Derek Massey

Wadda Life

Derek Massey arrived in Dar es Salaam with little money, no local knowledge, and no idea of the challenges he’d face under Africa's intense sun. A young Englishman, he'd never ventured beyond Switzerland before taking a job in Tanzania's hides and skins department, marking the start of a 50-year career across Africa and Asia.

In a pre-GPS, pre-cell phone era, Africa's vast landscapes were unpredictable and often dangerous. Breaking down or getting lost could leave one stranded for days, facing threats from wildlife and harsh conditions.

Wadda Life captures Derek’s journey through diverse cultures, risks, and remarkable experiences in a continent that quickly became home.