Back by popular demand: Kili Mapp Kili Print Hammock
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – Two words summed up Outdoor Afro’s Kili Mapp Kili DoubleNest Print Hammock by Eagle Nest Outfitters (ENO) when it initially launched in 2021: Sold. Out. But now it’s back. An updated, lengthier version ready to stretch out for seasonal lounging, and capturing special moments with family and friends. “I want people to feel warmth and joy every time they’re in this hammock,” said Leandra Taylor, Outdoor Afro volunteer leader and artist behind the in-demand design.
This unique print and co-branded product relaunched fall 2022 with updated features, making it portable, packable, and always adventure-ready. Outdoor Afro x ENO Kili Mapp Kili DoubleNest Hammock Print incorporates bluesign® approved fabric, hammock-specific hardware, a bonus internal stash pocket housed in the stuff sack, and an extended 9.5-foot (2.9-meter) hammock body that creates more room for more memories. "Our partnership is a pertinent, timeless, and inspiring story that speaks so deeply to Outdoor Afro's mission with the world," said ENO's Marketing Director Anna Rawlins. "There is no better canvas for showcasing the artwork than a hammock – one that can be enjoyed outside and inspires all ages to explore, connect, and relax."
The limited-edition print developed after Taylor joined Outdoor Afro’s 2018 Mount Kilimanjaro Expedition in Tanzania, Africa. She was the youngest volunteer leader on that unforgettable hike. “Even with my lack of experience in this type of hiking, I knew I was called to do this climb,” she said. But by Day 3, Taylor had reached her limit. Exhausted, she relied on her teammates’ support and encouragement to make it to the mountain’s highest point.
Pulling inspiration from that experience and her surroundings, Taylor’s print braids in deep hues, unusual patterns and land topography from the high-endurance trip. The design incorporates a snake representing the Kili trail song and the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, which sits at roughly 19,341 feet above sea level. Knowing exactly what gear and equipment to pack for the expedition became a critical piece to ascension success. The same packing process Taylor always wants outdoor adventurers to feel with this on-the-go hammock while traveling the world for lounging and leisure.
Advance notice: The Kili Mapp Kili DoubleNest Print Hammock sells fast from in-store to digital shelves, so purchase this storytelling print online at enonation.com, or your local REI or outdoor retailer today. Proceeds from the collaboration help support Outdoor Afro’s mission of celebrating and inspiring Black connections and leadership in nature. Now in its 13th year, the national not-for-profit organization includes:
- A 60,000-strong participation network
- 1,200-plus online and in-person events
- 100-plus selected and trained volunteer leaders nationwide
- 60 cities the network impacts across the country
- 46 Meetup networks to join
- 32 states with local networks, including Washington, D.C.
- 4 regions (Midwest, Northeast, South and West)
Taylor can’t wait to reshare this newest version with fellow Outdoor Afro volunteer leaders and community members of her South Carolina network. “For me, swaying in this hammock is the definition of Black joy in nature,” she said. “Each color represents the vibrant culture of Tanzanian city Arusha and the joy we all felt on the mountain.”
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow Outdoor Afro at outdoorafro.org and @outdoorafro today.
ABOUT ENO: Founded in 1999 and based in Asheville, N.C., Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) is the leader in creating high-quality hammocks and portable relaxation gear that inspires people to explore, connect and relax outside. ENO distributes its products online, at specialty outdoor retailers across the nation, and in over 13 countries. As a bluesign® System Partner, ENO is proud to be committed to the journey of building more sustainable and responsibly made products, and to partner with an exemplary network of nonprofit organizations as a 1% for the Planet member. For more information, visit enonation.com.
#DispatchesDNLee: Iringa Tanzania Offers Culture, Wildlife, and Outdoor Adventure
Danielle N. Lee is a member of the Outdoor Afro Leadership Team. She is a Ph.D. Biologist currently in Tanzania doing a field study of African Pouched Rats. She will be sharing her Adventures from Africa here on Outdoor Afro. You can join her on her adventure at her blog The Urban Scientist at the Scientific American Network.
I took a weekend safari (journey/holiday) with other Ex-Pats to Iringa. Iringa is near the central part of the country and is the launching pad for many other Tanzanian adventures. Many people start their multi-park safaris from Iringa because of its vicinity to Ruaha, Udzungwa, and Mikumi National Parks.
