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Africa’s best? We’ll take it 🏆
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From our CEO – Simon Espley
Today I am a proud man.
We have just been awarded the prestigious title of Africa’s Leading Luxury Safari Company by the influential, long-running World Travel Awards. AG was up against travel brands that I have respected and admired for decades, such as &Beyond, Abercrombie & Kent, and Singita.
This follows shortly after three of our safari experts were recently recognised as Top Travel Specialists by Condé Nast Traveler.
The journey of this conservation company to becoming a fully fledged safari tour operator has been immensely satisfying and rewarding, albeit also fraught with a few potholes and challenges 😉
My team and I will continue to push our agenda of responsible, hand-made journeys in Africa, and we will keep publishing our conservation articles and sourcing impactful donations to projects on the ground.
Thanks for reading this, and for being an essential part of our journey. My team is standing by for your safari enquiry.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
In an increasingly frazzled world, perhaps the chimpanzees of Kibale are onto something. Researchers studying the Sebitoli community found that some individuals occasionally prise open angel’s trumpet stems and chew tiny amounts of the bitter pith inside. The plant is not native to Uganda and was thought to be toxic, yet analysis found compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and possible anxiolytic effects – which may help reduce anxiety or stress.
The behaviour is rare and deliberate. Some chimps rested for 30 to 90 minutes afterwards, and one ate the pith shortly after a hunt. Researchers are careful not to call it stress self-medication, but they cannot rule out a relaxing effect either. Either way, the chimps have the right idea: a little treat, followed by a very long nap to break the chaos.
This week, we bring you our guide to Amboseli National Park, where elephants, open plains and Kilimanjaro define one of Kenya’s great safari landscapes. We also look at the best places in Africa for a solo safari – from sociable camps to destinations that are easy to explore independently.
Did you know?
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 safari choice does make a difference – thank you!
Our stories this week
LEGENDARY AMBOSELI
Amboseli delivers exceptional elephant viewing, Kilimanjaro scenery, rich birdlife and rewarding safari options.
BEST SOLO SPOTS
Explore Africa’s best solo safari destinations, with advice on wildlife, lodges, safety, costs and choosing the right safari style.
Travel Desk – 2 African safari ideas
Best of Zambia – 13 days
Is this the ultimate Zambia safari? Explore Zambia’s wildest landscapes from South Luangwa’s riverine valleys to the island solitude of the Lower Zambezi, the vast floodplains of Kafue, and the Zambezi near Victoria Falls. Expect intimate wildlife encounters, classic lodges, and exceptional service in the birthplace of walking safaris and a renowned leopard hotspot.
The iconic Kenya safari – 12 days
Where ancient iconic landscapes meet: Kilimanjaro, the Maasai Mara and the northern wilds. Journey from Nairobi to the elephant plains of Amboseli, the predator-rich Maasai Mara and the wild northern frontier of Laikipia. Search for tusker elephants, the Big Five, rare antelope and three species of hyena, meet orphaned elephants, feed rare giraffes and connect with local communities, with flights between destinations maximising your time for wildlife encounters.
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 Michael and Susan from the USA went on a Southern Africa sojourn to Vic Falls and Hwange in Zimbabwe, and Chobe and the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
“A resounding success. We asked for a real out-of-the-box experience with no buses and crowds, just a personal touch. It was accomplished. We were there to see the animals, not cities, and they delivered. The tented camps were mostly great, the organisation was outstanding, and the staff and guides were first-rate. The two-week trip met and exceeded our expectations. We loved being in the bush with experienced guides and no crowds. The most we had at any camp was 10 guests. Most camps had just five guests. The Africa Geographic staff kept us informed and answered all questions. I would use their services again in the future.”
Check out our safaris to Zimbabwe here, and to Botswana here.
WATCH
Africa Geographic has been named Africa’s Leading Luxury Safari Company 2026 by the World Travel Awards! It is a huge moment for our team, and recognition of more than 35 years spent creating exceptional African safaris shaped by local expertise, responsible travel and a deep knowledge of this continent. For us, luxury has never simply been about where you stay. It is about knowing where to go, when to go and how to experience Africa at its very best. A huge thank you to the people across Africa who help make every journey possible, and to the travellers who trust us with their safaris.
🎥 Watch our celebration video here.
🏆 Watch our interview after accepting the award in Zanzibar here.
Cover image: A moment we will never forget: Our AG safari guest Roger seeing Craig, one of Amboseli’s legendary super tuskers, on safari. Craig has since died, making memories like this especially poignant. Being in the right place, with the right people, for encounters with Africa’s wildlife that stay with you long after the journey ends – the recipe for a perfect safari.
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