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Glamorous geladas + fantastic photos
So I challenged ChatGPT – the language processing tool driven by artificial intelligence technology – to come up with a convincing pitch on why your next safari should be with Africa Geographic. This is what it suggested:
“As a fellow lover of adventure and nature, I am reaching out to tell you about Africa Geographic’s hand-made, experience-based safaris.
We craft unforgettable adventures that not only leave a lasting impression on our clients, but also benefit the communities and ecosystems we visit. What sets us apart from our competitors is our unwavering commitment to responsible travel and community development. We believe that our efforts not only provide you with an unforgettable experience, but also contribute to creating a better world.“
Not bad for a bunch of code! My contemplations this morning were fuelled by a dwindling supply of Question Coffee beans – a bag of which I purchased during my recent sojourn in Rwanda. Follow this link to understand how awesome this initiative is. And the coffee is delicious. Nope, not sponsored – just thought I would share the goodness 😉
Keep the passion
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
TRAVEL DESK UPDATES:
This week we have two hand-picked safaris for you: an authentic wilderness experience deep in South Luangwa National Park and a thrilling adventure in Victoria Falls. And if you can’t choose, why not combine them and get the best of both? Our safari experts are on standby and ready to book your trip.
Affordable South Luangwa safari – expert guide – 5 days – from US$2625 pps
This fantastic combination of walking and vehicle-based game viewing will appeal to experienced safari-goers and novices alike. Expect exceptional wildlife, tracking on foot in the birthplace of the walking safari, scrumptious bush breakfasts and unforgettable sundowners in Zambia’s premier safari destination.
Victoria Falls – 3 days – from US$ 740 pps
Three days of non-stop action in Africa’s adventure capital – ideal for a short break or add-on to another safari. Either way, unequivocally an iconic destination to tick off your bucket list. Experience the magic of ‘the smoke that thunders’ – one of the seven wonders of the natural world.
From our Scientific Editor – Jamie Paterson
Africa is a continent overflowing with photogenic potential, but even amidst all this beauty, there can be no denying that some animals make more dramatic subjects than others. Take the gelada, for example – a primate that, without fail, finds its way into our Photographer of the Year weekly galleries regularly every year.
There is just something about that coiffed mane and deeply-furrowed brow that begs to be photographed. And then, did you know that geladas have forgone the brightly coloured genitals and perineum so favoured by other primate species? This is because they spent the majority of their days foraging on their bottoms, which would make such unambiguous sexual signalling a bit of a waste. Hence the eye-catching scarlet chest patches that set them apart. Check out our first story below to learn more about the fascinating nuances of geladas (and see if you can get through it without singing “Simply the Best”).
Unplanned, though somewhat conveniently, this week’s Photographer of the Year gallery features a male gelada with his chest patch on full display. Also included this week: a lion cub with terrible table manners, a fierce battle between forest giants and one very sharp reflection. How better to celebrate the arrival of the weekend?
Story 1
https://africageographic.com/stories/gelada/
GLAMOROUS GELADAS
With complex social structures & vocabularies, the cliff-dwelling gelada of Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most striking primates
Story 2
https://africageographic.com/stories/photographer-of-the-year-2023-weekly-selection-week-9/
AWE-INSPIRING IMAGES
Photographer of the Year 2023 entries for Week 9 have landed! Enter for a chance to win your share of US$10,000 and a Botswana safari
WATCH: “The next 10 years are absolutely critical … solutions are found at a local level …. there are five key pillars to what we do”.
An inspiring video from and about African Parks (09:15). Click here to watch
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