today.

Although our attempts to locate the snake were unsuccessful I am told the snake was allowed to stay in the area by the specific instructions of Chief Makongoro and for that reason those who live there today, mostly members of his family, do not harm the snake. Occasionally, the snake emerges from the tall grass and granite rocks to soak in the warmth of the sun in the mornings. Sometimes, the snake wanders farther and into the residential area where members of the Chief's family live. The snake is so old that witnesses report grass has grown on its head.

At Butiama, in the area where the late Chief Nyerere Burito of the Zanaki ethnic group used to live, residents regularly report seeing another large snake that I have not have had the fortune of sighting. That snake sometimes moves into one of the residents of Mwalimu Nyerere, a house that remains uninhabited for lengthy periods. The snake leaves the house when people move in, but returns when they leave.

The beliefs and treatment of some animals and snakes of the Ikizu and the Zanaki could be similar. The Zanaki do not harm animals, particuarly those living near the homesteads of chiefs. It is believed that those animals are ancestral spirits.

A small Black Mamba on my desk.

In one of the rooms of the house where the huge snake has been sighted I have encountered smaller snakes on the office desk that I use regularly. I also frequently see them casually crossing the floor as I work on my laptop. When I am at the desk, as a precaution, I always raise my feet and rest them on the sides of the tables about six centimetres above the floor.

I suspect the larger snakes lay their eggs inside the house and after these snakes are born they move out of the house. On different occasions I have caught and released three of these small snakes. Since some time has passed without seeing any more snakes, I believe that my presence in this house is causing their departure.

For a while I suspected that the small snakes I had sighted and removed from the room, including the one in the photograph above, were of an extremely poisonous species. I believe my suspicions could be true. A book by Bill Branch called A photographic guide to snakes and other reptiles and amphibians of East Africa indicates that my co-tenants are from the dreaded Black Mamba species. Its name is derived from the fact that the inside of its mouth is pitch black. It lays between 12 - 18 eggs and grows up to 3.2 metres long.

Why I quit smoking: My Kilimanjaro Climb Adventure (Post 5 of 10)

Tuesday 19 August 2008
We drove from Moshi towards Arusha and then headed for Machame on our way to the starting point. I was disappointed cloud cover prevented us from having a clear view of the mountain. After registration, the Kilimanjaro Park rangers inspected our porters' climbing gear. Our group consisted of 9 porters, Yahoo, and his assistant guide, Hamisi.
Many of Kilimanjaro porters work in difficult conditions and carry heavy loads with tents, sleeping bags, food, and water to ensure that climbers reach Uhuru Peak in relative comfort. However, their poor working conditions sometimes endanger not only their health but their lives. We heard stories of porters who died because they were inadequately clothed.

We were dropped at the end of a rough road, the kind of road made for offroad vehicles, at the edge of a thick forest to begin our climb. It was the slowest walk I have ever walked since I learnt to walk. Yahoo, in front, set the pace during the four-hour trek. Later, when tackling the toughest sections of the climb I understood how important it was to set a slow pace to maintain steady progress. We spent the first night at Big Tree Camp, in the company of Velvet Monkeys.

The greatest difficulty of the first night is sleeping early. Trying to sleep at 8 was tortuous, but only for the first night. In the subsequent seven nights I was so tired from the day's walk that I could have slept at midday. The other test was trying to fall asleep in a sleeping bag. Try to imagine being rolled up in a carpet and falling asleep. Towards the end of the climb I had said so much against sleeping bags that Le recommended I look up an Australian version that offers more room.

Surprisingly as I tossed and turned I could hear someone snoring in the next tent.

Wednesday 20 August 2008
Today, I believe I accomplished the longest walk ever. I suspect not even Nelson Mandela whose autobiography is titled Long Walk to Freedom, has taken a longer walk. Except for a one-hour lunch break at Shira One Camp, we walked from 7 in the morning until about 8 in the evening, encountering a steep climb early during the day as we moved out of the forest and onto the Shira Plateau.

 

The toughest section of the day was after sunset when Yahoo pointed to a distant light on top of a ridge and said that was our destination. It was a long difficult climb that seemed endless. At one point I handed my backpack to Yahoo and completed the section without a load. At this point I began to doubt whether I would reach the peak.
Though never bothered by the cold I suffered from a shortness of breath which Yahoo said was a symptom of altitude sickness. He said the accute symptoms included the tongue turning green.

Next post: To Barranco Camp and the "breakfast climb."