It was early in the fourth century AD, under the reign of King Ezana, when the ancient Kingdom of Aksum (or Axum) – a major naval and trading nation that spanned a large portion of east Africa, including modern-day northern Ethiopia – embraced the Orthodox tradition of Christianity. The capital city of the empire was Aksum, and …
Continue reading “Ethiopia: The living churches of an ancient kingdom”
The fascination of Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve and its abundance of wildlife brings fond memories to many seasoned African safari travellers; I am no exception. In January this year, I was invited by some good friends from the USA to join them on a trip to this remarkable reserve. We departed from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, and …
Despite the fact that they are known to have an aggressive nature and displays unexpected behaviour, a cold-blooded kill by a hippo is rarely caught on camera in the wild.
Botswana’s researchers contribute to the debate surrounding large elephant populations and their impact on the environment in southern Africa.
Four cubs have been spotted recently, sticking closely to their mom, at Somkhanda Community Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This is a true success story around wild lion and their translocation to one of the only community-owned reserves in the country.
Safari trip report-back: at Klaserie in the Greater Kruger National Park is an epic destination for photographers. By Willem Kruger
A photographer is invited to be part of the vibrant festivities of a Sukuma wedding in Tanzania.
A greedy lion cub wants the buffalo carcass all to itself!
Uganda beckoned – and after 16 years of planning Gerhard Pretorius finally landed in the steamy city of Entebbe for the safari of his life
Climbing Mount Nyiragongo in DR Congo was one of the highlights of my life – a safari report-back by award-winning photographer Björn Persson
The charming town of Lamu in Kenya is one of Africa’s oldest and most authentic places, and has so much to offer for the intrepid traveller.
It was like a scene out of the movie Jurassic Park. You know, that adrenaline-fuelled, chaotic scene when the bad guys arrive on the island in their vehicles and speed through the bush while dinosaurs scatter out of their way as they hunt for the ultimate dinosaur trophy. Well, this was like that, except I …
Continue reading “Tantalising Tswalu: The Kalahari’s diamond in the rough”
Little is known about how pangolins might cope with the direct and indirect effects of a changing climate. A PhD researcher is therefore investigating the body temperature, diet, and activity patterns of free-living ground pangolins in a semi-arid environment in South Africa.
Living on the African continent, we have a vast array of protected areas to visit. Those of us with a travel-addiction and passion for wildlife endeavour to visit them all – the Okavango, Maasai Mara and Serengeti to mention just a few. However, we sometimes overlook what we have right on our doorstep, such as …
An unfortunate incident of mistaken identity where an aardwolf was misidentified as a hyena highlights the need for wildlife education.
Equestrian types tend to come with a few traits that, while charming to fellow horsey folk, are unbearably irritating to those not of a horsey nature. One such quirk is the devout belief that having ridden one way, you probably know – better than most – how to ride another. We also have an unwavering …
The Elephant Orphanage Project provides a sanctuary for defenceless elephant calves, who are the victims of poaching, human conflict or occasionally natural abandonment. Under the age of two, young elephants are extremely vulnerable and very dependent. Most will not survive without both their mother’s care and her nutrient-rich milk.
Over the past few months, Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park (HiP) in KwaZulu-Natal – managed by conservation agency Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife – has been hard hit by a significant escalation in rhino poaching. Ezemvelo has subsequently been hard at work developing more effective anti-poaching and resource management strategies. In support of this, Peace Parks Foundation has committed an additional R10,6 million towards the implementation of advanced technology solutions in this sacred rhino protection area.
Botswana’s green season, the months of November to March, is known by locals as the “secret season” – when you will have game drives to yourself, and enjoy amazing sighting
Land, an emotive subject, a limited resource that builds nations or breaks them. Use it well and you thrive, use it unwisely and you will sink to the bottomless pit of chaos and poverty.
If there was a checklist for the perfect travel destination, South Africa would tick most of the boxes. Famed for its amazing wildlife and landscapes, superb local cuisine, warm hospitality and great weather, (plus the added bonus that its affordable) it’s easy to understand why tourism is so big in South Africa.
As part of our four-month trip around Africa, we decided to spend some of our time with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
The Kruger National Park is vast, at about 2 million hectares, and requires a thorough management strategy in order to ensure long term sustainability. Part of that strategy, The Elephant Management Plan – compiled by Kruger management and Scientific Service – is currently in force, and covers the period 2013 to 2022.
This fantastic gallery of images by Hannes Lochner will have you booking your Okavango Delta (Botswana) safari with us and packing your bags
Whether tourism operators and armchair lion-lovers like it or not, there are now too many lions in some parts of the Kunene region. Trying to save the lions that are killing livestock, or harassing the farmers who kill them, including impounding their firearms, will not serve the interests of conservation in the region.
