Award-winning photographer Greg du Toit shares with us his favourite elephant images, and explains why each image impacted on him
Author Archives: teamAG
Elephant Ignite Expedition
Elephant Ignite embarked on a 16 000km, 100-day journey across 10 African countries to cast the spotlight on the elephant poaching crisis
R.I.P SATAO 2
SATAO 2 has died, at the hands of ivory poachers. We pay tribute to this giant elephant by quoting several people who met him
Spending time on safari at a Maasai village
Safari report-back: Spice up your Kenyan safari with a fascinating visit to a Maasai village. By Giada and Gianluca Ventura
Giant elephant Satao 2 poached in Tsavo, 6 super tuskers left
SATAO 2 is dead, and another of the last super tuskers left in Africa has been poached, leaving only 6 of these giants in the Tsavo Conservation Area in southern Kenya.
18% crash in Kruger white rhino population
Drought & poaching have reduced estimated white rhino numbers in South Africa’s Kruger National Park by 18% during the past year
Trophy hunting: leopard update
Earlier this year, South African Environmental Affairs minister Edna Molewa announced a ZERO quota for leopard hunts in 2017, a continuation of the 2016 ruling.
Of leatherbacks and loggerheads
As our guide brought the open game vehicle coasting to a halt, the only sound was of waves breaking gently on the sand. That morning, Sodwana Bay had been clamorous with tractors and trailers, speedboats and scuba divers. But now, late at night, the beach was utterly empty. And out there, somewhere, an ancient and …
Rhino Bombshell: SA Minister plans to permit trade in horn
South African Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa has declared that she plans to permit the trade in rhino horn domestically and, in what looks like a loophole big enough to drive a tractor through, the export internationally of horn for ‘personal purposes’.
Chinese traders going after Africa’s donkeys
According to several sources, there is a growing demand in Chinese markets for donkey pelts, and some rural areas in Africa are reportedly being stripped of free-roaming donkeys to feed the demand.
Kruger Walking Magic
The three-night Mphongolo Backpack Trail in the Kruger National Park takes takes your soul to a deeper understanding of wilderness
Supernatural South Luangwa
“Turn left. Continue along the road, through a dry riverbed. When the road forks, keep to the left.” We were 371km from home, six hours into our journey, and at the bottom of page two of a three-page printout of detailed instructions describing how to get to South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. We weren’t …
Kicking back in Mauritius
The year is all but done, the mountain of admin has got the better of you, and strings of last-minute things to do are being pulled from your threadbare brain like a magician’s trick. It’s now, more than ever, that you need to be sitting on a beach, staring out over the turquoise water with …
Hwange
The annual wildlife count in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park is a wonderful citizen-science project for all – Tony Park tells his story
Himba: Hearts of Sand
The Himba tribe in Namibia are a semi-nomadic people who have largely resisted modernisation. This fantastic gallery celebrates their lives
Anti-poaching pooches
Kruger National Park’s anti-poaching dogs work hard all day to keep our rhinos and other wildlife safe. Learn more about them here
The model and the San
Model and actress Aleksandra Ørbeck-Nilssen has such huge respect for the San people of Namibia that she dedicates a chunk of her life to them
A photographic bonanza of predators in Savuti
A photographic bonanza safari – predators galore in Botswana’s Savute, Chobe National Parl. This is an Africa Geographic safari
The Magic of Zanzibar
Zanzibar is the ultimate fusion of beach and culture. Tagged onto the end of your wildlife safari, it’s the ideal spicy finale
Gallery: Capturing Namibia
This fantastic photo gallery showcases the fascinating tribal cultures, wildlife and breathtaking vistas of Namibia – pack your bags
Classic Namibia
This fantastic photo gallery showcases the fascinating tribal cultures, wildlife and breathtaking vistas of Namibia – pack your bags
We bet you didn’t know these weird wildlife collective nouns
Some truly weird and wonderfully fitting collective nouns for Africa’s favourite wild animals.
The silent giants of Tsavo
Tsavo National Park in Kenya is the best place to see giant tuskers – the last remaining giant elephants still roaming our the world
Kgalagadi versus Kruger
A daring comparison of two popular Southern African transfrontier parks.
