Jamie Paterson spends time with the famous leopards of Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Greater Kruger, on a specialised leopard safari
Category Archives: Travel diaries
Walking with gorillas
Trekking through the ancient rainforests of Bwindi, Uganda to find mountain gorillas brings Ryan Biller face-to-face with a childhood dream
Healing in Hwange
Can an African safari bring healing? Aaron Gekoski heads to Zimbabwe to explore Hwange and Matobo National Parks to find out
Mthimkhulu Game Reserve – a dream deferred
Mthimkhulu Game Reserve is 8000ha of prime land in the Greater Kruger, 50km north of Phalaborwa. It’s an area with a desperately sad past and a hopeful future. We went to have a look.
Bountiful Busanga
This travel diary to Busanga Plains in Kafue National Park (Zambia) will have you contacting Africa Geographic to arrange your next safari
Bangweulu – where the water meets the sky
Bangweulu, where the water meets the sky. This conservation success story is owned by a remote Zambian community of fisherfolk
Kingdom of the Black Pharaohs
When we mention Sudan, most people don’t react positively, either because they don’t know much about the country, or they recall negative news reports about it. Ten years ago, when we visited the “kingdom of the black pharaohs” for the first time, there were very few tourists. Nowadays, fortunately, some prejudices have disappeared, and more …
Experience an art safari in the Big 5 Greater Kruger
Safari report-back: Art safari in Big 5 Greater Kruger with a professional wildlife artist. What my guests had to say. By Alison Nicholls
Klaserie Capers
He emerged silently from the gloom and ambled towards us with that gentle rocking gait that big bull elephants use to cover vast distances with minimal effort. His white tusks glowed in the moonshine, but otherwise, he was just a huge dark grey smudge that loomed larger by the second. The eight of us sat …
The Greatest Spectacle on Earth – Crossing the Mara
The energy in the air is feverish, filled with anticipation and burgeoning adrenaline. The chorus of thousands of voices echos through the dust as the herds make their way towards the banks of this legendary river, signalling what’s to come. If the conditions are favourable, what follows will be the breathtaking pinnacle of nature’s greatest spectacle, …
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Gonarezhou – Land of Giants
GONAREZOU – a conservation success story and iconic wilderness destination for those seeking true wilderness
Safari!
“AFRICA” – now tell me that you don’t hear Sir David Attenborough’s voice when you read that word. Home to an abundance of incredible wildlife and considered the birthplace of humankind, this continent beckoned wildlife enthusiast Olli Teirilä in a way that he could never have expected. With a passion for adventure and wildlife, Olli …
Maasai Mara – Beyond Imagination
Safari report-back: My journey in the Maasai Mara with professional photographer Arnfinn Johansen and Africa Geographic. By Ivan Glaser
St. Helena – Treasure Chest of the Atlantic Ocean
We bounced across the water on the lookout for our quarry. We had been searching for a while now and were starting to lose hope of any success when suddenly there came a shout: “There’s one!” Just below us, swimming effortlessly in the pristine water, was a gentle giant – a whale shark. In no …
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Walking safari in the Greater Kruger
My Greater Kruger walking safari in Big 5 country – the best way to unplug and get back to basics – by the CEO of Africa Geographic
Discovering Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a fascinating country. Rapidly recovering since 1991 from the ravages of Marxism, and only relatively recently discovered by cultural and wildlife tourists, it is one of three countries in the world that has never been colonised. It is the second-most populous country in Africa, after Nigeria, with 105 million people, comprising 80 ethnic groups, …
Maasai Mara – Falling in love again
Safari report-back: My private safari in the Maasai Mara with pro photographer Arnfinn Johansen and Africa Geographic. By Ruzdi Ekenheim
Samara – Rewilding the Great Karoo
Recreating a self-sustaining ecosystem and restoring it to its former glory is the vision of Samara Karoo Reserve in the Great Karoo.
