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You’re closer to chimps than you think
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From our CEO – Simon Espley
Two weeks to go, and our 2026 Photographer of the Year has been a corker!
The quality of photos submitted this year for our annual celebration of Africa’s exuberant diversity has been through the roof! From gobsmacking avian jewels to great apes posing in dappled forest light and predators waging war, the entries have blown us away.
Entries close at midnight on 7 May, so get those photos in to stand a chance of being amongst our winners and joining me in Rwanda’s stunning Nyungwe National Park for chimp-trekking and an immersion into the abundance of life in this, Africa’s largest tract of protected high-altitude montane rainforest.
We will also search for 12 other primate species, including a mega-troop of over 400 Rwenzori pied colobus monkeys, and over 345 bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics. We will teeter across the extraordinary elevated Canopy Walkway to gasp at the incredible views into the forest, and the really brave will chance the 2km zipline over the tops of the trees.
We will also learn about what makes this African Parks jewel one of the world’s greatest conservation success stories. All of this from our base at the new Munazi Lodge, the only available accommodation inside the national park.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
Click below to listen to this editorial
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
Chimpanzees are our closest, most relatable relatives. A new long-term study from Uganda reveals just how complex – and volatile – their societies can be. Researchers in Kibale National Park documented a rare community split that escalated into sustained, coordinated violence, with former allies turning on one another in deadly raids over several years – a civil war of sorts.
The findings suggest that shifting social relationships alone can fracture even the strongest groups, offering rare insight into how conflict emerges in tightly bonded societies.
This week, we explore everything you need to know about chimpanzees, from behaviour and habitat to where to see them on safari. We also tackle the question of how safe it is to travel in Africa, and showcase our Week 9 Photographer of the Year gallery, packed with unforgettable moments from the continent.
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
INCREDIBLE PICS
Here is Gallery 1 of Photographer of the Year Week 9 – the top pics as chosen by our judges! Enter & win a chimp-trekking safari
MORE EPIC PICS
Here is Gallery 2 of our best pics for this week! There are only two weeks left to enter Photographer of the Year 2026. Don’t miss out
THE CHIMPANZEE
Everything you need to know about chimpanzees: habitat, behaviour, threats, and how to see them on an African safari
Travel Desk – 2 African safari ideas
Ultimate chimpanzee trekking safari – 8 days
Journey deep into Uganda’s forests to meet our closest wild relatives on this immersive chimpanzee safari, from the lush canopies of Kibale National Park to the dramatic Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Track chimps, search for tree-climbing lions and connect with conservation and community along the way, all in the shadow of the Mountains of the Moon.
Okavango Delta and Vilanculos bush & beach safari – 12 days
An epic pairing of authentic bush camp and seaside luxury. This bush-and-beach escape begins in the Okavango Delta with game drives and mokoro excursions, led by expert Bushman guides in a predator-rich wilderness. Then, you’ll ease into barefoot bliss in Vilanculos, with white-sand beaches, warm ocean swims, and sunset dhow sails.
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 and best friends Debbie, Judy and Diane from the USA went on a special celebratory safari to South Africa, the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls:
“Grace in the wild. Africa Geographic was amazing to work with. They tailored a trip specifically for us based on our wants and needs. They take the time to listen to you and understand what you are looking for from this sometimes once-in-a-lifetime experience. They are professional, courteous, friendly and with you every step of the way. Their job does not end until you are home. If I could give them more than 5 stars I would!”
WATCH
A conservation triumph with a complicated future. Mountain gorillas have surpassed 1,000 individuals, a milestone once thought impossible. But success has brought a new dilemma: more gorillas, the same limited habitat, and rising tension within an already crowded forest. This powerful documentary follows scientists, rangers and local communities in Rwanda as they confront the next chapter in gorilla conservation, where every solution carries a cost. (52:00) Click here to watch
Cover image: This lioness lost the sight in one eye to a porcupine quill, but her skills as a mother appear undiminished. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa. © Gonnie Myburg
Photographer of the Year 2021 entry
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