The Parson’s chameleon is regarded as the largest chameleon in the world, found in the lush rainforests of eastern and northern Madagascar. Here are some fascinating facts about this giant creature of the forest.
What do China’s giant pandas and Madagascan bamboo lemurs have in common, aside from their precarious conservation status?
Safari report-back: South Luangwa in Zambia offers a wildlife-rich safari and fantastic photographic opportunities. By Edward Selfe
For the Maasai, the Emuratare is one of their most important ceremonies, and a life-changing milestone for the boys and girls who celebrate their transition into adulthood.
In Ethiopia, Christians are still today carving new, free-standing churches from solid rock faces, and now there is a project that is currently documenting this at-risk cultural practice.
Safari report-back: My epic adventure in Botswana’s Khwai – a wildlife-rich area near Okavango Delta, Botswana. By Simon Espley
Up until now I have never been involved in projects that mitigate climate change, however during my last expedition, I had the opportunity to spend some time exploring the greater Mahale ecosystem and Carbon Tanzania’s newest project site.
Presently, we are able to instantly globally share everything we see and hear in Kruger and just about every other destination on earth. Animal sightings and locations are given in real time and we are able to send photos and videos across a host of social media platforms.
When the dry season sets in and water is scarce, barriers blur and relationships are forged out of necessity. One such relationship is that of Benny the elephant and Mike the human.
Living with the Maasai has taught me that conservation is not only about animals but is just as much about us humans; that to preserve any one place we have to be mindful of the local communities that live within it and try to understand the way they view the world to be able to work alongside them to protect mother nature.
Safari report-back: My tented mobile safari in the Okavango Delta, Botswana – an adventure I will never forget. By Carolien du Plessis
Technology and social media have shaped the Kruger experience into something radically different from what it was ten years ago.
Safari report-back: My wife and I spent two unforgettable days in Madikwe – the variety of wildlife encounters blew our minds. By Anton Kruger
A transboundary elephant connectivity study has been launched in western Zambia with the fitting of satellite tracking collars to wild elephants to investigate their cross-border movements.
Odzala-Kokoua National Park guide, Alon Cassidy, enjoyed some wonderful sightings of western lowland gorillas enjoying some seasonal treats.
My Moremi glamping safari. There’s something immensely satisfying about discovering Africa on a mobile tented camp safari. G&T anyone?
How does one exactly combine Cape Town’s summer splendours with a wild Big 5 bushveld safari? We provide four fantastic summer/autumn combos!
A photographic celebration of another successful Africa Geographic safari for clients in the Nsefu Sector of South Luangwa NP, Zambia
Labelled the butterflies of the sea, we often ask ourselves why are marine flatworms so vibrantly coloured? Is it simply that they can be, therefore they are? Or is there a deeper significance?
Nudibranchs (the naked gills) are molluscs, the flamboyant snails of the ocean. Their colours and shapes are stunning, and their multiple forms elegant and striking.
For the best chance of seeing lions in the wild, it would be advisable to head to one of Africa’s ‘lion hotspots’
This fantastic Mana Pools photo gallery will have you grabbing your camera, packing your bag and booking your African safari with us
After a few days in Madikwe we had already seen cheetahs, lions, wild dogs, spotted & brown hyenas, rhinos & elephants. By Marc de Chalain
Cycads are one of the most endangered species on this planet, it’s time we educate ourselves on how to save them from extinction.
Disasters involving art materials are nothing new to me after years of travelling and sketching in southern Africa.
The Cape Leopard Trust has caught many wondering Cape leopards in their camera traps across the remote Cape mountains and farmlands
Trekking for chimps AND snorkeling the crystal clear waters form a paradise beach – the charm of Mahale Mountains National Park in Tanzania
Imagine the excitement when guests at Nsefu camp in South Luangwa, Zambia, were able to watch a spotted hyena giving birth.
Which Kruger safari option is better – luxury of the private lodges in the Greater Kruger or the self-catering options in the national park?
Plenty of predator action and large herds of elephants in this Africa Geographic photographic safari to Madikwe in South Africa
Niassa in north Mozambique is one of Africa’s last true wilderness areas. This superb photo gallery is a testament to this vast treasure
“Are we seriously landing there?” The Cessna Caravan was heading towards a massive rocky dome, and what appeared to be a short dirt track in a dense sea of woodland. But, as we skimmed over a wide sandy riverbed, the track morphed into a landing strip. We bumped down and taxied to a halt. Paradise …
Mabamba Swamp is a bird-lovers dream destination. It is home to 260 bird species, including the massive shoebill – Uganda’s most sought-after bird!