Kruger to Canyons
Kruger2canyons
Rhino horn?
Removing the rhino’s horn to prevent poaching is a controversial and emotional matter – as is the related debate about trading in rhino horn
Rwanda: into the heart of Africa
My self-drive safari to Rwanda in search of mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, Dian Fossey’s gravesite & much more – Jytte Fredholm Ferreira
The antics of adorable hyena cubs
Meet a clan of hyenas and their absolutely adorable cubs at Balule Private Nature Reserve!
Game census safari
Citizen science is when ordinary folk get to help science by, for example, participating in a game census in a private game reserve
Birds, great apes, and so much more in Uganda
Safari report-back: A trip of a lifetime to Uganda – spectacular sightings of birds, great apes, and so much more. By Malcolm and Trish Lund
Walking Chief’s Island, Okavango Delta, Botswana
The safari of a lifetime in Botswana’s Okavango Delta – buffalo on foot, elephants playing in the water and more. By Tim & Heather Doyle
Africa Geographic team finds new location for previously ‘extinct’ frog species
The rare Bururi long-fingered frog, previously thought to have gone extinct in 1952, has been rediscovered in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda.
Gallery: Faces of Africa
This fantastic image gallery of faces of Africa will have you contacting us to plan your next safari, and packing your camera bag and tripod
Swaziland: Africa’s Little Secret
Swaziland enjoys a diversity of landscapes and experiences for the traveller and a laid-back vibe – fantastic for that chilled vacay
Gorillas, volcanoes and mountains of the moon
Safari report-back: Mountain gorillas, an active volcano and the mountains of the moon. By Fatima and Dane Harvey
Tourists answer our 2016 African travel survey
The answers to our 2016 travel survey on travellers preferences while on safari holidays.
Saving elephants
A look at how The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust are working to protect pachyderms.
Gallery: Reflections of Elephants
Reflections on Elephants is a fantastic photographic book celebrating the lives of Africa’s big tuskers that will have you dreaming of your next safari
The wilds of East Africa – photo gallery
These magical black & white images of Kenya and Tanzania by Federico Veronesi will have you contacting us to arrange your next African safari
Gallery: Samburu Tribe
This fantastic gallery of Samburu tribe images will have you contacting us to plan your next safari and packing your bags for Africa
Walking with the Maasai
Maasai life and the impact of the 21st-century trends, conservation, political pressures and tourism on these people
Video: 60 hyenas take on a lion
Watch this epic video and images of a stand-off and brawl between hyenas and lions over a buffalo in Kenya’s Maasai Mara
Rhino rangers
The heroes who are working on the ground to save the rhino.
Video: Cecil the lion’s adorable grandcubs
Cecil the lion lives on in Zimbabwe’s Hwange NP – check out this cute video of eight cubs thought to be Cecil’s grand-cubs
Messages of Hope
Messages of Hope is an inspiring book celebrating the most driven, most successful conservationists on Planet Earth.These are nature’s heroes.
Video: rare footage of white lions mating
Video footage and epic photos of rarely-seen white lions mating in Timbavati, Greater Kruger. Chat to our safari consultants & pack your bags!
What will Africa propose to CITES?
A provisional list of proposals by African states for amendment of current trade allowances at CITES for endangered species
Travel companies call for an end to activities that exploit lions
Leading African tourism companies call for an end to captive breeding, canned hunting and other forms of abuse of lions
Africa’s Big Tuskers
Africa’s tuskers deserve special mention – these huge elephants are facing the combined pressures of poaching and trophy hunting
Rhino poaching – Buy No Rhino
Meet the two South African sisters who cycled 6,000km across South-East Asia to save the rhino.
Enchanting Ethiopia
An exploration of a magical corner of the continent.
The secret Garden Route
Off the beaten track in one of South Africa’s most loved tourist destinations.
My gorilla trekking safari with Africa Geographic
Highlights from an unforgettable 3-day gorilla trek in Rwanda – our safari included so much more than gorillas though
Kruger Addicts
An Australian couple share why they are so crazy about Kruger National Park – after more than 25 extended stays in the park over the years
Exploring Etosha
Everything you need to know about Etosha National Park in Namibia – home of giant white elephants & crowded waterholes during the dry season
Famous Marsh lions poisoned in Maasai Mara
Lions from the Marsh Pride, made famous by the Big Cat Diary series, have been poisoned in the Maasai Mara with at least two lions dead as a result.
