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Top 109 photos + Big 5 AND great apes in 1 safari
Turns out happy hour isn’t just for humans.
In the forests of Guinea-Bissau, wild chimpanzees have been spotted sharing fermented African breadfruit. Motion-triggered cameras caught them passing around naturally alcoholic fruit, and researchers were left wondering: is this bonding behaviour, boozy indulgence, or both?
Chimps rarely share food unless there’s something in it for them, which makes this moment of primate generosity intriguing. Perhaps a little ethanol unlocks not just dopamine, but diplomacy? The so-called “drunken monkey hypothesis” suggests that our ancestors evolved to seek out fermented fruit – riper fruit is higher in sugar – and maybe, just maybe, a bit of social joy came along for the ride. No sign of hangovers yet. Just good company, ripe fruit, and one more curious way we’re not so different from our forest cousins.
And speaking of sharing things that bring us joy: I’m thrilled to announce that we’ve selected the Top 109 photos for Photographer of the Year 2025! Narrowing them down took days of passionate debate among our judges, but the results speak for themselves. These four galleries are visual feasts, not to be missed.
So pour yourself something fruity, and enjoy the show.
Taryn van Jaarsveld – Editor, Africa Geographic
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
Top 109 – Gallery 1
Photographer of the Year 2025 entries for the Top 109 are here! Enjoy Gallery 1
Story 2
Top 109 – Gallery 2
Submissions for Photographer of the Year 2025 are now closed. Check out Gallery 2
Story 3
Top 109 – Gallery 3
Photographer of the Year 2025 winners will be announced in June. Here’s Gallery 3
Story 4
Top 109 – Gallery 4
Photographer of the Year winners will enjoy a safari to Odzala-Kokoua NP. Check out Gallery 4
TRAVEL DESK:
2 SAFARI IDEAS
Inspiring Africa’s young conservationists
Keen to support a bold and creative conservation initiative that’s protecting wildlife and empowering the next generation? Check out our Collar a Lion Campaign.
This campaign aims to protect lions, and the communities that coexist with them. As part of the efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, the Southern African Conservation Trust (SACT) is bringing conservation to life in rural communities through vibrant comics and posters that teach children and families how to coexist with lions and other free-roaming wildlife. These fun, practical resources are already making waves in schools near protected areas, and with your help, they can reach even more.
By supporting the campaign, you’re helping build a future where lions roam wild and children walk to school safely. It’s a simple, meaningful way to support both wildlife conservation and community resilience.
WATCH: In a bold move to reverse the ecological impact of fencing and habitat fragmentation in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, 42 elephants have been translocated from Addo Elephant National Park’s Main Camp to its Kabouga section. This keystone species will now help revive natural ecosystem processes – opening vegetation, dispersing seeds, and restoring biodiversity. The project marks a vital step toward species-led landscape restoration, reconnecting elephant corridors and reactivating the ecological roles these giants once played across a rejuvenated, expanded wilderness. (04:17) Click here to watch
For more videos celebrating Africa, check out our videos here
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