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Boundless Bangweulu + the Mara question + saving rollers
This week’s hot topic among our safari experts was what we can do to help solve the peak season overcrowding problem in the Maasai Mara/Serengeti ecosystem (read my previous rant here). Right now, the dramatic Mara River crossings are in full swing, and our clients are reporting epic sightings. But there is also disquiet amongst some clients about the volume of tourists and resultant vehicular chaos each time a hoof hits the water. Central Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater – far from the river crossings – are also packed at this time of year, leading to traffic jams and stress on wildlife.
The Kenyan authorities have announced a significant increase in park fees, which will go some way to reducing volume in the Maasai Mara. Is that increase fair on not-so-well-heeled international and regional travellers (Kenyan citizens pay far less), and is ‘fair’ even relevant when protecting an entire ecosystem? Increasing park fees is probably not enough to tilt the scale, and boycotts by well-meaning tourists have never helped any industry. So, what else can be done to safeguard the migration process and the ecosystem dependent on that process? So many questions.
One solution is to visit outside of the peak season. OK, you will miss the drama of the Mara River crossings, but there is far more to the region than river crossings. This verdant ecosystem is packed with wildlife throughout the year. Rest assured that we take this issue seriously and that your safari with us goes some way to helping bring about change – no matter when you choose to travel. Safari njema!
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
Wanted – solitary cycad seeks soulmate, AI matchmakers welcome
Looking for a female cycad, 6.5(m), green fronds… Scientists are searching for a female mate for the “world’s loneliest plant”. The plant in question is a cycad – the oldest plant group alive on the planet, as well as the most endangered. Wood’s cycad (Encephalartos woodii) is one of Earth’s rarest plants: only one has ever been found in the wild – a lone male found in Ngoye Forest, South Africa, in 1895. Quests to find a female partner for the cycad have been in vain. Today, Wood’s cycad is extinct in the wild, and all living plants are clones propagated from the lone Ngoye specimen. However, without a female plant, the cycads will never be able to reproduce naturally. Now, scientists are training AI software to study drone images of Ngoye Forest to try to identify any more specimens – hopefully female – of E. woodii. Finding a female Wood’s cycad would bring this species back from the brink and be a significant conservation victory.
Below, check out a stunning trip report on Zambia’s Bangweulu Wetlands and read about the need to secure the future of European rollers.
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
https://africageographic.com/stories/boundless-bangweulu/
BOUNDLESS BANGWEULU
Zambia’s Bangweulu Wetlands are a land of plenty: shoebills, black lechwes, swamps, plains, waters and skies. Sarah Kingdom explores this safari haven
Story 2
https://africageographic.com/stories/saving-european-rollers-flyway-conservation-how-you-can-help/
SAVING ROLLERS
A decline in European rollers has ignited the conservation of these birds & their flyways, boosting the protection of rollers & other species
TRAVEL DESK:
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Safari testimonial
Here’s what AG safari client Holger Froemer had to say about his family safari to Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park, Lake Natron and Empakai Crater:
“My last trip to Tanzania was 26 years ago, and I travelled by myself with a backpack and a tent. A quarter of a century later, with a family of four, including two teenagers, I decided that [roughing it] might not be the perfect choice this time. Instead, thanks to a friend’s recommendation, we went on a two-week tour organised by Nadia from Africa Geographic.
It was the PERFECT decision. Nadia helped (very patiently) to plan and design the trip in a way that the entire family would be thrilled by this adventure. We had a fantastic guide/driver (thank you, Prosper!), and we had very comfortable accommodation: Maweninga Camp in Tarangire NP has spectacular views, and Leonotis Camp is near Lake Natron – a bird watchers’ paradise. We also had a two-day walking safari around the magical Empakai Crater and a spectacular balloon safari to round off a perfect vacation. The only downside? It went by way too fast.
Thank you again to Nadia and the Africa Geographic team for making dreams come true.”
Want to join our safari tribe and have experiences like this? Get in touch, and let’s start planning your unique African safari!
WATCH: Meet Jesca – one of the few female rangers specialising in chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Witness Jesca’s expertise in tracking and observing the park’s habituated chimpanzees. (02:44) Click here to watch
For more videos celebrating Africa, check out our videos here
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