Lewis Hamilton: F1 Champion Travels Through Africa On His Summer Break Grand Tour
Lewis Hamilton traveled through Africa during the F1 Summer break, and he shared a number of Instagram photos with fans documenting his travels through a number of countries including Rwanda and Kenya.
He was photographed dancing with the Pokot people as he laughed and chatted with them, and was also photographed at an elephant sanctuary as he continued his travels.
He started his journey in Namibia, “one of the most stunning places” he’s ever seen, as he took to the skies in a hot air balloon.
“This year I’m spending my summer break doing something I’ve wanted to do for years. I’m finally tracing my roots through Africa and guys, to say this journey has been a grounding experience is an understatement,” he wrote to Instagram.
“This has been a life changing reset. I feel like I have gained a new perspective on life, grown an even stronger love for animals and became even closer with my brothers who I’ve shared this special journey with.
“Everywhere I look I’m surrounded by so much beauty, and I feel truly re-centred and at peace. My first stop was Namibia, one of the most stunning places I’ve ever seen with my own eyes. Words and pictures do not do it justice.”
Talking of the hot air balloon ride, he said the following:
“The hot air balloon ride was surreal. We had to land sideways which is definitely something I’ll never forget. I could not think of a better place to spend this time off. Sending everyone peace and light, I’m off to the next stop”
He also went quad biking while in the country before heading to Rwanda where he spent time hiking. I assume this was at Volcanoes National Park, as he hiked up the side of a volcano and spotted gorillas on the way. This park covers five of the eight volcanoes found in the Virunga Mountains: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo.
He said:
“How does one describe such an experience that leaves you so speechless? My second stop was Rwanda.
“We were welcomed with smiles and music from the beautiful Rwandan people. This trip really showed me how diverse and rich in culture it is here. We hiked up through beautiful green fields where children would sing to us and up a volcano where we found Gorillas.
“What a sight it was to see them in their natural habitat relaxed and protected by the community around them. This is where they should be, in their own homes free to live their lives in peace. It was a profound and truly moving experience.
“I’m in love with this country. Thank you for having us, I can’t wait to come back”
Next on the list was Reteti Animal Sanctuary in Kenya, where he was welcomed and enjoyed getting to know the animals who have been brought in for safety. This can be found in the Northern parts of Kenya, in Reteti.
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He said:
“Thank you to the wonderful people at the Reteti Animal Sanctuary for not only hosting us, but more importantly, dedicating their time to rescue, research and conservation. They’re the first indigenous, community owned and run sanctuary in Africa and the work they do for these animals should be an inspiration to us all.
“They take in orphaned animals who likely wouldn’t make it on their own and release them back into the wild when they’re strong enough. This was a truly centering experience, one that reinforces that we we all share this planet. We’re not above animals, we’re with them.
“More often, we’re guests in their homes. Every day in the motherland is more beautiful than the last. Much love, Kenya”
His travels continued through Kenya as he spent time with the Pokot people, dancing and laughing with the people and children in the Pokot county of the country.
“I spent time with the Pokot people in Kenya and just to be in their presence was one thing… To be welcomed was something different entirely and a massive honour I don’t take lightly. The way I felt here is how I feel with my family back at home.
“We are all family, anyway. I’ll carry this experience, and all my other memories from Kenya and from this journey as a whole, in my heart forever.”
He finished his African trip in Tanzania, where he continued to spend time with its people and enjoy the gorgeous landscapes.
“These past two weeks have been some of the best days of my entire life. I’m not the same man I was before this trip, all the beauty, love, and peacefulness I experienced has me feeling fully transformed.
“No amount of photos could capture how I’m feeling now and what I’m trying to say. Just know, where words fall short emotions run deep. I connected with my roots and my history and I feel my ancestors with me now stronger than I ever have before.
“Namibia, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania thank you. To the people here, the nature and the wildlife thank you. We were welcomed to each beautiful place we visited. We were treated like family. To my brothers who joined me on this journey, thank you. I know we’ll be talking about this forever.”