On this visit, my friends and I visited Isimila Stone Age and Natural Pillars. If you didn’t know Tanzania is the Cradle of Mankind. The museum is modest, but the learning experience was one of a kind. I only regret that the travel books don’t warn you of the hiking you will be doing while visiting the Early Human Stone Tool site and the trek to the Natural Pillars. It was beautiful, but be mindful of your steps. There are no safety railings and walking trails and stairs are earth worn. Sadly, this (and most of the natural beauties I have witnessed so far) could not be traversed by individuals with mobility/physical ability issues.
We did stay at a lovely campsite, Rivervalley Campsite. The campsite offers Bandas (cabins), tented camps (with beds) and campgrounds if you want to pitch your own tents. Bandas vary in size and can sleep 2 – 6+ people. The five of us stayed in the larger banda that had its own bathroom plus 2 rooms – one with a double bed and the other with 2 sets of bunk beds. We discovered, as we were checking out, that there was a loft and it had a padded pallet on the floor with room to spare for a sleeping bag.
There are plenty of clean external washrooms and toilets throughout the camp. Plus, there is dining hall also offering hot meals. Prices vary, with bandas being the most expensive and tented camps costing less (and depending on your command of Kiswahili). However, I was very impressed with the accommodations and amenities. We paid $60 USD for one night and that included a hot breakfast. We also had dinner, which cost less than $5 USD. The campsite is also home to a popular language school, so there are many expats around most of the time.
Tented camps seem to be very popular in Tanzania and they are very nice lodging options for the cost-conscious person concerned about comfort. If you want to see and experience the culture, wildlife, nature, and beauty of Tanzania up close, then I definitely recommend this as a must-do adventure for Outdoor Afros.
Visit Tanzania. It is beautiful here!
Karibu!
Official #DispatchesDNLee postcard
artwork by @LalSox
Outdoor Afros, want a post card from Tanzania? I am here until September 23, 2012, so complete the Dispatches from Tanzania Postcard request form today.
#DispatchesDNLee: An Outdoor Afro Adventure to Africa
Danielle N. Lee is a member of the Outdoor Afro Leadership Team. She is a Ph.D. Biologist currently in Tanzania doing a field study of African Pouched Rats. She will be sharing her Adventures from Africa here on Outdoor Afro. You can join her on her adventure at her blog The Urban Scientist at the Scientific American Network.
I don’t believe in coincidences. ~DNLee
Until I was 8 years old, my mother worked for the Memphis Park Commission which overlooked maintenance of city public lands and community center recreation activities. Every summer she was assigned to work as a supervisor at a neighborhood park; and accompanied her to work. I lived for the summer. I played outdoors, picked flowers, and made friends.
I was also a complete zealot when it came to animals. I rescued almost every cat I encountered. Though I was mousey, nothing stirred me to fight quicker than a kid torturing an animal, and not just the cute cuddly ones. I probably got into more fights over toads and frogs than any other beastie. And, yes, I religiously watched Wild Kingdom and collected Wildlife Treasury Picture Cards. I was that kid!
I didn’t know it at the time, but those experiences laid the foundation for who and what and where I am today: a Zoologist. Studying wildlife in Africa.
Field Biology may be one the most romanticized career tracks of the sciences. Images of exotic wild places, muddy boots, trekking through forests or mountains or grasslands, enduring the elements, swatting mosquitoes and other pesky insects…a scientist on an exhilarating journey exploring nature. I’m in Tanzania studying the African Giant Pouched Rat, doing a capture-mark-recapture study to learn more about its natural habits, its mating system and social structure.
I know it doesn’t sound like the wildlife adventures I watched on television as a child; but it all is a part of the fabric of science. And it is every bit as a dream come true to be here doing this. Field work can be simultaneously amazing and exhausting, scary and wonderful. I wouldn’t trade one bit of my journey.
Official #DispatchesDNLee postcard
artwork by @LalSox
And I am grateful to my parents, family, extended family, and friends who cultivated the scientist in me, even as a young child. Maybe they knew that all of that exposure to the outdoors would lead to this. Maybe they didn’t. But I am glad either way. I know it was those experiences that brought me to this place, this space, this path and I love them for it.
How have your Outdoor Afro experiences cultivated your interests in the outdoors? Has it resulted in a career in the sciences or conservation or environmental education like it has for me? Or perhaps you are encouraging younger generations. Tell us your story.