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The safari revolution you haven’t heard about
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From our CEO – Simon Espley
THE QUIET REVOLUTION
There is a quiet revolution happening in Africa’s remotest protected areas. More and more intrepid travellers are seeking places far from the usual glossy brochures, free of breathless claims about which lodge has the most to-die-for interiors and avant-garde architecture.
During 2026, our Ukuri team has more than doubled the bednights booked into African Parks camps and lodges compared to 2025, and we still have a quarter of the year remaining! Of those, almost 70% booked their stay themselves, directly via our website, often with advice or assistance relating to logistics. Remember that we are talking about remote destinations like Odzala-Kokoua, Nyungwe, Liuwa Plain, Akagera and Majete, and that the accommodation offered is very comfortable, but nothing like the glamour of lodges in more popular places like the Okavango Delta, Kruger and Serengeti.
Hey, I am not knocking these more popular areas, or the lodges that offer highly sought-after opulence. Far from it; they make up most of our safari bookings.
Whether you join the quiet revolution to remote areas or choose more popular destinations, we promise extraordinary experiences, authenticity, and meaningful conservation impact.
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
Did you know that elephants can influence the landscape long after they die? New research from Kruger National Park found that elephant carcasses can leave their mark on surrounding vegetation for nearly a decade. Initially, decomposition suppresses plant growth, but over time, nutrients released into the soil create fertile patches where vegetation can flourish. Even in death, elephants are still doing a little gardening.
Also this week, we explore Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s remarkable wildlife and landscape conservation success story, and share our safari experts’ tips for photographing the Big 5 – from getting your camera settings right to finding the best light and locations.
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
BIG 5 PHOTOGRAPHY
Our expert tips for photographing Africa’s Big 5 on safari: camera settings, best hides, ideal light, species advice & top destinations
AKAGERA NP
Akagera, a Big 5 park, is Rwanda’s refuge for savannah-adapted wildlife, safeguarding Central Africa’s largest protected wetland
Travel Desk – 2 African safari ideas
Big 5 + chimps + gorillas in Rwanda – 10 days
This epic safari ticks three bucket-list experiences in one remarkable country, from Big Five wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park to chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe and mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, discover rare golden monkeys, pied colobus monkeys, Rwanda’s remarkable conservation story, the Kigali Genocide Memorial and some exceptional coffee.
MalaMala & Madikwe Big 5 safari – 9 days
An exclusive journey in search of the Big Five and much more. Track the Big Five across two of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations, MalaMala and Madikwe, where contrasting landscapes deliver vastly different safari experiences. Expect exceptional wildlife sightings, from near-guaranteed leopards to brown hyenas and gemsbok, while staying at two exclusive lodges renowned for their privacy, heritage and outstanding guiding.
Still dreaming of the ultimate African safari escape? Browse our safari ideas here. Or click here to plan your safari.
WE WON AFRICA.
NOW, HELP US WIN THE WORLD.
Africa Geographic was named Africa’s Leading Luxury Safari Company 2026. Now, we have been nominated as the World’s Leading Luxury Safari Company 2026.
You know what we bring to safari: decades of expertise, exceptional journeys, trusted relationships and a deep commitment to Africa. It’s time to take that recognition to the world stage.
Vote for Africa Geographic as the World’s Leading Luxury Safari Company 2026 here.
SAVING LEOPARDS
Would you like to watch Spots on the Line, Africa Geographic’s original documentary, on the big screen? Join us on 18 November at The Labia Theatre in Cape Town for a screening of our film, which follows the Ingwe Research Program’s race to understand and reduce leopard road deaths in the Greater Kruger.
More than a film, this is an opportunity to explore how research and collaboration can make South Africa’s roads safer for wildlife. After the screening, join a panel discussion with conservationists from Ingwe, the Urban Caracal Project, and the Cape Leopard Trust to explore the shared challenge of wildlife road mortality and the solutions being developed to address it.
Join us in Cape Town and help shape safer roads for wildlife.
Buy your tickets here. Tickets cost R187 per person. The screening takes place on Wednesday, 18 November, from 18:00 to 20:00 at The Labia Theatre, Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town.
WATCH
From a park devastated by poaching to Rwanda’s only Big 5 destination, Akagera is one of Africa’s great conservation success stories. Discover how the return of lions and rhinos, stronger protection and community involvement have helped wildlife populations recover – and transformed the park into a thriving safari destination. (01:42) Click here to watch
Cover image: A lioness surveys the vast, open grasslands of Liuwa Plain National Park in western Zambia, one of Africa’s most remote and remarkable wilderness areas. Liuwa Plain, Zambia. © African Parks | Andrew Macdonald
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