Serengeti – ultimate walking safari
Safari report-back: My walking safari in the vast Serengeti wilderness – a fantastic experience for adventurous souls. By Simon Espley
Nanzhila Plains – Hidden Kafue Gem
Nanzhila Plains is a hidden gem in the remote southern reaches of Kafue National Park, Zambia. Safari heaven
Magnificent Masoala
Bouncing over a line of assailing waves, our boat speeds away from the riverine town of Maroansetra, bound for the lushly forested Masoala Peninsula. Nosy Mangabe clogs the horizon, a perfectly placed puff of cloud lending the 520-hectare islet the appearance of a smouldering volcano. I almost expect to see dinosaurs wandering the island’s liana-tangled …
Kruger Glamping
Glamorous camping (glamping) should be an authentic way of enjoying what safari used to be all about. But not too authentic, right? I mean you don’t want to have to catch your dinner or dig a pit latrine. Sure, do away with the permanent lodge structures, but I still want to feel safe and comfortable. …
Mara Magic
My dream Maasai Mara safari, designed by the Africa Geographic team. By keen traveller and amateur photographer Gavin Duffy
Epic Serengeti
Safari report-back: My luxury Serengeti safari during the wildebeest migration – drama, excitement, awe and wonder. By Simon Espley
Lower Zambezi: where the wild things are
The Lower Zambezi valley, with its majestic escarpment sloping down to meet the Zambezi river, is a remote safari paradise
Etosha through my eyes
Etosha is the perfect year-round safari destination, with each season having its particular charm and beauty
Our secret season safari in East Africa
Safari report-back: My luxury green (secret) season adventure in Kenya and Tanzania – arranged by Africa Geographic. By Mark Paul
Climbing Kili
Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, at 5,895m high, is Africa’s tallest mountain, the world’s highest free-standing peak, and one of the famed ‘Seven Summits’. Climbing Kilimanjaro is classified as an extreme altitude mountain trek, but with proper preparation, climbing ‘Kili’ can be an achievable goal and a life-changing experience. Rising from the plains of Tanzania, Kilimanjaro gives …
Namibia – On safari with my kid
It’s a familiar ritual to anyone who has camped at Okaukuejo in Etosha National Park in Namibia in June; it takes some effort to hammer your tent pegs securely into the hard, chalky ground, but it’s worth it when the wind blows. Our toddler, Sanne (18 months old), had seen us pitching our tent at …
Botswana’s Boteti
Shortly after arriving at camp, I was relishing a moment of pure bliss, washing off the heat and the dust under the best outdoor shower ever. From cold, foggy Cape Town to sunny Botswana. Filled with a sense of freedom and oneness with nature, I thought, “Can life get any better than this?” I think …
Aldabra Atoll
In 1874 Charles Darwin, along with six other eminent contemporaries, wrote to the Governor of Mauritius and its dependencies: “We the undersigned respectfully beg to call the attention of the Colonial Government of Mauritius to the imminent extermination of the gigantic Land Tortoises of the Mascarenes, commonly called ‘Indian Tortoises’… No means being taken for …
Botswana: My Dream Safari
Safari report back: My epic mobile tented adventure through the wildlife paradise of Botswana – Okavango, Khwai and Savute. By Ruzdi Ekenheim
Lavish Livingstone
Livingstone is the Zambian gateway to Victoria Falls – the ‘smoke that thunders’ – a superb luxury safari haven
The Ultimate Primate Experience
Safari report-back: Trekking for gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP is the is the ultimate primate experience. By Björn Persson
Manyeleti: The Place of Stars
Manyeleti is Greater Kruger’s secret safari haven – undiscovered by most ardent travellers and yet brimming with Big 5 wildlife encounters
Magical Maasai Mara
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 …
Klaserie through the Lens
Safari trip report-back: at Klaserie in the Greater Kruger National Park is an epic destination for photographers. By Willem Kruger
16 days in Uganda
Uganda beckoned – and after 16 years of planning Gerhard Pretorius finally landed in the steamy city of Entebbe for the safari of his life
Nyiragongo: A hike to the centre of the Earth
Climbing Mount Nyiragongo in DR Congo was one of the highlights of my life – a safari report-back by award-winning photographer Björn Persson
Tantalising Tswalu: The Kalahari’s diamond in the rough
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 …
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Rediscovering Kruger
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 …
Riding in lion country
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 …
Africa Through My Eyes
Dr Vikram Ghanekar’s journey into the world of wildlife photography began almost a decade ago. His first venture into Africa took place in 2008, and he immediately learned a fundamental reality: you may have the best equipment, but you need to know how to use it properly. Needless to say, after a few workshops and …
Quirimbas: A Diver’s Paradise
Quilalea Island in Mozambique is part of the marine-rich paradise of Quirimbas Archipelago. Adventurer Fiona Ayerst shares her experience
Capturing South Luangwa
Safari report-back: South Luangwa in Zambia offers a wildlife-rich safari and fantastic photographic opportunities. By Edward Selfe
Kwaai Khwai
Safari report-back: My epic adventure in Botswana’s Khwai – a wildlife-rich area near Okavango Delta, Botswana. By Simon Espley
Magnificent Madikwe
Safari report-back: My wife and I spent two unforgettable days in Madikwe – the variety of wildlife encounters blew our minds. By Anton Kruger
Tracking the Silent Giants of Africa
I have had the great fortune of having travelled in many parts of the world and have experienced many things. This was my third trip to Africa, and second to South Africa. I can say, without a scintilla of doubt, this was the most memorable, impactful, emotional and life-altering trip of my life. My wife, …
Magical Mahale – meetings with chimps
Trekking for chimps AND snorkeling the crystal clear waters form a paradise beach – the charm of Mahale Mountains National Park in Tanzania
Kruger- lodges vs self drive
Which Kruger safari option is better – luxury of the private lodges in the Greater Kruger or the self-catering options in the national park?
