Do you remember ‘My Octopus Teacher’ – the documentary that created a tsunami of realisation that octopodes are special beings worthy of our respect? Well, hold onto your false teeth because ‘Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey’ on Netflix will blow your socks off. Trust me. Scroll down to our video of the week for more info.
It’s almost time for the prime safari season when tourists visit Africa’s special places in large numbers to enjoy the awesomeness. It’s no secret that the national parks and reserves away from private concessions become over-crowded – from Maasai Mara and the Serengeti to Kruger, Chobe, Etosha and Khwai. At that time of year, we see too many vehicles, poor behaviour (by tourists and guides) and harassment of wildlife. The convergence of self-drivers, large hotels/lodges, overland and mobile safari operators, and day visit operators is too much for our wild places.
Our tailor-made safaris avoid these areas during the silly season, and if our guests want to be there to see the Mara River crossings, for example, we ensure that the rest of their safari, away from those epic events, is quiet and peaceful. AND, of course, our lodge partners and their guides conduct themselves impeccably (or they get it in the neck from us).
This peak season overcrowding is a conundrum for the safari industry, which we must solve. You can help by working with my travel experts to design your safari to be responsible and spectacular. This is certainly achievable with the right advice and guidance…
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
When ants become contraband, you know biodiversity is in trouble. Forget rhino horn: Kenya’s latest wildlife trafficking bust involved thousands of rare queen ants, smuggled in modified syringes and test tubes through Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Their destination? The exotic pet trade in Europe and Asia.
It sounds absurd. And, let’s consider the implications. Wildlife crime is evolving. Traffickers are exploiting global courier networks and niche markets, targeting even the tiniest, most obscure species. Nothing is safe. Fortunately, authorities are catching up. The Kenya Wildlife Service has called this case a landmark in the fight against biopiracy – not just for stopping the smuggling, but for drawing attention to the urgent need to protect genetic resources, no matter their size.
You can check out other incredible ants in this week’s Photographer of the Year galleries – plus more. From eccentric chameleons to deadly zebra crossings, two super tuskers and striking gorillas, this week’s photo galleries bring you more wild and wondrous Africa. Plus, we bring you a guide on Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains National Park, which offers a cornucopia of experiences, including otherworldy creatures, a spectacular massif and sweeping valleys. Check out these stories below.
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!
Story 1 SIMIEN MOUNTAINS
Simien Mountain National Park in Ethiopia offers a cornucopia of experiences – Simien wolves, endemic ibex, geladas and breathtaking trekking
Story 2 EPIC PICS 1
Our Week 10 entries are in! Check out Gallery 1 of the latest pics. Enter to win a safari to Odzala-Kokoua
Story 3 EPIC PICS 2
Week 10 of Photographer of the Year is here! Explore Gallery 2 & enter to win a trip to Odzala-Kokoua
Omo Valley is one of Ethiopia’s most fascinating melting pots of tribal diversity. This eight-day cultural experience will offer you the unique opportunity to learn about the ancient customs and practices of Ethiopia’s indigenous tribes. Join us and experience the wonders of this extraordinary region and its fascinating people.
Here are your front-row seats to the Greatest Show on Earth. You’ll experience the Wildebeest Migration in Kenya from the banks of the Mara River inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Sentinel Mara Camp is perched on the river’s high banks in a cool riverine forest. You’ll also explore Musiara Marsh and Paradise Plains – known for their excellent big cat sightings.
Another 5-star review for teamAG! Colin enjoyed a birding bonanza safari to Amboseli in Kenya:
“Christian from Africa Geographic organised a 5-day bird-hide session near Amboseli National Park, specifically to photograph a number of waxbill species. The hide was basic (I was told this in advance) but the number and species that visited the hide were remarkable and all target species – and more – were photographed. Nearby Sentrim Amboseli was fantastic and an excellent choice!” – Colin Roberts
WATCH: A man finds new purpose when he helps rescue a baby pangolin – one of the most trafficked animals in the world – in a sting operation in South Africa. He embarks on a heartfelt mission to rehabilitate and prepare the vulnerable animal for a life of freedom in the wild. From the director of My Octopus Teacher comes Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey, an exploration of the connection between humans and the creatures we share our world with. Check out the trailer for this new documentary. (02:24) Click here to watch
Our Photographer of the Year 2025 is open for submissions. The overall winners, runners up and their partners will enjoy a teamAG safari to explore the primal forests of Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the remote north of Congo-Brazzaville – in search of lowland gorillas, forest elephants, forest buffaloes, bongos and much more. Read more about the Photographer of the Year 2025 prizes here. In association with Ukuri and African Parks.
Photographer of the Year is open for entries from 1 February 2025 to midnight on 30 April 2025. Judging will take place throughout those months and for the month of May 2025, and the winners of Photographer of the Year will be announced in early June 2025.
Here is Gallery 2 of the best Photographer of the Year submissions for this week. To see the other gallery, follow the link: Gallery 1
Our Photographer of the Year 2025 is open for submissions. The overall winners, runners up and their partners will enjoy a teamAG safari to explore the primal forests of Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the remote north of Congo-Brazzaville – in search of lowland gorillas, forest elephants, forest buffaloes, bongos and much more. Read more about the Photographer of the Year 2025 prizes here. In association with Ukuri and African Parks.
Photographer of the Year is open for entries from 1 February 2025 to midnight on 30 April 2025. Judging will take place throughout those months and for the month of May 2025, and the winners of Photographer of the Year will be announced in early June 2025.
Here is Gallery 1 of the best Photographer of the Year submissions for this week. To see the other gallery, follow the link: Gallery 2
In Africa, there exists a landscape that would not be out of place in a Sir Arthur Conan Doyle or Michael Crichton novel about lost worlds. A spectacular massif where sharp crags and cliffs plunge into sweeping valleys – the jarring angles and jagged ridges softened by a gentle palette of brown, green and amber. Though the terrible lizards of science fiction are absent, the atmosphere is primal, and the fauna and flora of Simien Mountains National Park in Ethiopia are no less otherworldly.
Trekking through the Simien Mountains offers the chance to come face to face with some of the continent’s most unique creatures, including Africa’s most endangered carnivore – the Ethiopian wolf, the sure-footed endemic ibex, primates that wear their hearts on their sleeves (well, chests) and thieving thick-billed ravens.
Simien Mountains NP and the Ethiopian Highlands
Increasing numbers of people are discovering the joys of Ethiopian travel, and exploring the Simien Mountains National Park is at the top of most lists. The 220km2 (220,000-hectare) park – a World Heritage Site – was established in 1966 and zigzags across the Simien Mountain Range in northern Ethiopia.
A number of trekking routes are available for the more adventurous traveller seeking to visit some of Africa’s highest peaks
These mountains are as ancient as they look and predate the formation of Africa’s Great Rift Valley by some 30 million years. They had their beginnings 75 million years ago during the Cretaceous period when dinosaurs really did rule the land. As continents very slowly shifted, magma built up beneath a dome of rocks, forcing it upwards into what is now the Ethiopian Highlands (most of which sits above 1,500m) – home to 80% of Africa’s tallest mountains. A series of volcanic eruptions during the Oligocene period deposited a basaltic lava layer between 3,000 and 3,500m thick, leaving behind the remnants of a shield volcano across much of what is now the Simien Mountains.
This primordial havoc created a landscape of breathtaking beauty. For most people, the astonishing scenery is the park’s biggest drawcard (and is probably responsible for several twisted ankles on rocky paths). The popular (and surprisingly accessible) trekking routes are designed to make the most of the views. They include trails to the peaks of Ras Dashen (4,550m – the highest mountain in Ethiopia) and Mount Bwahit (4,437m), with various lookout spots along the way, including a view of the Jinbar Falls. The peaks Imet Gogo (3,926m) and Inateye (4,070m) can also be reached on foot.
A Rüppell’s griffon vulture soars past the Jinbar Falls
Unlike most African national parks, Simien Mountains National Park has not excluded local inhabitants, so expect to see cultivated land and rural communities dotted throughout. Increasing human populations have put parts of the park under severe pressure, and projects are underway to mitigate these effects.
Wild inhabitants
Naturally, the high altitudes (something to consider when planning hikes in the area) and isolation of the mountain range have led to a high degree of endemism. The park’s resident Walia ibex (Capra walie) is perhaps the most well-known example. This stocky and powerful member of the goat family is found only in the mountains of Ethiopia. Once critically endangered and one of the most threatened mammals in the world, their numbers have recovered to just under 1,000 at last estimate. Far from the average farmyard billy goat, these imposing animals can weigh over 100kg and sport large, backwards-curving horns that grow up to a meter in length.
The majestic Walia ibex
The Simien Mountains are also home to the endangered Simien (Ethiopian) wolf, though sightings of these sleek red canids are still relatively rare, and they are often seen at a distance. The Simien wolf is found only in a handful of isolated mountain ranges in Ethiopia, with the largest subpopulation located in the Bale Mountains, further south.
The “lowlands” of the Simien Mountains (which are still around 2,000m above sea level) are also populated by jackals, bushbucks, bushpigs and even elusive servals and leopards.
An Ethiopian wolf hunts for giant mole rats
Gambolling geladas
Of all the varied and unusual wildlife offerings on the Simien Mountains, the coiffed geladas are the stars of the show. These endemic primates are sometimes referred to as bleeding-heart monkeys or, incorrectly, as gelada baboons, and are found only in the Ethiopian Highlands. Though morphologically quite similar to baboons, the gelada is the last surviving member of the Teropithecus genus and the only primate that is primarily a graminivore (grazer). The large populations found in the park have become entirely accustomed to the presence of gawking hikers, allowing fascinated visitors a genuinely intimate glimpse into their day-to-day lives.
A male gelada on the move poses a threatening sight
The gelada’s almost uncanny ability to strike a pose (against the backdrop of the jaw-dropping scenery) has also made them a firm favourite with photographers. Sporting hairstyles that would make Tina Turner long for the 80s, the geladas are well protected against the biting cold of the high altitudes. To complete the oddball look, a bright band of bare crimson skin cuts across their necks and chests and serves a similar function to the multicoloured perineum of other primate species.
Like baboons, geladas are intelligent and socialable, so their group dynamics are endlessly entertaining. As the adults graze, groom or slumber (or perhaps, make eyes at each other), youngsters of various ages gambol energetically through the heather, occasionally prompting one of the large males to display enormous canine teeth in a brief warning. (For an entertaining account of Africa Geographic senior safari consultant Christian Boix’s encounter with a very forward gelada, have a look here.)
The alpha male views his kingdom
Astonishing biodiversity of the Simien Mountains
If the landscape sets the prehistoric tone, then the vegetation completes the picture. The Montane forest zone at the base of the mountains gives way to the Ericaceous belt (or sub-Afroalpine zone), which is replaced by the Afro-alpine zone. Bizarre-looking giant lobelias dot the landscape, while red-hot poker plants, the Abyssinian white roses and white everlastings add splashes of colour.
Fascinating, untouched flora awaits visitors to the Simien Mountains
So ancient is the landscape that one might be forgiven for expecting a pterodactyl to come soaring out of the abyss at some of the viewpoints. This is unlikely, but eager birders will still be rewarded with exciting and intriguing birding opportunities. The chasms and gorges offer some of the best bearded-vulture viewing in the world. The massive and striking birds are regularly spotted scouring the cliff faces for food. The vultures are known to drop bones or unfortunate tortoises from a great height, shattering them on the rocks below. (Incidentally, the Greek playwright Aeschylus was supposedly killed by a misdirected tortoise dropped by a bearded vulture – so watch your head!)
Over 180 bird species have been recorded in the park, of which five are endemic to Ethiopia and another 12 to Ethiopia and Eritrea. These include a small population of red-billed chough living on the Gich plateau, the Abyssinian catbird, Abyssinian longclaw, Ankober serin, and black-headed siskin. It is, however, possible that the thrill of seeing the near-endemic thick-billed raven may wear thin after one has stolen the second or third snack of the trip…
A Walia ibex rests, gazing over the valley below
A walk in the park
Travel to the Simien Mountains is normally by road from Addis Ababa and should include a stop in Gondar. The city is home to the Fasil Ghebbi, a walled fortress and palace compound which was once the seat of Ethiopian emperors. The fortress is dominated by a massive castle that belonged to Emperor Fasilides in the 17th century. The architecture is a combination of Portuguese, Indian and local designs.
Grazing livestock on the slopes of the mountains
While some of the more spectacular parts of the mountains can be accessed by vehicle, most visitors prefer to explore the trails on foot. Trekking is usually done over a few days, with nights spent camping at one of the nine campsites spread throughout the park (three main campsites within the national park, and six further afield). These consist of basic facilities. Visitors organising their hikes must first visit the park headquarters in Debark to pay their fees, secure the necessary permits, and meet with their park scout. All hikers must be accompanied by a trained and armed park scout while in the park. A trained guide is also recommended for first-time visitors looking to learn more about the fascinating natural history of the region.
Hiking a calm leg of one of the Simien Mountains trails
Getting to the Simien Mountains
There are lodges in the mountains that serve as good bases for acclimatising to the altitude or perhaps for a day or two of rest after trekking the park’s many trails. Chat to our safari experts about planning a trip there, and they’ll help plot the best course of action.
It is worth mentioning that the altitude is extreme for some visitors. It is essential to factor in an additional day or more for those particularly sensitive to its effects. The lodges will also be able to provide guides, pack animals, and provisions for more intrepid adventurers. Other organisations will also aid in organising a trek, but caution is needed as opportunistic scam artists are looking to capitalise on travellers cutting costs.
The trekking campsites in the park close down during the rainy season from June to August, when the park is largely inaccessible. However, the months following the rains are arguably the best time to visit, when the park is verdant, and the streams and rivers flow. The drier months of December until April are warmer, but the views are less spectacular and somewhat hazy, while the Jinbar Waterfall dries up to a trickle. At over 3,500m, the nights are cold and the mornings frosty – be prepared with the appropriate clothing and equipment. Malaria incidents are rare at these altitudes, but precautions must be taken when travelling through the lower and more densely populated cities and towns.
Rolling hills as far as the eye can see
A natural highlight
In Ethiopia, a country bursting with ancient marvels, the Simien Mountains are a natural highlight – a place to immerse yourself in resplendent scenery and revel in the extraordinary and outlandish plants and animals that live there.
Further reading:
Ethiopia is a fascinating country. Only discovered by cultural and wildlife tourists in recent decades, it is one of three countries in the world that has never been colonised. Discover Ethiopia through a visual journey
The Ethiopian wolf is the most endangered carnivore in Africa. Found only in the Ethiopian Highlands, they are threatened by habitat loss. Read about the Ethiopian wolf here
The trend to ‘de-extinct’ species is a waste of time and money. The latest example involves heralded but fake claims that the massive dire wolf (of Game of Thrones fame) had been brought back from extinction. What these lab-dwellers have actually done is genetically edit gray wolf with a few dire wolf-like traits. In the words of paleoecologist Jacquelyn Gill, as quoted in Scientific American, ‘This is a designer dog.’ What, exactly, is the point of putting so much effort and money into manufacturing a fake species when actual, extant gray wolves (all wolf species, actually) are being vilified, hunted, trapped, and poisoned over much of their range? There are more ‘zombie conservation’ examples – but I have run out of space.
Contrast that with our Photographer of the Year galleries below. Each year, we are knocked back by the quality of photos submitted, and this year again boasts a spectacular crop. We are in the final weeks of the entry submission period, so if you have been dallying, it’s time to send in your entries. The winners get to join my team on an epic journey of discovery into Odzala-Kokoua National Park in Congo-Brazzaville (not the troubled DRC). If the thought of lowland gorilla, forest elephant and bongo does not excite you, how about Demidoff’s galago, palm civet, Congo clawless otter, Hartlaub’s duck and Nkulengu rail?
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
They may not inspire postcards, but vultures are proving to be some of Southern Africa’s most valuable ecological assets. A new BirdLife report states that vultures are worth up to $1.8 billion a year to Southern Africa’s economy. That figure stems from their ecosystem services: clearing carcasses, preventing the spread of disease, flagging poaching activity, and keeping things tidy in the bush. And yet, vultures remain among the most threatened bird groups on the continent. The report highlights the monetary risks of ignoring the birds’ decline. As expert carcass decimators, they’re doing the work most of us would rather not think about. Conservation isn’t just about saving species – it’s about safeguarding the invisible systems that sustain us all.
7 dramatic kills, 14 moments of serenity, 6 chaotic captures, 7 babies, and plenty more – that’s what you’ll find in this week’s Photographer of the Year galleries – see our two galleries below. Plus, we take a look into Timbavati’s trophy hunting policies, annual offtakes and conservation funding, and ask the question – is trophy hunting a sustainable complement to photo tourism in the reserve? The latest story in our Decoding Hunting series.
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!
Story 1 SHOOTING FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Can regulated trophy hunting support conservation in a modern reserve reliant on tourism? We explore the case of Timbavati
Story 2 STUNNING PHOTOS – GALLERY 1
Our Week 9 entries are in! Check out Gallery 1 of the latest top pics. Enter to win a safari to Odzala-Kokoua
Story 3 STUNNING PHOTOS – GALLERY 2
Week 9 of Photographer of the Year is live! Click to explore Gallery 2 & enter to win a trip to Odzala-Kokoua
Dreaming of visiting South Africa? Enjoy this iconic bush & beach safari – the best that South Africa has to offer. Be swept off your feet with wall-to-wall wildlife action – with exceptional Greater Kruger Big 5 game viewing. This safari also includes a full-day road trip taking in the stunning scenery and cultural delights of the Lowveld. And then, head on to vibey, sophisticated Cape Town & the nearby winelands.
This best-of-Malawi safari takes you to the Big 5 havens of Majete Wildlife Reserve, Liwonde National Park and the rugged wilderness of Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. The three parks are managed by African Parks – a non-profit conservation organisation. These conservation success stories are what responsible travel is all about. Come and find out for yourself and make a real difference where it counts.
Colleen embarked on a Rwandan adventure with AG: “Exceptional trip with all details meticulously taken care of. From the airport pickup and drop-off, to transport and accommodation and guides, all was taken care of. I am a keen birder, but my travel partner was not keen on doing any birding. But Christian organised separate activities so we both could get the most out of our trip.
We started off with 3 days in Nyungwe NP, and all I can say is that it made me want to go again and stay longer. After Nyungwe, we were whisked to Akagera NP. Travel time was taken into consideration with coffee and bathroom breaks, and we still managed to reach Akagera in time for a sunset boat cruise. Both Nyungwe and Akagera are great spots for nature lovers.
This is my second trip arranged through AG, and everything was organised very efficiently. Christian was easy to approach with many questions beforehand, and he understood what I wanted. He arranged excellent local guides to get the most from our short trip to this beautiful country. I will definitely approach AG for future Africa trips. As a female and often solo traveller, it takes away any concerns about logistics, finding good guides, transport, and accommodation. I’ve used other agents before, but for future trips, I will not look any further than AG.”
WATCH: In the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking, an unexpected hero has emerged – the African giant pouched rat. Scientists in Tanzania are training these rodents to detect hidden contraband like pangolin scales, rhino horns, and ivory in shipments passing through ports and airports. These giant rats could revolutionise anti-trafficking efforts with their extraordinary sense of smell and problem-solving abilities. (06:55) Click here to watch
Trophy hunting is one of the most polarising topics in conservation. Supporters argue that, when properly regulated, hunting can generate funding for wildlife reserves, support anti-poaching efforts, and contribute to habitat preservation. Opponents say it threatens biodiversity, disrupts ecosystems, and undermines non-consumptive tourism models. But where does the truth lie? Is trophy hunting a necessary evil, a beneficial conservation tool, or an outdated practice needing reform? To explore this debate, we turn to Timbavati Private Nature Reserve (TPNR), a key component of the Greater Kruger ecosystem in South Africa.
Unlike state-protected areas, Timbavati receives no government funding. The reserve relies on a mixed funding model that includes photographic tourism and regulated hunting. Africa Geographic has been engaging with Timbavati management to ask difficult questions about its trophy hunting policies and offtakes. Timbavati, in response, has supplied detailed information on their hunting offtakes and feedback on their current policies and philosophies.
In the case of Timbavati, it is essential to position this debate within the broader context of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, which operates as an interconnected social-ecological system. The discussion around hunting is not merely about ethics, but about balancing conservation, community needs, economic stability, and sustainable land use.
A crucial contextual note is that TPNR is distinct from the lodges in the reserve. Timbavati consists of privately owned properties whose owners have agreed to collaborate by removing fences to allow wildlife to roam freely. Some landowners operate lodges on their land subject to Timbavati regulations. Other landowners have no lodges on their land, and some have leased their land to third parties to build and manage lodges – again, subject to Timbavati regulations. The landowners pay levies to TPNR, and lodges pay Timbavati fees for every tourist visiting the reserve. The TPNR is responsible for managing the reserve in accordance with Kruger National Park regulations (as it forms part of the Greater Kruger open system), maintaining infrastructure and preventing poaching (their most significant cost). Landowner levies, tourism bed-night fees and trophy hunting fund Timbavati.
Timbavati offers a valuable case study for assessing whether trophy hunting can be a viable tool for long-term conservation. In this article, we analyse Timbavati’s financial model, hunting quotas, and ecological impact for the 2023/2024 period – and ask the ultimate question: is the reserve’s approach to hunting sustainable, or should conservation funding be secured through alternative means?
The role of trophy hunting in Timbavati’s revenue model
Timbavati faces the ongoing challenge of securing sustainable funding for conservation. Unlike national parks, Timbavati doesn’t receive any government contribution and must generate its own revenue to finance operations. The reserve relies on two main funding streams: photographic tourism and trophy hunting. While photographic tourism contributes most of Timbavati’s budget, and Timbavati is a popular Big-5 safari destination, trophy hunting has historically been a financially significant – yet controversial – element of the reserve’s financial model.
“The Greater Kruger area is a mosaic of values held by diverse stakeholders, including private landowners, local communities, conservation authorities, and tourism operators,” says Edwin Pierce, warden of Timbavati. “These stakeholders hold different perspectives on wildlife management and land use. TPNR’s model reflects this diversity, maintaining a balanced approach between photographic tourism and regulated hunting. Many landowners within the reserve express valid concerns about over-reliance on tourism revenue, fearing that it could lead to over-tourism issues similar to those observed in East Africa. Trophy hunting, when carefully regulated, thus serves as a complementary economic activity that mitigates economic vulnerability and the risks associated with tourism saturation.”
Within one year between 2023 and 2024, photographic tourism contributed over 70% of the reserve’s budget, with conservation levies paid by tourists ranging from R510 to R575 per person per night. Over the same period, 28 commercial hunters accounted for about 8% of the total income. The question, however, is whether this reliance on hunting remains ecologically and financially viable.
“The complexities of managing a large private nature reserve increase daily,” says an article on Timbavati’s sustainability approach. “A good example of this is the relentless challenge we face in dealing with rhino poaching. In our reserve alone, the costs for security and anti-poaching have escalated by a staggering 900% in the last 6 years, taking up 63% of our annual operating budget…. And while we fight against organised crime and illegal wildlife trade, other serious challenges need to be faced – like integrating the Greater Kruger wilderness and surrounding communities in ways that are sustainable and that reduce the risk of protected area fragmentation.”
Where does hunting revenue go?
Managing a private reserve is a costly endeavour. Conservation funding covers anti-poaching efforts (which alone consume 63% of the annual budget), habitat management, staff salaries, infrastructure maintenance, and ecological monitoring.
In the case of trophy hunting, as with all other revenue generated, revenue goes towards community engagement, anti-poaching initiatives, and reserve management. Regulated hunting also aligns with the Greater Kruger Hunting Protocol, which intends to ensure that hunting practices do not negatively impact the sustainability of a particular species.
Analysing the numbers: lion, elephant, and buffalo
Timbavati adheres to strict quotas when it comes to hunting offtake. In the 2023/2024 hunting season, out of 87 animals approved for hunting by provincial authorities, 60 were hunted, amounting to less than 0.43% of the reserve’s total wildlife population. In the breakdown of species hunted, Cape buffalo made up 42% of the total, while no elephants were hunted due to ongoing CITES-related restrictions on trophy exports. Other animals trophy hunted included hippos, kudu, impala, warthog, waterbuck, giraffe, blue wildebeest, Burchell’s zebra, nyala and spotted hyena.
Buffalo: A 2022 population study estimated that there were 1,106 buffalo in the reserve at the time. The recommended offtake was 25 individuals, including 15 bulls and 10 reproductive-aged cows. This represents 2.3% of the total population.
Elephant: No hunting offtake of elephants happened during the 2023/2024 period, although Timbavati did request permission to hunt bulls. The reserve continues to monitor elephant populations closely.
Lion: There is no specific mention of lion quotas in the most recent data, and Timbavati did not request permission to hunt any lions. Lion hunting remains a contentious issue within the broader Greater Kruger conservation landscape.
Hunting offtake details: age and trophy specifications
Details regarding approved and actual hunting offtake provide clues into the reserve’s approach to sustainable utilisation. No elephant bulls were hunted due to CITES restrictions, but quotas had been allocated for specific age classes based on tusk size per side. On the other hand, Cape buffalo hunting followed trophy measurement guidelines based on population insights obtained through annual surveys.
“Annually, a detailed Cape buffalo population assessment is conducted within the Timbavati,” explains Pierce. This systematic population assessment includes aerial surveys and ground-based observations, assessing physical characteristics such as horn size and body condition, which correlate with age classes.
“Cape buffalo herds are located daily within predetermined sections of the TPNR with a fixed-wing aircraft during the survey period. This systematic way of locating herds and individuals ensured a total coverage of the TPNR during the survey,” says Pierce. A total of 841 buffalo were aged and sexed during the demographic study.
80 out of 252 bulls aged 6 years and older within the sampled population were categorised for potential hunting. Therefore, 31.7% of bulls aged 6 years and older within the sampled population were classified according to the categories within the Greater Kruger Hunting Protocol:
Buffalo bull < 34 inches: 29 individuals (36.2% of the sampled population)
Buffalo bull < 38 inches: 39 individuals (48.8%)
Buffalo bull unlimited: 12 individuals (15%)
Based on these demographics, the recommended offtake included 10 bulls with horn spreads under 34 inches, four bulls under 38 inches, and one bull classified as unlimited. Timbavati says that this approach ensures that older, non-reproductive bulls are primarily selected, minimising genetic disruption within herds:
Buffalo bull < 34 inches: 10 individuals
Buffalo bull < 38 inches: 4 individuals
Buffalo bull unlimited: 1 individual
However, limited direct evidence addresses the genetic impact of selectively hunting older, non-reproductive bulls. One study examining the effects of trophy hunting on Cape buffalo horn size and population structure concludes that there were no apparent effects on horn spread or population dynamics. However, the study warns that while hunting pressures in Greater Kruger are not high enough to affect horn spread, more liberal hunting regulations may lead to artificial selection against smaller horn spreads occurring.
“The selection of older, non-reproductive bulls is guided by the Greater Kruger Hunting Protocol, ensuring that genetic diversity and population stability are preserved,” says Pierce. “While there is limited peer-reviewed data specifically on Cape buffalo breeding cessation, the management approach is based on field data and established wildlife management practices, prioritising the removal of older, non-breeding individuals to minimise genetic disruption.”
Timbavati says that their selective approach to trophy hunting of buffalo bulls ensures that older, non-reproductive bulls are primarily selected, minimising genetic disruption within herds
The role of culling: Impala management and the arrival of wild dogs
In addition to regulated trophy hunting, Timbavati undertakes culling operations to manage herbivore populations and maintain ecological balance. Impalas, particularly, are subject to culling due to their high numbers and impact on vegetation availability.
During the 2023/2024, “Of the 1,700 impala allocated for ecological offtake during the same period, a total of 822 were removed by management in culling operations, with 426 removed by landowners within the reserve,” says Pierce. This means 1,248 impalas were culled, representing just under 95% of the total offtakes of all species.
Wild dog packs moving into the reserve also influenced impala management decisions. “A decision was, however, taken by Timbavati management to request the removal of only 1,700 of the recommended 2,000 individuals, due to an increase in the number of wild dog packs frequenting the reserve,” Pierce explains. This shows how predator-prey dynamics impact conservation strategies, requiring constant monitoring and adaptive management.
Is this level of hunting sustainable?
From a purely numerical viewpoint, the hunting offtake follows a sustainable approach. The reserve conducts annual aerial censuses and demographic studies to ensure offtakes don’t compromise population stability. But we know that sustainability is about more than just numbers. A truly sustainable approach involves analysis of genetic diversity, ecological balance, and impacts on predator-prey dynamics within a reserve.
The debate around whether hunting in Timbavati is sustainable goes beyond this reserve’s borders. Timbavati’s open ecosystem means hunting decisions impact animal populations moving between private reserves and Kruger National Park. While a controlled hunting offtake of buffalo may not threaten the overall buffalo population, hunting apex predators like lions (if permitted) can disrupt pride structures and alter ecosystem stability. However, as noted above, Timbavati did not request lion offtakes for the 2023/2024 period.
