OUR WEEKLY CONSERVATION NEWSLETTER
Mara lions face tourism pressure + Kruger safari
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From our CEO – Simon Espley
Pula! Heavy rains and widespread flooding have hit my beloved Lowveld with a vengeance, and we have had no break for the last week, with more to come.
Rural towns are inundated, Kruger National Park rivers are flooding, causeways and low bridges are underwater, and emergency services are stretched to help stranded locals and tourists. Just before the rains arrived, I made a diary note about how the queleas had started to flock early this year, with chattering squadrons whooshing thousands-strong overhead. Perhaps they detected the coming deluge.
Meanwhile, Cape Town and the Western Cape are in the grip of drought, acute water shortages and seasonal wind-blown fires sweeping through the parched landscapes.
What a diverse country South Africa is, and how extraordinary our people are as they stoically deal with whatever comes their way.
Stay safe, keep the passion
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
Watch a video of Simon’s editorial below:
Or, listen to all Simon’s past editorials here
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
Sometimes survival is not loud. It does not announce itself or demand attention. Sometimes it simply carries on.
More than half a century after it slipped quietly from scientific record, the blue-tailed sandveld lizard has been rediscovered by researchers from the Endangered Wildlife Trust during biodiversity surveys in southern Mozambique. Once labelled a “lost” species and last recorded in the 1970s, it turns out this small reptile had been doing what many successful species do best: keeping its head down, staying out of trouble, and getting on with the work of surviving.
Resilience often looks like patience, adaptability, and showing up day after day, even if the landscape is tough. A fitting note for the start of a new year: keep going, keep steady, and trust that quiet diligence has its moment too.
This week, we also examine how tourist camp density is reshaping lion density in the Maasai Mara, and take a seasonal journey through the Greater Kruger with Gerald Hinde’s Kruger safari photographic book.
Did you know? Your African safari choice makes 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 African safari choice does make a difference – thank you!
Our stories this week
MARA LIONS
Research shows density of tourist camps impacts lion populations in the Maasai Mara, and how tourism planning affects conservation
KRUGER SAFARI
A look at Greater Kruger through Gerald Hinde’s photography from Kruger Safari, revealing wildlife & conservation insights
Travel Desk – 2 African safari ideas
Serengeti Great Migration and big cats – 8 days
Be prepared for the drama and the wonder of the vast open plains. Step into the wild heart of Tanzania as the Great Migration sweeps across the vast Serengeti. Encounter endless herds, prowling predators, golden savannahs and dramatic big skies on this unforgettable safari adventure.
Our safari will romance you with the Mother City’s hip restaurants, sandy white beaches, outdoor adventures, and iconic landmarks, before sweeping you into wall-to-wall wildlife action in a private Greater Kruger game reserve just over two hours away by air. Packed with the very best of South Africa, this classic bucket-list safari blends vibey Cape Town with exceptional Big 5 game viewing.
Still dreaming of the ultimate African safari escape? Browse our safaris ideas here. Or click here to plan your safari.
Our safari guests say…
AG safari guest Beryl from the USA went on an art safari with professional wildlife artist Alison Nicholls in Greater Kruger:
“Art Safari with Alison Nicholls! Wildlife artist Alison Nicholls and Africa Geographic created and curated the trip of a lifetime: an art safari with four other artists. We were up close (very close…) with bush experiences in Timbavati, South Africa, and then moved on to Hwange in Zimbabwe. We then visited Chobe, Botswana, to float about on the river, facing the gigantic crocodiles, elephants, rhinos, and thousands of birds. There was so much to experience, so much to learn. The guides and drivers were all so full of experience, ideas and information, and they each had the ability to find the most amazing up-close adventures. Being with Alison Nicholls to focus our artistic abilities through observing and sketching, as well as some painting, was great. All I can say is the only way to travel is with artists… and Alison is the best!”
WATCH
When drought pushed Samburu communities in northern Kenya to the brink, they turned to something older than any aid programme: ancestral water wisdom. The Land Smiles Back follows Westgate Community Conservancy as they revive ancient hydrotechnology: digging thousands of “Earth Smiles” to slow rainwater, heal degraded rangelands, and bring life back to the land for people, livestock, and wildlife. Winner of the 2025 Water Film Prize, this is a hopeful story of resilience, regeneration, and the power of working with nature. (04:24) Click here to watch
Cover image: Soaked after an afternoon shower. “The rains in Mara open doors for some very unique and magical frames.” Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. © Remya Warrier
Photographer of the Year 2023 winner
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