David E Shaw reflecting on an Expedition to Mt. Kilimanjaro and National Parks in Kenya & Tanzania

by David E Shaw

As the 2016 centennial anniversary of the U.S. National Park system approaches, it is important to recognize the dramatic global expansion of protected areas over the past 100 years.

More than 15% of the terrestrial world is now protected via parks and other mechanisms, and protection has recently extended to more than 2% of the marine world. African parks and protected areas offer a wide range of extraordinary experiences; from unique wildlife ecosystems and natural settings to areas of great cultural importance, stunning seascapes and majestic mountains.

Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world, with an elevation of nearly 20,000 feet. It’s snow covered peak is a well-known image to the world, due in part to the famous Ernest Hemingway short story, The Snows of Kilimanjaro.

In 1991, I set out with friends to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and to experience the amazing game preserves in Kenya and Tanzania. These included Amboseli National Park, Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, and Tarangire National Park.

This short film was created to capture our experience and to pay tribute to the natural wonders of these special places.