Disturbing photos + saving wild dogs
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From our CEO – Simon Espley
There are moments when I am like a proud father watching his daughter graduate from university or his son land his first real job. Today is one of them, thanks to the video towards the end of this newsletter.
Not only is the video of exceptional quality ;-), but the story and the contribution of Nyungwe National Park and its new lodge to grassroots conservation and community upliftment are so significant that my heart swells with joy and pride at our involvement via Ukuri. Munazi Lodge is the only lodge inside the park, and a gem for chimp trekkers, bird watchers and hikers.
I will be joining our Photographer of the Year winners in Nyungwe later this year, and I cannot wait. This will be my second visit; the first was marred by my contracting Covid and being barred from entering (Covid is a threat to the chimp population). I spent 4 days in a hotel on the outskirts of the park while a colleague had an epic time shooting mouth-watering video footage just as African Parks broke ground for the new lodge.
Rwanda is a huge conservation tourism success story, and Nyungwe is an unpolished jewel in that crown.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
Click below to listen to this editorial
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
There’s something about seeing close relatives turn on one another that unsettles us. Lions killing a leopard. A cobra swallowing another snake. But in this week’s Photographer of the Year 2026 gallery, you’ll find incredible instances of both, and more. Difficult as they are to see, they are impossible to ignore, and represent real and raw nature in action.
Disconcerting as it is, science suggests that snakes eating other snakes is more common than we once thought. A recent global review documented over 200 snake species engaging in cannibalism or snake-eating behaviour, making the behaviour far more widespread than previously understood. In most cases, this is not a strategy or method of eliminating competition, nor is it an evolved diet of some kind. It’s just a matter of opportunity. Species like cobras specialise in eating other snakes, for no reason other than opportunistic predation. Still, witnessing it unfold is something else entirely. Dive into this week’s gallery for this moment, and many more that will stop you in your tracks.
This week, we also explore how reintroducing African wild dogs is only part of the solution to restoring their populations: true success depends on restoring space and functioning ecosystems. Plus, don’t miss our guide to walking safaris, the most immersive way to experience the African bush.
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
HEART-STOPPING PICS
Here are our top pics for Week 7 of Photographer of the Year, as chosen by our judges. Enter & win a chimp-trekking safari to Nyungwe, Rwanda
SPACE FOR DOGS
African wild dogs are benefiting from reintroduction efforts, but conservation success relies on reshaping of ecosystems & space restoration
WALKING SAFARIS
A walking safari is the most immersive way to experience the African bush. Here’s our guide to the best walking safari destinations and safari ideas
Travel Desk – 2 African safari ideas
Botswana wildlife safari & Victoria Falls – 9 days
This iconic safari combines the wildlife riches of Khwai in the eastern reaches of the Okavango Delta, and Chobe National Park in Botswana, with the awe-inspiring majesty of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. First, you’ll visit Khwai to get your predator fix, then move on to Chobe to witness massive herds of elephants and other wildlife along the banks of the Chobe River. Last but not least, the grand finale: witnessing the mighty Zambezi River plunging into the misty gorges below at iconic Victoria Falls.
Garden Route self-drive – 13 days
Follow South Africa’s iconic self-drive route from Table Mountain to the Cape Winelands, through the wide-open Karoo to the forests, mountains and white-sand beaches of the Garden Route and Big Five safari country near Addo. Travel at your own pace with expert guidance, tailored experiences and 24/7 support throughout.
Still dreaming of the ultimate African safari escape? Browse our safari ideas here. Or click here to plan your safari.
Our safari guests say…
AG safari guests Cristiaan and Louisa from the UK went on an unforgettable honeymoon safari to Tanzania.
A truly exceptional honeymoon safari, thoughtfully planned and unforgettable. We booked our honeymoon safari with Africa Geographic, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable trips of our lives. From the very first call, the experience felt personal and thoughtfully designed. Stefan took the time to understand what we enjoyed, what we hoped to experience, and even what pace suited us, before suggesting any destination. Based on that conversation, he recommended Tanzania, and the itinerary he built for us was beautifully balanced and perfectly aligned with what we wanted.
The logistics were seamless thanks to Wayne, who handled every detail behind the scenes. Transfers, timings, internal flights – everything worked smoothly, and we always felt supported.
The safari itself was extraordinary. Each place we stayed had its own atmosphere and purpose, and the flow of the trip was perfect: Kilimanjaro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Olduvai, Ndutu, and the Serengeti. We had so many highlights – a night game drive where the spotter found a camouflaged chameleon in the dark, the breathtaking views from Maweninga Camp, the huge elephant herds of Tarangire, the surreal beauty of the Ngorongoro Crater, seeing a leopard up close, witnessing a wildebeest river crossing, visiting Olduvai Gorge, and even having elephants walk right up to our tent in the Serengeti… We would recommend Africa Geographic without hesitation to anyone looking for a safari that is personal, well‑designed, and truly special.
WATCH
Into one of Africa’s oldest forests. Nyungwe, a 25,000-year-old montane rainforest, is a sanctuary of rare primates, misty canopies and extraordinary biodiversity. Track chimpanzees and colobus monkeys, cross a canopy bridge, or soar above the treetops on Africa’s longest zipline. At its heart lies Munazi Lodge: an intimate, unfenced retreat where every stay directly supports conservation and local communities through African Parks. Wild, immersive, and deeply purposeful travel: this is Nyungwe. (07:54) Watch here.
Cover image: “On the prowl” in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe © Nicholas Dyer
Photographer of the Year 2017 finalist
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