No lions were hunted in Timbavati in the 2023/2024 season
“TPNR follows stringent scientific protocols to ensure sustainable hunting practices,” says Pierce. “These practices align with the overarching goal of maintaining ecological balance and preventing habitat fragmentation. The Greater Kruger landscape thrives on maintaining large, interconnected habitats, and TPNR’s practices are aligned with this principle.”
The bigger question: why continue trophy hunting?
However, the glaring question we have to ask is – if trophy hunting contributes only 8% of Timbavati’s budget and comes with ecological and reputational risks, why continue?
Timbavati’s strategy of economic diversification and land-use philosophy says that trophy hunting remains beneficial due to:
Economic insurance: “Timbavati continues to include trophy hunting within its economic model because it provides financial stability during times when tourism revenue may be disrupted, such as global crises,” says Pierce. “While it only contributes 8% of the budget, its value lies in economic diversification, mitigating the risks associated with relying solely on photographic tourism. [Trophy hunting] is a strategic financial buffer during economic downturns.”
While photographic tourism provides the lion’s revenue share, it is vulnerable to market fluctuations. Global crises, like the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, highlighted the fragility of tourism-dependent economies. Although the epidemic was geographically distant from significant safari destinations in Southern and East Africa, photographic tourism in these regions experienced significant declines due to widespread travel fears. In contrast, trophy hunting operations continued with limited disruption. This disparity is attributed to the hunting market’s distinct clientele and operational model, often less susceptible to global travel apprehensions. Timbavati management argues that trophy hunting provides an alternative revenue stream that is less sensitive to seasonal downturns. “It is crucial to acknowledge that while hunting revenue is comparatively smaller, it offers resilience when tourism income is disrupted, such as during global crises,” says Pierce. But as hunting only contributes 8% of Timbavati’s revenue, its overall contribution would still be limited in times of crisis, considering its minimal impact on the overall budget.
Low human footprint: Unlike photographic tourism, which requires lodges, vehicles, and staff, there is a standing belief that trophy hunting has a lower ecological footprint – higher fees for fewer feet through the door. “Hunting’s lower human footprint compared to high-volume tourism helps balance the environmental impact, reinforcing the need for diverse income strategies rather than single-source dependency. Our aim is to maintain a diversified revenue model to ensure long-term conservation success and financial resilience,” says Pierce. A few hunters generate more considerable revenue. While hunting utilises some existing tourism infrastructure, such as roads and lodges, it does not require the continuous game drives and vehicle movements for high-volume photographic tourism. A single hunter contributes financially at a scale comparable to many photographic tourists but requires fewer game drives, staff, and vehicles, resulting in less continuous impact.
Community initiatives: Timbavati reports that some hunting revenue is allocated to local community initiatives.“A portion of the revenue from regulated hunting is allocated to community projects in neighbouring areas,” says Pierce. “As highlighted in community engagement sessions, the most pressing issues for residents around Greater Kruger include employment, education, and reducing human-wildlife conflict. Presenting hunting as a practical tool that supports these socio-economic priorities can help contextualise its continued inclusion within the reserve’s financial model.”
By involving neighbouring communities in conservation benefits, the reserve is likely to foster support for wildlife protection. However, one can argue that this is not a differentiator because tourism revenue also contributes to community projects and involvement.
Political and policy considerations: While it may be a bitter pill for some to swallow, hunting is embedded in South Africa’s conservation policies as a tool for sustainable utilisation. It is important to note that Timbavati has demonstrated a commendable level of transparency by openly sharing data on sensitive issues like hunting when requested – setting a valuable precedent that other trophy hunting operations would do well to follow.“We are confident that our management practices and our robust monitoring and evaluation tools support every decision we make, whether it be about hunting, photographic tourism, or any other conservation management decision,” says Pierce.
The future of Timbavati’s funding model
Timbavati’s reliance on trophy hunting is far lower than in previous decades. The reserve has made strides in balancing its budget through photo tourism.
“TPNR has taken progressive steps to reduce dependency on hunting revenue,” says Pierce. “Transitioning to alternative funding sources is ongoing, but the current model ensures both financial sustainability and ecological balance.”
As conservation costs continue to rise, eliminating hunting may not be a practical solution. Instead, the focus should be on ensuring hunting quotas remain science-based, transparent, and aligned with ecosystem sustainability. It will also be an essential exercise to compare Timbavati’s 2024/2025 numbers when they are finalised.
The long-term challenge for Timbavati – and other private reserves in the Greater Kruger – will be to explore alternative funding models.
Our Photographer of the Year 2025 is open for submissions. The overall winners, runners up and their partners will enjoy a teamAG safari to explore the primal forests of Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the remote north of Congo-Brazzaville – in search of lowland gorillas, forest elephants, forest buffaloes, bongos and much more. Read more about the Photographer of the Year 2025 prizes here. In association with Ukuri and African Parks.
Photographer of the Year is open for entries from 1 February 2025 to midnight on 30 April 2025. Judging will take place throughout those months and for the month of May 2025, and the winners of Photographer of the Year will be announced in early June 2025.
Here is Gallery 2 of the best Photographer of the Year submissions for this week. To see the other gallery, follow the link: Gallery 1
Our Photographer of the Year 2025 is open for submissions. The overall winners, runners up and their partners will enjoy a teamAG safari to explore the primal forests of Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the remote north of Congo-Brazzaville – in search of lowland gorillas, forest elephants, forest buffaloes, bongos and much more. Read more about the Photographer of the Year 2025 prizes here. In association with Ukuri and African Parks.
Photographer of the Year is open for entries from 1 February 2025 to midnight on 30 April 2025. Judging will take place throughout those months and for the month of May 2025, and the winners of Photographer of the Year will be announced in early June 2025.
Here is Gallery 1 of the best Photographer of the Year submissions for this week. To see the other gallery, follow the link: Gallery 2
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Chimps trafficked to billionaire’s zoo + top photo votes
In a world overwhelmed by uncertainty, it’s easy to feel anxious, disconnected, and weary.
But there is healing in the wilds of Africa – in the gentle touch of early morning golden light on the wildebeest herds of the Serengeti, the whisper of a bat’s wing beats as it works a fruiting tree in the Sabi Sand, and the solemn silence of the Mountains of the Moon. The simple presence of wildlife following ancient rhythms, and rural people pursuing lives of dignity and respect for nature. Travel is more than escape; it is a return to what truly matters.
You’ll find clarity and purpose in Africa’s wild places. Remember how it feels to breathe deeply, marvel again, and be fully present. Exploration has always been a human instinct, and now, as humanity battles with change, it can restore our sense of connection.
We love telling you about lost species returning from the brink! For the first time in 73 years, the black-lored waxbill has been spotted – this time caught on camera. Thought lost to time, a group of eight birds were spotted flitting near Lake Kabwe in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Upemba National Park. Researcher Manuel Weber had to convince the travellers he was with to turn the boat around to get a good view of what had seemed like a group of unexceptional seedeaters. This is the first documented record of the species since 1950, and also the first photograph ever taken of the bird. Thankfully, Manuel trusted his gut. A lesson for today.
The DRC has more lost birds than almost any other region on Earth, and this rediscovery underlines the importance of continued exploration and conservation in overlooked corners of Africa.
Staying in the DRC, where a controversy over wild chimpanzees trafficked to India’s Vantara Zoo using suspect CITES permits has NGOs demanding global action. Check out the story by Daniel Stiles below. Plus, it’s been a bumper week of entries for Photographer of the Year 2025, and we bring you two epic galleries below featuring dramatic and fleeting moments in the wild.
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!
Story 1 TRAFFICKED CHIMPS
Controversy erupts over wild chimpanzees trafficked from DRC to India’s Vantara Zoo using suspect CITES permits. NGOs demand global action
Story 2 TOP SHOTS – GALLERY 1
Our Week 8 entries are in. See Gallery 1 of the latest epic pics. Enter to win a safari to see forest elephants and lowland gorillas
Story 3 TOP SHOTS – GALLERY 2
Week 8 of Photographer of the Year is live! Tap to explore Gallery 2 & enter to win a trip to Odzala-Kokoua NP
Glamping at its best! Experience northern Botswana during prime season on a fully catered mobile safari. Explore Moremi, Khwai, Savute and the Chobe River waterfront. Led by experienced guides, you’ll track big cats and wild dogs, and glide silently down meandering waterways in search of glittering birds and exciting wildlife.
Discover wild Madagascar on this connoisseur safari that takes you deep into Madagascar’s remote corners, where rare wildlife and rich local culture await. Explore the Ifotaka Community Forest with the Antandroy tribe and search for Verreaux’s sifaka and white-footed sportive lemurs. Then head northwest to Namoroka’s surreal Tsingy landscapes, home to 10 lemur species, flying foxes, tenrecs, fossa, and the elusive aye-aye.
Another 5-star review for teamAG, where our guest Wendy enjoyed a solo adventure to Uganda and the Maasai Mara:
“An unforgettable safari experience with Leonie Cook. As a solo female traveller from Canada who typically enjoys handling my own planning and bookings, I was initially nervous about letting someone else take the reins for such a significant trip. Adding to my concerns was the fact that I had limited knowledge of the countries I planned to visit (Uganda & Kenya) and the distance I’d be travelling. I had countless questions and different proposals about my trip, and Leonie was always there to answer everything and set my mind at ease. In today’s world with so many online scams, trusting a company I wasn’t familiar with was daunting. However, it gave me immense comfort knowing that Leonie lived in Kenya and had firsthand experience with many of the destinations she suggested for me.
When it came to pricing, I quickly understood that a lot of behind-the-scenes work and effort goes into creating a seamless safari experience. The team made it all come together effortlessly. I am beyond grateful to Leonie, AG, and all of the incredible people I encountered: guides, rangers, managers, staff, drivers, pilots, and the wonderful locals. Throughout my trip, I always felt safe, and I could reach out to any team member if I needed assistance. Pick-ups were always punctual, and I was greeted with smiles at every turn. The entire staff went above and beyond to make me feel welcome and special.
Lastly, being able to witness the stunning creatures in their natural habitat, so close and personal, was a life-changing experience. It’s something I’ll never forget. I truly had the safari of a lifetime!” – Wendy Iannone
WATCH: Mismanagement of plastic around Victoria Falls is putting both its wildlife and community in grave danger. But three local men believe that they have found a solution which will drain the plastic from the area and lock it away for good. See how a near-death experience with an elephant brought plastic recycling Ele-Collection into existence. (08:18) Click here to watch
An operation involving the transfer of endangered chimpanzees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to India has sparked international outrage and serious questions about wildlife trafficking, corruption, and misuse of CITES permits. At the centre of the controversy is a high-profile Indian zoo project, Vantara, and DRC wildlife authorities accused of misrepresenting wild-caught animals as captive-bred to facilitate their export. Conservationists warn that this case could signal a dangerous new chapter in the global illegal wildlife trade. Note: The information in this article is based on allegations and ongoing investigations*.
The trafficking of chimpanzees from the DRC has long been a troubling issue. The country is home to vital populations of great apes, but widespread poaching – often for the bushmeat trade – frequently results in orphaned young chimpanzees being captured and sold. Sanctuaries like Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Centre serve as a refuge for these animals, working to provide care and eventual rehabilitation. However, these efforts are threatened by corrupt practices, as highlighted by the recent attempt by DRC’s Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN), the wildlife authority of the DRC, to remove chimpanzees from Lwiro, allegedly under the guise of a zoo revitalisation project.
ICCN letter authorising the Kinshasa Zoo director to “recover” 12 chimpanzees
The letter was signed by Yves Milan Ngangay, Director General of ICCN, which is also responsible for the nation’s sanctuaries and public zoos.
The Lwiro sanctuary, situated in a tropical forest 45km from Bukavu, just outside Kahuzi-Biega National Park, is home to about 130 chimpanzee survivors of poaching and attempted trafficking. Many saw their mothers butchered for bushmeat before their eyes and are undergoing rehabilitation at Lwiro.
The staff courageously refused to hand over the chimpanzees, and ICCN left empty-handed. Local community and conservation groups heard about the incident and issued a strong press release on 12 January condemning the attempt to “capture 12 chimpanzees at the Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Centre. This action, initiated by the ICCN general management, constitutes a serious threat to the conservation of these endangered primates and undermines the commitment of many international partners.”
The communique announced a five-year programme to renovate the country’s zoos and botanical gardens to strengthen their role in biodiversity conservation by collecting various primate and artiodactyl (even-toed ungulate) species for research, staff training and conservation breeding.
In the communique, he criticised those who had stopped the lawful transfer of the primates to begin the “experimental” work at the Kinshasa Zoo.
Most noteworthy in the communique was that “the collection of specimens by the Institute in this vast programme can only be made from sanctuaries or else from rehabilitation centres and public and private animal parks, depending on their status and relationship with the Institute”
Several critics of the scheme have pointed out that the dilapidated Kinshasa Zoo does not have the facilities, staff or financial capacity to implement the programme presented by ICCN.
“If the mission is true, the chimpanzees will be sent to a real death trap,” warned Sara Rosenberg, a former volunteer at the Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center, referring to the transfer.
AG has received screenshots from videos taken on 25 January 2025 showing the zoo and chimpanzees in cages there.
On 13 February this year, Ofir Drori, founder-director of the wildlife law enforcement NGO EAGLE, posted a press release on their website, seen by AG but since removed, stating that in recent months, nine chimpanzees had arrived at the Kinshasa and Kisangani zoos from unexplained sources. Drori speculated that the chimps had been collected with the intention of selling them and stated:
“Links from ICCN lead to a likely buyer of the chimps. There has been a major rise in primates and other wildlife shipping to India for the past 6 months, with a sole buyer: the so-called Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC).” GZRRC is the original name of Vantara, which aims to be the biggest zoo in the world. It is owned by Mukesh Ambani as part of GZRCC and headed up by his son, Anant Ambani.
Recently arrived chimpanzees in Kinshasa Zoo live in dirty, cramped cages
Later that day, on 13 February, the chimps were flown to India on a private jet. Our sources later alleged that the chimpanzees had arrived at Vantara. The DRC CITES export permit allegedly lists nine chimpanzees in the shipment, with a “Z” (zoo) purpose code and “C” (captive-bred) origin. To use a “C code”, the Appendix I specimens must have been second-generation born in captivity, and their progenitors must have been acquired legally.
The DRC CITES export permit
Contacted by AG, Ofir Drori suggested, “There are no great ape breeding facilities anywhere in Africa, and the chimps at the Kinshasa Zoo were certainly not bred in captivity. The wild is the only logical source for them.”
The chimpanzees, therefore, were likely not acquired from lawful sources. This contradicts the specification made in the ICCN official communique that states collection “can only be made from sanctuaries or else from rehabilitation centres and public and private animal parks according to the laws applying to them”. The CITES permit states that the Kinshasa Zoo is the exporter. This fact also contradicts the stated purpose of collecting the chimpanzees in the first place, which was “for research, staff training and conservation breeding”. “They were collected to sell,” suggested Drori.
ICCN has denied the selling of chimpanzees. In an interview with Mongabay Africa, chief site director of the Kinshasa Zoo, Matata Ngirabose Bruno, who also headed the ICCN mission that visited Lwiro, categorically said that “the zoo does not sell animals”.
ICCN documents dated 27 December 2024, seen by AG, authorise the collection of eight chimpanzees found in captivity in villages around Buta, which is in northeastern DRC about 200 kilometres north of Kisangani. They were to be transferred to the Kinshasa Zoo by 12 January 2025. Therefore, these chimpanzees will have been present in Kinshasa Zoo when EAGLE reported the arrival of chimps from unknown sources. It also placed these chimps at Kinshasa Zoo just a month before nine chimpanzees were reportedly exported from the zoo to Vantara.
The young chimps found in captivity in villages were likely collateral damage to bushmeat hunting, and therefore, they were captured from the wild. Under normal circumstances, such recovered chimpanzees are sent to a sanctuary for rehabilitation and proper care – not to a zoo, which usually have little capacity to offer care and rehabilitation to the young chimps.
This also brings into question the listing of the source of these chimps as “Code C” (born in captivity). The fraudulent listing of source codes as “Code C” is a well-known tactic in trafficking circles, known as a “C-scam”. Examples of the relatively common C-scam can be found in a recent report on great ape trafficking published by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime. CITES has dealt with such cases in the past by ordering a suspension of trade by the offending parties until remedial action is taken.
Not the first shipment to Vantara
On 6 March 2025, United for Wildlife released an alert alleging that “from March of 2024 at least eight consignments of CITES-listed primates, including chimpanzees, an Appendix I species, and other wildlife were shipped on flights from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to India.” The alert stated: “The consignments possibly contained laundered and smuggled species hidden amongst legally traded animals, including chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas, and permits associated with the consignments may have been falsified, according to multiple confidential sources.” DRC CITES export permits issued between 6 December 2024 and 30 January 2025 also indicate the alleged importer as GZRRC.
One of the permits for exporting primates, birds, and turtles to GZRRC was from a known DRC animal trader. Were great apes concealed in some of the shipping crates?
Other allegations made against Vantara
In March of 2024, M Rajshekhar published an article on Vantara in the Himal Southasian newspaper. While not drawing on any legal proceedings or findings from authorities, the article suggested numerous irregularities in the origin of Vantara’s elephants from within India. It also pointed to further irregularities in the origin of other endangered species from international suppliers who were not the usual sources of animals in need of rescue and rehabilitation. The sources appeared to be commercial exotic animal traders or sources with records associated with illegal wildlife trade. On 6 March this year, the Wild Animal Protection Forum of South Africa issued a report that questioned the extensive range of species (36) and high number of animals (765) exported to Vantara. It highlighted various problems with the different species exported, which allegedly Vantara asserts were all rescues from detrimental circumstances.
The WAPSFA report expressed concern about Vantara’s breeding plans: “The lions and tigers exported from South Africa appear to have been purchased and exported from breeding facilities in South Africa… They will now be transformed into breeding machines, exploited within the numerous animal breeding facilities (nurseries) outside the main zoo.”
The report continued: “WAPFSA would need to be convinced, based on independent, verifiable evidence that the additional list of species exported from South Africa were saved or rescued from adverse conditions.”
Later in March, the UK-based Independent reported that Vantara had dismissed the complaint by the South African coalition as “entirely false and baseless” and said they had served them a legal notice over the report.
On 13 March, the Süddeutsche Zeitung published an investigative article that alleged many irregularities regarding the sourcing of animals at Vantara, including the probability that some had been sourced from the wild, not captivity. The article alleged that 39,000 animals were being kept in Vantara by the end of 2024. A European wildlife dealer is quoted in the article as stating, “Regardless of which wholesaler I talk to, the supply of wild animals is bought up. The supply lists are getting shorter because everything goes to India.” The fact that this demand also leads to more wild captures was “obvious” to the animal dealer.
Further action
ICCN is currently collecting other animals allegedly listed in Vantara’s “rescue list”, including bonobos and gorillas. A concerned group of wildlife NGOs has drafted a report detailing several instances of trade irregularities, including the chimpanzee trade reported here, and recommended amongst other measures that the CITES Secretariat and the Standing Committee (SC) request that India agree to suspend imports of live specimens of CITES-listed species, and that Parties refrain from issuing permits for the export of live animals of CITES-listed species to India, until this issue can be discussed at SC79. These procedures are preliminary in nature.
The 79th meeting of the CITES Standing Committee will be held in November this year in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, immediately preceding the Conference of the Parties. The issue around Vantara is set to be one of the most contentious items on the agenda, pitting NGOs against a powerful billionaire family.
As international scrutiny intensifies, the case of the trafficked chimpanzees highlights the urgent need for stronger enforcement of wildlife trade laws and greater transparency in both exporting and importing countries. The upcoming CITES Standing Committee meeting in Uzbekistan could prove pivotal in setting new precedents for accountability, especially when powerful private interests are involved. For now, the fate of the trafficked chimpanzees – and potentially many more endangered species – rests on whether global conservation authorities are willing to confront systemic loopholes and hold perpetrators to account, regardless of their influence or wealth.
*Editor’s note: This story has been edited post-publication to protect sensitive information.
Further reading
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a biodiversity haven and sanctuary for critically endangered gorillas, where conservation triumphs over challenges. Read more about Kahuzi-Biega here.
Our Photographer of the Year 2025 is open for submissions. The overall winners, runners up and their partners will enjoy a teamAG safari to explore the primal forests of Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the remote north of Congo-Brazzaville – in search of lowland gorillas, forest elephants, forest buffaloes, bongos and much more. Read more about the Photographer of the Year 2025 prizes here. In association with Ukuri and African Parks.
Photographer of the Year is open for entries from 1 February 2025 to midnight on 30 April 2025. Judging will take place throughout those months and for the month of May 2025, and the winners of Photographer of the Year will be announced in early June 2025.
Here is Gallery 2 of the best Photographer of the Year submissions for this week. To see the other gallery, follow the link: Gallery 1
Our Photographer of the Year 2025 is open for submissions. The overall winners, runners up and their partners will enjoy a teamAG safari to explore the primal forests of Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the remote north of Congo-Brazzaville – in search of lowland gorillas, forest elephants, forest buffaloes, bongos and much more. Read more about the Photographer of the Year 2025 prizes here. In association with Ukuri and African Parks.
Photographer of the Year is open for entries from 1 February 2025 to midnight on 30 April 2025. Judging will take place throughout those months and for the month of May 2025, and the winners of Photographer of the Year will be announced in early June 2025.
Here is Gallery 1 of the best Photographer of the Year submissions for this week. To see the other gallery, follow the link: Gallery 2
How welcome are American tourists in Africa as President Trump implements his policy changes? Some United States safari guests have expressed these concerns to our travel experts. This is what I tell them:
American society seems divided at the moment, with anxiety and aggressive rhetoric being the order of the day. And so I totally get why American tourists wonder if African society has also flipped into this state of uncertainty and fear in reaction to their President’s actions. Let me deal with that question clearly: NO, we have not.
HERE, IN AFRICA, we continue to respect and welcome Americans as adventurous, generous, educated guests – regardless of their political affiliations. We have bigger things to concern ourselves with, and we trust that the American people will solve their own issues.
It’s too early to predict the likely impacts of President Trump’s policies on Africa’s economies, but they will likely be severe for wildlife conservation and humanitarian projects that have grown dependent on USAID.
I sense a profound sadness about the situation rather than animosity towards the American people. There is the realisation that some African governments and NGOs have grown too dependent on aid (from all corners of the globe) and need to up their game to have more robust revenue-generation models. Also, there is hope that some vital aid support from the American people will return once President Trump has served his term.
More than ever, the African tourism industry needs our American (and other) friends to sustain our biodiversity and rural people in the current political climate – by visiting as tourists. Please share this message with your United States friends who are considering an African safari.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
I’ve probably heard my last woodland kingfisher chatter of the season in a Johannesburg park this past week. These small but mighty birds will embark on their journeys north to warmer climates now. But where do they go? A new study has found that some woodland kingfishers are travelling 4,000km to South Sudan. But the biggest surprise is how and why they navigate the route to get there. Scientists tracking them with tiny geolocators found they migrate with remarkable precision, closely following the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ICZ). This is a moving band of seasonal rains that shifts north and south of the equator, attracting insects, small snakes, and frogs – and thus birds – at different times of the year. Their journey shows how deeply nature is connected: weather patterns, seasonal shifts, and even the smallest creatures moving in sync.
It’s been another bumper week of Photographer of the Year entries, with the pics coming in in droves. Enjoy our gallery filled with action-packed photos. Less than a month left to enter! Plus, a new survey sheds light on declining lion numbers in Kruger’s north. Check these out below.
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!
Photographer of the Year 2025 is here! Enter for a chance to win a safari to incredible Odzala-Kokoua National Park
TRAVEL DESK:
Discover the magic of Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Congo-Brazzaville, with two unique safari experiences. Choose between an immersive gorilla trekking adventure, where you track habituated lowland gorillas on foot through the forest, or a slower, lodge-based safari, offering rare sightings of unhabituated gorillas and other wildlife from elevated treehouse platforms overlooking forest baïs – a short walk from your room. Two incredible ways to experience Congo’s forest wonders:
Trek for an up close encounter of habituated western lowland gorillas on this eight-day safari. Find the hidden wildlife on guided baï and rainforest walks. Take a river cruise or go on a kayak safari down Lekolo River and experience the wealth of life living in and on the shores of these waterways. This safari will leave you spellbound and with unforgettable memories to take home.
Unhabituated lowland gorilla watching in Odzala-Kokoua – 8 days – from US$4,055pps
Watch unhabituated western lowland gorillas and other shy forest creatures from the comfort of elevated treehouses overlooking forest clearings in Odzala-Kokoua NP, Congo-Brazzaville. Find gorillas, forest elephants, forest buffalos, bongos, dwarf crocodiles, huge flocks of grey parrots and green pigeons, and other iconic wildlife species that roam the forests, baïs and rivers of Odzala-Kokoua.
Another 5-star review for teamAG, thanks to Nikolay’s whirlwind adventure to Uganda:
“An absolutely amazing experience! Murchison Falls National Park, a rhino sanctuary, chimpanzee trekking, numerous game drives… all beautifully fitted into a short 2-day trip! Outstanding support throughout, brilliant service. Memories for a lifetime! Keep it up Africa Geographic. Thank you!”
WATCH: Botswana has more elephants than any other country on the planet. But what’s been hailed as a great conservation success story has become a deadly problem. While they have turbo charged photo tourism, in some parts of the country there are two elephants for every human. Stories of elephants causing havoc – destroying crops and even killing people – are fuelling anger towards these majestic animals. Journalist Stephanie March travels across Botswana to see who is benefitting and who is paying the price for this conservation triumph. (30:27) Click here to watch
Anecdotal evidence from Kruger National Park often suggests the south of the park offers better lion viewing than the north. Some of the best Kruger lion sightings occur in the Satara-Skukuza region. But is this merely a matter of terrain, lion density, road geography or luck? Or does it reflect lower lion numbers in Kruger’s northern areas? A recent survey by the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) has provided fresh insight into Kruger National Park’s northern lion population. As conservationists work to understand the challenges facing these apex predators, the findings highlight key trends that could influence future wildlife management strategies.
The Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA), which includes South Africa’s Kruger National Park and Limpopo National Park in Mozambique, is known as one of Africa’s last ten lion strongholds. However, a recent lion survey by the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) has shown worrying data on the lions of the GLTFCA. The survey took place in Kruger’s Nxanatseni North region, which includes the Pafuri, Vlakteplaas, Punda Maria, Shangoni, Woodlands and Shingwedzi sections – an area covering 5162km2. The survey, conducted in collaboration with South African National Parks, shows a potential 63% decline in lion numbers in the area over the 18 years spanning the most recent surveys.
Previous lion surveys indicated larger populations, with fluctuating results. In 2005, a call-up survey estimated the population to be 283. Three years later, a survey with reduced sampling estimated the population to be around 75 lions. In 2015, the original 2005 call-up survey was replicated, resulting in an estimate of 119 lions. And then, a 2023 estimate put the population at 122 lions. The EWT’s latest count aligns closely with the latter two surveys, indicating a population of around 105 lions. What is concerning, however, is that the latest numbers represent the lowest number recorded in the past 10 years.
The results revealed that lion density is lowest in the Pafuri and Punda Maria areas. These areas are thought to suffer from relatively high levels of snaring for bushmeat. Here, lions have also been caught as by-catch in snares set for other wildlife, and some have also been poisoned as a means to harvest their body parts.
Additionally, the data indicates that proximity to water is a significant factor influencing lion density across the landscape. Lion populations were the highest in areas close to water sources. While lions are not directly dependent on fixed water sources (they do not need to drink every day, and obtain some much-needed moisture from prey), their primary prey species are. The closure of artificial waterholes in the Kruger may have had an impact on lion numbers and density in this semi-arid Nxanatseni North region.
Lion densities are much lower in Kruger’s northern regions
Important to note is that technology and conservation methods have greatly improved over the past few years, as have survey methods. Previous surveys used a technique known as lion call-ups or call-ins, where recorded buffalo distress calls played through speakers attracted lions to preselected sites at least 8-12km from each other. But, this method had limitations, including the risk of double counting individuals, and limitations in times of poor weather.
Understanding how many lions roam Africa’s wild spaces is not just an academic exercise – it’s a crucial step in ensuring their survival. Conservationists have long grappled with the challenge of accurately estimating lion populations. But, a different approach to counting lions by their whisker patterns – a means of identification that is similar to the way we use the human fingerprint – provides a deeper insight into the makeup of lion populations By combining camera trap data, GPS tracking, and statistical modelling, researchers can provide a greater insight of individual lions within a population. This assists in drafting future plans for lion management within conservation areas.
In the survey, researchers used camera traps and their own photographs to capture lion data. These techniques allowed them to capture high-quality photographs of the lions to identify individual animals based on their unique whisker spot patterns. They would then create a studbook to determine whether they had identified the same lions in different areas.