Jurassic Niassa
“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 …
Elephant Ignite Expedition
Elephant Ignite embarked on a 16 000km, 100-day journey across 10 African countries to cast the spotlight on the elephant poaching crisis
Kruger Walking Magic
The three-night Mphongolo Backpack Trail in the Kruger National Park takes takes your soul to a deeper understanding of wilderness
Supernatural South Luangwa
“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 …
Kicking back in Mauritius
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 …
Hwange
The annual wildlife count in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park is a wonderful citizen-science project for all – Tony Park tells his story
The Magic of Zanzibar
Zanzibar is the ultimate fusion of beach and culture. Tagged onto the end of your wildlife safari, it’s the ideal spicy finale
Classic Namibia
This fantastic photo gallery showcases the fascinating tribal cultures, wildlife and breathtaking vistas of Namibia – pack your bags
The silent giants of Tsavo
Tsavo National Park in Kenya is the best place to see giant tuskers – the last remaining giant elephants still roaming our the world
Kgalagadi versus Kruger
A daring comparison of two popular Southern African transfrontier parks.
Kruger2Canyons
Kruger2canyons
Rwanda: into the heart of Africa
My self-drive safari to Rwanda in search of mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, Dian Fossey’s gravesite & much more – Jytte Fredholm Ferreira
A fynbos safari
A three-night conservation programme at a new eco-camp in the Southern Cape.
Game Census Safari
Citizen science is when ordinary folk get to help science by, for example, participating in a game census in a private game reserve
Swaziland: Africa’s Little Secret
Swaziland enjoys a diversity of landscapes and experiences for the traveller and a laid-back vibe – fantastic for that chilled vacay
Climbing Point Lenana on Mount Kenya
Summiting Point Lenana – one of Mount Kenya’s three peaks and the only accessible one in the UNESCO World Heritage national park.
Enchanting Ethiopia
An exploration of a magical corner of the continent.
The Secret Garden Route
Off the beaten track in one of South Africa’s most loved tourist destinations.
Kruger Addicts
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
Exploring Etosha
Everything you need to know about Etosha National Park in Namibia – home of giant white elephants & crowded waterholes during the dry season
I Love Namibia
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
iSimangaliso: park for the people
iSimangaliso is a World Heritage Site – a rich and diverse ecosystem that attracts nature lovers and provides sustainable livelihoods for many
The Cape Winelands with a difference
Four Cap Classique-filled days spent discovering vineyards that are making a difference in the beautiful Cape Winelands.
Hermanus & the not so False Bay
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
Deeper into Durban
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
Ethiopia’s Church Forests
In the highlands of Ethiopia, American scientist Meg Lowman is working with local forest ecologist Alemayehu Wassie to protect ancient church forests. As in many developing countries, much of Ethiopia’s original forests have been cleared for subsistence agriculture and for harvesting timber and firewood, diminishing northern Ethiopia’s forest cover from 45% of its territory in …
Finding Gold in Gabon
I was used to working in the savannahs of eastern and southern Africa, where the animals I studied roamed in full sight. I was used to the relative comfort and safety of getting around in a 4×4, and my camera went everywhere with me. Then, in 2010, I arrived in the Central African country of …
The Big Five for a Small Price
But going there none of the songs playing in the minivan were ones that I had requested. We were on a team-building trip, en route to Djuma Private Game Reserve. Africa Geographic’s advertising manager, Adie, had emailed the team asking for music preferences, but she had forgotten the Pink Floyd I requested. She played Steve …
Botswana’s All Women Guiding Team
Unusual? Certainly. Ground breaking? Definitely. You see, at Botswana’s Chobe Game Lodge, every field guide is a woman. It’s refreshing really. Congregating in the lounge for their afternoon game drive, guests gather camera equipment and don sun hats before walking to the open game drive vehicles to meet the khaki-clad ladies. Every “Chobe Angel” is …
Vic Falls – Africa’s adventure capital
From the sedate to the downright terrifying, Vic Falls has it all for the adventure traveller and safari enthusiast
Exploring East Africa’s Coral Reefs
With the stadium lights of Durban fading into the night and the water lapping at the side of the boat, hopes were high for our small team. Little did we know this would be our last night of restful sleep for a long while. Using a minimal budget and a team of six divers, one …
The most amazing Etosha game drive ever
A day I will never forget! This epic game drive in Etosha was one of those days that is etched in my memory – most epic safari day ever
Samburu Sensations
We challenged our CEO Simon Espley to tick off a carefully compiled list of avian eye candy during his 3-day Samburu safari
Zakouma – beyond the infinity pool
A visit to Zakouma, central Africa’s last wildlife stronghold, means going back to old-school, authentic safari values
Ruaha – a walk on the wild side
Ranger training in Ruaha (Tanzania) evokes the peril and beauty of walking safaris – the best way to really feel Africa’s pulse
