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Grass vs trees + Odzala, Africa’s 💚 + Big 5/apes in 1 safari
Shortly after the turn of the century, I and a group of adventurers boated the Zambezi River from source to mouth to raise funds for anti-malaria efforts in the region. It was one helluva adventure! During my research and preparation, I sought guidance from the legendary gent featured in our story below.
Kingsley shared sage advice with me, suitably camouflaged by the tongue-in-cheek banter I have come to love from this inspirational explorer. We never did find that promised calabash he stashed away in an island tree with greetings from fellow adventurers. Perhaps high waters washed it away, or maybe Kingsley’s GPS coordinates were impaired by technological bloopers. A while back, he proffered that his readings may have been tainted by a rum-fuelled celebration of life in Africa :-). Keep exploring my friend, thank you for being our pathfinder!
Our article below about grasses may interest those who judge elephants for threatening their personal ideology of an African landscape dominated by trees. “In Kruger National Park, for example, the expansion of trees is visibly impacting some animal populations.“
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
Have you ever heard of an ant “death spiral”? This mesmerising yet grim spectacle occurs, amongst others, within super colonies of driver ants found in East and Central Africa. Picture this: a troop of millions, marching with military precision, reliant on the pheremone trail of their leader. The leader falters, loses a scent and veers off course, or perhaps an unexpected obstacle separates a portion of the colony from the rest of the troop. Chaos ensues. The followers double back and begin to loop endlessly, following the scent of the directionless ants in front of them, spiralling into a tight circle – and eventually entering into a hypnotic dance of death. Unable to find a way out, the ants keep circling until they finally collapse from exhaustion. An entire colony can be lost to this case of misled determination. For insects with such sophisticated social structures, it is baffling that one wrong turn can lead to a dizzying demise. The lesson I’ll take from this? Next time I find myself in a flat spin – I’ll take a step back, away from a spiral of chaos!
Below, check out the magnificent story from Kingsley Holgate’s Afrika Odyssey team on their journey through Odzala-Kokoua NP, and read our story on the incredible value of grasses in sequestering carbon.
Also, don’t miss the incredible footage from Kierran Allen of a Verraux’s eagle pair ‘herding’ a leopard through the Cederberg mountains in South Africa – at the bottom of our newsletter.
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/odzala-kokoua-return-to-the-heart-of-africa/
EXPEDITION ODZALA
Kingsley Holgate & the Afrika Odyssey expedition are connecting 22 African Parks protected areas. Read about their trip to Odzala-Kokoua, Congo-Brazzaville
Story 2
https://africageographic.com/stories/is-an-obsession-with-trees-harming-our-grasslands/
TREES VS GRASSLANDS
Grasslands sequester carbon faster than trees & are crucial in combatting climate change. Is an obsession with trees harming our grasslands?
TRAVEL DESK:
Experience a gorilla safari like no other, or flatten three bucket list items in one epic safari – in one country! Check out our recommendations below. Let our safari experts start planning your unique safari today!
This safari flattens three bucket-list items in one epic trip – in one country! From searching for the Big 5 in Akagera NP – one of Africa’s conservation success stories – to the forests of Nyungwe NP for chimpanzees and Volcanoes NP for mountain gorillas. What more could you ask for? Aside from seeing rare golden monkeys, a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and more – all of which are also on offer during this safari.
Alternatively, browse our other ready-made safaris here.
What our safari clients say
We are always thrilled to hear happy tales from our clients! Recently, a father-and-son duo embarked on an unforgettable five-day adventure through Chobe National Park, Botswana and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. From a breathtaking boat trip on the Chobe River, where they watched herds of elephants gather by the water, to exciting game drives with lion sightings and even more elephants – the trip was a thrill a minute. To top it off, the duo even took the plunge with an exhilarating bungee jump over magnificent Victoria Falls!
Our 1st time travelling with AG
“We travelled to Chobe and Vic Falls and had a fantastic and well-organised experience. All pre-trip organisation from Nadia at AG was fantastic, and communication was smooth and aligned with our needs. All activities at Chobe were very enjoyable with very professional guides. And all the lodges we visited were very nice, with very competent and professional teams always ready to help.” – Joao and Miguel
Want to join our safari tribe and have an experience like this? Get in touch, and let’s start planning your unique African safari!
WATCH: Incredible drone footage from photographer Kierran Allen of two Verraux’s eagles chasing a Cape leopard through Sandberg, in the foothills of South Africa’s Cederberg Mountains. (01:14) Click here to watch
For more videos celebrating Africa, check out our videos here
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