The lions of Kruger were identified using whisker spot patterns
“Once we cross-referenced the lions identified to those already in the studbook, we could determine whether they were new lions or needed to log them as duplicates. The ideal scenario is to recapture [data on] the same lions in an area as many times as possible, and not to find new lions for several weeks,” explained Marnus Roodbol, the EWT’s Carnivore Conservation Programme Lowveld Project Manager.
Researchers also excluded any lions under the age of one year, as this age group tends to have a high mortality rate. “There are so many environmental factors contributing towards the mortality of young lions such as male lions, other lions fighting around a kill, snakes, hyena, etc. Once they break through the one-year gap, we can be safe to say that they have a higher chance of survival,” says Roodbol.
Lions under a year old were excluded from the survey
Counting lions in a vast wilderness such as Kruger is no easy feat and comes with challenges. Scientists drove 10,006 km and deployed camera traps for 2,684 trap nights during the survey. But Roodbol explains that capturing data on the same lions presented a challenge. “The northern lions can be very skittish due to, for example, low tourist numbers in the north of the Kruger National Park and fewer roads where they are exposed to tourists.”
Furthermore, road closures and ongoing habitat restoration efforts, which made accessing certain areas difficult, compounded the situation. Patience was essential, as capturing the necessary images of both sides of an individual lion was no simple task.
According to Kruger National Park communications and marketing manager Isaac Phaahla, similar surveys take place in the south of the park. However, it does seem that the north’s lions are declining faster. On why this is the case, he has some answers. “The result of the survey looks at different suppositions, water availability, poisoning, and snaring, but it neglects to look at the huge hyena population in the area. There is also the aspect of lions not knowing human borders, and they sometimes end up in Zimbabwe or Mozambique,” says Phaahla.
With lion survey numbers over the years showing a decline in Africa, conservationists must determine how often to conduct these surveys moving forward. “We will look at doing these surveys either annually or biannually with SANParks,” Roodbol confirms. More frequent monitoring will help track population trends more accurately and assess the effectiveness of conservation strategies.
The goal is not just to determine how many lions exist but to understand how they are distributed across different landscapes and how their populations are connected. Conservationists stress that without precise data, interventions – such as creating wildlife corridors to connect isolated populations – are based on guesswork rather than science. As climate change, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict continue to threaten Africa’s lions, the ability to count these big cats correctly may well be the key to their long-term survival.
As apex predators, lions play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of Kruger’s ecosystem. Their decline could have far-reaching consequences for the park’s biodiversity. Continued research, improved conservation measures, and increased awareness will ensure these iconic big cats continue to roam Kruger’s landscapes for generations to come.
Want to go on a lion-seeking safari? Browse our top safaris showcasing the Big 5. Or longing to visit Kruger? Check out our ready-made safaris to Greater Kruger. Alternatively, we’ll help you plan your niche and tailor-made lion safari.
Our Photographer of the Year 2025 is open for submissions. The overall winners, runners up and their partners will enjoy a teamAG safari to explore the primal forests of Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the remote north of Congo-Brazzaville – in search of lowland gorillas, forest elephants, forest buffaloes, bongos and much more. Read more about the Photographer of the Year 2025 prizes here. In association with Ukuri and African Parks.
Photographer of the Year is open for entries from 1 February 2025 to midnight on 30 April 2025. Judging will take place throughout those months and for the month of May 2025, and the winners of Photographer of the Year will be announced in early June 2025.
Here are the best Photographer of the Year submissions for this week
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Africa’s top lion hotspots + salt pans expedition + wildest pics
Back in the day, my geography teacher enjoyed spanking naughty boys on the bum with a wooden bat in front of the class. After each such ordeal, we had to sign the bat, which he had nicknamed ‘trane’ (‘tears’ in Afrikaans). Our English language teacher made us eat chalk if we failed her live spelling tests. Goodness, how things have changed!
Things have also changed in the wildlife conservation world. Up to the 1980s, painted wolves (wild dogs) were shot as vermin in national parks in many parts of Africa, and until 1994, entire families of elephants were culled in the Kruger National Park.
Yet many in the commercial extraction industries – including mining, wild forest logging, fishing and trophy hunting of free-roaming animals – continue as they did hundreds of years ago as if nothing has changed, despite massive evidence of collapsing resources.
Another thing that has not changed is our drive to provide responsible options for travellers seeking tailor-made experiential safaris. Thanks for your support. Is it time to plan your next safari?
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
For a decade and a half, Uganda’s big carnivores – lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas – have been living in the conservation shadows. That’s until a team of local and international experts decided to roll up their sleeves, get to ground level, and count, count, count. With a mix of rangers, university students, lodge owners, and even trophy hunters – over 100 collaborators in total – Uganda embarked on the country’s largest carnivore survey. Over 26,000km of driving, 7,500 camera-trap nights and hours of training to ID lions later, we now know that Murchison Falls’ lions are holding their ground, but Queen Elizabeth’s famous tree-climbers are sadly on the decline. Meanwhile, leopards are doing just fine and hyenas are proving surprisingly resilient. So, what’s the takeaway? There is a lot to be done to help Uganda’s lions in the face of poaching, habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. Science is saving Uganda’s big carnivores, one whisker spot at a time – and more importantly, it’s uniting the country’s conservationists for a common cause. 🦁📊
This week’s Photographer of the Year selection captures the spirit of Africa in crystal clear detail. There’s plenty of wild drama and golden afternoon light to delight. And then, our safari experts have put their heads together to come up with a tight list of the best spots to see lions in Africa. Don’t miss this must-read guide below.
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!
Story 1 STUNNING PHOTOS
Photographer of the Year 2025 is here! Enter for a chance to win a safari to incredible Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Story 2 LION HOTSPOTS
For the best chance of seeing lions in the wild, head to one of Africa’s top lion hotspots – recommended by AG safari experts
Fancy a guided photographic safari in Kenya’s Maasai Mara? Join award-winning photographer Arnfinn Johansen on this exclusive safari for four guests. Highlights include guided game drives with an experienced Maasai guide in a modified photographic vehicle and accommodation at Oltepesi Tented Safari Camp. Departure dates: 24 October–1 November 2025. Only 2 spaces left!
Find your soul on this journey to Makgadikgadi Pans – including a quadbike trip to the fabled Kubu Island. An iconic exploration of the vast Botswana salt pans – coupled with game drives in grassy plains and brush packed with a surprising amount of wildlife. Meet meerkats, sleep under ancient baobabs and a gazillion stars, and enjoy luxury tented accommodation and delicious meals.
Vusa the Lion Guardian: Helping kids navigate life in lion territory
How do you teach young children about the challenges of living alongside Africa’s apex predator? The Southern African Conservation Trust (SACT) has an answer: an exciting new comic and poster featuring Vusa the Lion Guardian. This fun yet vital educational tool helps rural schoolchildren and their families understand human-wildlife conflict and how to stay safe. The comic teaches kids how to build bomas to protect livestock from lions, while the poster lays out life-saving “do’s and don’ts” for unexpected lion encounters – crucial knowledge for children walking to school through wild landscapes.
Recently, students from Nsongwa Primary School, bordering Hwange National Park, received their very own Vusa comics, sparking curiosity and conversations about conservation. Now, SACT needs your help to get these essential resources into more classrooms, clinics, and community centers across Africa. Want to support this game-changing project? Read more about our Collar a Lion campaign to see how you can make a difference!
WATCH: In the heart of Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Phoebe Niringiyimana is one of few female guides leading treks that bring visitors face-to-face with majestic mountain gorillas. Witness her deep connection with these incredible creatures in this heartwarming video. (01:58) Click here to watch
Aptly named the “King of Beasts”, the African lion is an iconic wildlife species, and the joy of seeing these big cats on safari is at the top of many bucket lists. However, despite their popularity, lions are not as commonly seen as one might expect, and sightings are never guaranteed. A century ago, there were as many as 200,000 wild lions in Africa, but today only about 20,000 remain, and lions are confined to about 15% of their former range.
Despite these alarming declines, there are still a number of destinations that offer a very strong chance of experiencing these big cats in the flesh. For the best chance of seeing lions in the wild, head to one of Africa’s top lion hotspots. Our safari experts put their heads together to come up with this list of the best destinations to see wild lions in Africa. While these options offer excellent chances and opportunities to see lions – from rare subspecies to Africa’s largest prides – our list is only a selection of the multitude of spots where travellers can see lions in Africa.
Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem, Kenya & Tanzania
Including Maasai Mara and Serengeti
Stretching over 24,000 km² from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is home to one of the highest densities of lions in the world.
A trio of handsome males in Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti boasts the oldest lion research project in Africa, the Serengeti Lion Project, which has been operating for nearly 50 years. In addition, expect good lion encounters in the Ngorongoro Crater, on the fringes of the Serengeti ecosystem.
Across the border in Kenya, the wide-open savannah plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve make for excellent lion viewing of large prides that are accustomed to tourist vehicles. The Mara lions have been made famous by the popular BBC TV series, Big Cat Diaries.
The sub-adults of Maasai Mara’s Topi pride attempt to hunt a large buffalo
Northern Botswana
Including Okavango Delta, Khwai and Chobe
From dry savannahs to lush wetlands, northern Botswana has it all, and lions abound in this vast wilderness. These lions have adapted to their varied environments and have a wide range of prey species, from elephants and hippos to buffaloes and impalas. And in the harsh, dry winters when water is scarce, lions even compete with crocodiles to scavenge on rotting carcasses. Okavango Delta lions swim between islands and negotiate channels and floodplains during the annual flood season (June to August) in search of prey.
Hunting lechwe in the waters of the delta
The Okavango Delta (and Moremi Game Reserve) hosts one of the largest lion populations in the world, but also expect to see lions in the adjoining Chobe National Park, as well as in Khwai Community Concession and the larger Khwai Private Reserve in the unfenced wilderness of northern Botswana. The region offers a dramatic wilderness experience that is perfect for lion enthusiasts.
A big male lion walks past a small elephant herd during the height of the Okavango’s dry season – making sure to safely keep his distance.Grinning and bearing it, this lioness crosses the river in Khwai
Greater Kruger & Kruger National Park, South Africa
The Greater Kruger is South Africa’s premier wildlife destination and, forming an open system with Kruger National Park, this area is home to the majority of the country’s wild lions. The Kruger National Park, which is larger than Wales, is famous for its diverse lion habitats, from open plains to dense woodland. While lions occur in all areas of Greater Kruger and Kruger National Park, they can be tough to find in the more remote northern areas. The large open plains of the central areas, and prey density further south, mean that more lions are seen here. Timbavati Private Nature Reserve within Greater Kruger is particularly famous for its naturally occurring population of white lions, making this area a must-visit for those seeking rare lion encounters. In the Timbavati region, Ngala Private Game Reserve enjoys regular sightings of white lions.
A white lion in Ngala, TimbavatiA pride on the hunt across one of Kruger National Park’s public dirt roads
Northern Namibia
Including Etosha and Kaokoland/Damaraland
Namibia’s lion population is spread across the northern reaches of this arid country, with Etosha National Park hosting the most easily accessible population. Etosha lions are best viewed in the dry winter months, and the best strategy to view them is to park at one of many waterholes and wait for them to come to you.
Escaping the heat and flies in Etosha
Perhaps the most fascinating Namibian lions are the desert-adapted lions, which occur in the remote Kaokoland/Damaraland region of the northwest, an area of sand dunes and sparse vegetation, wedged between Etosha and the barren Skeleton Coast. These formidable lions eke out a living despite the harsh landscape, low prey density and conflict with farmers.
Desert-adapted lions on Namibia’s Skeleton Coast
The best time to view the desert-adapted lions is during the dry winter season (June to October). During this time, they can be found hunting around the sparse water sources or lazing about in the open, soaking up the morning sun.
Luangwa Valley, Zambia
The Luangwa Valley in Zambia is renowned for its large lion prides, with South Luangwa National Park offering the most accessible lion sightings. South Luangwa is the birthplace of African walking safaris – a very special wildlife experience for any safari-goer. Encountering wild lions on foot with an experienced guide is one of Africa’s quintessential safari experiences. With frequent sightings of large prides of up to 30 lions in South Luangwa, it’s a must for lion enthusiasts.
Young and regal male lions of South Luangwa
Hwange, Zimbabwe
Hwange National Park hosts a good population of lions and prey species – including large herds of buffalo, a favourite item on the menu. What’s more, these lions are also known for being elephant hunters. Zimbabwe’s largest national park offers excellent lion habitat – including grass plains, deciduous woodlands and thorn savannah. Hwange’s network of waterholes provides good positioning for tourists wishing to experience a lion kill. Just a short drive from Victoria Falls, Hwange is a convenient add-on to your Southern African safari.
Buffalo is one of the preferred prey choices of lions in Hwange
Tsavo, Kenya
Tsavo National Park, one of the largest in Kenya, is famous for its maneless lions and its resilient prides. These lions, which are smaller than the typical African lion, are particularly known for their unique appearance and behaviour. The lions of Tsavo have distinct adaptations – such as scant-to-absent manes – which have arisen in the face of the extreme heat of this harsh arid landscape. Observing these fascinating lions, along with other wildlife species, is a must for every bucket list.
One of Tsavo’s scanty-mane lions moves off from an agitated elephant
Kalahari Desert, South Africa & Botswana
Including Tswalu Kalahari, Kgalagadi & the Central Kalahari
The Kalahari Desert is home to some of Africa’s most striking big cats: black-maned lions. The lions of Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Central Kalahari Game Reserve are particularly notable for their remarkable adaptations to the harsh desert environment.
A dark-maned lion of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
These lions are known for their resilience, hunting in one of the most challenging ecosystems in Africa. Their distinctive black manes make them a special sight to see. The stark beauty of the Kalahari, combined with the dramatic lion sightings, makes it a must-visit for lion lovers.
The Kalahari’s striking landscapes offer an epic setting for lion sightings
Mana Pools, Zimbabwe
Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe is another excellent location for lion sightings. Known for its incredible biodiversity and the opportunity to view lions in a pristine, wilderness setting, Mana Pools offers some of the best lion viewing in Africa. The park is renowned for its walking safaris, where visitors can encounter lions on foot, adding a thrilling element to the experience.
Away from the river, at the foot of the escarpment is Chitake Springs – a remote and truly wild safari experience. Here, the spring is a perennial water source in a dry riverbed – the only water source for concentrations of wildlife. During the dry season, large herds of buffalo, elephant and other herbivores converge on the water, and lions line the steep river channel banks to ambush their prey as they drink.
A mating pair of lions beneath the tall acacia albidas of Mana PoolsLions bring down a buffalo separated from its herd in Chitake Springs
Zakouma, Chad – for West African lions
In West Africa, Zakouma National Park in Chad is home to elusive West African lions. These lions are smaller in size than their East and Southern African counterparts but are no less impressive. Zakouma offers an authentic, off-the-beaten-path safari experience, with opportunities to see these rare and critically endangered lions. Zakouma is managed by African Parks in partnership with the Government of Chad and local communities. In the process, Zakouma has seen major conservation boosts, a significant reduction in poaching, and a revitalisation of tourism in the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem.
West African lions in Zakouma
Bale Mountains, Kafa & Awash, Ethiopia
In the Highlands of Ethiopia, the lion subspecies Panthera leo melanochaita – to which the Cape lion is genetically similar – still clings to survival in the Bale Mountains, Kafa Reserve, and Awash National Park. These lions are a distinct subspecies known for their darker manes. These rare lions are critically endangered due to habitat loss and historical hunting pressures. To see these lions in the flesh, chat to our experts who can advise on the best time to travel to see them, and lodges that offer easy access to seeing the lions when they come out of the forests.
Our Photographer of the Year 2025 is open for submissions. The overall winners, runners up and their partners will enjoy a teamAG safari to explore the primal forests of Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the remote north of Congo-Brazzaville – in search of lowland gorillas, forest elephants, forest buffaloes, bongos and much more. Read more about the Photographer of the Year 2025 prizes here. In association with Ukuri and African Parks.
Photographer of the Year is open for entries from 1 February 2025 to midnight on 30 April 2025. Judging will take place throughout those months and for the month of May 2025, and the winners of Photographer of the Year will be announced in early June 2025.
Here are the best Photographer of the Year submissions for this week
This is a copy of our weekly email newsletter. Subscribe here to receive the newsletter.
Pillaging Kenya’s wildlife + penguin victory + feast of photos
The African penguin just scored a major legal victory – because even birds need good lawyers and scientists on their side! After years of wrangling, BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB have secured a huge win for South Africa’s penguins. The hard-won court order issued by the Pretoria High Court following a settlement agreement forces commercial fisheries to keep their hands off the fish around six key African penguin colonies: Dassen Island, Robben Island, Stony Point, Dyer Island, St Croix Island and Bird Island. Translation? More fish for these tuxedoed treasures and a fighting chance to dodge extinction. With a decade-long fishing ban around key breeding colonies, the penguins might just waddle their way back from the brink. It’s a win for conservation, a loss for overfishing, and a reminder that sometimes, persistence (and a good legal team) pays off!
This week, we bring you an in-depth investigation from northern Kenya, where rampant poaching & wildlife trafficking are threatening endangered species such as reticulated giraffes, hirolas & cheetahs. Read our story below. And, we bring you the top toe-curling photos from Week 5 of Photographer of the Year – yet another fabulously raw African photo fiesta.
Taryn van Jaarsveld – Editor, Africa Geographic
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!
This safari visits central and northern Kafue National Park, Zambia – teeming with predators and vast herds of lechwe, buffalo and elephants. You’ll explore the Kafue River, vast stretches of river valleys, and the swampy floodplains of Busanga Plains, which are brimful with big cats, their prey, and prolific bird life. Enjoy daily guided activities, including game drives, walking safaris, and boating.
A luxury safari in Zambia, where comfort meets extraordinary wildlife encounters in Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa National Parks – two of the country’s top safari destinations. Indulge in bespoke service, breathtaking landscapes, and intimate wildlife experiences, all while enjoying seamless luxury and discreet, attentive hospitality. This safari is an unforgettable journey and the ultimate safari escape.
Seasoned safari guest Cindy sent us a message that perfectly captures the magic of being part of the AG safari tribe:
“I was already a veteran Africa safari traveller by the time I booked with Africa Geographic recently. I had spent every year since 1996 self-driving with my late husband, and then solo from 2015. My first travel agency experience before finding AG was not overwhelming. My past travel experience made me a more difficult customer, not an easier one! I had high expectations and wanted personal service. When I signed up for a safari with AG, I soon found I had found my home. My first booking was for a Serengeti safari. I was hesitant at first, having read so much about overcrowding, out-of-control tourists, and mediocre accommodation. I needn’t have worried. AG safari expert Christian Boix set me up with a perfect trip and I enjoyed every minute.
Next was a revisit to Tswalu and Londolozi. Although I had been to both already, Christian went the extra mile for me, smoothed my travel from beginning to end, and not one thing went wrong. Next up will be Kenya, a trip I have been longing to do for years, and I have no doubt that the meticulous planning Christian has done for me will make for a grand success. I can’t wait!”
WATCH: Walking in the bushveld with an experienced guide is a great way to learn about the detail of nature. You will be shown the tell-tale signs that animals leave when they pass by and evidence of violent encounters between predators and prey. And because you are not in a vehicle, your senses will be alert to the sounds and smells we miss on game drive – a thrilling experience. Spend a minute or two enjoying a few visuals of what you can expect on a Kruger walking safari. (01:40) Click here to watch
In the remote landscapes of northern Kenya, an alarming wave of poaching and smuggling is pushing iconic wildlife species toward the brink. From reticulated giraffes to hirolas and cheetahs, various endangered species are risking local extinction. A dangerous mix of armed poacher gangs, wildlife trafficking networks, and regional instability is fueling the crisis. With bushmeat demand rising and wildlife smuggling funding militia groups, conservationists warn that urgent action is needed to prevent local extinctions. Noor Ali reports
Abdi Mohamed Dubow Liban was a 16-year-old boy when he first witnessed poachers shoot dead an elephant while herding camels in Kenya’s Wajir South, bordering Somalia. Liban, now 72, says that, all those years ago, the family’s livestock interacted with different wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and rhinos. They all lived peacefully until poacher gangs descended into the region bordering Somalia and Ethiopia in the 1970s. He says the poachers wreaked havoc, slaughtered hundreds of elephants, and forced the few that survived to escape for safety. He expressed fears of a repeat of the 1970s–1980s poaching scenario, which reached an alarming level that saw Kenya lose half of its elephant population, prompting the country to ban the ivory trade in 1973.
“Poachers shot dead an elephant close to a spot where I was herding livestock at a grazing field along the Isiolo-Wajir county border,” Liban says, vividly recalling his first encounter with poachers in 1970. “They killed elephants and rhinos along the Ewaso Ngiro River like rats, and poaching became the norm until the last, lucky ones that survived the butchering escaped far away to central Kenya,” he recalls.
That was the last time elephants and rhinos were present in their masses along Kenya’s Lorian Swamp in Wajir South, an area stretching from Isiolo to Wajir and Somalia, says the elderly man, who recently took part in a demonstration to protest the latest wave of poaching after 14 giraffes were killed in the area around Sabuli Wildlife Conservancy, south of Wajir County.
Liban is emphatic that the government must act and stop the massive decimation of wildlife species like reticulated giraffes, antelope, and Somali ostriches. These wildlife, he says, must be protected from poacher gangs operating along the Kenya-Somalia border, warlords, agents of terrorists, and the devastating effects of climate change and recurring droughts.
Somali ostriches in northern Kenya
“We don’t have ostriches here anymore. They were captured, consumed, and sold at the Dadaab refugee camp and across the border in Somalia,” says Liban. “It’s a really sad, scary moment. Many have been hunted and killed for their meat, and many are dying due to drought. I am afraid some of my grandchildren and great-grandchildren won’t be able to see them.”
In the past three years, he has watched thirsty, emaciated wildlife collapse and die due to thirst and hunger resulting from drought. Liban says, “I have walked past giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, and antelope carcasses strewn all over the place in the remote grazing fields. In the last few years, they have been dying from starvation and dehydration,” he says of his experience in the midst of the recent drought, one that killed masses of wildlife.
The rise of poaching in Northern Kenya
Residents from the vast region bordering Somalia and Ethiopia, which has suffered a spate of terror attacks from Al-Shabaab terrorists, lament the presence of armed poachers killing dozens of wildlife.
Mukhtar Noor, a local community conservationist from Biyamadow, warned that giraffes, ostriches, gazelles, hirolas, and predators are facing the threat of local extinction if the government delays acting in time to protect the remaining few.
“The poachers are butchering giraffes, gazelles, ostriches, zebras, dik-diks, quails, and antelopes in droves. Many are dying from drought and strange diseases. We are losing the majority of them to game meat poaching,” he says. Snares used by poachers, he says, are a threat to livestock and have inflicted serious injuries and even killed many goats and camels. The barbed wire snares are set up close to water points, grazing fields, and areas with shrubs and shade, which are common spots for both wild and domestic animals, he added.
According to conservation organisations operating across the border region, reticulated giraffes are being depleted at an alarming rate, making them the most poached and endangered wildlife species in the area. Conservationists warn that the reticulated giraffe population endemic to the region has drastically reduced by 50% over just the past 30 years – from 36,000 to only 15,950 today. The widespread poaching of reticulated giraffes led to their inclusion on the IUCN Red List and their classification as Endangered in 2018.
NECA CEO Sharmake Mohamed says the surge in poaching in Kenya has been fanned by the myth that bushmeat offers relief to terminal illnesses and by the quest to avoid veterinary medicine-contaminated livestock meat, which is blamed for lifestyle-linked diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS infections. The local conservation organisation recorded at least 76 reticulated giraffe poaching incidents between July and September 2024, during which 14 giraffes were killed in a single raid. Local rangers estimate that around 10 giraffes and dozens of antelopes are killed each day across the border counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, and Tana River, primarily for their meat.
“A significant portion of giraffe meat, and ostrich meat and eggs are sold at Dadaab refugee camp, large quantities are smuggled into Somalia, and some are being delivered to Al-Shabaab militants,” Mohamed says. This is confirmed by other sources, including local chiefs. “The rest of the game meat is sold locally in villages, while some is transported to Nairobi and Mombasa,” he added.
Mohamed, who is also an honorary warden of Sabuli Wildlife Conservancy in Wajir, says dozens of lions and hyenas are being killed in worsening cases of human-wildlife conflict and retaliatory attacks. “Game meat business and smuggling of wildlife,” he says, “are believed to be a source of funds for militia group operations across the border in Somalia.”
Preventing the depletion of Kenya’s wildlife heritage is a daunting task, requiring action against heavily armed and dangerous poachers linked to war-torn Somalia and Ethiopia. He added that Sabuli has 30 community scouts who conduct patrols and work with local youths and elders to speak out against the bushmeat trade, poaching, and consumption. They also deliver hay and water to wildlife across the area during drought periods. He disclosed that more than 200 animals were lost due to the severe drought experienced three years ago in Wajir South alone.
And there is another disturbing trend arising in the region: Local conservation organisations are deeply disturbed by the alarming surge in wildlife smuggling and the trafficking of cheetahs and lion cubs from the region to Somalia, Ethiopia, and the Arabian Peninsula states, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Yemen. Cheetahs and lion cubs are illegally smuggled out to locations where they are kept as status symbol pets.
Of around 6,500 wild cheetahs in Africa, fewer than 1,000 cheetahs remain in Kenya. A security officer working with a local community conservation group in Wajir South (who preferred not to be named) says that lions and cheetahs smuggled from the region are sold to different markets in Somalia and Ethiopia. The smuggling of cheetahs and lion cubs is driven by demand from warlords and clan militias, for whom keeping these animals as pets has become a status symbol. The animals are also used to torment and torture captives and critics.
One man, Ebrahim*, a reformed poacher who now works as a wildlife scout, confessed that he made a fortune selling three lion cubs and six cheetah cubs to Somali traders and agents of the Al-Shabaab terror group between 2021 and 2022. “I dropped out of high school due to a lack of fees and tried to join the army and police, but I was unsuccessful because they don’t recruit dropouts. A friend introduced me to the game-meat trade and the smuggling of cheetahs and lion cubs,” he says.
A single cheetah cub could sell for $500, while a group of three or more cheetahs earns $800 per cub, Ebrahim says. He admitted to killing the mothers of lion cubs to capture them, after monitoring newborn cubs for over a month. He eventually decided to quit after receiving reports of his impending arrest or possible killing by rangers and security personnel. “I was fed up with living as a fugitive. I was more hunted than the wildlife I was hunting, which forced me into drug abuse to stay awake and alert to avoid arrest,” says Ebrahim, who took advantage of an amnesty granted to local poachers and surrendered to avoid the same fate as the many wild animals he had killed.
Kenya conservation efforts and poaching challenges
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), however, says all hope is not lost. They have implemented a series of measures to combat the increasing cases of bushmeat trafficking and the poaching of cheetahs and lions, which have been linked to the presence of Al-Shabaab and poacher gangs operating in the expansive border area.
Commanders in charge say the agency has made significant strides in combating wildlife crimes, which they describe as a serious security threat that undermines conservation efforts and exacerbates regional instability. KWS regional senior warden Jacob Ilo Orahle says heightened surveillance and a series of sting operations in recent months have helped contain the situation.
Once a common sight in northern Kenya, reticulated giraffes now face a dire future as poaching and habitat loss drive them toward extinction
Ilo Orahle says, “more than ten poachers, including two of the most notorious on our wanted list who were responsible for the killing of 70 giraffes, have been killed,” since early 2024. In a recent case, Ilo Orahle, says, “rangers shot dead a poacher after he had killed a giraffe”.
KWS has adopted a multifaceted approach to tackling the crisis by engaging local communities, NGOs, and all state security agencies. A new patrol base has been established at a poaching hotspot in Shantaabaq, along the Wajir and Garissa county border, to crack down on cross-border poachers and locals engaged in illegal hunting. A team of rangers is now working jointly with the police, special border patrol, Rapid Deployment Unit personnel, and the military to contain the vice and stop smuggling to the Dadaab refugee camp and along the Kenya-Somalia border. Stepped-up intelligence gathering has enabled the agency to foil several poaching attempts and intercept deliveries of bushmeat.
The agency was scheduled to hold a series of public meetings at the Dadaab refugee camp. Multiple security sources believe the surge in bushmeat poaching is one of the Somali-based Al-Shabaab terrorist group’s expanded business ventures, aimed at sustaining its income.
“For a long time, Al-Shabaab funded its operations through the charcoal trade and human trafficking. Now, it is heavily involved in game meat and wildlife smuggling,” says a security official in Garissa County, eastern Kenya. Ragtag militias, independent poacher gangs, and Al-Shabaab have intensified their activities, taking advantage of the near absence of security forces in vast parts of northern Kenya to deplete wildlife with impunity, according to security officials.
Near the Ethiopian border, Jima Wildlife Conservancy has reported a significant number of cheetahs being captured and smuggled to Ethiopia and Somaliland for onward delivery to the Arabian Peninsula. “Recently, two herders stumbled upon four snared cheetahs. They were rescued after the incident was reported to a local chief,” says Abdullahi Ibrahim, patron of the conservancy group. “Giraffes, zebras, guinea fowl, gazelles, gerenuks, and dik-diks from Kenya are sold at Kadaduma Market in Ethiopia, which specialises in bushmeat. They wiped out their own wildlife years ago, so now they cross into Kenya to replenish their stocks,” he added.
