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Zebras on the move + Gonarezhou’s elephant corridors + ultimate Botswana safari
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From our CEO – Simon Espley
The smell of death was all around us, and one of our guests was having none of it. We were on a game drive in the vast Kwando Private Reserve in northern Botswana, following a massive herd of buffalo for hours, knowing that a pride of lions was in the area and likely to hunt again soon. The lions struck in the early evening and pulled down a craggy dagga boy. It was a helluva fight that went on for about 20 minutes, bellowing, growling, dust, blood and then that acrid smell as the body was opened up and bits dragged all over the place. Gruesome for sure, nature doing her thing.
The kill, so often skipped over in glossy wildlife documentaries, is an emotional experience that triggers us all, frequently resulting in a mix of tears, silent contemplation and even disgust. On this occasion, one of our guests had had enough and wanted to leave the scene. Everyone else wanted to stay; in fact, we all wanted to remain on the scene for as long as possible. Hyenas were circling, as were some of the buffalo herd. What to do?
One thing experienced travellers to Africa know is that nothing is ever a problem. Hakuna matata. We retreated to watch from afar while arrangements were made over the two-way radio. Thirty minutes later, the lodge manager had picked up the distraught guest and dropped off our dinner, carefully wrapped in wicker baskets. We were soon back at the scene, fascinated as the Greatest Show on Earth played itself out around us. It was a late night.
To our guests still out there as the dry season peaks in some areas and has been broken by welcome rain in others: Safari njema, good people!
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
Click below to listen to this editorial
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
A remote camera trap in South Africa’s West Coast National Park has confirmed something long hoped for: leopards have returned to the area for the first time in 170 years! The species vanished from this Cape coastline in the mid-1800s. But leopards have slowly begun to recolonise parts of the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape. This photograph is the most unmistakable evidence yet that restored corridors and recovering habitats along the West Coast are working.
The sighting follows years of coordinated effort by Landmark Leopard and Predator Project, SANParks, researchers, municipalities and private landowners. Their focus on reconnecting landscapes, improving protection and strengthening coexistence has allowed leopards to move more safely across a region once closed to them. Hooray!
This week, we bring you a practical guide to Botswana’s zebra migration, and new research on how elephants from Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park move beyond park borders.
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
ZEBRA MIGRATIONS
Explore Botswana’s spectacular zebra migrations, tracing ancient routes & seasonal movements across the Salt Pans, Okavango Delta & Chobe
GONAREZHOU’S ELEPHANTS
A recent study shows how Gonarezhou’s elephants move beyond park borders, highlighting barriers & urgent need for corridor restoration
Travel Desk – 2 African safari ideas
Ultimate Botswana safari – Makgadikgadi Pans, Okavango Delta, Moremi – 10 days – from US$17,450pps
Journey through Botswana’s most spectacular wilderness regions, from the wide-open Makgadikgadi salt pans to the shimmering waterways of the northern Okavango Delta and the predator-rich woodlands of Moremi. Expect a seamless blend of high-end comfort and extraordinary wildlife encounters: a safari crafted for travellers who want Botswana at its finest. Soar low over floodplains by helicopter, drift silently in a mokoro through reed corridors, walk with Bushmen trackers, and meet the charismatic meerkats of the Kalahari. Exclusive access to private concessions and a collection of remarkable lodges.
Great Migration – Tanzania’s northern safari circuit – 10 days – from US$8,235pps
Embark on the ultimate northern safari circuit, from the foothills of Mount Meru in Arusha to the elephant-rich plains of Tarangire, the lush Ngorongoro Crater, and the predator-filled northern Serengeti. Expect a feast of wildlife encounters, dramatic Great Migration river crossings, and breathtaking views over some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes. Experience Tanzania’s legendary northern parks at their very best.
Still dreaming of the ultimate African safari escape? Browse our safaris ideas here. Or click here to plan your safari.
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Referrals close 30 November 2025. Read more about our referral programme here
Our safari guests say…
AG safari guests, Laurie and friends, went on a magical safari to Kenya and Rwanda:
Magical Africa. “Africa Geographic put together a wonderful itinerary in Kenya and then to see the gorillas in Rwanda. When one of our travellers’ luggage got stuck in Europe, Luis went above and beyond to reunite her with her things. He was responsive throughout the trip whenever we had a question. The animals were plentiful and entertaining, the guides and staff everywhere were warm and knowledgeable, our lodgings were comfortable and beautiful, and we would use Luis and AG again and again.”
WATCH – AFRICAN SAFARI INSPIRATION:
What does it take to bring back a species – and what does it mean for an ecosystem? Lions have been successfully returned to Zambia’s Nsumbu National Park after an absence of over a decade. The reintroduction hinged on years of careful planning, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration. In this landscape, the return of lions is both an ecological milestone and a cultural homecoming. See why here. (36:13)
Click here to watch
Cover image: After hours lying in wait in the marsh, a lion erupts from the mud, claws first, onto the back of a buffalo. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. © Eric Coiffier.
Photographer of the Year 2025 finalist.
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