Saving the cheetah: a need for speed
The cheetah is the fastest land animal, with a body built to incredible acceleration. But its also fast heading towards extinction in the wild
Chimp trekking in Mahale with Africa Geographic
My dream safari came true – of chimp trekking in the Mahale Mountains National Park with Africa Geographic
I Love Namibia
Exploring the wild places of Namibia makes for a different kind of honeymoon, and our road trip turned out to be the journey of a lifetime
Herero
Jim Naughten first came across Namibia’s Herero tribe years ago when he saw a Herero lady sashaying across the desert in her beautiful dress
A photo safari to South Luangwa
An unforgettable photographic safari with Africa Geographic in the remote Nsefu Sector of South Luangwa National Park
iSimangaliso: park for the people
iSimangaliso is a World Heritage Site – a rich and diverse ecosystem that attracts nature lovers and provides sustainable livelihoods for many
The Cape Winelands with a difference
Four Cap Classique-filled days spent discovering vineyards that are making a difference in the beautiful Cape Winelands.
Lemurs of Madagascar – photo gallery
The endemic lemurs of Madagascar are unique and fascinating. Check out this fantastic photo gallery before packing your safari bags
Hermanus & the not so False Bay
Hermanus and False Bay – things to do, what, when and how. A complete guide to having fun on Cape Town’s coastline – from a local
Baobab and quiver trees – reaching for the stars
Massive ancient baobab trees are a feature of many arid African landscapes, and this fantastic starlight gallery celebrates these grey giants
Snakebite!
A miraculous escape from death, and how to prevent and treat snakebite.
Deeper into Durban
To the traveller and foodie Durban is an eclectic fusion of old and new, trendy and not-so-much. We reveal some of her secrets
Wings over Namibia – an aerial safari
This fantastic gallery of Namibia from the air is a photographer’s delight, and will have you packing your safari bag and camera
South Africa’s street food festival
Cow cheeks, samoosas, shisa nyama, bunny chows, gatsbys, rotis and vetkoek are all on offer this year at South Africa’s Street Food Festival!
4 fun facts about the bat-eared fox
The bat-eared fox is a cute, shy creature that wanders around southern Africa’s drier landscapes at night in search of food
The Pink Lake
The pink lake – Senegal’s Lake Retba is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a narrow corridor & is known for its high salt content, up to 40%
Mounting up against poaching in Zakouma
Since man tamed the horse, the majestic animal has gone from a means of transport to a tool of industry and war. Human society has advanced on the backs of horses, but we have since dismounted, finding little use for horses other than leisure. However, in some remote corners of Africa, the horse plays a …
Elephants to roam between Knysna and Addo?
Building and hiking an ecological corridor from Eden to Addo.
It’s hard to be a man
The Xhosa people of South Africa have an age-old ritual that is mystical, secretive & far away from the eyes of the public. This is Ulwaluko
Turtles – ninjas of the Deep
Turtles – the wanderers of Earth’s vast oceans – played a vital part in changing the conservation status of our coastline
Through a Land of Giants
The Ruvuma River does not give up her secrets easily – but that did not stop 4 intrepid researchers from journeying its length
The wild beneath the ocean waves
‘What’s great about the ocean is that you swim a hundred and fifty meters from the shore, and you feel vulnerable – you are in the wilderness,’ says Craig Foster. Feeling vulnerable is something most modern humans try to avoid, but it would have been a regular part of our ancestors’ lives, and it draws …
Ethiopia’s church forests
In the highlands of Ethiopia, American scientist Meg Lowman is working with local forest ecologist Alemayehu Wassie to protect ancient church forests. As in many developing countries, much of Ethiopia’s original forests have been cleared for subsistence agriculture and for harvesting timber and firewood, diminishing northern Ethiopia’s forest cover from 45% of its territory in …
9 Fascinating baobab tree facts
Here are some interesting facts about baobabs, Africa’s ancient trees.