Giraffe skins are also used to make water containers and ornaments, and hair from their tails is used for stitches in female circumcision (FGM) procedures.
A giraffe skull in Isiolo
Abdullahi Ibrahim further revealed that locals in Wajir County recently shot dead two male lions at a Gurar grazing field after the animals allegedly mauled livestock. He says human-wildlife conflict incidents are exacerbated by habitat loss.
Protecting rare wildlife species in northern Kenya requires a unique set of strategies, he argues, and cannot be achieved solely by arming locals to fight poachers.
“Neglect of this region, which has suffered from water shortages for six decades since independence, is to blame. We must build more water pans and boreholes to provide for both livestock and wildlife,” he says. He also blamed Ethiopia’s Oromo Liberation Army rebels for widespread poaching in Marsabit County, Kenya, from where they operate and stage frequent attacks in southern Ethiopia.
Mohamed Nur, a member of the conservancy group, regrets that the Somali ostrich has been completely wiped out in the area due to false claims that its fat and eggs can eliminate HIV, boost libido, and serve as a lucky charm. “Bushmeat dealers are masters of deceit. They spread falsehoods, claiming it is an effective alternative medicine and a natural remedy for terminal illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure,” he says.
Abdi Shabo, from the Protection and Conservation of Endangered Species (PCONES) in Isiolo, blamed the neglect of the region and its exclusion from national conservation efforts for the rampant poaching in northern Kenya. He pointed out that conservation in Kenya is concentrated in popular tourist destinations, while most wildlife lives in unprotected areas.
“Our people have nothing to gain from wildlife apart from losing livestock and loved ones in human-wildlife conflicts. The crisis must be declared a national disaster, and resources must be mobilised to protect wildlife across northern Kenya,” he says.
An urgent call to protect Kenya’s wildlife
Kalapta Epuyo, an Isiolo Peace Net initiative campaigner, notes that recurring conflicts and frequent droughts have driven many people, especially youths, into desperation.
“Wildlife poaching has surged across the region in recent years due to prolonged drought and massive livestock deaths. Locals engage in poaching for survival, to escape hunger, and to restock their livestock lost to banditry and drought,” he says. Wajir South MP Mohamed Adow criticises the manner in which poacher gangs have been left to operate with impunity, calling on the UNHCR to provide alternative fuel sources for refugees at Dadaab to curb firewood harvesting, which contributes to habitat destruction and bushmeat consumption.
Kenya’s drought assessment report, released by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife in early 2023, indicated that the country lost hundreds of wildlife due to the worst drought in recent history. However, conservation efforts have boosted elephant numbers, now growing at 5% annually, reaching 36,000 from a historic low of 16,000 in 1989. Kenyan journalist Issa Husein, who is also actively involved in wildlife and environmental campaigns, is disturbed by the fact that Kenya’s conservation efforts and resources are being wasted and reversed by neighbouring countries.
“Our wildlife are killed to feed foreign markets in Somalia and Ethiopia. Down south, in Kenya, our elephants – the tuskers – are hunted and killed by trophy hunters in Tanzania. Our enemies and threats are well known; they must be confronted and stopped,” says Hussein.
The fight against wildlife poaching in northern Kenya is a battle for survival—not just for the region’s endangered species, but for the ecosystems and communities that depend on them. Strengthening conservation efforts, improving security, and addressing the root causes of poaching are critical steps in protecting these species for future generations.
*Not his real name.
Further reading
The giraffe is a wonder of evolution, and a vital part of Africa’s ecosystems. Read all there is to know about the planet’s tallest creature. Read more about giraffes here.
Researchers say there are four species and seven subspecies the correct division. Check out the research.
Cheetah Conservation Fund data analysis confirms social media’s role in advertising illegal wildlife trade, including trafficking of cheetahs for illegal pet trade. Read more here.
Our Photographer of the Year 2025 is open for submissions. The overall winners, runners up and their partners will enjoy a teamAG safari to explore the primal forests of Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the remote north of Congo-Brazzaville – in search of lowland gorillas, forest elephants, forest buffaloes, bongos and much more. Read more about the Photographer of the Year 2025 prizes here. In association with Ukuri and African Parks.
Photographer of the Year is open for entries from 1 February 2025 to midnight on 30 April 2025. Judging will take place throughout those months and for the month of May 2025, and the winners of Photographer of the Year will be announced in early June 2025.
Here are the best Photographer of the Year submissions for this week
This is a copy of our weekly email newsletter. Subscribe here to receive the newsletter.
Congo ghosts caught on camera 🐆 + phenomenal pics + honeymoon safari
With humans going through an angry phase, I regularly take a mental step away from the craziness – to remind myself why our brief existence on this mortal coil is so precious.
I am profoundly grateful to be able to watch the stunning black-collared barbets working the freshly fruiting Lowveld fig tree 20m to my west, smell rain in the air, hear a kudu alarm bark and taste my sunrise coffee. Join me in celebrating these little things – the Greatest Show on Earth. Each of you will have your own version of these gifts – seek and enjoy …
That’s all I want to say this week. Thanks for listening; keep the passion.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
I LOVE sharing great conservation news with you!
A century after its discovery, the Wolkberg Zulu butterfly is finally getting the legal protection it desperately needs. This tiny, rock-lichen-eating butterfly, found only in two high-altitude patches of Limpopo’s Wolkberg Mountains, is now safeguarded under South Africa’s first conservation servitude for a threatened butterfly. Thanks to a passionate landowner and a team of conservationists, including the Lepidopterists’ Society of Africa and the Endangered Wildlife Trust, this fluttering gem has a fighting chance. A big win for conservation, and hopefully, the first of many! A perfect display of passion, skill and dedication coming together to save a country’s natural heritage.
It’s now Week 4 of Photographer of the Year 2025, and this week brings a selection of untamed, raw and breathtaking pics. Check out our gallery of entries for this week. Plus, we share some truly astonishing photos from the heart of Congo-Brazzaville’s Nouabalé-Ndoki NP, where Will Burrard-Lucas’s camera trapping skills have brought us rare images of epic forest creatures. Check out the story below.
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!
This walking safari tracks the wise old elephant herds as they follow the Galana River through Tsavo National Park, Kenya. Sharing the elephants’ home on equal footing and encountering the famous Tsavo maneless lions, gerenuks and hirolas (the world’s rarest antelope) will supersede any previous game-viewing experiences you’ve had. Stay in beautiful tented camps harking back to a bygone era, and explore the surroundings on game drives in the afternoons. The perfect balance between comfort and adventure.
Celebrate your love with a five-day safari atop the Oloololo Escarpment, overlooking the stunning Mara Triangle at Angama Mara. Enjoy a private guide and vehicle, a one-hour photoshoot, and a Maasai blessing, plus gourmet cuisine, luxury lodging, and epic game drives. A honeymoon to remember!
“Leonie at Africa Geographiccreated a fantastic itinerary for us: 11 days, from Uganda and Bwindi to Nairobi and Maasai Mara (Kenya). We had an amazing time – any small hiccups were dealt with and sorted quickly. Highly recommended.” – Barry Eichmann gave teamAG a 5-star review.
WATCH: Ukuri offers safari camps for responsible travellers to Africa. Check out this short video showcasing what Ukuri is all about. (0:29) Click here to watch
Deep in the heart of the Congo Basin, amidst the dense rainforests of Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, photographer Will Burrard-Lucas embarked on a mission: to unveil the hidden lives of the forest’s most elusive creatures. Through a year-long camera-trapping project, Burrard-Lucas, with the support of the Wildlife Conservation Society, has captured rare, high-definition images of the park’s remarkable wildlife. His feats include capturing images of the rarely seen African golden cat, and the forest’s apex predator: the enigmatic leopard.
Secrets of the Nouabalé-Ndokirainforest
“Tropical rainforests don’t give up their secrets easily,” says Emma Stokes, vice president of Field Conservation at WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society), which has for 30 years collaborated with the Congolese Government to administer and protect the park and its buffer zone. “You can spend years walking through these forests without seeing much of the extraordinary wildlife that lives there. You only know it’s there by the signs it leaves behind.”
Nouabalé-Ndoki, a pristine wilderness in northern Congo-Brazzaville, is one of the last untouched refuges for many rare species. Its towering trees, murky swamps, and dense undergrowth provide sanctuary for creatures seldom seen: red river hogs, duikers, golden cats, and, of course, the ever-elusive leopard. For Burrard-Lucas, it was the ultimate challenge. “The parks stands as one of the best examples of a pristine forest ecosystem in the Congo Basin. There are no roads within Nouabalé-Ndoki, the trees have never been logged, and the interior still harbours animals that have had little or no contact with people,” he says.
“Wherever you go, you get the sense that wildlife lurks just out of sight, behind the veil of vegetation,” he explains. “One of the animals that I was most keen to photograph was a leopard… The mere possibility of capturing a photograph of such an elusive creature was incredibly exciting.”
A forest elephant drinks from a baï
Heart of the forest
Burrard-Lucas’ journey to Nouabalé-Ndoki was no easy feat. After a gruelling 12-hour drive from Brazzaville to Ouesso, he continued by boat up the Sangha River to Bomassa, to the park’s headquarters. From there, a 21km trek through waist-deep swamps – guided by expert Bayaka trackers – was required to reach the remote research camps where his Camtraption camera traps would be set. And navigating the forest comes with its own challenges, such as stumbling on elephants that are well-concealed by the forest, and needing to keep an eye out for western lowland gorillas. “Occasionally, as you traipse through the forest, you might surprise a silverback gorilla, and he will explode out of a thicket so suddenly, screaming so loudly, that it makes your hair stand on end and your heart pound out of your chest,” says Burrard-Lucas.
From bad-tempered elephants to colonies of ants devouring rubber seals and intense humidity, the camera traps had their challengesWhile in Mondika, Burrard-Lucas joined researchers to photograph western lowland gorillas in personWestern lowland gorillas spotted in the treetops
Throughout the project, cameras were set at three research sites, including at Mbeli Baï, Goualougo and Mondika on the Central African Republic border.
Once in place, the camera traps faced their challenges. “Bad-tempered elephants dismantled set-ups, colonies of ants devoured rubber seals, and the intense humidity quickly took its toll on anything that wasn’t meticulously sealed,” Burrard-Lucas recalls. Yet, despite the hardships, the project delivered stunning results.
A forest elephant in a clearing in Nouabalé-Ndoki
Capturing the unseen of Nouabalé-Ndoki
The project yielded photos of many rainforest rarities, including water chevrotain, yellow-backed duiker, black-footed mongoose, red river hog, brush-tailed porcupine, Peter’s duiker, African palm civet, giant pangolin, blue duiker, forest buffalo and forest elephants. Among the highlights was a breathtaking shot of an African golden cat – one of Africa’s rarest and most elusive felines. This marked the first time the species had been captured in high definition in the wild in Congo.
This photo of an African golden cat captured by camera trap was a crowning achievement for Burrard-Lucas
But the crowning achievement was a single, electrifying image: a male leopard captured prowling a secluded trail near Mbeli Baï. “It was a large male, captured on a secluded trail near Mbeli Baï… and without a doubt, the most magnificent specimen I have ever photographed,” says Burrard-Lucas.
Local trackers and researchers played a crucial role in identifying the best locations for these camera traps.
“These photos are amazing,” says Seraphin Ngouna, who works on one of the park’s research sites and belongs to a community native to the forest. Ngouna, who maintained the cameras in the field, says, “I’m even happier to know these pictures will be published for other people to see.”
“It was a large male, captured on a secluded trail near Mbeli Baï… and without a doubt, the most magnificent specimen I have ever photographed.”
Conservation through imagery
While scientific camera traps are often used to measure wildlife abundance, Burrard-Lucas’ high-definition images do more than this: they connect people to these hidden ecosystems and inspire conservation efforts.
“These photos celebrate unseen wildlife and call for action to protect it,” says Sabine Plattner, owner of Kamba Africa, which partnered with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Nouabalé-Ndoki tourism development program to initiate the project with the photographer. “Through these images, visitors can see what life is like in the forest and the type of animals that inhabit it.”
Amongst some of the finds captured by the camera traps was a chimpanzee mother “fishing for termites” at a termite mound in Goualougo while sitting with her baby (details and pictures of which are yet to be published by WCS). This fishing technique entails chimpanzees placing a stick into the mound and waiting for termites to cling to it before eating them. “The resulting photos of her feeding while her baby watched – the passing on of this specialised technique from one generation to the next – made all the hard work worthwhile.”
From documenting termite-fishing chimpanzees to capturing the raw power of a rainforest storm, the camera-trap project offers a rare window into the wild heart of Africa. “Many of the animals photographed remain poorly studied, yet their survival is already threatened by habitat loss,” says Burrard-Lucas. “Every image is both a celebration of the forest’s richness and a reminder of what is at stake if these ecosystems are not safeguarded.”
Yet, as Burrard-Lucas acknowledges, this is only the beginning.
“Even in a place as rich in wildlife as Nouabalé-Ndoki, some creatures remain almost mythical – ghosts of the forest, rarely glimpsed even by those who know it best,” he reflects. “I guess there’s nothing for it but to return one day and see what additional secrets the rainforest might yield.”
Forest elephants captured in the heart of the forestRed river hog photographed by a camera trapAn African palm civet traverses a forest trailA forest buffalo comes for a drink at a pool
Peter’s duikerA blue duiker sets off the camera trapA majestic and stealthy forest elephantWater chevrotainA brush-tailed porcupine caught mid-scurryBlack-footed mongooseYellow-backed duiker, a near-threatened antelope of the forestAn endangered giant pangolin, captured fleetingly on camera
You, too, can enjoy an epic safari to the heart of Congo-Brazzaville’s rainforests. Odzala-Kokoua National Park encompasses rainforest that is more readily accessible. Keen to find lowland gorillas, forest elephants, bongos and much more? Check out our ready-made gorilla safaris to Odzala-Kokoua here.
Further reading
Western lowland gorillas, forest elephants & more. Odzala-Kokoua NP is another of Congo-Brazzaville’s rainforest kingdoms – for an African safari with a difference.
Forest elephant numbers are believed to have plummeted 86% in just 31 years yet their role in maintaining forest ecosystems is critical. Read more about forest elephants.
Research has uncovered population density declines of 90% for forest elephants across Africa in 53 years. Read more here.
A sojourn in Congo-Brazzaville brings Simon Espley face to face with a paradise of forest elephants, western lowland gorillas & forest baïs. Read about his trip to Odzala-Kokoua NP here.
Our Photographer of the Year 2025 is open for submissions. The overall winners, runners up and their partners will enjoy a teamAG safari to explore the primal forests of Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the remote north of Congo-Brazzaville – in search of lowland gorillas, forest elephants, forest buffaloes, bongos and much more. Read more about the Photographer of the Year 2025 prizes here. In association with Ukuri and African Parks.
Photographer of the Year is open for entries from 1 February 2025 to midnight on 30 April 2025. Judging will take place throughout those months and for the month of May 2025, and the winners of Photographer of the Year will be announced in early June 2025.
Here are the best Photographer of the Year submissions for this week
This is a copy of our weekly email newsletter. Subscribe here to receive the newsletter.
Hoedspruit’s 140 leopards + photo feast + our big news
I am SO PROUD right now!
We have arrived at the next stage of Ukuri’s journey towards consequential significance for Africa’s vast remote areas. Ukuri – an Africa Geographic group company – now allows you to book your adventure in one of African Parks’ wilderness camps online, in real-time – using our handy booking tool.
You can now easily plan your adventure – be that in Bangweulu Wetlands and Liuwa Plain in Zambia, Odzala-Kokoua in Congo-Brazzaville, or Liwonde, Nkhotakota and Majete in Malawi. The coming months will see more camp options added – from African Parks and other protected area managers where wildlife and local communities benefit significantly from the camps and lodges.
I won’t bore you with the technical details of this announcement – we have been under the hood for a year. Suffice to say you will not find the same standard of helpful info about these epic parks and camps anywhere else, and the booking process is intuitive and easy. Check out this example of one of Ukuri’s camps – Shoebill Island Camp in Zambia’s Bangweulu Wetlands, home to shoebills and the only wild black lechwe population on Earth.
Onwards and upwards! Thanks for reading this
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
Cape Vultures have graced the skies of the Eastern Cape for the first time in 30 years – yet more proof that nature has a flair for dramatic comebacks. Over 80 wild vultures were spotted near Mountain Zebra National Park, and conservationists are practically doing cartwheels. Many vulture species are teetering on the edge due to habitat loss, collisions with energy infrastructure, poisoning, trade in vultures for belief-based purposes, and negative public perception. But, this reappearance in the Eastern Cape could be a sign that these feathered clean-up crews are making a slow but steady return. As Kerri Wolter from Vulpro – which recently moved their rehabilitation centre to Shamwari in the Eastern Cape – says, vultures are starting to return to their historical roosting sites. “Vultures are nature’s misunderstood heroes. By recognising them as crucial ecological guardians we can re-write the story around vultures and inspire meaningful conservation.” So, here’s to vultures – those disease-fighting, eco-friendly waste disposal warriors of the wilderness. Let’s hope this is a sign they’re back in business and soaring high!
This week’s Photographer of the Year selection is a feast for the senses: life-or-death moments, wild drama and grit captured in breathtaking detail. Dive in below. And then we look at the many, many leopards of Hoedspruit – South Africa’s ever-growing bushveld town on the border of Greater Kruger. We examine their fascinating movements, the threats they face and the people working to save them.
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!
This iconic safari is about water – or the lack thereof. Depending on which package you select, this safari ranges from the majestic Victoria Falls to the watery wilderness of the Okavango Delta, from the predator-rich northern Botswana floodplains, to the remote Central Kalahari and desolate salt pans.
A 10-day luxury safari escape. Indulge in a lavish adventure through Makgadikgadi Pans, the Okavango Delta, and Moremi. Stay in exquisite lodges, enjoy helicopter flights, and witness breathtaking wildlife: all with impeccable service and gourmet dining.
Nicole’s family safari in South Africa was extraordinary – earning us a 5-star review:
“Christian did an outstanding job organising an unforgettable trip for my family and me to South Africa. We began planning our journey only two months prior to our December travel dates, and Christian created an itinerary that far exceeded our expectations. We enjoyed two incredible safaris (Manyoni Private Game Reserve and iSimangaliso Wetland Park) over the course of eight nights, which struck the perfect balance between family-friendly and fun experiences for adults. Following the safaris, we spent four nights in Cape Town, soaking in the city’s beauty and culture, before embarking on a breathtaking tour of the Garden Route. Thanks to Christian’s expertise, we had an extraordinary experience. I recommend his services for anyone looking to explore South Africa in a truly memorable way.”
WATCH: Where do the leopards go when they leave Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate in South Africa? Safari expert Villiers Steyn finds out, chatting to Ingwe Leopard Program’s Marine Servonnat. (12:20) Click here to watch
Leopards are survivors. They are highly adaptable to change, opportunistic regarding food resources (empowered by a relaxed approach to sustenance), and have vast home ranges. Their natural tendency towards secrecy allows them to remain undetected and unseen even when ever-present. But with urbanisation enveloping even some of the most rural areas in South Africa, safe spaces for leopards are shrinking. In the bushveld town of Hoedspruit, a formerly rural area that has seen rapid expansion over the past few years, leopards are struggling to slip past the modern world unscathed. Enter the Ingwe Research Program, an initiative determined to untangle the fate of Hoedspruit’s leopards and their precarious coexistence with humans.
The program aims to study leopard distribution in a 325km2 area, including non-protected areas between two conservation areas: Greater Kruger in the east and the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve in the west. Through research, the program is assessing the spatial distribution of leopards through environmental characteristics and anthropogenic factors to understand how they influence leopards’ habitat use and movements.
So far, 140 leopards from Hoedspruit have been fully identified by the program, but many still have temporary IDs and require more pictures to complete a unique identikit.
What is the secret to Ingwe’s ability to gather such detailed information? The people of Hoedspruit themselves. Thanks to the program’s focus on collaborating with reserves, lodges, wildlife estates and ordinary citizens, Ingwe has a comprehensive overview of the movements of Hoedspruit’s leopards. Ingwe has been gathering data on leopards in the area since 2022.
“Over 380 citizen scientists have shared their leopard sightings with the NPC. Citizen science is an invaluable tool for species conservation,” says Marine Servonnat, executive director of the Ingwe Research Program.
With such a collaborative network, Ingwe can understand leopards’ movements and numbers at a much larger scale.
Citizen scientists, including residents, tourists and safari guides, can document leopard sightings via a conservation mobile app known as SMART. These contributions feed into the African Carnivore Wildbook (ACW), an AI-powered platform that matches leopard spot patterns, providing researchers with invaluable movement data. ACW facilitates analysis from 11,000+ images already received from over 7,000 unique sightings.
In addition to the 140 leopards identified in Hoedspruit, the program has also identified 65 leopards from Greater Kruger (some of which you may have come across on a Greater Kruger safari), which form part of the research that will analyse population trends in various reserves with different characteristics situated inside and outside of formally protected areas.
This information, coupled with the information from non-protected areas, helps track changes in species populations and identify trends that may indicate threats or conservation successes.
Home ranges of some of Hoedspruit’s male leopards
Seen to be believed
The researchers have also come across some fascinating tales in their findings.
One leopard, the “Wild Dog Dam male”, bewildered researchers due to his wanderlust. First sighted in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, he meandered 30km west to Excellence Game Farm, only to backtrack 25km east within two hours. A month later, he appeared another 25km south in Olifants West Nature Reserve, leaving researchers scratching their heads – and marvelling at the incredible power of shared data.
“If this information was not compiled under one project and the data not shared, one could think these were three different male leopards. This is very important to help streamline the number of individuals in the area and understand how the leopards move,” says Servonnat.
The Wild Dog Dam male leopard
The data has also allayed fears when well-known leopards have disappeared. Tlanga, a leopard born in the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate in early 2020, dispersed in 2023 and vanished for seven months before popping up as a relaxed new resident in Kapama Game Reserve.
Then there’s Ntsakelo, also born in Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate. Ntsakelo was a particularly bold young male who thought nothing of sauntering through human-dominated spaces until he, too, mysteriously disappeared for four months – leaving researchers nervously checking roadkill reports. Thankfully, he resurfaced on a citrus farm, looking none the worse for wear.
These stories form the heart of Ingwe’s scientific mission: to understand where leopards go and how they navigate human-dominated landscapes.
Leopard Ntsakelo, born in the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate and a known wanderer
A road runs through it: the perils of Hoedspruit’s R40
Most pressingly, Ingwe is trying to solve a dilemma on behalf of Hoedspruit’s leopards: how to keep them from becoming casualties of progress.
Hoedspruit’s R40 provincial road is a lifeline connecting local communities, towns and reserves. Unfortunately, it’s also a death trap for wildlife. Seven leopards were killed in just 10 months in 2024 due to collisions with cars on the region’s roads, including the R40, alongside countless hyenas, jackals, and wild dogs. One leopard was killed by a train in the same period.
One of the leopards killed on the R40 provincial road
The Road Ecology Project, spearheaded by Ingwe in partnership with sponsor AirNav Systems, aims to turn this tide. Through this initiative, researchers are methodically identifying roadkill hotspots, assessing underpasses and culverts, and using a citizen science network to track leopard crossings. Armed with this data, the program will implement tangible solutions – including reinforced culverts, enhanced crossing points, and new signage to prevent further deaths.
The bigger picture: protecting Hoedspruit’s leopards
Ingwe’s work goes beyond keeping leopards off roads. The program is a conservation think tank exploring how leopards move through non-protected areas, how human-wildlife coexistence can be improved, and how to create ecological corridors between South Africa’s great wilderness spaces, improving connectivity and the safe dispersal of wildlife.
The program is helping to reduce a research gap as 85% of leopard research in South Africa takes place inside protected areas, even though leopards mainly occur outside of protected areas.
The challenge, of course, is funding. High-tech camera traps, fuel, trained researchers, and long-term monitoring require support.
Ultimately, the fate of Hoedspruit’s leopards isn’t just in the hands of researchers – it’s in the hands of residents, travellers, and conservation enthusiasts who value a world where these magnificent cats still roam free.
The Ingwe Research Program offers multiple ways to contribute – from becoming a citizen scientist and logging leopard sightings to donating, sponsoring equipment or projects, or raising awareness – there are many ways that ordinary people can help.
Because a world without leopards? Now, that would be truly unthinkable.
Our Photographer of the Year 2025 is open for submissions. The overall winners, runners up and their partners will enjoy a teamAG safari to explore the primal forests of Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the remote north of Congo-Brazzaville – in search of lowland gorillas, forest elephants, forest buffaloes, bongos and much more. Read more about the Photographer of the Year 2025 prizes here. In association with Ukuri and African Parks.
Photographer of the Year is open for entries from 1 February 2025 to midnight on 30 April 2025. Judging will take place throughout those months and for the month of May 2025, and the winners of Photographer of the Year will be announced in early June 2025.
Here are the best Photographer of the Year submissions for this week
This is why I stopped photographing wildlife while on safari.
Kwando Reserve, Botswana. It was a hot dry-season day, and we were parked in a copse of almost-bare mopane trees. About 30m away, a huge, venerable kudu bull fought for his life. Backed into a blue bush, he was surrounded by a pack of wild dogs. Each time one of these incredible hunters made a dart at him, he slashed his white-tipped horns in an arc. They were patient, and so was he. More than two exhausting hours later, he made his cautious escape while the dogs rested nearby in a rare pool of shade. They noticed his departure but were too fatigued to do anything about it.
Our game-drive vehicle had a mix of keen amateur photographers and people like me who take the odd snap on their mobile phones. Throughout the drama, the photographers were griping about the harsh sun overhead, shrubbery getting in the way of their shot, and having left a more suitable lens at home. For me, two hours felt like minutes as I absorbed every moment as this courageous kudu defied the odds and lived to see another day, and the dogs used every ounce of their cunning and athleticism to secure a meal – at risk of injury or even death. What an epic occasion to be in the moment and not distracted by technology.
Of course, wildlife photography helps us celebrate nature’s wonders (our Photographer of the Year is a testament to that) – and we are all voyeurs, living vicariously through those evocative images that tell Africa’s stories. But while on safari, I choose to be totally in the moment. Each to their own. Many professional wildlife photographers I meet out there have learned when to put the camera down so they can ply their trade and also enjoy the moments for what they are – nature revealing her secrets and sometimes showing off.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
Flying lessons, but make it wild! For 300 years, the northern bald ibis forgot how to migrate. Until humans stepped in, using a small aircraft and foster parents to teach the birds how to migrate again. With their bald red heads, long curved beaks and quirky greeting rituals, these gregarious birds were once widespread across North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and Europe. But until recently, they have been extinct in Europe, and had only one stable population in Morocco. Breeding efforts have worked well, but without wild ancestors to guide the ibises, they had no idea where to fly for winter. That’s when Austria’s Waldrappteam stepped in, guiding ibises cross country with the help of an ultralight aircraft, in a move influenced by the real-life Canada geese that inspired 90s film Fly Away Home. During the flights – the team have been perfecting these migrations for 20 years – human foster parents sit on the back of the microlight, waving and shouting encouragement to the birds as they fly.
Last year, 36 ibises completed a 2,800km journey from Austria to Spain. This project is helping the species reclaim lost ground beyond its African populations – one human-led migration at a time.
This week, we received news that famous Liuwa Plain lion Bon Jovi has been relocated: read more in our news story. Simon also shares his recent adventure to Hwange, during which he embarked on a conservation safari with our Photographer of the Year 2024 winners. Plus, we’ve chosen the best photos for the second week of our 2025 competition. Check these all out below.
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!
A luxury safari in Zambia, where comfort meets extraordinary wildlife encounters in Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa National Parks – two of the country’s top safari destinations. Indulge in bespoke service, breathtaking landscapes, and intimate wildlife experiences, all while enjoying seamless luxury and discreet, attentive hospitality. This safari is an unforgettable journey and the ultimate safari escape.
Fancy a guided photographic safari in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya? Join award-winning photographer Arnfinn Johansen on this exclusive safari for four guests. Highlights include guided game drives with an experienced Maasai guide in a modified photographic vehicle, and accommodation at Oltepesi Tented Safari Camp. Departure Dates: 24 October–1 November 2025. Only 2 spots left!
The Pangolarium – a dedicated pangolin care facility – has opened in South Africa’s Lapalala Wilderness in the Waterberg. Built by the African Pangolin Working Group (APWG) in partnership with Lapalala with support from Lepogo Lodges, this groundbreaking centre provides medical care, rehabilitation, and vital research for these elusive creatures.
TeamAG’s Nadia and Sarah attended the Pangolarium’s launch, witnessing firsthand the incredible work being done to protect pangolins and experiencing conservation in action. Learn more about this crucial initiative here.
