“He who goes gently, goes safely; he who goes safely, goes far.”
This mantra, above, from my ancestor Joseph Thomson (1858 – 1895), African Explorer who hailed from Penpont in Dumfriesshire, eloquently sums up his purposeful, yet entirely peaceful approach to the many exploration ventures that he safely tackled, right across the African continent.
In June 2018, explorers of today can venture as part of `Walking in the Footsteps of Joseph Thomson`, with The Maasai as both hosts and guides on this six-day 75-mile walk through the Kenyan bush country.
Formed largely by fellow descendants of the man, The Joseph Thomson Maasai Trust has been working with the Olakira le Maa Trust (Kenya), a social enterprise, to partner a Walk in the Amboseli National Park; an area that Thomson passed through and was indeed familiar with.
When we, as descendants, asked The Maasai how we could help them, the reply was clear: “come and journey, walk and talk with us in our homeland. We will make you welcome; share cultures and be enriched by each other.” So, we took them at their word, and are planning this, our first joint Walk for next summer. Olakira le Maa will provide a full programme and schedule for this camping venture, and give explorers of today a safe and truly `life changing` experience. It is open to anyone aged 18 – 70+. The walk will have around twenty participants, and will involve a substantial engagement with Maasai people in walking and supporting the venture in every way. This will include transporting all equipment as the venture is moved daily from camp to camp. It will provide a special and active insight to village life.
Please find attached a detailed leaflet about this very special trek in the African bush. As if to demonstrate that people of all ages can participate fully, I too will be taking part, and I am currently aged 70. We also anticipate that it will appeal to younger people too, as we are in the position to accredit it as part of the Duke of Edinburgh`s Award Gold Residential (for those aged 18 – 24).
Three of our Trustees have already taken part in largely the same walking experience, during an earlier partnership between Olakira le Maa and Masterpeace: www.masterpeace.org. The 2018 Trek will make much of the Joseph Thomson legacy, and the high regard in which he is held by the Maasai of today. So, applications are now open. The price is we feel, very reasonable, for such a culturally rich experience.
Like John Hastings Thomson, the Trust`s chairman, Joseph Thomson is my great, great uncle.
You can find us at Thomson Maasai Trails on
A summary of Joseph Thomson`s life and legacy can be found at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Thomson_(explorer), and https://www.penpontheritage.co.uk/joseph-thomson.
And a summary of both the Walk background, and experience, at: https://www.penpontheritage.co.uk/walking-with-the-maasai-in-the-footsteps-of-joseph-thomson
Joseph Thomson was Dumfriesshire`s own African Explorer, and in his day made a significant mark on the National scene. Awarded the Royal Geographical Society Gold Medal, which is now on display in the National Museum of Scotland for all to see. His memorial can be found in Thornhill. His book `Through Masai Land` was published in 1885, and it was in this that he wrote so clearly about his respect and admiration for the Maasai people.
The trust can be contacted for further enquiries and full information about the Walk, by email at: [email protected].
information and pictures supplied by Peter Wright., MBE Secretary to Joseph Thomson Maasai Trust
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