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Shark attacks buffalo? + ebony and ivory + Lake Malawi uncovered
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From our CEO – Simon Espley
Shark attacks buffalo in Kruger
Have you seen the video of a massive great white shark that attacked a buffalo in the Sabie River, Kruger National Park? No? That’s because it never happened. Ever.
Fake AI video clips and photos in our social media feeds are leaving some gasping in wonder and awe, and clicking share. A soaring eagle carries away a massive thrashing crocodile, and an elephant lovingly cradles a lion cub in its curled-up trunk to safety from the slavering mouths of tigers. ‘Entertainment’ aside, the growing void between software-generated fabrications and the real, biological, natural world grows, and our algorithmic enslavement continues to take root.
Carefully weeding my accounts of the purveyors of this cr@p does help. Still, the tide is rising, and the owners of social media continue to prioritise emotional engagement over boring facts, intelligent thought and constructive debate. This volume-based business model fuels their advertising revenue. We are rapidly heading towards a future where most content is generated by software, and we are the (muted) fuel that drives the revenue engine. Of course, this generic mousse completely misses the angular, beautiful reality of biological life and confuses the masses about what nature is all about. The risks to our planet’s biodiversity and stability are obvious as more and more people are being screened off from Mother Nature and see her as irrelevant in their lives.
Have no fear that my team will continue to celebrate the real world in our stories, galleries and reporting. Warts and all. Likewise, our tailor-made safaris are handcrafted to ensure the most meaningful experiences and to showcase this great place we call home.
Thanks for continuing to prefer science and facts over software-generated detritus. We are in the minority, but we are powerful. A luta continua!
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
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From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
Bats aren’t always the gentle insect-eaters we imagine. Scientists have, for the first time, recorded a greater noctule bat (Nyctalus lasiopterus) hunting, killing, and eating a songbird mid-flight, complete with the sound of crunches of feather and bone. Found in parts of North Africa, Europe, and Asia, this large and elusive bat has long been suspected of snacking on night-flying birds, but until now, proof was missing.
The bat was fitted with a high-tech tag, and the recording, captured in Spain, revealed the bat’s aerial chase of an unfortunate robin, ending in a 23-minute feast. Greater noctules usually feed on insects, but seem to switch to small birds during the birds’ migration seasons. The discovery offers a rare glimpse into the adaptability of these endangered giants.
This week, we explore the connection between elephants and ebony trees in the Congo Basin’s rainforests, and the wild beauty of Lake Malawi, one of the continent’s most overlooked travel gems.
Did you know? Your African safari choice makes a difference
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level. YOUR African safari choice does make a difference – thank you!
Our stories this week
EBONY & IVORY
Central Africa’s elephants and ebony: new research reveals how Africa’s forest elephants sustain its darkest wood, & what happens when they both vanish
LAKE MALAWI
Lake Malawi is Africa’s best-kept secret – a freshwater lake surrounded by gorgeous beaches, islands & biodiversity with endless opportunities for exploration
Travel Desk – 2 African safari ideas
Serengeti Great Migration and big cats – 8 days – from US$7590pp
Be prepared for the drama and the wonder of the vast open plains. Step into the wild heart of Tanzania as the Great Migration sweeps across the vast Serengeti. Encounter endless herds, prowling predators, golden savannahs and dramatic big skies on this unforgettable safari adventure.
All Arusha–Northern Serengeti–Central Serengeti–Arusha flights included
Ruaha and Mafia Island beach and bush – 8 days – from US$4,710pps
Discover two of Tanzania’s extraordinary and contrasting destinations. The wild beauty of Ruaha National Park, where ancient baobabs tower over elephant herds and prowling predators, to the turquoise waters of Mafia Island, a barefoot hideaway of coral gardens and castaway calm. This classic safari-and-sea combination captures the true spirit of Africa-untamed, soulful, and unforgettable.
Still dreaming of the ultimate African safari escape? Browse our safaris ideas here. Or click here to plan your safari.
Our safari guests say…
Repeat AG safari guest, Ana from Brazil, went on an unforgettable Tanzania safari:
Been travelling with Africa Geographic for some time now and it has always been a fantastic experience. They take really good care of me and present me with awesome destinations. This time, it was Selous and Ruaha in Tanzania. The camps were beautifully positioned, the management impeccable and the food was delicious! Africa Geographic suggested the destination and planned it extremely well.
WATCH – AFRICAN SAFARI INSPIRATION:
The Roar of Somkhanda: watch the inspiring journey of South Africa’s first community-owned Big 5 game reserve, Somkhanda Game Reserve. Spanning 12,000 hectares of pristine Zululand bushveld, this sanctuary stands as a testament to the power of community-driven conservation. (08:49) Click here to watch
Cover image: You go left, I’ll go right. A pair of male cheetahs work together to tackle a lone topi. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. © Ivan Glaser
Photographer of the Year 2023 entrant
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