Our weekly conservation newsletter
Family safaris we love + rise in lion poaching
This is a copy of our weekly email newsletter. Subscribe here to receive the newsletter and more inspiration for your African safari.
From our CEO – Simon Espley
Funny story :-). So I was on safari with guests in Botswana years back when we were treated to one of the best guiding stunts ever.
We were trundling along a sandy track when our guide leapt out of the open-topped Landy and disappeared behind a dense copse of sage shrubs. The Landy trundled slowly onwards sans driver, following the deep wheel ruts, as they do when in low range, with our guests staring wide-eyed at each other. About 50 metres down the track, he reappeared next to the vehicle, leaned in and turned off the ignition. Cupped gently in his hands was a tiny fat mouse (its actual name). He gave a fascinating explanation of this minuscule creature’s ability to store fat under the skin to see it through the cold winter nights, which gives it a chubby appearance; hence the name. He then strolled back behind the shrubs to release the precious rodent, and on we went to search for other epic wildlife encounters. Note to online trolls: no mice were harmed during said encounter 😉
Speaking of favourite travel moments, have you seen my 2026 safari wish list?
Keep the passion
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
Click below to listen to this editorial
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
In the Ethiopian Highlands, scale can be misleading. In this vast massif, one of the tiniest mammals on Earth has quietly revealed itself.
Weighing less than a sugar cube, a newly confirmed shrew species emerged from years of patient fieldwork in one of Africa’s most biologically rich regions. The breakthrough came when researchers added a simple pitfall bucket to their trapping method, to reach animals too small for conventional traps. At the bottom of one such bucket on Mount Damota sat a 3-gram shrew.
The find echoed an unresolved sighting years earlier in the Simien Mountains. Only with this second specimen could the species be formally recognised. The work spanned rugged field sites and the loss of the researcher who made the first record of the species, Bill Stanley, before he could see the outcome. Named in his honour, Crocidura stanleyi is now expanding our knowledge of the physiological limits of mammals. Even in well-studied landscapes, some stories remain elusive, yet worth the wait.
This week, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite family safari destinations. And we examine research that shows a worrying increase in targeted lion poaching for parts.
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
FAMILY SAFARIS
Discover Africa’s top family safari destinations for trips with kids or multi-generational groups
LION POACHING
Study warns of rise in lion poaching for body parts such as claws, teeth & skins
Travel Desk – 2 African safari ideas
Kenya family bush & beach escape – 12 days
This Kenyan family bush-and-beach holiday blends the wildlife-rich Laikipia highlands with the warmth and calm of the Indian Ocean coast at Lamu, where clear waters, dhow sails and long, quiet beaches slow the rhythm after days in the bush. Think family-friendly lodges, activities for all ages, short scenic flights and private transfers, ensuring effortless travel and unforgettable shared memories. This is the ultimate family escape.
Botswana family adventure – 7 days
This family-friendly safari explores the Okavango Delta, Moremi and Savute, staying at three lodges designed with children in mind and packed with engaging activities and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Tailor flexible experiences for the whole family in this safari that will unlock your family’s imagination with a lifetime of inspiration.
Still dreaming of the ultimate African safari escape? Browse our safaris ideas here. Or click here to plan your safari.
Our safari guests say…
AG safari guest Karen and her family from New Zealand went on a wonderful Botswana safari:
“AG arranged the perfect trip to Botswana for my family. They really listened to our brief and arranged an awesome itinerary within our budget. We had a good variety of accommodation, activities and locations. All transport was on time – we did not have a single hiccup or moment of stress. Organising the trip was easy, with good communication and support. I have travelled a lot, and this would be one of my greatest travel experiences. Thanks Africa Geographic for organising it!”
WATCH
See what our Photographer of the Year 2025 winners got up to on their prize safari to Congo-Brazzaville’s Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Winner Christina Schwenck and runners-up Ernest Porter and Mary Schrader share rainforest magic, from a silverback’s gorilla family to serene forest elephants. Photographer of the Year 2026 opens in February. Could you be our next winner? (01:57) Click here to watch
Cover image: In a curious reversal of roles, a bull elephant looms behind a sleeping lioness, conjuring an almost theatrical image of predator stalked by herbivore. The elephant creeps with intent, before veering away, leaving the lioness to her sun-drenched obliviousness. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. © Aidan Tinney
Photographer of the Year 2025 Top 109 entry
To comment on this story: Login (or sign up) to our app here - it's a troll-free safe place 🙂.
