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AI can’t do this
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From our CEO – Simon Espley
AI cannot solve this problem.
Last week, our return journey from Rwanda was complicated by cancelled and delayed RwandAir flights due to airline staff strikes in Kenya. First, our Kigali-Johannesburg flight was cancelled outright, and then the replacement flight the next day was delayed twice. As a result, we had to pay for an additional airport transfer, extra nights of accommodation in Kigali (this took some doing because all our preferred hotels were fully booked due to a huge conference) and Johannesburg, and faced knock-on issues with our connecting flight.
Fortunately, we provide a 24/7 concierge service to our safari guests, so my team managed it all seamlessly, which greatly reduced my stress levels and let me make the most of my extra time in the wonderful city of Kigali.
Not only that, but neither Grok nor Gemini had updated flight times or even knew what caused the problems. In fact, two hours before my delayed flight out of Kigali, as I waited in the departure lounge, both platforms assured me that my flight had already departed.
Travel will always involve delays and other problems, especially when you are visiting Africa’s wild places. Those problems can either ruin your holiday or add to your experience. As we forge at warp speed into a fully automated world, expect luxury safari planning and management to be defined by the human touch at all times, and especially when you need us most.
Safari njema, good people!
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
Click below to listen to this editorial
Or, listen to all Simon’s past editorials here
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
There’s encouraging news from Tanzania, where the country’s first officially protected wildlife corridor is reconnecting elephants with landscapes they have used for generations. The 14km Nyerere-Udzungwa Wildlife Corridor cuts across the densely settled Kilombero Valley, linking Nyerere National Park (formerly part of Selous) with the forests of the Udzungwa Mountains. Local landowners helped choose the route and gave up portions of farmland for the corridor, while restoration teams have already planted 100,000 native trees. Camera traps recorded more than 500 elephant passages in 15 months, along with buffalo, bushbuck, serval, honey badgers, monkeys and even clawless otters.
Also this week: get practical advice on preparing for a gorilla trek, and follow photographer Kate Ochsman through seven great ape treks with mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in Rwanda.
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
GORILLA TREK PREP
Planning a gorilla trek? Practical advice on fitness, altitude, vaccinations, rules & what to pack
RWANDAN APES
Photographer Kate Ochsman shares her Rwanda safari story after 7 great ape treks in Volcanoes & Nyungwe
Travel Desk – 2 African safari ideas
Ultimate Primate Trekking Safari – 8 days
An immersive primate safari through the ancient volcanic rainforests of Uganda and Rwanda. Trek mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys and vast troops of striking black-and-white colobus, with time to unwind on beautiful Lake Kivu and connect with Batwa culture and local coffee traditions.
Serengeti Great Migration & Big Cats – 8 days
Be prepared for the drama and the wonder of the vast open plains. Step into the wild heart of Tanzania as the Great Migration sweeps across the vast Serengeti. Encounter endless herds, prowling predators, golden savannahs and dramatic big skies on this unforgettable safari adventure.
Still dreaming of the ultimate African safari escape? Browse our safari ideas here. Or click here to plan your safari.
OUR SAFARI GUESTS SAY…
The Coupar family from Australia travelled with AG on an exceptional safari to the Okavango Delta and Chobe in Botswana, Victoria Falls, and Hwange in Zimbabwe.
“Africa Geographic – exceptional experience. We have just returned from an incredible three-week safari to Botswana and Zimbabwe organised by Stef from Africa Geographic. He understood our particular interests and put together the perfect itinerary. Everything went according to plan – all flights, pick-ups, etc. were seamless. We kept in contact with Stef via WhatsApp before, during and after our trip. He was genuinely interested in our experience and very happy for us that everything went well. Our major highlight was seeing wild dogs on several occasions, including adults and pups in a den.”
Check out our family safaris here.
WATCH
Africa Geographic safari expert Christian Boix shares why Ethiopia keeps drawing him back – from ancient history and rich cultures to extraordinary birdlife and vast migrations along the Rift Valley. It is a destination of remarkable depth, where every journey seems to reveal another layer. (02:55) Click here to watch
Cover image: Kith and kin. A baby gorilla is playfully dandled by its older sibling. “It was great to see the interaction between the babies and their older brothers and sisters.” Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. © Lynn Rosenzweig
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