WATCH: A verdant forest paradise, and the location of our Photographer of the Year 2025 winner’s prize: Odzala-Kokoua NP in Congo-Brazzaville is a bucket-list safari spot. Western lowland gorillas, forest elephants, bongos, dwarf crocodiles, huge flocks of grey parrots & green pigeons – and much more are on offer here. Learn more about this magical part of the Congo. (05:27) Click here to watch
Bon Jovi, the popular Liuwa Plain National Park lion, has been relocated to Kafue National Park after posing a threat to local lives and livelihoods, as confirmed by African Parks to Africa Geographic.
UPDATE 04 May 2025: Bon Jovi was euthanised on community farmland northwest of Kafue after again killing cattle.
The handsome lion had twice left the unfenced Liuwa Plain National Park, Zambia, in the last two weeks and was reported to have killed five young cows about 18km beyond the park boundaries. The farmers were compensated for the loss of their livestock.
Bon Jovi, a breeding pride male, is well-known to researchers, who tracked him on each of his ventures outside of the park. His roaming was a cause of safety concerns for local villagers living near the park, and African Parks took the difficult decision on Tuesday, 25 February, to relocate him to Kafue, also in Zambia, in accordance with the park predator management plan. The move was made with the full support of the Zambian Department of National Parks and Wildlife.
Africa Geographic CEO Simon Espley said about this decision: “This is an excellent example of proactive lion management in a peopled area. I spent time with Bon Jovi and his pride last year and he is a magnificent lion – very handsome and confident. I am sad for visitors to Liuwa Plain that he has been moved elsewhere, but also happy that he is now going to contribute to Kafue National Park’s lion genes. His genes are well represented in many young lions in Liuwa Plain – his sons are already a force to be reckoned with.”
African Parks said in their statement: “The lion was released into the southern region of Kafue, where there is a low density of lions and minimal chance of him moving into an area where he would encounter people and livestock. We will continue to monitor him in his new home in Kafue.”
Bon Jovi is a son of legendary lioness Queen Sepo – one of the founder population of lions brought in to repopulate Liuwa Plain. Poaching and illegal trophy hunting had eradicated lions from Liuwa Plain National Park in Zambia in the 1990s. Except for one lioness – Lady Liuwa.
Lady Liuwa roamed the park on her own for many years –- sometimes seeking the company of humans. Despite being too old to breed, Lady Liuwa headed up the newly established pride until she died of natural causes in 2017.
After many setbacks, lions are now flourishing in Liuwa Plain once again, and playing their vital ecosystem roles.
African Parks took over management of Liuwa Plain National Park in partnership with the Zambia Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) and the Barotse Royal Establishment. They set about improving the park’s security while working with the community to implement sustainable land-use plans. Some two decades later, 95% of the park’s staff contingent are local community members, and representatives of the Barotse Royal Establishment are on the African Parks Zambia board to ensure a voice for the people in managing the park.
Through emergency support, educational programmes and development schemes, and carefully controlled fishing permits, African Parks have ensured that the local communities are vested in the park’s survival.
DID YOU KNOW that African Parks offers safari lodges and campsites where 100% of tourism revenue goes to conservation and local communities? You can plan and book your African Parks safari by clicking here, and book a safari to Liuwa Plain here.
Our Photographer of the Year 2025 is open for submissions. The overall winners, runners up and their partners will enjoy a teamAG safari to explore the primal forests of Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the remote north of Congo-Brazzaville – in search of lowland gorillas, forest elephants, forest buffaloes, bongos and much more. Read more about the Photographer of the Year 2025 prizes here. In association with Ukuri and African Parks.
Photographer of the Year is open for entries from 1 February 2025 to midnight on 30 April 2025. Judging will take place throughout those months and for the month of May 2025, and the winners will be announced in early June 2025.
Here are the best Photographer of the Year submissions for this week
Hwange’s vast wilderness is more than a safari destination – it’s a frontline for conservation. Our 2024 Photographer of the Year winners party embarked on an unforgettable Hwange conservation safari, handing over sponsored lion collars, meeting local conservation heroes, and witnessing the delicate balance between wildlife and communities. From towering elephants to elusive lions, and from village visits to predator research, this adventure uncovered the raw beauty and pressing challenges of protecting Africa’s wild spaces. Simon Espley reports
Our three 2024 Photographer of the Year winners handed over sponsored lion collars to a team of dedicated predator researchers and learned how these collars keep local villagers safe from roaming lions that threaten lives and livelihoods. We discussed elephant politics with a local village headman, attended a school assembly, chatted with young learners and toured a village clinic paid for by an innovative community-owned rhino project. We marvelled at herds of elephants and buffaloes emerging from the dust, craggy male lions patrolling their kingdoms and warrior lionesses nursing tiny furry bundles. We ogled sable antelope with sweeping horns and watched striding ground-hornbills and secretary birds.
After saying goodbye to our photographer winners, I journeyed on to the remote wilderness of southwestern Hwange – guided by a local legend with Hwange soil in his veins. He educated me about conservation issues beyond the realm of photo tourism, of a rapidly growing elephant population that is impacting heavily on woodland, of broken national park fences and desperately poor communities whose daily struggle to find water and food defines their relationship with wildlife.
Our happy group of travellers gathered in the dappled morning light under the massive camelthorn tree at the lodge of the same nameLate dry season sees large herds of thirsty buffalo converge at waterholesDrought takes its toll
I also got to ponder the meaning of modern human life with master photographer guide Greg du Toit as we watched desperately thirsty buffaloes and elephants crowding artificial waterholes as the drought tightened its grip. Greg lamented that predators feast on stricken elephants, baby antelope die agonising deaths, and dust devils whirl through naked trees. Yet, humankind increasingly distances itself from our biological home and reality – distracted by technology, ideological constructs and fantasy digital worlds.
Of course, this drought will end – and the bushveld will recover. Real life is about seasons and cycles, feast and famine. I love this place – Hwange, Zimbabwe, Africa.
About to head off on the Elephant Express from Dete Railway StationCan life get any better?A team of Africa Geographic safari experts visited Hwange a few months later – amidst early summer rains and a greener landscape
Lions, communities and rhinos
Lion collars are an essential tool for keeping humans and free-roaming lions safe from each other (read more about our Collar a Lion campaign here). Our 2024 Photographer of the Year winners found that out for themselves when their prize included three sponsored tracking collars. I spent 5 days with our winners in eastern Hwange, courtesy of Imvelo Safari Lodges and Southern African Conservation Trust. The three collars were handed over to Oxford University’s WildCru – the research organisation that keeps an eye on these lions.
Our winners and guests hand over the sponsored collars to the Long Shield Lion Guardians
We learned from the Long Shield Lion Guardians operating in areas bordering Hwange that they collar ‘problem lions’ with a reputation for wandering into community areas. The usual suspects are young male lions of about 2–3 years old forced out of their natal area by the dominant pride males. In the perfect world, these youngsters would wander far and wide and find females to start their own pride. But of course, rampant human population expansion throughout Africa has resulted in formally protected areas like national parks and game/forest reserves being surrounded by humans, livestock and crops. The result is regular encounters between the two species and a death toll for both. Female lions with cubs also often leave protected areas to seek refuge in ‘safer’ community areas when their pride males have been chased away or killed by other male lions or trophy hunters (claims by trophy hunters that they only shoot old non-breeding males are fictitious). The females know that the incoming males will kill their cubs to further their own genetic lines and that they are safer in the community lands than in the parks.
This lioness spent hours trying to dig up a warthog from its sandy burrow. Exhausted, she eventually gave up
This is where the collars come in. Collared lions leaving the parks trigger an alert to the lion guardians who track the lions and push them out of the community areas. But where can they go to be safe? This is a vexing question with no obvious solution. We spent time with a team of these brave guardians, who enthralled us with stories of their encounters with local lions. They advised us that hyenas are responsible for most human fatalities, but lions and elephants get the wrap because humans are scared to walk around at night when they are in the area. Blaming them helps rid the neighbourhood of lions and elephants.
Hwange is known for its large male lions – popular targets for photographers and trophy hunters alike
During our 5-day adventure in Hwange, we spent time with the Bomani Lion Pride – including three lionesses with cubs. We also bumped into the two magnificent dominant males of the area – Mzilikazi (Tip) and Lobengula (Tufty) – as they patrolled their territory.
We also visited the 104-household Ngamo Village adjacent to Hwange National Park and spent time with the village chief, Johnson Ncube. This delightful gentleman entertained us with stories of his life and gave us insight into the joys and challenges of rural village living. He was immensely happy with the direct benefits generated by Imvelo Safari Lodges from tourism activities (more about that later) but expressed frustration at the lack of direct benefit from trophy hunting. He and his wards appreciate the meat they get from some trophy hunts but do not see any direct cash inflow. Johnson also took us to his home to meet his family. He escorted us to a vibey performance by a village drumming and dance group, which had us all dancing like nobody was watching – much to the amusement of the gathered locals. What a wonderful morning out ☺.
We met learners at the Ngamo school and were treated to a dance before spending time with them discussing our respective lives – a genuinely heart-warming morning
At this point, it’s important to mention the contribution made by Imvelo Safari Lodges to locals living on the Hwange boundary and to wildlife conservation. They operate four lodges in the Hwange area, one of which – Camelthorn Lodge – is located on community-owned land in the Ngamo Rhino Sanctuary at the eastern gate to the park. This sanctuary is spearheading the return of white rhinos to Hwange via the Community Rhino Conservation Initiative. The local Ngamo community owns these rhinos; all revenue from gate fees paid by tourists goes directly to them. Tourists get to approach the rhinos on foot and attend an informative talk about the project.
During our safari, we visited the modern village clinic funded by these tourism proceeds. Imvelo employs more than 40 local people as community wildlife protection scouts – known as the Cobras Community Wildlife Protection Unit. Imvelo also maintains 18 pumps in and around Hwange National Park, which provide essential water for people and wildlife throughout the year.
Want to make a difference at ground level with by going on a conservation safari in Hwange National Park? Check out this Hwange conservation safari. This safari is all about fantastic wildlife viewing and understanding conservation at the grassroots level. Or, check out our other ready-made Hwange safaris here.
Visitors to the Ngamo Wildlife Sanctuary get to learn about rhino conservation and spend time with their guardians – the Cobras Community Wildlife Protection UnitImvelo maintains 18 pumps in and around Hwange National Park, which provide essential water for people and wildlife throughout the yearWe spent time with Johnson Ncube – Ngamo Village chief and a teller of fascinating stories about life on the Hwange boundary
The water and wildlife of Hwange
After my time with our winners, I spent time with Imvelo owner Mark Butcher, who took me on a two-day tour of the remote southwestern Hwange area. We drove along the park fenceline to Jozibanini Camp inside the park – a converted ZimParks station. We also visited several artificial watering holes with boreholes maintained by the Imvelo crew. This is a truly remote camp overlooking a busy pumped waterhole – for lovers of wilderness and solitude. My night there was pure magic – elephant rumblings throughout the dark hours and lions, leopards and hyenas adding to the nocturnal sound safari. Early the next morning, I savoured coffee and freshly baked bread at the fire and watched the antics of a flock of boisterous Meyers (brown) parrots at a bird bath a few meters away. The memory of delicious woodsmoke-infused bacon, eggs and flapjacks made over the fire lingers still.
Once a royal hunting area for Mzilikazi, the Mthwakazi king, Hwange’s shallow soils and scarce water resources made it unsuitable for agriculture. In 1928, Wankie Game Reserve (a colonial mispronunciation later rectified) was gazetted for wildlife conservation. By then, historical records suggest that the park was mostly devoid of wildlife due to the rampant hunting habits of early colonialists. However, the scarcity of water resources would also have played a significant role. The first warden of Hwange National Park, Ted Davison, set out to remedy this by creating many artificial water points, using boreholes to access the area’s underground water supply. The animal populations flourished with ready access to permanent water and concerted conservation efforts.
Those waterholes are essential for wildlife populations to remain in the safety of the park, and the primary reason elephants are hammering the woodland habitat is that the permanent year-round water attracts them. In that way, Hwange acts as a sink for elephants in the region – with populations growing faster than natural breeding would permit. Damned if you do and damned if you don’t.
The waterholes of Hwange are a wonderful place to watch quietly while elephants and other wildlife go about their lives a stone’s throw awayHwange lions hold up the Elephant Express
Explore and stay in Hwange
Simon and our Photographer of the Year winners travelled to Zimbabwe with Mack Air, and visited the following lodges:
Bomani Tented Camp
Bomani Tented Camp is nestled in a private concession on the splendid Ngamo Plains – legendary for impressive year-round game viewing with a great diversity of wildlife in substantial numbers. Enjoy an open-air thatched main lodge, elevated canvas suites, teak viewing decks, a prolific waterhole, a splash pool, and evenings around the fire.
Bomani’s elevated tents are comfortable and discreetly positioned for privacy
See more pics of Bomani Tented Camp here
Bomani overlooks a busy waterholeWooden floorboards and mosquito nets – a classic tented safari experienceThis very busy waterhole is a few minutes’ game drive from Bomani
Camelthorn Lodge
Camelthorn Lodge is nestled into a beautiful forest on communal land adjacent to Hwange National Park’s famous Ngamo Plains. The lodge is within the Ngamo Wildlife Sanctuary – with guaranteed close-up encounters with white rhinos. An ancient Camelthorn tree, the property’s namesake, is the centrepiece, with the main lodge and eight beautiful villas flowing around it.
There are few things better than a shady hammock to sleep away the late-morning breakfast feast
See more pics of Camelthorn Lodge here
This ancient camelthorn tree lords over the lodge of the same nameCamelthorn Lodge’s double-story suites are cool in the afternoon heat and extremely comfortableLuxurious suites to rest during the warm afternoon
Jozibanini Camp
Jozibanini Camp is a rustic tented camp in the remote southwest of Hwange National Park in a wilderness unused for nearly 20 years. This small camp has elevated canvas suites and a ‘star-bed’ sleeping option on the deck. Jozibanini is about the luxury of isolation and dining al fresco around the campfire.
Jozibanini overlooks an active waterhole and elephants (and other wildlife) regularly stroll through camp
See more pics of Jozibanini Camp here
The tents are rustic but comfortableUp close with elephants at the Jozibanini waterhole
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First epic photos + Mara coexistence
The other way to enjoy gorilla encounters…
The tourism industry’s stellar gorilla trekking permit system generates significant revenue to fund gorilla conservation efforts – long may this last. One result of this strategy is that our perception of gorillas is based on a one-hour close encounter with a habituated gorilla group. Thankfully, rules such as wearing a mask and not approaching closer than 7m keep the gorillas safe from disease. BUT there is another way to observe gorillas.
In the central portion of Congo-Brazzaville’s Odzala-Kokoua National Park, gorilla watching is from elevated covered treehouses that overlook baïs. A baï is a swampy clearing in the forest where wildlife gathers to drink and ingest mineral-rich soil. This is the best way to observe secretive species such as forest elephants, forest buffaloes, bongos, western lowland gorillas and many bird species. One such baï is a 3-minute stroll from Camp Imbalanga (you can come and go as you please).
Once the western lowland gorillas arrive, your encounter is not time-limited – your sighting could last hours or minutes. You can remain in your treehouse for as long as daylight permits. These unhabituated gorillas visit regularly, sometimes resulting in multiple encounters in one sitting. Of course, no masks are required, as this is not a close encounter.
Note that this form of gorilla watching isn’t possible near any other lodges in this vast park. And there is no strenuous trekking involved. FIND OUT MORE about watching western lowland gorillas and book your spot in that treehouse near Camp Imbalanga.
Thanks for reading.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
For years, conservationists swore Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees still roamed Ise Conservation Area in Nigeria. But the sceptics weren’t convinced. Now, thanks to a well-placed camera trap, the chimps have finally broken their cover – swinging, snacking, and proving they’re very much still around.
This tiny rainforest patch, battered by deforestation and marijuana farms, is their last refuge. With fewer than 25 individuals left in Ise and only a few thousand left in the wild, the chimps are a rare genetic treasure. Conservationists are celebrating, and locals are rallying behind the cause. The message is clear: if we protect their home, they might just stick around.
The AG office is abuzz this week, as Photographer of the Year is finally here and we’ve just voted on our first batch of entries. Don’t miss this epic gallery! And we also look at new perspectives on the coexistence of Maasai herders and wildlife in the Mara. Check it out below.
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!
Join an eight-day primate quest to meet some of the most iconic apes and monkey species of East and Central Africa. From the critically endangered Grauer’s gorilla in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the fabled mountain gorillas in the Virungas to the charismatic golden monkeys and primal pant-hooting chimpanzees of Nyungwe (Rwanda), this safari is a celebration of all things primate. And, of course, the spectacular scenery and enthralling birding are bonuses!
Discover Tanzania’s popular northern safari circuit, including Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti NP, and the idyllic serene beaches of Zanzibar. This safari offers you a seamless introduction to the wonders of a Tanzanian bush and island retreat. Immerse yourself in these iconic locations whilst exploring diverse landscapes and rich culture.
Deep in Hwange, the Long Shield Guardians stand between lions and community livelihoods. These local heroes use GPS collars, WhatsApp alerts, and daily patrols to keep villages safe from roaming predators – stopping human-wildlife conflict before it starts. Their game-changing ‘Mobile Boma’ concept protects cattle, boosts food security, and reduces lion killings. The result? Thriving crops, safer communities, and a future where people and predators coexist.
Support the guardians of the wild – learn more and donate today!
WATCH: Drunk elephants? Not really… But seeing the odd behaviour of these elephants, we wouldn’t blame you for thinking they are. Stumbling around and acting a bit clumsy, these elephants gave their onlookers in MalaMala Game Reserve quite a show. (01:26) Click here to watch
Our Photographer of the Year 2025 is open for submissions. The overall winners, runners up and their partners will enjoy a teamAG safari to explore the primal forests of Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the remote north of Congo-Brazzaville – in search of lowland gorillas, forest elephants, forest buffaloes, bongos and much more. Read more about the Photographer of the Year 2025 prizes here. In association with Ukuri and African Parks.
Photographer of the Year is open for entries from 1 February 2025 to midnight on 30 April 2025. Judging will take place throughout those months and for the month of May 2025, and the winners will be announced in early June 2025.
Here are the best Photographer of the Year submissions for this week
Protected areas have long been regarded as essential tools for conserving biodiversity, often involving strict exclusion policies to prevent human activities like livestock grazing. However, new research challenges this conventional wisdom, particularly in the Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR), Kenya. A recent study by the University of Michigan reveals that cattle grazing within the reserve, at current levels, does not significantly impact most wild herbivores or degrade vegetation and soil conditions. Instead, it highlights a deeper socio-ecological issue – here pastoralist communities, historically marginalised and displaced, rely on the reserve for their survival. This finding urges conservationists to rethink rigid exclusion policies and consider more inclusive, sustainable management approaches. Christy Bragg unpacks the issues at play
Nature is under pressure – we are losing species and ecosystems at unsustainable rates. Conservationists have developed a toolbox of interventions, one of which is the ‘protected area’. Often, these protected areas are enclosed by fences. Sometimes, people and their associated activities are excluded from these areas. For example, livestock grazing is restricted in many protected areas and nature reserves across Africa, ostensibly to avoid irreparable harm to natural areas.
But is this always the best option? To put this into context, there is substantial research on the value of protected areas in conserving biodiversity, but there is also a growing number of studies supporting alternative approaches, including the use of OECMs (Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures) and biodiversity stewardship. Social scientists have described the importance of preserving “socio-ecological landscapes”. Socio-ecological landscapes are “dynamic mosaics of habitats and land uses” where the “harmonious interaction between people and nature maintains biodiversity while providing humans with the goods and services needed for their livelihoods, survival and well-being in a sustainable manner.” It is a concept imbued with change and people’s relationship with nature, and it holds space for how these intertwining histories have written their stories into the land.
Taking this one step further, there is growing global recognition that indigenous people have embodied protecting nature without resorting to western civilisation’s methods of conservation by isolation, separation and disconnection of nature and people. In the book, Braiding sweetgrass, Robin Kimmerer weaves a storyline about a very different concept of conservation. She proposes that nature evolved with humans, not despite humans. She hypothesises that we need to find our place within nature to truly value it.
Recent calls challenge exclusion policies and demand a new conservation approach in facilitating the coexistence of livestock with wildlife in wild spaces
When researchers from the University of Michigan undertook a study looking at how the Maasai’s cattle affected the wildlife of the Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR) in Kenya, their findings told a different story to the conventional narrative. It showed that the presence of livestock in the reserve did not have significant negative effects on wildlife presence or vegetation and soil conditions. Some interesting findings were that the occurrence of all herbivores, rather than cattle alone, better predicted the variations in resource conditions and showed stronger effects. They also discovered that, despite the concentration of livestock near the MMNR boundary, no species avoided the boundary, and the vegetation and soil conditions were comparable at the reserve’s edge and core. There has been considerable backlash to this study. To understand the heated response this study received, we need to understand the context.
The Maasai were a semi-nomadic, pastoralist people that arrived in Kenya and Tanzania in the 17th and 18th centuries and spent hundreds of years roaming across the savannahs with their cattle, which they considered to be a blessing from their deity. Cattle are an integral part of Maasai identity, livelihood and culture. And cattle need land. The “Mara” part of “Maasai Mara” means “spotted” – the Maasai way of describing the tree-dotted landscape of the savannah plains. In the early 1900s, a lot of these lands were claimed for British settlements, and in the 1940s to 1960s, more land was allocated to wildlife reserves, including the MMNR. As a result, many Maasai people have now been relegated to living on the edges of their land, and their pastoralist ways are being eroded.
A Maasai man locks eyes with a giraffe in Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Some portions of the MMNR were later returned to the Maasai community. However, land tenure reform in Kenya has had mixed results, and the subdivision and sale of land portions has resulted in a loss of congruency – in effect, the landscape becomes a mosaic of different land uses, separated by fences controlling access. Some of the Maasai people were able to pool their portions, encouraged by foreign interests, to form private conservancies. These conservancies provide income from tourism and allow managed access to livestock grazing, and this combination has yielded successful outcomes for those beneficiaries. But for those living in Talek, a tiny corner between the conservancies and the Maasai Mara, with no access to either, life has become the essence of the metaphor ‘caught between a rock and a hard place’. Talek is the site where the University of Michigan researchers decided to study how cattle interacted with wildlife and vegetation.
In their study, the researchers point out nuances within the relationship between wildlife and livestock. It is not simply a case of livestock displacing wildlife, or livestock equating to biodiversity loss. These nuances have been pointed out before in other research articles, and it has been concluded previously by Kimuyu et al. that “even if cattle tend to reduce wildlife use of the landscape, managing simultaneously for livestock production (at moderate levels) and biodiversity conservation is possible.”
There is a spectrum of complex interactions between livestock foraging and vegetation responses. Livestock grazing can facilitate benefits for other species and can also result in competition. Much of the reaction is driven by the grazing intensity and whether it is during the wet or dry season. There are indeed both harmful and positive effects of cattle grazing. But, contrary to the assumption that cattle grazing would deplete vegetation and degrade the ecosystem, the study found that the landscape was not negatively affected – if anything, it benefited from the presence of livestock. The researchers’ detailed monthly vegetation analysis revealed that forage quality, including protein and fibre content, remained stable in areas where cattle had grazed. In fact, some grasses rebounded with greater nutritional value after being trimmed by livestock, a process similar to the natural grazing patterns of wild herbivores. This finding challenges the long-standing belief that cattle overgraze and damage protected areas, suggesting instead that moderate grazing may help maintain a healthy mosaic of vegetation types that support diverse wildlife.
However, it cannot be overlooked that the presence of any species has an impact on their surroundings. For example, elephant foraging has positive and negative consequences for vegetation and other species. Cattle have been interacting with wildlife in Africa for thousands of years, and it is not a matter of a recent introduction of cattle. How, then, does one define what “good” or “bad” responses are in an ecosystem? And is the problem exaggerated by those trying to entrench the status quo?
The study found that the landscape was not negatively affected by the presence of livestock – if anything, it benefited from the presence of cattle
Moreover, in the study, wildlife showed no significant avoidance of cattle-grazed areas, reinforcing the idea that livestock presence does not inherently disrupt the ecosystem. Dung sample analyses revealed that herbivores such as wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle continued to frequent areas where cattle had been, with no evidence of displacement. Even buffalo, the only species showing a weak negative association, were not entirely deterred. These results counter the dominant conservation narrative that livestock and wildlife cannot coexist, indicating that under current grazing levels, the Maasai’s pastoral practices do not threaten the reserve’s wildlife populations. This finding opens the door to rethinking conservation strategies, particularly in regions where indigenous herders have been historically marginalised in the name of wildlife protection.
Some ecologists argue that the study’s limited scope may not fully capture the nuanced relationship between cattle and wildlife in the Maasai Mara. While some species adapt to shared grazing, larger herbivores like elephants and buffalo tend to avoid areas with heavy livestock presence. This aligns with broader concerns about overgrazing in parts of the region. But one thing is for sure: shifting conservation policies and land-use practices are shaping wildlife movement and ecosystem health.
Some previous scientific studies investigating the effect of livestock in protected areas have been too broad in scale (expansive aerial surveys) or categorical (such as simplifying comparisons to no livestock versus high livestock densities) to provide overarching insight. Some have been based on correlation only, or have not integrated the fine-scale, multi-species effects. And what about other, non-scientific confounding factors? For example, parties managing protected areas may be prioritising meeting tourists’ expectations of visiting a pure wilderness area, resulting in a policy of no cattle in sight. This then raises questions of ethics. When we start evaluating decisions based on ethics, what changes?
A cheetah surveys the Maasai Mara National Reserve landscape, Maasai herders and their cattle in the background
This scenario has been repeated many times across Africa and other continents, and there have been fiery discussions about how to support these communities on the periphery that are often considered as being “responsible” for human-wildlife conflict. For example, opponents might point to the degradation of the lands of Talek as an example of mismanagement. But the problem is not high density of cattle per se – it is the context and history that has led to the current overgrazing. Talek faces a double burden – it supports resident pastoralists’ livestock, conservancy pastoralists’ livestock (when not in the conservancies) and even wildlife grazing. It is also not connected to other opportunities for rotational grazing. The community are not wealthy enough to move their homes. They are squeezed in the middle, and no matter where they go, they are likely to be trespassing some boundaries. They are fined or arrested if they get caught grazing cattle in the park. If they break the lease of the conservancies by grazing cattle there without obtaining approval, then they lose the leasing income. If one person in the community breaks the lease, there is a risk that all other members of the community will have to forfeit their lease income. This generates a lot of mistrust and tension between the conservancies, the park and the community.
When viewpoints become rigid, opportunities to maximise benefits are overlooked, and the disempowered often lose disproportionately.
Conservationists speak for nature. However, conservation does not take place in a vacuum – it exists in a context, and, as such, there is a clear case here for inviting an ethical assessment. Biodiversity conservation ethics addresses “what should be conserved, how, and why, guiding actions and decisions over values and their potential conflict.” It necessitates engaging with multiple values and following a set of moral principles to guide conservation actions and decision-making. However, Cortés-Capano et al. argue that western positions have “directed conservation strategies by defining the space of legitimate arguments, overlooking solutions that do not fit neatly the chosen approaches [sic]”. Ignoring diverse ethical positions leads to injustices and reduces the potential of conserving biodiversity.
When people lose access to their land, they are not only losing their homes but they have also been displaced from their pursuit of a livelihood (gathering firewood, hunting, grazing etc.). They also experience a feeling of symbolic obliteration from the landscape – their removal from its history, memory, and representation. When people protest, they are protesting the loss of power and control over their environment and the commodification of wildlife into things which tourists can purchase but that locals cannot afford. Communities around Kruger National Park, for example, say that rhinos receive more attention and better protection than people.
So, what would an ethical review of the current impasse look like? In The handbook of conservation and sustainability ethics, it is proposed that the path forward should be determined based on the following principles:
reducing inappropriate actions and recognising where there are no clear solutions;
identifying the most important gaps in scientific knowledge;
inspiring humility among stakeholders; and
generating common ground and transcendent perspectives.
The University of Michigan study provides a compelling case for reconsidering conservation policies in the Maasai Mara and beyond. Rather than supporting strict livestock exclusion, the findings suggest that a more nuanced, context-aware approach could benefit both wildlife and pastoralist communities. With no significant negative impact on biodiversity or habitat conditions, the presence of cattle in MMNR underscores the importance of integrating socio-ecological realities into conservation planning. By acknowledging historical land use, ethical considerations, and local livelihoods, conservationists can work toward solutions that balance ecological integrity with social justice, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future for both people and wildlife.
What the researchers address in their study on the impacts of livestock encroachment is the need for a new era of conservation – one that encompasses social and environmental justice and focuses on innovative approaches whilst creating common ground. Is there a common ground in this situation? Perhaps it is time to find out.
Kimmerer, R. W. (2013). Braiding sweetgrass. First edition. Minneapolis, Minnesota, Milkweed Editions.
Kirigia, K. & Riamit, K. (2018). Land injustices in Kenya’s wildlife conservancies. Global ejournal, University of California, Series Tourism & Development in Africa: 11 (50). Retrieved November 2024.
