You would have to search high and low to find an American with more passion about the future prosperity of the African continent than Krista Krieger. Krista is a long time friend of F.M. Allen and more importantly, a person with unmatched engagement for Africa and its people. We were fortunate enough to sit down for a conversation to discuss her work with her favorite charity, Africa Foundation, and travel insights for one of the earth’s last true frontiers.
Camp Smoke: Tell me more about your charity and its purpose?
Krista Krieger: Africa Foundation’s mission is to uplift the lives of people living in Africa’s rural communities. We only work in communities that are adjacent to conservation areas, so we feel there is an indirect benefit to the surrounding wildlife and landscape – by taking care of the people, we hope they will in turn take care of the land and animals. We work in three areas – education, health care and income generating activities. We have been in existence since 1992 and since then have built over 140 schools, 20 pre-schools, 3 health clinics, funded water relief programs and led HIV/AIDs initiatives and more.
Local women with their Hippo Rollers, which are part of the water relief program of AF and allow the women to transport 90 liters of water at a time.
What led you to get involved?
I fell in love with Africa by traveling on safari. During one of my trips I went on a community visit and saw the work of the foundation. I was truly impressed by the schools, libraries, computer labs, health clinic and HIV/AIDs initiatives. I came home and enlisted friends to help raise money to build some schools. I am now actively involved in the organization and serve as the Chairman of Africa Foundation (USA).
Speaking about Africa in general, where is your favorite place to visit?
I have 2 top favorites: Tanzania and Botswana. Both are very different safaris experiences. Botswana being water based with the incredible Okavango Delta and Tanzania being the home of the wide-open plains of the Serengeti. It would be difficult to choose one over the other. They are both amazing.
The best experience you’ve ever had while in Africa, is…..
The best experiences have been seeing the community members benefit from a new school, or kitchen, feeding program, or health clinic. They are always incredibly appreciative – despite the abject poverty that they often endure. These community visits are my favorite memories of Africa.
The new physician facility built by Africa Foundation in Ololosokwan Community, Northern Tanzania.
How can people get involved and support your foundation?
We are always are looking for people to help with fund raising in the U.S. We also take groups of people to Africa – this is always a very rewarding and motivating experience. If someone is interested in getting involved, they can email me at Krista@africafoundation.org. (Click here to visit Africa Foundation’s website.)
What is a book that anyone interested in Africa must read?
Robert Ruark’s “Africa” is a very funny, entertaining book about life on hunting safaris. It gives you a very good sense of how hard things can be in Africa – the wide open distances, unrelenting mud in the rainy season, poisonous snakes and tsetse flies. But it also leaves the reader with how incredible Africa is – the variety of animals, the beauty of the landscape, and the magic of being on safari.
Krista working with a local student at a school in South Africa.
Talk about where your charity is now and where you hope to be 5 years from now, in terms of overall progress.
We are a fairly small, grass-roots organization with a very solid track record. I would like to see us continue on this path, but expand at manageable rate. I hope we can double our fund raising and grant making goals over the next five years.
Considering all the time you have spent in Africa, give our readers some off the map places to visit
Tanzania – I love Kleins Concession in North Eastern Tanzania during the migration – stay in a tented camp (&Beyond’s Under Canvas is amazing). I find Central Serengeti is so crowded, but Kleins is a private concession so you will see very few other people. If you really want to go to the middle of nowhere, then go to Ugalla in Western Tanzania. But, don’t go unless you can really handle the Tsetse flies because the place is infested. The trade off is that you won’t see another person for a million square hectares and that is part of the appeal.
Botswana – Chief’s Island in Botswana – the most amazing herds of animals and one of the last untouched places on earth. Wilderness Safaris’ Mombo Camp is my favorite camp.
South Africa – Ngala Private Concession in the Kruger National Park is my favorite in South Africa. It is a private concession so you won’t have the crowds and there are only six 6 tents. There are very few tented camps in South Africa, so this is definitely my favorite destination. There is nothing better than listening to the lions roar as you are falling asleep.
Tags: Africa Foundation, african travel tips, Krista Krieger