I am not a hunter. Nor have I ever been. I am a vegetarian (since the age of about 11), I am part of the environmental NGO sector and I have interests in the tourism industry in Namibia. So, it might surprise you that I am a strong supporter of the hunting industry in Namibia, and indeed, throughout Africa.
Wildlife artist and art safari host Alison Nicholls shares tips for sketching a hunting cheetah hunt – including field sketches and photos
Eric Sagwe of Wildlife Works received an early morning phone call that a baby elephant had been hit by a large truck in Tsavo, Kenya.
Safari report-back: Spice up your Kenyan safari with a fascinating visit to a Maasai village. By Giada and Gianluca Ventura
A birding trip into the Magoesbaskloof in Limpopo, South Africa to find the Cape parrot – Africa’s rarest parrot
The three-night Mphongolo Backpack Trail in the Kruger National Park takes takes your soul to a deeper understanding of wilderness
“Turn left. Continue along the road, through a dry riverbed. When the road forks, keep to the left.” We were 371km from home, six hours into our journey, and at the bottom of page two of a three-page printout of detailed instructions describing how to get to South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. We weren’t …
The year is all but done, the mountain of admin has got the better of you, and strings of last-minute things to do are being pulled from your threadbare brain like a magician’s trick. It’s now, more than ever, that you need to be sitting on a beach, staring out over the turquoise water with …
The annual wildlife count in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park is a wonderful citizen-science project for all – Tony Park tells his story
The Himba tribe in Namibia are a semi-nomadic people who have largely resisted modernisation. This fantastic gallery celebrates their lives
A photographic bonanza safari – predators galore in Botswana’s Savute, Chobe National Parl. This is an Africa Geographic safari
Zanzibar is the ultimate fusion of beach and culture. Tagged onto the end of your wildlife safari, it’s the ideal spicy finale
This fantastic photo gallery showcases the fascinating tribal cultures, wildlife and breathtaking vistas of Namibia – pack your bags
This fantastic photo gallery showcases the fascinating tribal cultures, wildlife and breathtaking vistas of Namibia – pack your bags
Get hooked on white water rafting on the Zambezi River at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – these are the top six 6 rapids on offer
Tsavo National Park in Kenya is the best place to see giant tuskers – the last remaining giant elephants still roaming our the world
A daring comparison of two popular Southern African transfrontier parks.
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My self-drive safari to Rwanda in search of mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, Dian Fossey’s gravesite & much more – Jytte Fredholm Ferreira
Citizen science is when ordinary folk get to help science by, for example, participating in a game census in a private game reserve
Safari report-back: A trip of a lifetime to Uganda – spectacular sightings of birds, great apes, and so much more. By Malcolm and Trish Lund
The safari of a lifetime in Botswana’s Okavango Delta – buffalo on foot, elephants playing in the water and more. By Tim & Heather Doyle
Swaziland enjoys a diversity of landscapes and experiences for the traveller and a laid-back vibe – fantastic for that chilled vacay
Safari report-back: Mountain gorillas, an active volcano and the mountains of the moon. By Fatima and Dane Harvey
These magical black & white images of Kenya and Tanzania by Federico Veronesi will have you contacting us to arrange your next African safari
This fantastic gallery of Samburu tribe images will have you contacting us to plan your next safari and packing your bags for Africa
An exploration of a magical corner of the continent.
Off the beaten track in one of South Africa’s most loved tourist destinations.
Highlights from an unforgettable 3-day gorilla trek in Rwanda – our safari included so much more than gorillas though
An Australian couple share why they are so crazy about Kruger National Park – after more than 25 extended stays in the park over the years
Everything you need to know about Etosha National Park in Namibia – home of giant white elephants & crowded waterholes during the dry season
Safari report-back: Climbing Nyiragongo – an active volcano in the middle of the Democratic Republic of Congo. By Sean Messham
My dream safari came true – of chimp trekking in the Mahale Mountains National Park with Africa Geographic
Exploring the wild places of Namibia makes for a different kind of honeymoon, and our road trip turned out to be the journey of a lifetime
Jim Naughten first came across Namibia’s Herero tribe years ago when he saw a Herero lady sashaying across the desert in her beautiful dress
iSimangaliso is a World Heritage Site – a rich and diverse ecosystem that attracts nature lovers and provides sustainable livelihoods for many
Four Cap Classique-filled days spent discovering vineyards that are making a difference in the beautiful Cape Winelands.
The endemic lemurs of Madagascar are unique and fascinating. Check out this fantastic photo gallery before packing your safari bags
Hermanus and False Bay – things to do, what, when and how. A complete guide to having fun on Cape Town’s coastline – from a local
To the traveller and foodie Durban is an eclectic fusion of old and new, trendy and not-so-much. We reveal some of her secrets
This fantastic gallery of Namibia from the air is a photographer’s delight, and will have you packing your safari bag and camera