The emotions of human-wildlife conflict: Emotions and cultural significance attached to wild carnivores strongly influence mitigation strategies, according to research.
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More Kruger elephants than we thought + Busanga Plains
Did you know that only 37% of the captive wildlife tourism facilities in South Africa demonstrate sound ethics and good practice?
Our safari experts are often asked to include some form of animal sanctuary or encounter in our hand-made itineraries for guests. Our default response is to direct our guests towards trusted facilities such as the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in Kenya. When guests insist on facilities that have shady reputations, we politely refuse to assist them in that regard. There are a handful of ethical facilities with demonstrable benefits for conserving wild animals or easing the plight of previously abused animals. But there are also a plethora of shady, opportunistic facilities that abuse animals for commercial gain – shrewdly shrouded in green-speak and comforting catchphrases for those whose desire to pet wild animals ranks above their moral fortitude.
Yesterday, while waiting for my luggage to appear on the airport conveyor belt, I overheard a gaggle of just-arrived teens who were going to ‘save Africa’s lions’ at a voluntourism trap known for fake claims. I had to suppress the gag reflex.
Wild Choices is a good tool for making up your mind about such facilities in South Africa.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
A wild spotted hyena has been recorded in Egypt – for the first time in 5,000 years – only to be killed in a hit-and-run. This intrepid traveller had crossed the unforgiving Sahara, perhaps lured by better rainfall and prey, but its crime? Helping itself to two goats. Local herders, unimpressed by its historic comeback, tracked it down and took overzealous action, running the hyena over with a vehicle. Researchers who studied photos of the deceased hyena hadn’t expected to see one resurface in Egypt. These predators once roamed a lush landscape alongside elephants and leopards, but the Sahara’s relentless aridification wiped them out. Recent wet cycles, however, may have briefly reopened the door for their return. The fact the hyena made it this far is a testament to the resilience of these carnivores. Was this a lost wanderer or the first of many returning scavengers?
This week, we take a look at Kruger’s elephant numbers – which recent research suggests have been underestimated over the years. And we’ve also put together a guide telling you everything you need to know about visiting Busanga Plains. Check these out below.
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!
Experience the best of Mana Pools – inland and floodplains – with safari expert and photographic guide, Villiers Steyn. This epic photographic safari, led by two expert guides, is for the adventurous traveller and photographer seeking incredible wildlife action. Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe offers raw and surreal photographic opportunities. SADC rates available.
Travel with purpose on this unique conservation safari in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Enjoy game drives, bush walks, and community visits while supporting local wildlife. You’ll delve right into the heart of rhino conservation efforts and head out into the field to see how conservation operations play out on the ground. Ride the ‘Elephant Express’ and stay in three special safari camps, including one in the remote heart of Hwange and a community-owned lodge. The revenue from this safari contributes directly to wildlife conservation and the communities that live on Hwange’s borders.
From Kruger’s wild heart to Zanzibar’s vibrant shores, Anik’s family adventure was pure magic – earning us a 5-star review:
“We had another amazing experience with Africa Geographic. Christian was extremely helpful in planning our trip to northern Kruger, South Africa. He also helped us plan the second part of our trip to Mozambique. But when political difficulties in the country seemed likely to interfere with our plans, he and the team were extremely proactive. At the very last minute, they constructed a wonderful alternative itinerary for us to Zanzibar. We were very happy to have these plans in place. In Kruger, we had an amazing and knowledgeable guide who was always happy to discuss any topic in detail, and we enjoyed fantastic accommodations with boardwalk birdwatching and poolside wildlife viewing right along the river. We were extremely happy. In Zanzibar, Christian organised some very down-to-earth cultural excursions, which will be strong family memories forever! We loved biking through the villages, learning to climb coconut palm trees, and meeting and chatting with local kids. And we adored our Swahili cooking lesson!”
WATCH: Liuwa Plain National Park in Zambia has one of the longest conservation histories in Africa. Over the past 20 years, the Barotse Royal Establishment, Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife, and African Parks have partnered to conserve the park. Today the landscape is a wildlife stronghold, where people and wildlife coexist in a thriving landscape. Watch this inspiring short documentary on why Liuwa Plain is thriving. (05:23) Click here to watch
For just five months of the year, the flood waters on the Busanga Plains recede, and one of Zambia’s best-kept secret wildlife spots is accessible to explore. The vast, fertile grasslands of Busanga Plains are renowned for their concentrations of animals and are the northern jewel of Zambia’s Kafue National Park. This seasonal wetland ecosystem is known for its diversity of antelope species and large lion prides.
Busanga Plains lies in the northern tip of the Kafue National Park – Zambia’s oldest national park and one of the largest in Africa. The plains are part of an ancient lake bed that floods during the rainy season. This wild wetland is home to red lechwe that leap across the shallow channels, lions that hunt in the golden grasses, and elephants that emerge majestically from the early morning mist.
The Lufupa River, a Kafue River tributary, sustains these expansive plains that stretch out for around 720km² (72,000 hectares). Distinct from the rest of Kafue’s miombo woodland, the flat grasslands are dotted with date palms and sausage and fig trees. In summer, the plains flood, leaving only a sprinkling of scattered, elevated islands. In winter, the flood waters recede, revealing a swaying sea of yellowing grass cut through by a network of narrow channels. This mosaic of grasslands attracts herbivores in their thousands.
Busanga Plains is an official Ramsar-recognised wetland system that supports a wide variety of wildlife.
Kafue forms part of a lion conservation unit
The miombo woodlands of Busanga Plains
Miombo woodland characterises most of Kafue, and as the northern parts of the park receive higher rainfall, the miombo is taller and denser here, frequently dominated by the flat-topped, semi-evergreen Julbernardia paniculata. A journey by road to Busanga Plains will find you weaving your way through these woodlands before finally reaching the open plains. Once on the plains, the far treeline is just a shadow on the horizon, with the sky seeming to reach down to touch the earth in every direction you look. In the undulating grasses on either side of the track, pockets of lechwe, puku and buffalo graze while fish eagles’ calls reverberate from the treetops.
Another notable attribute listed by Ramsar is that Busanga Plains is home to a large baobab tree of heritage value. The tree is known by the locals as Mukondakamwale, and is believed to have enclosed three girls (maidens) who sought refuge when it was raining.
Find out about Busanga Plains for your next African safari. We have ready-made safaris to choose from, or ask us to build one just for you.
Zebras soaking up golden light
Wildlife of Busanga Plains
Busanga Plains is best known for red lechwe, puku and the shy, swamp-dwelling sitatunga. Fifty years ago, lechwe were almost extinct in the area. But numbers have increased enormously since the establishment of the national park, and the sight of huge herds of red lechwe wandering across the golden plains and splashing through the shallow waters is breathtaking.
Other antelope found here are blue wildebeest, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, defassa waterbuck, impala, the secretive reedbuck and the diminutive oribi – possibly the daintiest and prettiest of them all. Roan antelope are regularly seen, as are herds of sable, sometimes up to 40 strong. Buffalo and zebra are also frequently spotted on the plains. Bushpigs and warthogs also inhabit the plains, almost seeming to prance about on tip-toe. The water channels of the plains also shelter plenty of hippos and catfish.
Bountiful hippos in Busanga Plains
Of course, abundant prey brings an abundance of predators. Sizeable prides of lions, including imposing black-maned males, thrive on the game-rich plains. It is here that lions, that usually dislike getting wet, can often be seen chasing lechwe through the water, even where it’s more than half a metre deep. Since 2005, Kafue, together with South Luangwa National Park, has been regarded as a lion ‘conservation unit’, and it’s not uncommon to see lion prides of up to twenty in number. In fact, estimates suggest there are more lions here than there are beds for travellers!
Large prides of lions stalk the plains
Lions share Busanga Plains with leopard, spotted hyena and wild dogs. The leopards tend to favour the tree-line on the edge of the plains. This is also one of the few places in Zambia where you can see cheetahs, which thrive in the wide open areas. Other carnivores include side-striped jackal, serval, caracal, civet and African wild cat, as well as Selous’ mongoose, white-tailed mongoose, marsh mongoose, honey badger, African clawless otter and spotted-necked otter.
The entirety of Kafue National Park is designated an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International, with over 450 bird species found in the Busanga Plains alone. Chaplin’s barbet, Zambia’s only endemic bird, as well as endangered wattled cranes and grey crowned cranes, all find sanctuary here. Busanga Plains is one of only a handful of known wattled crane breeding sites. Summer migrants include lesser kestrel and Montagu’s harrier, while Ross’ turaco and black-backed barbet are some of Busanga’s ‘specials’. Small termite mounds attract sooty chats. In the wetter areas of the plains, rosy-throated longclaws are found, while the woodlands are home to African hawk-eagles, black-chested snake-eagles, racket-tailed rollers, black-cheeked lovebirds, flocks of helmetshrikes, and sooty and Arnot’s chats. Secretary birds, Böhm’s bee-eaters, paradise flycatchers and sunbirds are abundant.
Endangered wattled cranes find sanctuary in Busanga Plains
The swamps are home to a variety of waterbirds and birding along the channels is spectacular. Collared pratincoles, lesser jacanas and squacco herons abound, as do African spoonbill, and yellow-billed, open-billed and saddle-billed storks. Knob-billed and white-faced whistling ducks are plentiful, as are wattled and blacksmith lapwings. Add flocks of pelicans, every egret you can think of and purple herons to the mix, as well as Pel’s fishing owl, African finfoot, and numerous kingfisher species.
Fishing and history
Kafue National Park was founded as a protected area in the 1920s, before being formally gazetted as a national park in the 1950s. When establishing the park, the government relocated the traditional owners from their villages to the town of Mumbwa, outside the park boundaries. As these villages had been dependent on fishing for generations, they came to an agreement where they retained seasonal fishing rights within the park. During the fishing season, it is, therefore, not uncommon to see fishermen on foot, preparing and manning their fish traps in the channels of Busanga Plains.
Conserving Busanga Plains
Lack of funding over the years had hampered the management of Kafue National Park, allowing poaching, human encroachment and charcoal production to take their toll on both landscape and wildlife. In addition, many illegal tourism camps were built. In 2022, Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) signed an agreement with NGO African Parks for a 20-year management partnership agreement.
Since 2022, aerial surveys and collaring programmes have shown a growing elephant population, along with an encouraging increase in populations of species such as buffalo, puku, sable and hartebeest. The park has also experienced a 196% increase in tourism revenue, providing an opportunity to deliver critically needed revenue, as well as providing employment and other benefits to local communities. Hundreds of jobs have been created, the park’s rangers and law enforcement teams intensively retrained, and a community education programme established. All of this, and its status as a Ramsar site, translates into better conservation efforts for Busanga Plains.
DID YOU KNOW that African Parks offers safari lodges and campsites where 100% of tourism revenue goes to conservation and local communities? You can view and book accommodation in selected African Parks destinations here.
Elephants enjoy the cool waters of Busanga Plains
Explore and stay in Busanga Plains
Busanga Plains is not particularly easy to get to, even by four-wheel drive. If attempting the journey by road, tortuous turns, protruding branches, and a pitted dirt track are the order of the day.
The Busanga Plains are seasonal, and are only accessible between April and October when the floods have receded enough to allow for road transport. But those four months offer some of the best wildlife viewing in Southern Africa, with thousands of red lechwe and puku assembling along the receding water channels.
Red lechwe on the plains
From June to early August, much of the floodplain and the main channels are still full of water. From August to October the Plains drain and dry out, until they are tinder dry again. July – October is usually the best time to visit.
This is not a place where one just pops in for a night or two, the distances here are great, but with a decent budget and some time on your hands, Busanga Plains is definitely worth exploring.
There are a number of bush camps and tented camps on offer in and around Busanga Plains, with many luxury options on offer. Most overlook the plains and offer exceptional experiences in immersing oneself in all they have to offer. See our Busanga Plains packages here.
Red lechwe on the plains
Final thoughts
Busanga is breathtaking, secluded and special. Uncluttered horizons, endless grassy plains, thousands of antelope and swamp-dwelling lions. Raw and off the beaten track, Busanga delivers, and with small visitor numbers, there’s a good chance you’ll have the place almost to yourself, with perhaps just one or two other game-viewing vehicles on the plains.
Red lechwe at sunrise
Further reading
Kafue National Park is Zambia’s oldest and largest national park – known for sweeping plains and wetlands, and abundant and unique wildlife. Read more about Kafue National Park here
Busanga Plains, Kafue, is brimming with wildlife, yet not overwhelmed by tourists. Read Irene Amiet’s travel diary from this Zambian safari spot. Read more about Busanga Plains, the jewel of Kafue here
This travel diary to Busanga Plains in Kafue National Park (Zambia) will have you contacting Africa Geographic to arrange your next safari. Read the travel diary here
Kingsley Holgate & his Afrika Odyssey expedition team are connecting 22 parks managed by African Parks. Read about their trip to Kafue NP. Read more about the Afrika Odyssey Expedition to Kafue here
The elephant is one of Africa’s most ecologically significant species. Monitoring their populations is essential for conservation success at a broad level. South Africa’s Kruger National Park is a refuge for these giants. However, the size of Kruger’s elephant population has been discussed for decades. How do we count the elephants in an area of nearly 2 million hectares? How many elephants are too many? And are elephants really a problem? A new study examines the science of counting Kruger’s elephants.
For decades, scientists and conservationists have debated the size of Kruger National Park’s elephant population. Counting these massive, yet often elusive animals across the national park is no small feat.
New research shows we have been underestimating the number of Kruger’s elephants over the past few years, and improved aerial survey techniques are revealing surprising insights into Kruger’s elephant population. These findings can help us better understand elephant numbers, movement patterns, and ecological impact.
Rethinking how we count
Counting elephants is a challenge. Traditional aerial survey methods in Kruger relied on human spotters, often leading to undercounts or inconsistencies.
For decades, Kruger relied on a ‘total count’ method, which involved surveying river catchment areas and recording every visible elephant seen during flyovers. But, an elephant may not be visible while hiding under a tree, or may be hard to see against certain landscapes. And different spotters may have varying abilities in seeing elephants. Due to high flying speeds, observer fatigue, and the pachyderms blending into the landscape, these total counts often missed seeing several individuals on the ground. This meant a significant portion of the population was not accounted for. This method also leaves room for sample errors. Historic total counts tried to count every single elephant, but elephants don’t stand still.
But the recent study included statistical adjustments in the counting method, to help improve precision. The study authors (Ferreira et al., 2024) used data on elephants encountered during annual rhino aerial surveys in Kruger in 2013, 2015 and 2017 and from the study survey conducted in 2020 to form new estimates.
These sample-based aerial surveys – which focus on specific blocks of land at lower altitudes and slower speeds – provide a more accurate picture. By combining sample counts with statistical models, researchers now estimate that Kruger had approximately 31,324 elephants in 2020 (this number could be between 28,457 and 34,191 at any time in 2020). These results also showed a growth rate of 5.3% yearly since 2013.
This marks an extraordinary recovery from the early 1900s, when elephants in the area now encompassing the Kruger National Park were virtually wiped out due to hunting and habitat destruction.
A large herd crosses the landscape
Detecting elephants: Better methods for better results
The improved precision found in this sample-based survey method has revealed essential nuances in how elephants are counted. Elephants are relatively easy to spot from the air compared to smaller species. But factors such as elephant group size and observer experience can still affect the accuracy of aerial surveys. Researchers found that larger herds were easier to detect than smaller, more dispersed groups. This means that surveys conducted at higher speeds and altitudes, like traditional total counts, often missed smaller groups or solitary animals, leading to underestimations. In contrast, sample-based surveys conducted at slower speeds and lower altitudes improved detection rates, allowing researchers to count more elephants with greater precision.
High flying speeds during total counts meant many elephants were missed or group sizes underestimated
Why elephant numbers are booming
The elephant population has recovered since the early 1900s after conservation efforts improved in the Kruger region. By 1967, when culling was introduced as a management tool, the population had reached more than 7,000. Throughout the culling programme, which took place between 1967 and 1995, management aimed to maintain a population size of 7,000 to 8,500 elephants to prevent overgrazing. With no such interventions today, elephants have surged dramatically. By 2017, Kruger had its largest recorded elephant population, estimated at over 22,000.
But elephant births and deaths alone don’t tell the whole story. The mammals also move in response to environmental pressures. During a recent drought, park management recorded a net movement of elephants into Kruger from private reserves. The study also notes that in times of “limited poaching of elephants in the Kruger” and periods of high poaching pressure in adjacent areas, there were also steep elephant population increases in Kruger.
These migrations complicate population estimates.
More elephants, more impact – but what does that mean?
With over 30,000 of these pachyderms in Kruger, there are concerns about their impact on the park’s ecosystems. They are often described as ‘ecosystem engineers’. And it’s not just about how many elephants are present in the park at any one time. It’s about where they are, and what they do when they are there. “Elephants are key players in the ecosystem. They open dense areas, spread seeds, and even help combat climate change.” said study author Dr Sam Ferreira in a recent article. “But, they can also cause some trouble, like knocking down too many trees in delicate spots.” As such, elephants shape the landscape positively and negatively.
Historically, Kruger relied on artificial waterholes, which allowed elephants to stay in the same areas for longer periods. This led to overgrazing and soil degradation over large tracts of land. Recognising this issue in recent years, Kruger’s management removed many artificial water points, encouraging more natural movement patterns.
Many debates surround the idea that elephants are destroying Kruger’s trees, but the reality is more nuanced. As Ferreira points out: “Saying that 30,000 elephants are destroying Kruger is like blaming a bee for ruining a garden. It’s not that simple. Elephants go where the resources are. When there’s plenty of water and food, they stick around, snack on trees, and, yes, sometimes knock a few over. But when resources shift, so do the elephants.”
Ferreira highlights that Kruger’s management strategy emphasises adaptive management rather than focusing on an ideal elephant number. This involves responding to specific environmental pressures as they arise. For instance, if elephants overuse a sensitive area, management may close nearby waterholes or introduce temporary deterrents to encourage natural movement, says Ferreira.
Kruger elephants at sundown
The bigger picture
Across Africa, elephant populations have been devastated by poaching and habitat loss. Yet, in Kruger (and some other regions), elephants thrive. At the same time, managing a large and ever-dynamic elephant population remains challenging. Simply reducing numbers through interventions like culling is no longer considered a viable solution. Instead, conservationists focus on understanding elephant behaviour, movement, and ecological roles to make decisions.
“At the end of the day, elephants aren’t just numbers on a chart,” says Ferreira. “They’re living, breathing creatures deeply connected to their environment. Managing their population isn’t about finding a magic number – it’s about understanding their impact, learning from history, and making thoughtful decisions.”
Kruger’s elephants remind us that conservation has no fixed formulas but requires ongoing dialogue and exploration. By refining our survey techniques and embracing adaptive management, the stewards of Kruger’s elephants can ensure that the national park remains a thriving haven for elephants and the countless other species that share this remarkable landscape.
Do we have an elephant problem? The ‘elephant problem’ – ecologists, landowners and tourists are grappling with the elephant problem. But what does this mean?
Counting animals – the technology helping conservationists: Counting wild animals can be a complicated process, particularly when estimating populations in some of Africa’s massive protected wild areas. Find out why
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Another tusker falls + leopards’ unique voices + Addo’s elephants
News reached us this week that Paolo, a well-known Amboseli tusker, has died of natural causes. This is a huge loss to Amboseli’s shrinking tusker population. Paolo was among those elephants tallied in Africa Geographic’s estimate of how many tuskers remain in Africa, and his loss means our estimate has decreased, with only about 85 tuskers left. Read more about tusker numbers and our updated estimate here.
When it comes to real estate, white-backed vultures are picky tenants. They build their nests high in the crowns of knobthorn trees – prime property in the African bushveld. But there’s a catch: elephants tend to knock these trees over. But, these savvy scavengers have adapted. Scientists have found that the vultures are now choosing sturdier riverside trees that are less likely to be bulldozed by their giant neighbours. While elephants aren’t the main threat to vulture survival (humans still hold that title), protecting mature knobthorns could help keep both the vultures and trees happy.
This week, we celebrate another haven for elephants, South Africa’s Addo Elephant National Park. We also examine research on an interesting new finding – that leopards have their own unique roars. See these stories below.
Happy celebrating Africa to you!
Taryn van Jaarsveld – Editor, Africa Geographic
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!
Whether you are a passionate beginner or a seasoned creator, this unique art safari offers the chance to hone your skills with professional wildlife artist Alison Nicholls. Soak up the atmosphere of Big-5 Timbavati Private Nature Reserve in Greater Kruger, South Africa and channel it into artistry! 2–8 September 2025: only 2 spots left!
Be captivated by the rawness of the Greater Kruger wilderness. This one-of-a-kind mobile-camping safari is for adventurous travellers. Walk the bushveld with a guide and trackers while the ground team moves your tented camp to a new location every night. This soul-food safari will reconnect you with nature and recharge your batteries.
Emily’s primate safari through Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC was nothing short of magical! She left us a glowing 5-star review:
“Christian from Africa Geographic was able to design a fantastic, unique and authentic primate viewing trip for us. But it included so much more. Apart from the wonderful itinerary, I found the activities and lodges to be very smartly selected, and all provided a wealth of amazing discoveries. I felt safe and loved connecting with the drivers. Without AG, I would never have had the opportunity to meet the people I did. All the members of my hosting team were reliable, informed and lovely to be with. I highly recommend using AG to design a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” – Emily
WATCH: Lions once ruled Africa, but with fewer than 20,000 left, their future is uncertain. Award-winning filmmaker Bruce Donnelly and lion conservationist Dr. Paul Funston journey across southern Africa to uncover the last strongholds of these iconic cats, the challenges they face, and the people fighting to save them. Watch the highlights from A Place For Us, a powerful documentary made in association with the Southern African Conservation Trust on the battle to secure a future for Africa’s lions. (07:33) Click here to watch
Leopards are masters of stealth, making them challenging to study in the wilderness. But a groundbreaking new study has found a new way to identify these elusive cats: not by sight, but by sound. By analysing their unique roars, researchers have unlocked an innovative, non-invasive method to track and conserve leopards.
The leopard is one of the most sought-after Big 5 animals to view on an African safari. You will not find leopards in large numbers, as they are solitary. These masters of stealth are also more active at night, making them even more challenging to find.
This is a challenge not only for tourists but also for counting leopards and for the owners of land where leopards are present. A leopard’s furtiveness makes it nearly impossible for humans to gain insight into the number of individuals present in a local population. At the same time, leopard numbers are declining, and they are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. How can we preserve a species that is difficult to find?
Camera traps are possibly one of the most important tools in studying leopards. Just like humans have unique fingerprints, leopards all have unique spot patterns, and visuals from camera traps allow us to identify individual leopards. However, a new study published in Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation offers a novel approach to identifying leopards: listening to their voices.
Researchers studying leopard vocalisation have found that every individual cat animal has a unique voice.
The study, which aimed to determine whether it was possible to identify individual leopards by their unique calls, took place in Nyerere National Park in Tanzania over 62 days. This is the firs, large-scale (~450km2) study of large African carnivores that pairs passive acoustic monitoring and camera trapping. Analysing photographic data, researchers identified 42 individual leopards present in the study area based on their distinctive rosette patterns. They then correlated these visual identifications with concurrent audio recordings, focusing on the leopards’ characteristic sawing roars.
The team deployed 64 stations across the approximately 450km2 area, strategically placing paired camera traps and custom-built autonomous recording units (CARACALs). The CARACALs recorded audio continually, while camera traps captured photographic evidence. Researchers then identified individual leopards by looking at their distinctive rosette patterns in the camera trap images and extracted their roaring bouts in the concurrent audio. Using this technique, the researchers identified individual leopards with a 93% success rate.
According to Jonathan Growcott, a PhD student at the University of Exeter in England and the study’s primary author, the idea to use bioacoustics stemmed from anecdotal evidence suggesting individual leopards have distinct roars. “Combined with the fact that other large carnivores such as lions, wild dogs, and spotted hyenas all have unique vocalisations, it made sense that this potentially also transferred across to leopards.”
Researchers found that leopards can actually be quite vocal – although it is easy to assume otherwise, with infrequent encounters leading to this misconception. Limited pre-existing research on leopard vocalisations highlights the significance of this study.
Attaching the custom-built autonomous recording units in a tree
A project of this scale does not come without its challenges. Apart from the massive team effort involving multiple organisations, conditions in the reserve at the time of the study also made the research process difficult. “We dealt with flooding and incredibly difficult black cotton soil, which made roads impassable. We did not let this stop us, however. Instead, we embarked on foot to recover all of our data,” explains Growcott. He explains that, when working in a wild environment, animals could also cause problems. “On one occasion, a lion decided to investigate our acoustic unit, which was screwed into a tree. This individual promptly spent a good 20 minutes chomping and chewing at it. Remarkably, the SD card contained within the unit survived. I have some incredible audio of a lion, up close and personal.”
When asked if the results were at all what the team expected, Growcott said the accuracy of the results was quite exciting, especially with the basic methods used. “The methodology used is quite a basic principle in computer science and has been used in human-speech recognition algorithms for quite some time. So, to be able to achieve this kind of result without the need for more complex AI is encouraging.”
Landowners and reserves with leopards can deploy the same techniques, though there are some cost implications initially. To conduct a dual-technology survey from scratch would rely on a significant initial investment to purchase all the necessary equipment. Growcott says the costs would be split across an extended period, however, so monitoring can occur for multiple years, making the initial investment worthwhile.
The study’s findings hold significant implications for leopard conservation. Identifying individual leopards through their roars provides a powerful new non-invasive tool for monitoring populations, estimating densities, and tracking individual movements. This method overcomes many of the limitations associated with traditional methods such as collaring, offering a more efficient and cost-effective approach to studying elusive species.
The project was made possible due to collaboration between the University of Exeter, the Wildlife Conservation Unit at the University of Oxford, the Frankfurt Zoological Society, the Tanzania Wildlife Institute for Research, Lion Landscapes, and the Tanzania National Parks Authority.
Spot the difference – do leopards inherit their patterns from their mothers? Research shows that leopards inherit their patterns of rosettes and whisker spots from their mothers – an exciting finding in leopard genetics.
Recently declared Nyerere National Park, formerly part of Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania, is one of Africa’s most rugged wilderness areas. Learn more about Nyerere.
Tucked away in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Addo Elephant National Park is a conservation triumph and a wildlife lover’s paradise. Home to the Big 7, spanning diverse landscapes, and boasting an incredible comeback story for its elephant population, Addo is far more than just another safari destination. It’s a place where nature thrives, history lingers, and unexpected treasures – both great and small – await around every corner.
Addo is, of course, all about the elephants. It is near impossible to visit this park without multiple encounters with the gentle giants every day – whether from viewing hides or from the comfort of a vehicle. Addo isn’t just about the grand and mighty; it’s about the unseen, the unsung, and the utterly fascinating details that make this park a world of wonders. And with elephants come all manner of other wonders. While the elephants steal the show, some may argue that Addo’s real kings of the road are a bunch of tiny, tireless dung beetles. In this extraordinary park, they have the right of way – literally. While you’re gazing at majestic herds, these little workhorses are busy rolling, burying, and recycling the remains of elephant feasts.
The park – a malaria-free safari destination – is situated only 30 minutes from Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) and is ideal for a solid dose of nature – including marine life. It is the third largest South African National Park and spans multiple biomes, making it great for more extended visits. It provides an opportunity for lots to do and plenty to explore.
A herd of elephants marches towards the waterhole
From humble beginnings
When Addo was first proclaimed in 1931, its primary objective was to conserve the Eastern Cape’s dwindling elephant population. The park owes its very existence to the tireless efforts of visionary conservationists who recognised the urgent need to safeguard the 11 remaining elephants in the face of rampant hunting during the early 20th century.
Since those humble beginnings, the park has expanded its boundaries and incorporated diverse habitats to accommodate an ever-growing array of wildlife species. This strategic expansion has transformed Addo into the vibrant, multi-faceted ecosystem it is today, a testament to the power of conservation and the resilience of nature.
According to the park management plan (2015-2025), Addo covers approximately 178,918 hectares (46,932 hectares of which are in the process of being declared part of the national park). Addo’s Marine Protected Area covers 7,022 hectares, and protects a wide range of ecosystems, including sandy beaches, rocky shores, reefs, an estuary and islands. This includes St Croix and Bird Islands, essential breeding grounds for seabirds, including African penguins and Cape gannets.
Cape gannets on Addo’s Bird Island
Addo’s landscape
Addo hosts incredible plantlife and is home to five of South Africa’s nine biomes: Albany Thicket in the original Addo section (also in the Kabouga, Colchester and Nyathi sections), Forest in the Woody Cape area and Zuurberg section, Fynbos in the Zuurberg section, Nama Karoo in the Darlington section, and finally, the Indian Ocean Coastal Belt on Addo’s coastal side – which contains remarkable displays of coastal dunes and grassy plains.
