10 African migrations + rhino horn controversy + giraffe’s lucky legs + truffle-hunting gorillas
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From our CEO – Simon Espley
Let the rhino horn skulduggery commence. Again.
South Africa’s rhino horn traders will be licking their lips after the Northern Cape Division of the High Court in Kimberley recently decided that rhino horn harvested from registered captive breeding operations can be exported. And yet international commercial trade in rhino horn is illegal; it has been banned since 1977 under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). There is, however, a loophole for rhinos bred in captivity for non-commercial purposes. Expect rhino horn traders to aim truckloads of horn at that flimsy legislative gap.
I am solidly behind the sustainable wildlife industries if their actions are transparent, sustainable and ethical. And rhino owners urgently need to monetise their investment in private rhino herds, which are vital to keeping rhinos safe from poachers.
Sadly, though, the rhino horn industry in South Africa has tarnished its reputation with a slew of shady dealings that prove beyond a doubt its lack of readiness for such an important responsibility. One example includes a scheme that used Thai prostitutes posing as hunters to export rhino horns as ‘trophies’ before selling them illegally. Another example is the arrest of industry kingpin John Hume, who was linked to a fraudulent operation involving 964 rhino horns destined for illegal markets in Southeast Asia. These charges relate to fraud, theft, biodiversity law violations, racketeering and money laundering.
The good news is that South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said in a statement: “South Africa will not support any move to reopen the ivory or rhino horn trade. Our duty is to protect our wildlife, not to profit from their destruction.”
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
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From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
For years, observers in Congo-Brazzaville watched gorillas scratching at the soil and assumed they were after ants. But a study in Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park has revealed something far more intriguing. Researchers found that the great apes were foraging for a small underground fungus, known as Elaphomyces labyrinthinus. That’s right: the gourmand gorillas were foraging for truffles, very similar to the culinary kind prized by humans!
Not every gorilla group studied engaged in truffle-hunting, but individuals appeared to learn from one another. When a female moved from a group that rarely foraged for truffles to one that did so frequently, she soon joined in, suggesting the behaviour is socially transmitted. The findings add to growing evidence that gorillas possess their own cultural traditions.
This week, we also explore Africa’s great wildlife migrations – 10 of them, to be exact – and uncover how giraffes’ extraordinary legs hold a hidden physiological secret.
Yours in wild adventure,
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
10 AFRICAN MIGRATIONS
Our guide to Africa’s 10 greatest animal migrations – from wildebeest, to whales – & how you can help protect these journeys
LUCKY LEGS
Giraffes’ long legs ease heart strain from high blood pressure, revealing an energy-saving secret behind their towering height
Travel Desk – 2 African safari ideas
Art safari in the Big 5 Timbavati – 7 days – from ZAR79,370pps
Whether you are a passionate beginner or a seasoned creator, this unique art safari offers the chance to hone your skills with professional wildlife artist Alison Nicholls. Soak up the atmosphere of the Big 5 Timbavati Private Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger, South Africa and channel it into artistry! 6–12 September 2026 – only 3 spots left!
Ultimate South Luangwa – 8 days – from US$9,950pps
Discover the untamed beauty of South Luangwa National Park, Zambia – a renowned leopard stronghold and the birthplace of walking safaris. Embark on expertly guided bush walks and game drives, spend a night under the stars in a secluded sleepout, and refine your photographic skills in one of Africa’s finest hides. An authentic safari experience that reconnects you with the wild at its most raw and real.
Still dreaming of the ultimate African safari escape? Browse our safaris ideas here. Or click here to plan your safari.
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Simply email us now and copy in your friend who is keen to travel, and we’ll take it from there.
Referrals close 30 November 2025. Read more about our referral programme here
Your conservation impact
Your safari helped fund the treatment and rehabilitation of another pangolin rescued from poachers.
Meet Heritage – a female pangolin rescued on Heritage Day from poachers and given a second chance at life.
Thanks to the sting team, Limpopo Pangolin Collective, SAPS, Umoya Khulula Wildlife Centre, and Scales Pangolin Rescue Fund, she was given a second chance. When she arrived at Provet Wildlife Services, Heritage was weak and struggling to walk. But with the help of Dr Debbie English and team, she received groundbreaking care – including the first-ever MRI performed on a pangolin in Limpopo. The scan revealed a hidden spinal infection, now being successfully treated.
Your safari booking with Africa Geographic helped fund her recovery through a donation to Provet. When you travel with us, you’re not just exploring Africa’s wild places – you’re helping protect them. Check out some of our safari ideas here.
👉 You can also support pangolin rescue and rehabilitation directly through our Save a Pangolin campaign here.
WATCH – AFRICAN SAFARI INSPIRATION:
Spend a few minutes of joy with the lion cubs of Khwai, Botswana, as they test their skills, playfighting and tumbling over anthills. (03:56)
Click here to watch
Cover image: Four white rhinos meet for a morning catch up in a reserve in South Africa © Amanda Tatham. Photographer of the Year 2019 Top 101 entry
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