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A giant discovery in the Okavango Delta
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From our CEO – Simon Espley
What comes first – the safari experience or the lodge?
Are you buying a spectacular place to sleep, or an extraordinary experience in the wild? At Africa Geographic, we start with the experience. Always. The lodge comes next, chosen to suit your expectations and budget. Our internationally recognised safari experts don’t open conversations waxing lyrical about infinity pools and designer decor. We’re more interested in what makes you tick.
Perhaps it’s watching thirsty buffalo herds run the gauntlet of lions guarding the last waterhole in the brutal October heat. Or Great Migration herds plunging into the Mara River’s crocodile-infested currents. Perhaps you’re chasing an elusive Albertine Rift bird, the ultimate honeymoon hideaway (private infinity pool included), the Big Five, or an authentic cultural encounter far from the tourist circuit.
Whatever gets your pulse racing, that’s where we begin. We identify the right destinations, seasons, guides and activities, then recommend lodges that fit the plan. And yes, we’re happy to accommodate specific lodge requests.
It’s also why we invest in conservation publishing. Without thriving wild places and functioning ecosystems, even the most luxurious lodge is just another expensive hotel.
In a world of instant AI itineraries and interchangeable safari packages, we obsess over the details that make your experience exceptional. That’s what we mean by HAND-MADE EXPERIENTIAL SAFARIS, and why we’re recognised as Africa’s Leading Luxury Safari Company.
Tell us the animal, landscape or moment you’re chasing. The more specific your wish, the more interesting our response. Give our experts something to work with.
Challenge our safari experts – start here.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
Watch Simon’s podcast below:
Or, listen to all Simon’s past editorials here
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
Some lions seem determined to make life difficult for the people trying to protect them! One particularly adventurous lioness has kept conservationists on their toes, crossing international borders, surviving human-wildlife conflict and repeatedly turning up where she wasn’t particularly welcome.
After killing donkeys near a Limpopo community, she was relocated to northern Kruger National Park by the Endangered Wildlife Trust and its partners. But she had other plans. She crossed into Zimbabwe, roamed the Sengwe Corridor and eventually swam back across a flooded Limpopo River into South Africa. Following another rescue and relocation to Kruger, there’s wonderful news: she’s been spotted with a new litter of cubs! Her GPS collar was crucial in tracking her journey and helping conservation teams keep both her and local communities safe. A remarkable story of survival, and proof that lions have little regard for international borders!
Also this week, we venture deep into Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where Dr Sarah Venter’s expedition uncovered the world’s largest known baobab, aptly named The Mother of Bees. Discover the story behind this extraordinary tree and the journey to find it. Speaking of Africa’s giants, we’re dipping into our archives to revisit how many of the continent’s magnificent tuskers remain – our ongoing record of the status of super tuskers in Africa. And if Botswana is on your safari wish list, our guide to the best time to visit Botswana compares the seasons, wildlife sightings and safari experiences to help you plan your trip.
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!
Our stories this week
LARGEST BAOBAB DISCOVERED
The largest baobab in the world has been discovered deep in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Read about the expedition to find The Mother of Bees
BOTSWANA TIMING GUIDE
When is the best time to visit Botswana? Compare seasons, wildlife & safari experience
AFRICAN TUSKERS
How many of Africa’s great tuskers remain? Revisit our investigation into their numbers
Travel Desk – 2 African safari ideas
Cape Town, Winelands & Okavango Delta – 11 days
The luxury safari combo you have always dreamt of. This journey combines vibrant Cape Town, the world-class food and wine of the Cape Winelands and the wildlife paradise of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Explore the Mother City, indulge in Franschhoek’s culinary delights and finish with exceptional wildlife encounters by game drive, mokoro, boat and helicopter.
Rwanda primate bonanza – 8 days
The ultimate safari for primate lovers. This extraordinary journey takes you from the misty volcanic forests of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe. Trek for mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and chimpanzees, search for Nyungwe’s spectacular colobus monkey supertroops and explore the forest canopy on suspended walkways. Enjoy a scenic interlude at Lake Kivu, with fascinating cultural and conservation experiences along the way.
Still dreaming of the ultimate African safari escape? Browse our safari ideas here. Or click here to plan your safari.
Our safari guests say…
AG safari guests Laura and Mike from the USA enjoyed a rejuvenating bush-and-beach safari in Tanzania and Zanzibar.
“We had a wonderful safari vacation in Tanzania/Zanzibar. 12 days on the mainland (Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti) and then a relaxing three days on the beach in Zanzibar. The safari itself was spectacular (we saw every animal we wanted to, and then some). The lodgings on the safari were top-notch glamping and offered an “up-close” experience (elephants, zebras, giraffes, and a warthog walking right through the properties!) and the Matlai Hotel in Zanzibar was stellar. Last but not least, our safari guide, Lorry, from Matembezi was the best!”
Check out our bush and beach safaris here
WATCH
In the fifth episode of our Top Wildlife Clips of 2026 series, we travel to Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Namibia and Congo-Brazzaville, and experience breathtaking encounters with some of Africa’s most iconic animals – including lions, forest elephants, rhinos, wild dogs and chimpanzees. (05:22) Click here to watch
Cover image: The last crossing. Fleeing a pursuing lioness, a baboon plunges into a hippo pool in desperation, only to find twenty hippos rising around him before the chase finally ends on shore. Okavango Delta, Botswana © Devon Jenkin.
Photographer of the Year 2026 entry.
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