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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!
Story 1
https://africageographic.com/stories/saving-hoedspruits-leopards/
HOEDSPRUIT’S LEOPARDS
Discover how the Ingwe Research Program studies Hoedspruit’s leopards, using citizen science to track them & boost conservation
Story 2
https://africageographic.com/stories/photographer-of-the-year-2025-weekly-selection-week-3/
FEAST OF PHOTOS
Photographer of the Year 2025 is here! Enter for a chance to win a safari to incredible Odzala-Kokoua National Park
TRAVEL DESK:
Our safari picks of the week
Feeling inspired and wanting more? Explore more of our safari ideas here
Our safari guests say…
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.”
Want to join our safari tribe and have an awesome safari experience like this? Get in touch, and let’s start planning your unique African safari!
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
For more videos celebrating Africa, check out our videos here
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