East Africa is a nebulous term that ignores most things geographically east about Africa, and refers instead to four countries, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. Despite the geographical confusion, one thing is clear, however. This is classic Africa, the land of Hemingway, big game, and Kilimanjaro. This is where the European presence in Africa began, 200 years ago, in a quest for souls, ivory, and trophies. It is the latter that evolved into the modern photographic safari.

Concepts such as adventure travel and ecotourism were born, like us, in East Africa. For most of us a big game safari is the essence of adventure, whether in a Land Rover or in our dreams. The guide books for East Africa read like a Who's Who of exotic destinations: the Serengeti Plains, the Masai Mara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Samburu to name a few. The possibilities for a "dream come true" experience are endless.

And nowhere on earth are there more conservation issues for the modern day ecowarrior to confront than in Africa, east or otherwise. Indeed the plight of Africa's charismatic big game has done more than anything to mobilize world opinion and action in the cause of endangered species. Every Western pilgrim who journeys to Africa gives Africans one more reason to protect their priceless wildlife heritage.

This picture was taken from the veranda of my room at Ndutu Lodge in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. It is the classic African sunrise with an Acacia tree in the foreground. Only the weaverbird and its nest are missing. Perhaps the world's most iconic wildlife photography destination, the Serengeti reveals a new look with each dawn. The excitement is palpable. The sounds, the sights, the smells - everything about Africa - gets into your blood. I will always return.