The beach at the Woody Cape section of Addo
Due to the presence of major roads and operational railway lines, and certain pieces of land that do not form part of the national park, some sections of the park are still in separate, fenced-off units. And not all sections of the park, such as Zuurberg and Woody Cape, are fenced.
The Addo Main Camp Area, Colchester, Nyathi and Darlington sections are fenced off, and elephants are thus able to traverse these areas of the park.
Addo hosts abundant wildlife
At the heart of the Addo Elephant National Park are the majestic African elephants, whose remarkable comeback since the establishment of the park exemplifies the park’s conservation success story.
Addo is home to the Big 5
This sanctuary is the only park in South Africa to feature the awe-inspiring Big 7 – the traditional Big 5 (lion, elephant, black rhino, buffalo and leopard), as well as the iconic southern right whale and the mighty great white shark along its coastal reaches. Other ocean specials to keep an eye out for – sometime seen from the shore (though best viewed on a specialised tour) – are bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, humpback dolphin, orcas and three other whale species: Bryde’s Whales, minke Whales and humpback whales.
Addo’s diverse terrestrial landscapes are home to an abundance of other wildlife. Stately kudu, graceful eland, and the nimble red hartebeest are just a few of the antelope species that roam the park. Leopards are very rare, though present.
The main game-viewing areas host the distinctive Burchell’s zebra, while the Darlington Dam and Zuurberg sections are the domain of the majestic Cape mountain zebra. Springbok, black wildebeest, and gemsbok thrive in the dryer Darlington Dam region, while the tree dassie inhabits the lush Woody Cape forests.
It’s other notable resident, the endemic Addo flightless dung beetle, does a brilliant job at removing the piles of elephant dung from the road surface, so drive carefully and keep your eyes open to see them in action.
Addo is also home to Cape buffaloA playfight breaks out on the plainsOn a mission to make it in time for sundownersA majestic kudu bull looks on
Feathered friends of Addo
If you are also on the lookout for birdlife, more than 400 species have been recorded within Addo’s boundaries due to the different vegetation types. You will find the SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide in the main rest camp and the Spekboom Hide in the game viewing area in the Albany Thicket biome. A bird always active in the main rest camp is the bokmakierie, as are sunbirds, fork-tailed drongo and kingfishers. Keep an eye out for black korhaan, Denham’s bustard and secretarybird amongst others in the main game viewing area.
For forest specials, visit the Alexandria Forest section. You’ll find Knysna turaco, Narina trogon, black cuckoo in summer, Chorister robin-chat, grey cuckoo-shrike, and the dark-backed weaver. Zuurberg, with its wooded kloofs, is home to African crowned eagle, Cape batis, olive bushshrike and more. For Karoo endemics, head to the Darlington section where you can find Karoo chat, pririt batis, and rufous-eared warbler. The Darlington Dam hosts freshwater terns, grey-headed gulls and goliath herons. For seabirds, head to the ocean and the Sundays River Mouth.
A road begging to be explored through the Alexandria Forests
Things to do in Addo
Addo has no shortage of activities, so there will never be a dull moment. The scenery in the park is diverse, so exploring the different sections of the park will be like being in a different location each time. The main rest camp features a play area for the little ones, a bird hide and underground hide, a swimming pool, a restaurant, an interpretive centre where you can learn about Domkrag, the legendary tortoise that lifted cars, and more.
If you love military history, the Bedrogfontein 4×4 Trail between Kabouga and Darlington should be on your bucket list. This 45km route has many remnants of the Anglo-Boer War, with rock art paintings and leftovers of fierce battles scattered along the way, including that of an old wagon.
Sundowners
To immerse yourself in Addo’s landscape, head to the Woody Cape coastal section and visit the Alexandria Coastal Dunefield, approximately 88km long. It is home to the most extensive and least degraded moving dune system in the southern hemisphere, including several archaeological sites such as middens made by nomadic strandloper people. These middens contain shells and bones of animals eaten by the people and fragments of pottery and stone implements. White mussel shells found in these middens also occur in the caves of the Zuurberg Mountains, proving that the strandlopers journeyed and stored their food over vast distances.
If you prefer getting active and exploring on foot, there is 36km circular Alexandria Hiking Trail in the Woody Cape section. There is also a shorter 7km Tree Dassie Trail exploring the Alexandria Forest. The mountainous Zuurberg section also has a 2km and 8km trail.
Spotting a little one at the waterhole
Explore and stay in Addo
Ensure you have enough time when visiting this gem, especially if you want to explore the whole park. Whether you are seeking a rustic bush experience or a luxurious retreat, Addo provides a wealth of accommodation options to cater to every preference. The main rest camp serves as the primary hub, boasting various options – from camping to glamping and chalets to charming cottages and even spacious guesthouses for bigger groups. The Narina bush camp and Woody Cape sections provide secluded sanctuaries amongst lush vegetation for those seeking a more secluded forest escape. And for the ultimate indulgence, the park’s concession lodges offer unparalleled luxury.
Embark on the journey and discover a haven where the elephants roam with confidence, where the landscapes dazzle with their natural beauty, and where the wonders of the wild await to captivate your senses and ignite your spirit of adventure if you have never visited Addo a whole new world of exploring awaits!
Nap time
Further reading
Bush or beach? There’s no need to choose, with these African safari destinations offering the best of both ocean & wildlife experiences. Check out the best one-stop bush and beach safari destinations here.
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Big cats + the ominous wild dog landscape
It’s THAT time of year! Our annual celebration of Africa’s magnificence and your photographic talents begins tomorrow – teamAG is on standby for your 2025 Photographer of the Year entries.
And this year the prize for our three winners and their partners is extra-special – brought to you by African Parks and Ukuri. They will join an Africa Geographic expedition to Odzala-Kokoua National Park in Congo-Brazzaville to search for lowland gorillas, forest elephants, forest buffaloes and flocks of grey parrots. And what about the dwarf crocodiles, golden pottos, Demidoff’s dwarf galagos, Lord Derby’s flying squirrels and the host of other mysterious creatures that you won’t find on too many other safaris?
What a joy for my team and me to review the influx of entries (expect the usual weekly galleries) and a privilege that you trust us with your photographic treasures. Thank you.
This is also the time of year when countless brown-veined white butterflies flutter by – wave after wave of these angelic spirits migrating east over the Kruger National Park towards Mozambique. A few days ago, I was cycling into a gentle summer breeze along one of the Greater Kruger fencelines, which was channelling thousands of butterflies towards me. What a special moment when time stood still, and nature enveloped me in a gentle Utopian hug. Life is good.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
Move over, hip flasks and CamelBaks. Did you know that elephants have the best built-in hydration system? The pharyngeal pouch, found just behind an elephant’s tongue, is a hidden reservoir that can store up to four litres of water. Elephants can use this to quench their own thirst or offer a life-saving sip to a calf, allowing them to stay hydrated when surface water is scarce. And the pouch isn’t just for drinking – it doubles as a cooling system and even helps amplify the elephants’ low-frequency rumbles. Desert-adapted elephants (always prepared for the worst) have even bigger pouches, making them the champions of drought survival. In Africa, it pays to be resourceful!
We can’t wait to see your Photographer of the Year 2025 entries. In celebration of the competition launch, we’ve put together a gallery of our favourite big cat images from past competitions – and included a few fascinating facts about the cats to boot. Plus, researchers have just found that wild dogs are hunting harder for less due to prey scarcity. Check these stories out below.
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!
This safari delivers two of Africa’s most popular safari meccas: iconic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and Chobe – Botswana’s most popular national park. Enjoy an activity every day, from river cruises to game drives, a helicopter flip over Victoria Falls and, for the more adventurous, optional bungee jumping and river rafting – and so much more!
This walking safari tracks the wise old elephant herds as they follow the Galana River through Tsavo National Park, Kenya. Sharing the elephants’ home on equal footing and encountering the famous maneless lions, gerenuks and hirolas of Tsavo will supersede any previous game-viewing experiences you’ve had. Stay in beautiful camps harking back to a bygone era, and explore the surroundings on game drives in the afternoons. The perfect balance between comfort and adventure.
Tsavo Trust safeguards Tsavo Conservation Area’s iconic tuskers, but they need wings to do it. They’re halfway to funding a helicopter – vital for vet work, collaring, rhino darting, and tackling human-wildlife conflicts. Without it, patrolling Tsavo’s vast, roadless wilderness is near impossible.
$250,000 stands between them and the sky. Will you help? Every donation to our Guarding Tuskers campaign keeps conservation airborne. Donate now. Make an impact. Keep watch over Tsavo.
WATCH: SAVING AFRICA’S LAST TUSKERS: There are only 10 super tusker elephants left in East Africa’s Greater Amboseli ecosystem, and less than 100 remain throughout the continent. At least six of these tuskers were shot by trophy hunters last year when they crossed over the Kenyan border into Tanzania. Check out this documentary to hear informed perspectives of the onslaught on these iconic animals. (16:31) Click here to watch
Africa’s iconic big cats – the lion, leopard, and cheetah – are majestic predators that inspire awe and fascination. From the lion’s regal strength to the leopard’s stealth and the cheetah’s unmatched speed, each species plays a vital role in the intricate web of the African wilderness. We celebrate these three magnificent feline species by delving into their unique habitats, behaviours, and striking characteristics, complemented by breathtaking photos from our Photographer of the Year competitions. Discover what makes these magnificent felines truly extraordinary.
The lion (Panthera leo) was once described in Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary of the English Language (1755) as “the fiercest and most magnanimous of the four-footed beasts”. This rings true with these magnificent felines! Then there is the leopard (Panthera pardus), considered to be an elegant and powerfully built predator. It is the most secretive and elusive big cat, and arguably one of the most beautiful members of the entire Panthera genus. And let’s not forget the cheetah(Acinonyx jubatus). Built for speed, this sleek and beautiful cat has one of the most prominent, distinguishing features that makes it easily identifiable in the wild: dark ‘tear marks’ which run from the corner of its eyes down the sides of the nose to its mouth.
Below, we share some of the fascinating realities of the lives of big cats.
African lions have a wide habitat and can live almost everywhere – from open woodlands, thick bush, scrub and grass complexes, even penetrating deep into deserts along watercourses – though don’t expect to find them in rainforests. Globally, lions exist in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, though history shows that a long time ago, lions also inhabited parts of southwest Asia and north Africa.
Cheetahs can be found in a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, open plains, woodlands, savannahs, and arid regions extending to desert fringes. Their habitat is determined more by the abundance of prey and lack of other big predators, but a balance of cover and visibility is important.
Leopards are spectacular hunters! Not only are they quite fast and can run up to 58km/h, but are also famous for their incredible agility and strength to climb trees while dragging a kill that is sometimes heavier than their body weight.
According to research, cheetahs change their behaviour when handling large kills based on the threats presented by lions and hyenas. Cheetahs do not have the strength to haul their prey up trees as leopards do, nor can they defend themselves against larger predators, such as lions and hyenas. This is why they have developed certain tactics when it comes to hunting and eating their prey, and research shows that they tend to hunt when larger predators are away or less active. A cheetah’s diet usually comprises of smaller animals such as gazelles, wildebeest calves, impalas, ground birds, porcupines and hares. Coalitions of large males will take on larger animals such as wildebeest.
Unlike lions and leopards, cheetahs have dog-like non-retractable claws, which gives them a lot of traction when running. This limits their tree-climbing ability but gives them a speed advantage when hunting down their prey.
When it comes to hunting, lions are opportunistic but favour larger ungulates such as buffalo, wildebeest, zebra and gemsbok. Lions will gorge themselves into a food coma when there is plenty of food available, and on days like this, an average male lion will swallow around 15% of their body weight!
Upon closer inspection, you will see that lions have round pupils, instead of vertical slits that are found in domestic cats. Having pupils that are vertical slits is handy for cats that are on the prowl for small prey and need to be able to focus clearly on the small stuff. However, larger felines such as lions generally hunt larger prey, so there is unlikely to be a significant advantage to having slit pupils. Having round pupils also allows more light to filter into the eye at night, giving the lion better night vision.
A lion cub tries to nudge dad, but the male is grumpy. At the click of the shutter, a fly passes through the focus point and the pupil of the eye. The blunt teeth indicate an old male – but clearly, one still to be feared. Cubs always tread lightly around the males, weary of a swipe. Photographer of the Year 2021 winning image
Social lives and unique behaviours of big cats
The cheetah’s social system of solitary females and social males is unique among cats. Females raise their cubs on their own, teaching them a variety of survival skills. At around 18 months, the mother leaves the cubs, who then form a sibling group which can stay together for up to six months. By two years old, the female cheetahs leave the group, while the males often remain together for life. The males usually form small coalitions of between four and six cheetahs that can include unrelated males.
Leopards mate throughout the year, but a higher sexual activity is recorded during the rainy season. To recognise a male from a female leopard, take a look at the difference in size. Males are usually much larger and stockier and have a significantly bigger head and paws compared to females. Male bushveld leopards can weigh up to 90kgs, with females around 60kgs. The Cape leopard (not a separate species or sub-species) is much smaller with males around 35kg and females around 20kg.
Lions are the most sociable member of the cat family and can be found living in prides of up to 25 individuals. The size of the pride depends on the area and prey availability. A pride will usually consist of 1-4 adult males, several adult females (one dominant), and several sub-adults and cubs.
Lions, leopards and cheetahs are mortal enemies. Lions and leopards frequently rob cheetahs of their hard-earned meals, and even kill adult and baby cheetahs, in the ongoing brutal battles amongst predators over resources. In South Africa, in areas with large carnivore densities, cheetahs can lose up to around 10% of their kills to lions and spotted hyenas. Lions will also kill leopard cubs, as well as adult leopards. Leopards may prey on or kill lion cubs if they are left unattended.
Female leopards protect their young cubs by hiding them in lairs. Lairs can be found in a variety of places, including outcrops of granite boulders; old aardvark holes made in the side of termite mounds, or in dense thickets at the bottom of deep galleys.
These hiding places serve as a refuge for when the mother is away, as lions and hyenas pose a great threat to the cubs. The mother changes the lair every few days to eliminate the chances of discovery by other predators.
Unlike other cats, leopards are strong swimmers. Lions can swim, but only if necessary – such as when having to cross a river. Other than that, they will avoid getting into the water where possible.
How do you tell the difference between a leopard, cheetah and jaguar? Look at the spots. Leopards have rosette spots on the body and solid black spots on the legs, head and sides. There are also no black facial stripes, unlike cheetahs. Compared to jaguars, leopards do not have smaller spots inside the polygonal rosettes.
Every now and then, nature experiments by producing a black or white mutation of an animal or bird that is otherwise normally coloured. There is something magical about seeing a white lion, black leopard or ‘king’ cheetah in the wild, as if it were a spiritual shadow of the species, a form of higher being.
In recent Photographer of the Year competitions, we have received a slew of entries featuring black leopards from Laikipia, Kenya. Black leopards are not considered to be separate species or subspecies – instead, their unusual colouration is a result of rare genetic traits. Melanism (black) results in an excess of dark pigmentation. The condition is hereditary but can skip generations. These mysterious cats are believed to be more common in forested areas where their atypical colouring works to hide them in the shadows. Below, Nick Kleer captured an image of one of Laikipia’s black leopards. Laikipia is home to the largest known population of black leopards.
The colour of a lion’s coat varies from region to region and within populations. However, it is found that lions that live in areas that are either cooler or have higher humidity levels tend to have darker fur – such as the desert-adapted lions in Namibia and the black-maned lions of the Kalahari. You also get white lions, but these are not true albinos but are rather genetic variants with strongly reduced pigmentation.
Cheetah cubs have a long, silver-grey mantle of hair running down their necks and backs. The mantle is thought to help the cubs blend into the grass, hiding them from predators. The mantle also works as a mimicry defence by resembling a honey badger, a fierce animal most predators avoid.
Cheetahs in the Serengeti National Park change their behaviour when handling large kills based on the threats presented by lions and hyenas, according to researchers.
The African wild dog, a master of teamwork and hunting precision, faces a survival crisis that even its formidable skills can’t overcome. Once primarily threatened by competition with lions and hyenas, these endangered predators are now battling a more insidious foe: prey depletion caused by bush-meat poaching. A groundbreaking study reveals how dwindling prey populations are forcing wild dogs to expend unsustainable energy in their hunts, jeopardising their survival and reproduction. As conservationists race to restore balance, the future of these painted wolves hangs in the balance. René de Klerk reports
The African wild dog is among the most formidable predators roaming the African wilderness. These canines are renowned for their fierce hunting prowess. They can take down prey much bigger than themselves with unparalleled efficiency and speed. Working in well-coordinated packs, they quickly overwhelm their victim, a lesson in teamwork and strategic precision.
However, their numbers are dwindling despite their ability to hunt so successfully. African wild dogs, also known as painted wolves, are among the world’s most endangered large carnivores. Only around 6,000 remain in the wild, and they are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Their survival is a critical conservation concern.
In the past, the presence of spotted hyenas and lions was the main contributing factor that would limit wild dog numbers. Weighing in at a mere 20–25 kilograms, wild dogs are dwarfed by their larger competitors. They stand at less than half the size of a spotted hyena and only a fifth the stature of a lioness, giving them a distinct disadvantage. Wild dogs often have to surrender their hard-earned meals to hyenas.
Hyenas are one of the wild dog’s most formidable challengers
Furthermore, lions will easily kill wild dogs. In many savannah ecosystems, wild dogs are absent despite the abundance of prey, as lions and hyenas thrive in these ecosystems, pushing wild dogs out of the picture. However, wild dogs have previously persisted by finding prey while avoiding their dominant competitors and are, therefore, still present in several significant populations across the continent.
However, a new study conducted by the Zambian Carnivore Programme shows that the landscape is drastically changing for African wild dogs. Prey depletion is forcing these painted predators into marathon hunts, burning energy they can’t afford to lose. The problem isn’t just competition anymore; it’s survival against a shrinking menu.
The study highlights that the primary concern for wild dogs is not just competition with other dominant predators: the modern world presents a new set of challenges for these painted wolves. Large herbivores are declining across Africa due to bush-meat poaching, and this prey depletion has fundamentally shifted the problems that African wild dogs must overcome to persist. The ability to bring down prey up to eight times their weight means nothing when prey is no longer available to hunt.
Wild dogs take down a puku in South Luangwa National Park
The study compared wild dog packs in two distinct Zambian ecosystems – one in the well-protected South Luangwa National Park, where prey remains abundant, and another in the Greater Kafue Ecosystem, where decades of bush-meat poaching have significantly reduced prey populations.
The results painted a stark picture. When wild dogs hunt in prey-depleted areas, the energetic costs of hunting increase, and the benefits decrease. When prey was scarce, wild dogs were forced to travel much greater distances daily, expelling more energy while capturing smaller meals. This change in the “energy landscape” sheds light on why declining prey populations reduce survival and reproduction rates for wild dogs.
Researchers found that one Kafue pack, consisting of only four members, had to leave their pups unattended in the den (something not usually done) as they needed every pack member present to hunt successfully. On one occasion, after travelling over 6km in search of prey, the pack found very few hunting opportunities. A diminutive duiker was all they could obtain – hardly enough meat to satisfy the pack and the pups in the den. Despite facing fewer lions and hyenas, the lack of food means this pack has a lower survival rate and produces fewer offspring.
The situation was considerably different for the South Luangwa pack, where prey was abundant. The alpha female and her 10 pups stayed in the den while 14 fellow pack members went out to hunt. They killed two impalas, returning satisfied and regurgitating several kilograms of fresh meat to feed the female and her pups. Unlike the Kafue pack, this pack only had to trot a short 2km back to the den.
To conduct the study, the researchers equipped 16 packs of wild dogs in the two ecosystems with lightweight accelerometers attached to their radio collars. Some packs had more prey opportunities than others with lower food availability. The researchers aimed to examine how their actions affected their energetic costs and benefits by tracking the distances they covered, their speed, and how often they made kills. For wild dogs, energy translates into survival and reproduction.
The results gained from the 16 packs studied were precise. In the Greater Kafue Ecosystem, where prey is scarce, the majority of wild dog packs had to travel significantly further each day, expending far more energy in their hunts. Despite this increased effort, they secured smaller meals. The energetic cost of hunting has become unsustainable, impacting survival and reproduction rates.
In contrast, wild dog packs in the well-protected South Luangwa National Park, with abundant prey, exhibited much lower energetic costs and tremendous hunting success. This directly translates to higher survival and reproductive rates.
The study highlights the critical link between prey depletion and wild dog survival, highlighting the urgent need for effective conservation strategies.
Wild dog pups in South Luangwa
Recent efforts to control poaching in the Kafue ecosystem have slowly started to have an impact.
To undo the damage of the past, a new multifaceted approach, combining law enforcement with community-based initiatives that provide alternative livelihoods and incentives for conservation, might be the answer. The researchers suggest that focusing on restoring prey populations by controlling illegal bush-meat poaching will help improve prospects for packs facing the altered energy landscape. They suggest this can be achieved through a combination of law enforcement and programs to provide incentives and alternatives.
Improved conservation efforts in Kafue National Park may already be bettering the situation.
In 2022, the Government of Zambia entered into a 20-year-agreement with non-profit organisation African Parks to secure the protection and effective management of Kafue and help overcome a number of the significant challenges facing the park. Since then, poaching and deforestation have been on the decline, wildlife monitoring is back in place, and plans are afoot to bring in wildebeest, zebra and buffalo to restore their numbers. In addition, hundreds of jobs have been created, the park’s rangers and law enforcement teams have been retrained, and community education programmes have been implemented.
Improving conservation efforts in Kafue could provide benefits all around: increased wild dog populations, a recovery in prey numbers, and a boost to lion and hyena numbers.
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Hunting unpacked + Photographer of the Year 2025
We must openly debate extraction industries like trophy hunting, using science as our foundation. Constructive debate involves respect for each other and factual accuracy.
The alternative is what we have today – emotional social media dogfights providing a distraction for conservationists and cover for a minority of unchecked hunting operators in their quest to surgically remove dwindling genetic icons – nature’s evolutionary trump cards and pathfinders.
Please read my opinion editorial below and share it far and wide. Click here to access the link and share it on social media. The wider the net, the more likely our chances of stamping out unsustainable behaviour. Feel free to email me your thought-provoking feedback.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
Sometimes, you just want your space and a side of community – no strings attached. Just ask the bush Karoo rat – a master of contradictions. The rat is the poster child for the loner lifestyle, living solo and foraging independently. But beneath its solitary exterior lies a social soul. Surprising new research shows these tiny rodents, nestled in South Africa’s Namaqualand, happily coexist with their close kin. Researchers found that small kin groups can form between pairs of relatives. Their home ranges overlap, they are able to alert each other to predators, and might even swap snacks.
Turns out, being a loner doesn’t preclude the occasional chit-chat or resource-sharing with family. The findings suggest the rats’ ancestors lived in pairs, evolving solitary living as a unique adaptation. Understanding this mammalian social evolution could help conservation efforts for solitary species. The Karoo rat reminds us: living solo doesn’t mean you’re antisocial.
This week, we have exciting news. Photographer of the Year 2025 is just around the corner – and opens for entries on 1 February. This year, our winners receive a once-in-a-lifetime prize: an incredible trip to Odzala-Kokoua NP in Congo-Brazzaville. More on that soon enough – and you can learn more here. It’s time to start gathering your best pics of life in Africa! In celebration, and eager anticipation, we invited our 2024 Photographer of the Year, Dewald Tromp, to share some of his favourite photos with you. Check out Dewald’s portrayal of life on the African savannah below. And don’t miss Simon’s thoughtful introspection on the intricacies of trophy hunting.
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!
Glamping at its best Explore all of northern Botswana during prime season on a fully catered mobile safari. Explore Moremi, Khwai, Savute and the Chobe River waterfront in northern Botswana. Led by experienced guides, you’ll track big cats and wild dogs, and glide silently down meandering waterways in search of glittering birds and exciting wildlife.
This bumper safari is about water – or the lack thereof. This adventure will take you from the majestic Victoria Falls to the watery wilderness of the Okavango Delta, and from the predator-rich northern Botswana floodplains to the remote Central Kalahari and desolate salt pans. The wildlife that thrives in these landscapes is as astonishing as it is varied. 11 days of safari splendour.
Our travel experts have had a busy few months exploring extraordinary destinations and testing out the best experiences for our safari clients: from South Africa to Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and more! Their thorough research will ensure an authentic handcrafted safari experience for you. That’s how we know the what, when, where and who of creating a dream safari. Will you choose AG to plan your unforgettable adventure?
WATCH: Photographer of the Year 2025 is open for entries from 1 February to 30 April. We’re looking for your photos that celebrate Africa and capture the continent’s splendour. Learn more and check out this year’s fabulous prize – a trip to incredible Odzala-Kokoua NP in Congo-Brazzaville. (1:37) Click here to watch
Hunting remains one of the most contentious topics in conservation. Simon Espley shares how he unpacks its complexities – exploring the moral dilemmas, scientific perspectives, and the nuanced benefits and challenges of hunting practices.
“Do you have a personal standpoint about hunting?” is a question I am often asked. Yes, I do.
First, though, know that hunting is a layered and complex topic, and the debates that rage on social media are usually tainted by ideological or vested interest viewpoints for or against. Most ignore the complexities and detail; instead, they draw straight, rigid lines to fit their beliefs and needs.
One layer of complication is that killing animals for fun and ego seems just plain wrong (a personal bias). Yet, sometimes, there are proven benefits for biodiversity and local people. That presents a dilemma – where personal feelings clash with biological reality. Also, hunting in fenced farms and reserves has different implications to hunting free-ranging wildlife. Then, there is the crucial distinction between trophy hunting versus culling and hunting for food. And yet social media discussions seldom differentiate.
Not to be overlooked is the government’s role in creating the hunting industry’s environment – from short land-concession periods (discouraging investment and promoting short-term behaviour) to corruption, lack of accountability and transparency, poor governance and lack of regulatory implementation. We also have to factor in the rights of local people to determine policies concerning sustainable utilisation and to be involved in the ongoing decision-making processes related to hunting quotas of species and genetic traits.
What scientists say about their research is especially important – regardless of what you or I feel about their message. And yet, even with guidance from researchers, finding scientific reports proving or disproving the claimed benefits of hunting can be difficult and time-consuming.
Unfortunately, conducting helpful discussions with hunting industry members has usually proved impossible for us. They operate under a veil of secrecy and usually ignore our requests for information or even attack us for asking probing questions. That said, we work behind the scenes with some trophy hunters who provide information on request. You know who you are – thank you. Again, though, when we request information from hunting industry members about a specific animal hunted and the compensation that went to local communities, that cooperation is usually replaced by stony silence, at best.
My method to determine hunting merits:
While I cannot fathom why some people like to kill animals and, in some cases, collect trophies and make-believe that this is a heroic endeavour, I do recognise that sometimes there are benefits from hunting to biodiversity and local people. So, I have developed my system for determining whether a specific hunting scenario or case contributes to those benefits. I have four conditions that guide me in this process (all of which have to be met):
The hunt must be conducted legally, ethically, and humanely. The industry has norms and standards in these areas, and all parties involved need to do more to adhere to these. Stakeholders need to hold each other accountable for transgressions.
The hunting of free-roaming wildlife has to be proven sustainable for the species and genetic traits extracted as a result of the hunt. The onus is on any extraction industry to prove their offtakes are sustainable. This requires evidence from relevant, detailed, science-based population studies going back enough years to provide a usable data set. My rule of thumb is that if an activity further reduces the population of a free-roaming species or genetic trait already in decline, then that activity is, by definition, not sustainable.
Hunting free-roaming wildlife must generate significant benefits for local people based on verifiable evidence. The specifics will vary based on the circumstances, but the obligations of fair compensation for the loss of that animal, provision of secure long-term employment and skills upliftment remain a firm requirement in my books.
Total transparency about the above three points. Without transparency, you encourage speculation, mistrust and misinformation.
Examples of how I apply my four conditions:
Trophy hunting of free-roaming large-tusked elephants gets a solid NO from me.
The trophy hunting industry has not produced verified research proving their large-tusked elephant offtake is sustainable.
Last year, six tuskers that we know of were trophy hunted in Tanzania alone. All six roamed the northern Tanzania and southern Kenya region. Five were killed in the Enduimet area and one in the Maswa area. This is clearly not sustainable when you consider that an estimated 86+ tuskers are left in Africa.
In the above cases, at least one of the six tuskers killed (celebrated tourism icon Gilgil) was 35 years old – not yet into his prime breeding years (40-55 years) – making nonsense of claims that only bulls past their breeding years are killed.
Most of the carcasses were burnt after these hunts, and requests for information about the elephants, how they were tracked and hunted and about local community benefits were ignored.
Trophy hunting of free-roaming male lions also gets a solid NO from me because the trophy hunting industry has not produced verified research proving their lion offtake is sustainable, while wild lion populations plummet. Also, instances of the industry and relevant authorities refusing to explain evidence pointing to irregularities are too numerous.
An associated topic
Should we boycott the tourism industry in countries/parks where hunting is practised? NO – because that will damage the best alternative to hunting – and inevitably strengthen the hunting industry. I understand the impulse, but the logic and likely impact make no sense if you seek a sustainable future for our wild places. The hunting industry is deeply embedded in many African countries; the only way to end its reign is for the tourism industry to outcompete it.
