Speak with a safari expert

phone icon

Client reviews

5 star icon
safari experts, since 1991
Book a call with a safari expert Book a call
Client reviews Client reviews
×
SEARCH OUR STORIES
SEARCH OUR SAFARIS
Africa Geographic Travel
A chimpanzee peers up at a commotion of cascading fruit, urine and branches falling from overhead. Just like the photographer, he seems concerned he may be the target. Kibale National Park, Uganda. © Johan Siggesson. Photographer of the Year 2022 Top 101 entry.

This is a copy of our weekly email newsletter. Subscribe here to receive the newsletter.


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.

Step away from the noise. Join us on our tailor-made experiential safaris.

Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic


From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld

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


Travel desk TRAVEL DESK: 

Our safari picks for you this week:

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.

Still looking for that unique once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure? Browse our ready-made safari ideas OR click here for free safari planning.


Our safari guests say…

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

Get in touch today, and let AG start planning your dream safari.


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

For more videos celebrating Africa, check out our videos here

To comment on this story: Login (or sign up) to our app here - it's a troll-free safe place 🙂.


Africa Geographic Travel
African safari

Why choose us to craft your safari?

Handcrafted experiential safaris since 1991.

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?

African travel

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.

See what travellers say about us

Responsible safari

Make a difference

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!

[wpforms id="152903"]
<div class="wpforms-container wpforms-container-full" id="wpforms-152903"><form id="wpforms-form-152903" class="wpforms-validate wpforms-form wpforms-ajax-form" data-formid="152903" method="post" enctype="multipart/form-data" action="/stories/comment-teamag-friday-11-april-2025" data-token="53080ca220393e673a8d55d1c197f13d"><noscript class="wpforms-error-noscript">Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.</noscript><div class="wpforms-field-container"><div id="wpforms-152903-field_1-container" class="wpforms-field wpforms-field-email" data-field-id="1"><label class="wpforms-field-label wpforms-label-hide" for="wpforms-152903-field_1">Email Address <span class="wpforms-required-label">*</span></label><input type="email" id="wpforms-152903-field_1" class="wpforms-field-medium wpforms-field-required" name="wpforms[fields][1]" placeholder="Email " required></div></div><div class="wpforms-submit-container"><input type="hidden" name="wpforms[id]" value="152903"><input type="hidden" name="wpforms[author]" value="284"><input type="hidden" name="wpforms[post_id]" value="167145"><button type="submit" name="wpforms[submit]" id="wpforms-submit-152903" class="wpforms-submit" data-alt-text="Sending..." data-submit-text="Subscribe" aria-live="assertive" value="wpforms-submit">Subscribe</button><img src="https://africageographic.com/wp-content/plugins/wpforms/assets/images/submit-spin.svg" class="wpforms-submit-spinner" style="display: none;" width="26" height="26" alt="Loading"></div></form></div> <!-- .wpforms-container -->