Il leone africano

[first lines]

Narrator: From ancient times, the great landmass of Africa has been called the dark continent. The name came from the early map makers. They knew so little of this unexplored region, they left it a blank on their charts. For centuries it remained a land of mystery, for Africa - like an ancient fortress - was surrounded by natural barriers that kept civilization out. Across the north, a vast desert: the impassible Sahara. On the west, a dense jungle; a wall of tangled underbrush along the Congo. In the south, an arid bush country. And on the eastern shore, fever ridden swamps became a barricade to all who would invade this land. In time of course, explorers penetrated nature's blockade; and in the dark heart of Africa, they found a primitive paradise. It was neither desert nor jungle, but a broad plain broken by forests, deep lakes, and towering peaks. The dominating landmark is the highest mountain on the continent. It stands practically on the equator. This is Mount Kilimanjaro, rising 19,000 feet into the African sky. Its crest - thrusting through the clouds - wears a permanent mantel of snow. Here in its shadow, our story begins, for this is the realm of the African lion.