Elephant charities – the good, the bad & the gly
In September 2013, a high-profile announcement was made in New York about a bold Clinton Global Initiative, bringing together NGOs, governments and concerned citizens to stop the slaughter of Africa’s elephants. Making international headlines, the Initiative pledged $80 million over three years to counteract the elephant crisis with a three-pronged strategy to “stop the slaughter, …
Continue reading “Elephant charities – the good, the bad & the gly”
Finding gold in Gabon – the golden cat
I was used to working in the savannahs of eastern and southern Africa, where the animals I studied roamed in full sight. I was used to the relative comfort and safety of getting around in a 4×4, and my camera went everywhere with me. Then, in 2010, I arrived in the Central African country of …
The Mozambique turquoise coast – from above
A gallery of seductive images of the Mozambique coastline – pack your bags and include your costume, beach towel and suntan lotion
Cape fire – life in the Ashes
Walking through the ashes of Table Mountain National Park after last week’s monumental fire, I didn’t expect to see it as a landscape teeming with life, and yet it was. The sensation was one mixed with awe at the devastation and wonder at the nature that has survived or is already emerging. The fire raged …
Running the Gauntlet in the Serengeti
The perils 1,3 million wildebeest face along their Serengeti migration route – as expanding local populations seek much-needed protein
Living Wild in Liuwa
Liuwa Plain, a remote national park in Zambia, is a conservation success story because of cooperation from villagers that live inside the park
A response to the hunting debate
A response from well-known conservationist Gail Potgieter on the hunting debate.
Vic Falls – Africa’s adventure capital
From the sedate to the downright terrifying, Vic Falls has it all for the adventure traveller and safari enthusiast
9 amazing facts about the AARDVARK
The aardvark is a fascinating & elusive animal that many experienced travellers to Africa desperately want to see. Read more about aardvarks
Exploring East Africa’s coral reefs
With the stadium lights of Durban fading into the night and the water lapping at the side of the boat, our small team had high hopes. Little did we know this would be our last night of restful sleep for a long while. Using a minimal budget and a team of six divers, one filmmaker, …
Rwanda photo gallery
Photographic encounters in Rwanda – the very heart of Africa. This epic gallery by Karim Sahai will have you packing your safari bags
Monkey business
A tiny black face peers through the open gate, not daring to go out. A few minutes later, another furry body runs past – he is the first vervet monkey to step into a land of unknown mysteries, his new home. Soundlessly, other troop members follow – the juveniles first, the females and their babies …
The Tribe
A photographic tribute to Kenya’s Samburu people which will have you contacting Africa Geographic to arrange your next safari
Samburu Sensations
We challenged our CEO Simon Espley to tick off a carefully compiled list of avian eye candy during his 3-day Samburu safari
Gallery – The Meaning in the Masks
WEIRD AND WONDERFUL CHARACTERS IN ONE OF AFRICA’S GREAT MASQUERADES Images by Andrew Brukman 7 November, 2014 In the gule wamkulu, or great dance, hundreds of different characters guide society in the moral code of the Chewa people. Some are in the shape of animals, some are roughly humanoid, and some are completely outlandish. Here …
Gule Wamkulu – when the ancestors dance
In various parts of Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique, the spirits of the ancestors take on corporeal form and dance for their living descendants. Not just to entertain but also to inform, chastise and guide. The forms they take are varied and spectacular, and the occasion of their portrayal is called the gule wamkulu – the …
Africanis
In the dusty rural villages of South Africa, one can expect to see dogs of all shapes and sizes roaming freely, seemingly uncared for and feral. To those who are used to the regulated pedigree world of dogs, these ‘village dogs’ are widely thought of as un-domesticated and most likely carriers of the rabies virus. …
The dog: conservation’s best friend
One of Aesop’s fables tells of a vixen taking her numerous pups out for an airing. She comes across a lioness proudly carrying a single cub. ‘Why such airs, haughty dame, over one solitary cub?’ sneers the vixen. ‘Look at my healthy and numerous litter here, and imagine, if you are able, how a proud …
Cry Wolf
The Ethiopian wolf is Africa’s most endangered carnivore. Learn what is being done to protect them in the Ethiopian highlands