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Two collared Botswana elephants trophy hunted
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From our CEO – Simon Espley
Hunting collared elephants
We are deep into trophy-hunting season, and reports of illegal and unethical behaviour are surfacing on cue, following the industry like the stink of a carcass festering in the sun.
The latest: two COLLARED elephants were killed in Botswana last week. Or perhaps I should say “harvested” – the increasingly sanitised language used to describe killing an animal for a trophy. Both parties claim they did not notice the large collars, though they were in close proximity to the elephants, until after the elephants were killed.
There will obviously be serious consequences for those involved – the hunting operator, PH and client – if laws, permit conditions or professional hunting standards were breached. Right? Don’t hold your breath.
Even if the Botswana government takes the necessary disciplinary steps, members of the trophy-hunting industry will treat this travesty as they usually do when their colleagues behave badly – attack the source and critics, change the subject, debate semantics, and flood social media with the usual laundry list of claimed, but unproven, benefits of trophy hunting for wildlife populations, genetics and local communities.
Does this mean we should boycott Botswana as a safari destination? NO. On the contrary, we should flood Botswana with tourists so that locals and the government see the superior value of photo tourism and cut ties with trophy hunting. Our article below refers.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
Click below to hear Simon’s thoughts on the hunts
Or, listen to all Simon’s past editorials here
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
Three African wild dog brothers have completed an extraordinary 4,000km journey across Zambia in search of a mate – the longest dispersal recorded for an African land mammal. Over eight months, they zigzagged between wildlife areas, navigating farms, roads and heavily developed landscapes. But the risks are real: two females on a similar journey were killed after encountering an illegal snare. However, the surviving dogs offer encouraging evidence that some of Africa’s wild dog populations may still be connected across enormous distances.
Also this week, we unpack what a genuinely sustainable safari looks like, head to remote Mahale Mountains for chimpanzees and Lake Tanganyika, and report on the trophy hunting of two collared research elephants in Botswana on consecutive days.
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
COLLARED ELEPHANTS HUNTED
Two collared elephants have been trophy hunted in Botswana on consecutive days, raising questions about hunting rules and safeguards
Mahale
Mahale Mountains National Park offers Africa’s finest wild chimpanzee trekking, remote white-sand beaches on the shores of vast Lake Tanganyika
Safari revolution
Responsible travel or green-washing? We dig into why conservation is an important consideration when planning your sustainable African safari
Travel Desk – 2 African safari ideas
Maasai Mara and Diani bush & beach – 12 days
Discover the Big 5 on Mara’s vast savannah, then unwind on Kenya’s sun-drenched southern beaches. Experience Kenya at its best, from an owner-run lodge in the world-renowned Maasai Mara, where game drives, guided walks and bush meals bring you close to the Big Five, to the palm-fringed beaches and turquoise waters of the southern coast, where barefoot relaxation awaits.
South Luangwa, Victoria Falls & Lake Malawi safari – 13 days
Explore the majesty of the mighty Zambezi River and Victoria Falls, and then head into the heart of the raw wilderness of South Luangwa National Park, Zambia – the birthplace of walking safaris and one of Africa’s leopard hotspots. Your last stop is Nankoma Island on Lake Malawi, where you’ll enjoy sun-soaked adventure and ultimate relaxation.
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 guest Ann from the UK went on a safari that exceeded her expectations. First, she began in the Kalahari, moved on to the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and then continued on to see incredible Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
Bucket list trip that outdid expectations. “As a bucket list trip, this did not disappoint. Africa Geographic planned an amazing Southern African adventure to help me see as many small mammal species as were willing to show themselves during my visit. The planning and logistics team, especially Ross and Tracie, listened to my wishes and made suggestions and tweaks until they both felt the trip would meet my dreams, and they weren’t wrong. They stuck to the budget I set, and the full itinerary required a lot of curating. Every step worked without a hitch, much to my amazement! I had incredible animal encounters, much closer than I had hoped for, and the local staff were without fail helpful, thoughtful, good communicators and extremely knowledgeable.
I was in good hands from my first email sent to the welcome home message as I stepped through my front door on my return. The camps were nestled in bush country, but provided exceedingly comfortable accommodation, and the food was plentiful and high quality. A trip I will never forget, with a company I would highly recommend.”
Check out our solo safaris here.
WATCH
Take a mini safari across Africa with our latest collection of incredible wildlife encounters – from lions, leopards and wild dogs to honey badgers and chimpanzees, filmed by safari-goers and guides across the continent. (07:43) Click here to watch
Cover image: “The Grevy’s zebra illusion”. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya © Yaron Schmid
Photographer of the Year 2019 Highly Commended Finalist
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