My approach to hunting is based on my belief in science and open debate based on facts, and I continually evolve my considered opinion as research reveals new evidence.
Dewald Tromp’s striking photo of a gorilla’s beckoning gesture, directed at the viewer, invited a rare glimpse into the world of these sentient beings. By capturing a significant moment of intimacy between two great apes, Dewald also captured the attention of Africa Geographic’s judges for Photographer of the Year. Keeping his composure in the midst of an unnerving moment, Dewald managed to take this winning image, and was ultimately awarded the coveted title of Photographer of the Year 2024.
Dewald hoped to raise awareness on the plight of gorillas through the attention this photo received. “Conservation of the critically endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda is one of the rare success stories in Africa and serves as a beacon of hope for the rest of the continent. More than 1,000 individuals remain in the rainforests bordering Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC,” says Dewald.
Dewald is a passionate wildlife photographer. While he works in the medical field, he has been photographing nature for the past 20 years. Dewald and his wife have travelled extensively around the globe to photograph rare and exciting wildlife. Through his images, he wants to influence people to start thinking about conservation and protecting the last remaining wild places on Earth.
In celebration of Dewald’s work, we share some of his favourite photographers, captured during his travels through Africa. Below, be enthralled by Dewald’s unique pursuit of capturing wildlife on camera.
Walking hippos. Hippos wallow in crystal-clear waters during the annual flooding of the Okavango Delta. Botswana. Nikon D850, 70-200mm lens at 200mm, ISO 6400, f/5.6, 1/3200secPelican flight. A pelican hovers next to the boat, looking for its next meal. Walvis Bay, Namibia. Nikon D850, 14-24mm lens at 14mm, ISO 100, f/13, 1/250sec with flashPure bliss. With the summer temperatures soaring, cooling off is essential. But in the croc-infested waters of the Chobe River, danger always lurks. Staying close to Mom solves that problem. Botswana. Nikon Z8, 400mm lens, ISO 1800, f/8.0, 1/1000secTake-away. Just weeks after the first summer rains, the barren veld of Mashatu Game Reserve is transformed into a lush landscape by devil’s thorn flowers. A season of abundance awaits the predators. Botswana. Nikon Z8, 400mm lens at 560mm, ISO 640, f/5.6, 1/1250secAskari. The magnificent Craig is joined by his Askaris. As they accompany him on his journey, they learn all the skills he has acquired over his lifetime. Amboseli National Park, Kenya. Nikon Z9, 24-70mm lens at 70mm, ISO 200, f/11, 1/200 secDeadvlei nightscape. The skeletal remains of the long-dead camelthorn trees in Deadvlei are a stark reminder of a bygone era. Namibia. Nikon D850, 14-24mm lens at 14mm, ISO 640, f/2.8, 30.0secCheetah cubs. Two subadult cheetah cubs inspect a noise in a tree. Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana. Sony Alpha 7R, 16-35G lens, ISO 100, 30mm, f/5.6, 1/1250secGreeting a friend – Photographer of the Year 2024 winning photo. “While I was trekking for mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, the dominant silverback casually flopped down directly in front of me, observing his reflection in the lens of my camera. Surrounded by thick vegetation, I had nowhere else to go. I kept a submissive posture with my eyes downcast. He stretched out his hand to touch his reflection in the lens, and for the briefest moment, I imagined him extending his hand to greet me as an old friend. A moment in time that will stay with me for the rest of my life.” Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Nikon Z9, 14-24mm lens at 14mm, ISO 1250, f/8.0, 1/320secChasing shadows. I’ve always dreamed of photographing Gemsbok on their own stage, the vast sand dunes of the Namib Desert. The weather wasn’t great with severe cross winds that made the helicopter flight that much more difficult. Namibia. Nikon D850, 70-200mm lens, ISO 500, f/5.6, 1/3200secBalancing act. Small and bullet-fast, a malachite kingfisher balances on the leaf of a water lily. Chobe National Park, Botswana. Nikon Z8, 800mm lens, ISO 320, f/6.3, 1/2000secBlack rhino reflection. A single black rhino lifts its head to smell the air as lions roar in the distance. Her reflection in the water is hazy and seems to reflect the uncertain future of her species. Namibia. Nikon D850, 400mm lens, ISO 1000, f/2,8, 1/1000sec, off-camera flashFollow the leader. These wild dog pups entertained us for hours by playing a game of tag with a lechwe hoof. Okavango Delta, Botswana. Nikon Z8, 400mm lens, ISO 2200, f/8.0, 1/2000secPredator and prey. An African bullfrog ignores the banquet of moths and insects around – today, the hormonal appetite for procreation is the only thing on its mind. Zimanga Private Game Reserve, South Africa. Nikon D4, 70-200mm lens at 140mm, ISO 2500, f/2.8, 1/50secMass action. The sodium compounds in the water and searing temperatures provide perfect conditions for the proliferation of algae. Lesser flamingos thrive in these waters due to the abundance of food. Lake Turkana, Kenya. Nikon D850, 70-200mm lens at 140mm, ISO 900, f/5.6, 1/3200secAmboseli icon. Once plentiful in Africa, less than 100 of these great tuskers walk the earth. At 50 years of age, Craig is in the twilight of his life, but still magnificent. Amboseli National Park, Kenya. Nikon Z9, 14-24mm lens at 20mm, ISO 100, f/11, 1/320secReaching for mom. At barely 4 weeks old with eyes not yet fully open, the younger and smaller of a litter of two desperately tries to get her mother’s attention. Okavango Delta, Botswana. Nikon Z8, 400mm lens, ISO 2000, f/5.6, 1/2000sec
About photographer Dewald Tromp
Originally from Windhoek, Namibia, Dewald grew up in the small rural town of Belfast, Mpumalanga. As a child, all his family holidays were spent camping or hiking in the Kruger National Park. This is where his love for nature was cultivated. Although he works in the medical field, wildlife photography has been his passion for the last 20 years. Dewald and his wife have travelled extensively around the globe to photograph rare and exciting wildlife. Through his images, he wants to influence people to start thinking about conservation and protecting the last remaining wild places on Earth.
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How are Kruger’s new rhinos doing?
Move over Freddie Mercury; there is a hairier star hailing from the islands of Africa set to redefine our appreciation of music. It turns out that the indri lemurs of Madagascar are rhythmically gifted. With songs echoing the stomp-stomp-clap of We Will Rock You, these singing lemurs are our (not-so) distant musical cousins. Researchers who studied 15 years of melodic musings from the lemurs have found their tunes share rhythmic patterns – known as isochrony – with human music. From steady 1:1 beats to 1:2 rhythms, their melodies hint at the evolutionary roots of music itself.
Indris sing for survival: morning roll calls, family reunions, predator alarm calls and turf wars. The lemurs are the only primates besides us known to produce these organised rhythms, linking their tunes to the development of early primate communication. With fewer than 10,000 indris left, preserving their harmony isn’t just conservation; it’s safeguarding a piece of our shared musical past.
This week, we’re checking in on the 120 rhinos rewilded to Greater Kruger as a part of African Parks’ Rhino Rewild initiative. We also share Villiers Steyn’s trip report on the epic AG photographic safari he led to Mana Pools. Don’t miss these stories below.
Taryn van Jaarsveld – Editor, Africa Geographic
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!
Discover Madagascar’s pristine and raw beauty. Experience powdery white beaches, palm trees, magical forests, lemurs and impossibly blue waters on this tropical-island escape. You’ll visit the Masoala rainforests and Blue Lagoon in Ambodilaitry Masoala Marine Reserve, and spend days kayaking on the lagoon, walking its shores and snorkelling its coves.
Visit the outstanding Tuli Block in southeastern Botswana, where ancient baobabs, roaming elephant herds, and majestic big cats create unforgettable safari experiences. Explore Mashatu Game Reserve with our flexible 6–8-day packages tailored to your preferences. Choose from four lodges to match your style and budget for a truly memorable adventure!
Rosetta and Andrew gave their AG safari a 5-star review:
“Fabulous! My husband and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary on a 2-week safari in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Our AG travel expert, Chantal, created an outstanding itinerary to meet our needs. Our experience surpassed all our expectations in terms of our lodgings, animal viewing, and making our anniversary special for us. Thank you for making my lifetime dream vacation come to fruition!”
WATCH: Leopards spend a lot of time up trees. What’s less common is seeing lions and cheetahs up in the branches. But in the Okavango Delta, all three of these big cats are taking advantage of an aerial position. Here are a few theories on why these big cats are climbing trees. (06:50) Click here to watch
120 rhinos rewilded into Greater Kruger as part of the African Parks Rhino Rewild initiative are, on the whole, doing well. The success of the initial stages of the rewilding project reveals a story of adaptation and resilience. The project has demonstrated many successes and a few challenges as these rhinos settle into their new homes. We checked in with Sharon Haussmann, CEO of the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation, to see how the rewilded rhinos are doing.
In the winter months of 2024, 120 southern white rhinos, part of the world’s largest privately farmed rhino herd, took their first steps into the wild bushveld of Greater Kruger, South Africa – under the care of the member reserves of the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF). This was no ordinary wildlife introduction. It was the beginning of a bold strategy by African Parks to rewild 2,000 rhinos – a herd representing 12% of the global population of southern white rhinos.
All introduced rhinos have been closely monitored by GKEPF, allowing us a detailed view of their progress.
The initial weeks in the wild were a period of intense adaptation for the rhinos, according to GKEPF’s Sharon Haussmann. Released from the boma into the vast and unfenced reserves, they needed to adjust to fluctuating resources. Unlike their wild counterparts, these rhinos were accustomed to supplemental feed and controlled conditions. In the bushveld, they must forage for seasonally available grasses. The pachyderms must also contend with predators and wild territorial rhino bulls – challenges they had not been exposed to on the farm.
The risks of rewilding farmed rhinos are significant. Yet, an initial analysis of their progress attests that the planning from African Parks and GKEPF has mitigated many of these risks.
Rewilded rhinos at a waterhole
Initial integration and movement
After their release from temporary holding bomas in Greater Kruger (read more about this release here), the rhinos behaved as was expected by the experts. They cautiously explored their new surroundings and gradually dispersed to new areas, according to Haussmann. Tracking data from the rhinos’ movements revealed remarkable dispersal patterns, particularly among bulls aged 6 to 10 years, one of which covered an impressive 262km within the first three weeks.
GKEPF vet Günter Nowak and GKEPF CEO Sharon Haussmann inspect the ear of a tranquillised rhino before attaching a tracking device
While most cows established home ranges near their release sites, some bulls ventured into the Kruger National Park – highlighting the dynamic nature of their movement. A total of 14 rhinos – 13 bulls and a young cow – have been recorded moving from Greater Kruger into the national park. It is suspected that a 15th rhino, the mother of the young cow, has also moved with them (though it cannot be confirmed as her tracker malfunctioned shortly after release).
Their integration with existing rhino populations in Greater Kruger has mainly been positive. Staff from GKEPF member reserves report seeing many introduced animals resting and grazing with local rhinos, which shows they are adapting socially. However, there have been various territorial disputes with local bulls. This underscores the complexity of integrating animals into an established ecosystem.
One rhino made a particularly noteworthy journey. The rhino cow, born in Thornybush Private Game Reserve and moved to the rhino farm, was released in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve as part of the rewilding project. Astonishingly, this rhino journeyed back to her original birthplace, Thornybush, and has now established herself there with her calf.
Poor veld conditions in later months slightly affected the body condition of many of the animals, but ongoing rains are improving conditions
Health and adaptation
The rhinos faced many challenges soon after being released, including mild diarrhoea and declines in body condition as their gut biomes adjusted to the new environment – as was expected. But, over time, their health improved, according to Haussmann. However, the dry season and poor veld conditions in later months slightly affected the body condition of the rhinos, with introduced animals averaging a Body Condition Score (BCS) of 2.5/5, compared to 3/5 for the local population. But the arrival of rains in late October improved conditions.
A rewilded rhino in Greater Kruger. Rains have started improving veld conditions
The challenges to rewilded rhinos
Haussmann says a few challenges emerged during the rhinos’ transition. Tracking devices, vital for monitoring movements, have gradually declined functionality, with only about 30% currently active. A few tracking devices were also removed when it was found that they were causing irritation and inflammation for some rhinos.
“Long-term successful tracking devices have been, and remain a challenge, and GKEPF is grateful for the effort and further commitment of the device developers to improve on this. The accuracy and real-time information received from the devices when functional is unparalleled. Overall, the tracking devices ensured accurate monitoring in the critical period post-release and during the initial dispersal. Sufficient data was received to indicate where rhinos settled in new home ranges.”
Predation is a risk for the rhinos
Predation has also proven to be a risk. One older rhino, a 35-year-old cow, was attacked by lions, and while her wounds were treated, she later died from the injuries. Another rhino attacked by lions was treated and is recovering. However, many rhinos have been seen successfully defending themselves against lions.
Territorial bulls have also challenged some of the rewilded rhinos, with two eventually succumbing to their injuries. Other rhinos have also been treated after clashing with territorial bulls.
Deaths of rhinos
In total, five of the 120 rewilded rhinos have died, the majority due to natural causes.
“While any rhino mortality is sad and undesired, it would be naïve and unrealistic to think an introduction of this scale would be without some mortalities,” says Hausmann.
Aside from the two rhinos sustaining injuries during fighting and the cow attacked by lions, one rhino died due to unknown causes – the necropsy performed on the rhino was inconclusive.
“We were, and still are, very well aware of the risk factors involved with this project. Every death is investigated, scrutinised and, of course, recorded,” says Haussmann. “The lessons learnt are invaluable, especially taken the scale of this rewilding project. At this stage the losses are tolerable and within an acceptable frame to not affect the overall success of the rewilding project.”
Lastly, one of the rewilded rhinos was sadly a victim of poachers.
“The rhino poaching threat in the Greater Kruger, as in South Africa, remains the biggest threat to the rhino population, both in existing and introduced rhinos,” says Hausmann. “But the private reserves on the western boundary of Kruger National Park have shown incredible resilience in countering the threat, with three rhinos lost to poaching in 2024. The threat to rhinos in the vast open system remains a challenge and is actively countered through a cohesive approach and collective efforts between the private and public sectors. We are optimistic that a safe region for all rhinos will be established.”
Despite these setbacks, interventions from GKEPF, such as relocating an injured rhino to a rehabilitation centre, have prevented more potential losses. The rhino in question – a young cow separated from her mother – was relocated to a rehabilitation centre after hyenas and a territorial rhino bull attacked her. Due to a poor prognosis, she was relocated to recover, and will be reintroduced at a later stage. At the rehabilitation centre, she has been grouped with a crash of rhinos that will all be moved to Greater Kruger as a bonded unit.
Interventions from GKEPF are vital in ensuring the successful integration of the rhinos
The wins
The birth of two rhino calves to rewilded rhinos was cause for much celebration for GKEPF – demonstrating the rhinos’ ability to thrive in the wild.
There have been many other successes in the rhinos’ integration with existing populations, including many new rhino crashes forming, sightings of the rewilded pachyderms mingling with local populations and rhino cows mating with local bulls.
Rhinos have been seen forming new crashes
Most introduced animals have settled into their ranges and adapted well. Aerial monitoring has allowed teams to respond quickly to emerging issues, such as the wounds caused by predators and territorial bulls.
Improving veld conditions will likely bolster the rhinos’ overall health as the rainy season continues.
In short
The successful rewilding of rhinos into Greater Kruger is a testament to the resilience of wildlife. And with conservationists constantly monitoring and assisting these animals, more successes will surely arise.
While challenges remain, the progress made so far highlights the potential of large-scale translocations to contribute to species conservation. The introduced rhinos are well on track to becoming an enduring part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, ensuring the preservation of this iconic species for generations to come.
Further reading
African Parks purchased the world’s largest captive rhino breeding operation, to rescue and rewild the rhino to safe protected areas. Read more about the historic move here
Is Rhino Rewild the most critical wildlife conservation undertaking of our time? Simon Espley attended the pioneer stage of a visionary project to translocate 2,000 farmed rhinos into the wild. Here’s how it went down
There is not much quite like the stillness of Mana Pools at dawn, where the Zambezi River’s golden hues blur the line between dream and reality. Lions prowl the floodplains, elephants loom in the blue light of towering trees, and wild dogs play in hidden corners, waiting to be discovered by travellers. It is no wonder that Mana Pools served as the ideal destination for an unforgettable photographic safari. And that’s exactly what Villiers Steyn delivered when he took a group of avid photographers to this magical part of Zimbabwe, for a journey filled with heart-stopping encounters. From wild dogs in mid-hunt to leopards lounging within arm’s reach, Mana Pools put on a show in its most magical way.
After a successful Africa Geographic photo safari to Chitake Springs the previous year, I decided to head back to Mana Pools in 2024 to explore a couple of new areas. Essentially, there are two main game viewing areas in Mana Pools – the floodplain along the Zambezi River, which most people are familiar with, and the lesser-known thickets inland just below the escarpment. And this is where our safari started.
The characteristic golden Mana Pools light
Instead of returning to Chitake Springs, our photographic safari headed to Kavinga Safari Camp, less than 10 kilometres away from the springs. While I provided photographic guidance, we were again in the capable hands of guide extraordinaire Carl Nicholson, who knows this area like the back of his hand.
Want to go on a safari like this? Join Africa Geographic along with Villiers Steyn and Carl Nicholson for a photographic safari to Mana Pools. Find more details on this safari here. Enquire soon as spaces are limited.
Kavinga’s comfortable stilted safari tents are perched on a ridge overlooking a highly productive waterhole that attracts hundreds of elephants and other wildlife throughout the day. What made this stay extra special was the sunken hide right on the edge of the waterhole, allowing us to capture unique ground-level photos of everything that came down to quench thirst. There’s also a second ground-level hide overlooking a bird pond in the middle of the camp, and this one provided the most action.
“Come quick! The lions are lying on the lawn. I think you should get underground!” came the call from Kavinga guide, Dylan Browne, who has a knack for spotting anything with sharp teeth approaching the camp.
Since Kavinga is unfenced, many of the big cats in the area seem to prefer drinking the fresh water in the pond rather than the waterhole where elephants bathe every day below the tents. During our four nights here, we were lucky enough to photograph a couple of lionesses and two different leopards drinking no more than three metres away from us! The show’s star, a leopard called Poppy, was so relaxed that she hardly looked up when an elephant bull joined her for a drink early one evening.
A leopard drinks at the hide waterhole
Out on the game drive, Kavinga was equally productive. We found the local lion pride resting and playing in the white sandy riverbeds in front of camp on nearly every drive and had an excellent opportunity to photograph buffalo crossing a riverbed below a stand of ancient baobab trees. To my delight, everyone in the group was a keen bird-watcher. We all appreciated our sightings of western banded snake eagles, crowned hornbills, white-browed coucals and, most notably, Livingstone’s flycatchers.
It was hard to say goodbye to Kavinga, but with plenty of excitement, we transferred down to the floodplain where we stayed for another four nights. Our base here was Vundu Camp, tucked away in the dense riparian forest along the Zambezi River. A mere 15 minutes into our first afternoon game drive, Carl tracked down a pack of 12 African wild dogs resting in a clearing. We carefully approached them on foot and sat down nearby while waiting for them to become active.
The wild dogs embark on an impala hunt
Watching and photographing their ritualistic greeting behaviour on foot and up close was a real privilege. Soon after greeting one another, they became very active, and we struggled to keep up with them for a while. Fortunately, three dawdling pups allowed us to keep the pack in our sights, and eventually, they all slowed down to stalk a small herd of impala.
“Say goodbye to them now because soon they’ll be all over the place,” I warned my guests as the dogs lined up beside each other, all dropping their heads. And then all hell broke loose!
Photographing wild dogs in action
The pack of twelve split up in different directions, all seemingly going after various impalas. Fortunately for us, a couple of them had turned around and were now chasing impalas straight back towards us, flying like super-dogs through the air as they gained on the tiring antelopes. We lost sight of them momentarily but quickly tracked one of the adults down again. It had successfully brought down one of the impalas and was instantly joined by the pups that began devouring the carcass in the fading light. It’s an experience we’ll all treasure for the rest of our lives.
Bounding off on the hunt
Over the following three days, we shifted our attention to elephants. We aimed to photograph them in either golden light or the iconic blue light that Mana Pools is known for, generated by enormous trees growing all over the floodplain. And boy, were we successful! Not only did we find Boswell, Mana’s most famous elephant, posing on his hind legs for us, but we had plenty of excellent opportunities to photograph bulls at sunrise and sunset, making for some beautiful photographs, not to mention more unforgettable experiences. Throughout our safari, Carl’s expertise and calm nature ensured that we were always in the best possible position.
Boswell the elephant reaches for the trees
Our bird list grew to over a hundred as we added specials like wood owl, pennant-winged nightjar, Lilian’s lovebird and African skimmer, and we spent hours photographing waterbirds at the waning Long Pool – the largest of Mana Pools’ four big bodies of water.
The cherry on top of our eight nights in Mana Pools was a lioness posing on the bank of the Zambezi in the last bit of orange light reflecting off the river at Vundu Point – the perfect way to end the ideal safari.
Posing in the last light of the dayA young male relaxes on the riverbedGathering under a mashatu treeA great egret in flightA red-billed oxpecker helps clean up a buffaloA baobab sunsetMana Pools is known for its dramatic landscapesGreeting in the riverbedA display of power while reaching for the leavesHeading down to drink before evening sets inA wild dog on the lookoutAll creatures great and small – a confusion of helmeted guineafowls huddle at the water’s edge, elephants towering in the backgroundCapturing elephants reaching in the golden light
Join Villiers on a photographic safari
Villiers Steyn and Carl Nicholson will lead an Africa Geographic photographic safari to Mana Pools from 9–17 August 2025. You’ll immerse yourself in the best Mana Pools offers – from floodplains overlooking the mighty Zambezi River to the cliffs overlooking the dry Rukomechi Riverbed – and enjoy excellent photographic opportunities and guidance. Find more details here.
Traveller Irene Amiet visited Zimbabwe’s famed Mana Pools National Park to photograph the other-worldly wilderness of this Zambezi kingdom. Check out her trip report here.
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Best leopard spots + crane crisis + evolved crocs
I am so looking forward to the year ahead. teamAG will strive for that edge that defines us as a safari company with a difference. A few stories already in the pipeline will add hugely to your understanding of ground-level conservation realities in Africa. Some may upset you, but mostly, you will learn stuff and be inspired.
It’s also the year in which Ukuri, our venture with African Parks, will blossom like a September knobthorn. More about that in a short while.
A critical issue for us is the feedback loop – we love receiving responses to this newsletter and when you engage with us and others on our social media posts. This interaction allows us to ‘read the room’ and adjust our tone and editorial mix.
‘Reading the room’ reminds me of a game drive I once endured, where our safari guide certainly did not do so. We were all gathered in his vehicle, happily imbued in that expectant vibe one gets at the beginning of a game drive. Our guide strolled up and proceeded to load his 458 rifle – lots of clacking and bicep flexing in that testosterone-infused display. Of course, this was not my first rodeo, and I sat back to watch my fellow guests for their reaction. His performance was met with looks of surprise and distaste combined with narrowed eyelids. Only then did he greet us. Shortly after, the sense of discomfort for all except our guide increased when his safety brief was all about how, a few years back, he had to shoot a big elephant that was ‘misbehaving’. I am happy to advise that this tone-deaf behaviour is exceptionally rare among safari guides, who must rank as some of the most sentient and caring humans on the planet.
Safari njema to our clients out there right now enjoying the intoxicating summer rainfall bushveld experience.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
Eager to avoid the noise of politics, social media, corruption and drama this new year? Take a cue from a group of dwarf crocodiles in Gabon, who swam away from it all – into a bat-guano-filled cave, no less – and started evolving. These introverted reptiles traded the chaos of the rainforest for a bat buffet in serene subterranean darkness and solitude. Now, they’re fitter, flashier (orange-tinted, thanks to guano baths), and possibly morphing into a whole new species.
Scientists first studied these crocodiles deep in Gabon’s Abanda cave system in 2010 and have been checking in since. They’ve found the cave crocs have a unique diet of bats and crickets and are in much better condition than their forest cousins. And, new genetic analysis of the crocodiles suggests the orange cave crocodiles are mutating. The reptiles may have even been down in the caves for thousands of years. By dodging the predator-packed forests, these crocs prove that shutting out the world’s nonsense is the key to thriving. So next time a comment thread or mouthy politician rattles your nerves, channel your inner cave croc: retreat, refocus, and let the negativity roll off like bat guano off a crocodile’s back. Escape the drama; evolve in peace.
This week, don’t miss our roundup of the best spots to see leopards in Africa. And read about an important population of black crowned cranes in Chad suffering under the impacts of Boko Haram and fisherman.
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!
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Uganda – 6 days – from US$3,680pps
Gorilla trekking is one of the most exhilarating safari experiences out there. There can be no better place to see the mountain gorillas than Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This safari allows you to seek out the tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park, explore Entebbe Botanical Gardens and get to know Batwa culture.
Be swept off your feet with wall-to-wall wildlife action on this iconic Southern African safari.
You’ll visit Greater Kruger, Cape Town and the Winelands in South Africa; Khwai Community Concession and Chobe National Park in Botswana; and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for your bucket list.
Another pangolin saved – did you help make it happen?
The latest patient helped by Provet Wildlife Services is a female ground pangolin with an extraordinary tale of survival. Not only was the pangolin (her injuries pictured below) miraculously rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, but vets found she had previously survived being in a wire snare set by poachers. The pangolin’s injury healed with the snare still left inside – demonstrating it had been wrapped around her for some time. Despite the trauma and wounds she sustained, she still had a full stomach of ants and was in better shape than many pangolins rescued under similar circumstances.
Thanks to Provet and Umoya Khulula, the snare was carefully removed and her wounds treated. She is now in the rehabilitation phase of her journey. With your generous support, we hope to see her released back into the wild in no time. The cost of rescuing a pangolin and hospitalising it for one week is about US$800 (ZAR15,000). Be a hero and help with this process by donating and lending your support to the hard-working teams who are dedicated to saving Africa’s pangolins. Note: all pangolins are housed at offsite locations for security reasons
WATCH: What is the impact of humans on elephant genetics? From the impact of hunting to wars, human activity is reshaping elephant evolution. Here’s how the genetics of Gorongosa’s elephants are changing. (11:57) Click here to watch
Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
Trust & Safety
Guest payments go into a third-party TRUST ACCOUNT - protecting them in the unlikely event of a financial setback on our part. Also, we are members of SATSA who attest to our integrity, legal compliance and financial stability.
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!
TRAVEL DESK: 
WATCH: A man finds new purpose when he helps rescue a baby pangolin – one of the most trafficked animals in the world – in a sting operation in South Africa. He embarks on a heartfelt mission to rehabilitate and prepare the vulnerable animal for a life of freedom in the wild. From the director of My Octopus Teacher comes Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey, an exploration of the connection between humans and the creatures we share our world with. Check out the trailer for this new documentary. (02:24) Click here to watch
Want to visit Simien Mountains National Park? 
Trophy hunting is one of the most polarising topics in conservation. Supporters argue that, when properly regulated, hunting can generate funding for wildlife reserves, support anti-poaching efforts, and contribute to habitat preservation. Opponents say it threatens biodiversity, disrupts ecosystems, and undermines non-consumptive tourism models. But where does the truth lie? Is trophy hunting a necessary evil, a beneficial conservation tool, or an outdated practice needing reform? To explore this debate, we turn to Timbavati Private Nature Reserve (TPNR), a key component of the Greater Kruger ecosystem in South Africa.
The African wild dog, a master of teamwork and hunting precision, faces a survival crisis that even its formidable skills can’t overcome. Once primarily threatened by competition with lions and hyenas, these endangered predators are now battling a more insidious foe: prey depletion caused by bush-meat poaching. A groundbreaking study reveals how dwindling prey populations are forcing wild dogs to expend unsustainable energy in their hunts, jeopardising their survival and reproduction. As conservationists race to restore balance, the future of these painted wolves hangs in the balance. René de Klerk reports
Originally from Windhoek, Namibia, Dewald grew up in the small rural town of Belfast, Mpumalanga. As a child, all his family holidays were spent camping or hiking in the Kruger National Park. This is where his love for nature was cultivated. Although he works in the medical field, wildlife photography has been his passion for the last 20 years. Dewald and his wife have travelled extensively around the globe to photograph rare and exciting wildlife. Through his images, he wants to influence people to start thinking about conservation and protecting the last remaining wild places on Earth.
120 rhinos rewilded into Greater Kruger as part of the African Parks Rhino Rewild initiative are, on the whole, doing well. The success of the initial stages of the rewilding project reveals a story of adaptation and resilience. The project has demonstrated many successes and a few challenges as these rhinos settle into their new homes. We checked in with Sharon Haussmann, CEO of the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation, to see how the rewilded rhinos are doing.
