This is a copy of our weekly email newsletter. Subscribe here to receive the newsletter.
Inspiring images + wild horses on the brink
Covid reared its head in my life a few weeks ago during my Rwanda exploration. My symptoms were mild – nothing more than a head cold. I am triple-vaxxed and in decent physical shape, which probably contributed to my personal experience. Based on reactions from hotel staff and fellow travellers and the lack of Covid-related processes at airports, the world has moved on (with a few exceptions) and now treats Covid like any other virus. My personal choice to isolate for 4 days and wear a mask in public was a surprise to most people that I encountered.
Thanks to those that have responded to my call last week for population stats for free-roaming lions that are subjected to trophy hunting. Stand by – an article is in the works. Perhaps now that the UK has banned the import of hunting trophies (for better or worse), the trophy hunting heavy hitters will focus on ridding the industry of the rotten eggs that are driving it to extinction. Either way, teamAG will continue to drive for transparency and accountability.
Keep the passion
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
TRAVEL DESK UPDATES:
Are you yearning for a tropical beach escape or aching to explore one of Africa’s hidden safari gems? Start the conversation with our travel experts, and we will help to bring your dreams to life.
Mumbo island escape – 6 days / 5 nights – from US$ 1,285pps
Escape, unwind & detox on the uninhabited island paradise of Mumbo Island in the middle of Lake Malawi. This heavenly tropical retreat is perfect for everyone, from adventuring families to honeymooning couples. Take to the waters of the lake and explore the cerulean world below or opt for a hammock in the shade, book and cocktail in hand. On the privacy of Mumbo Island, your time is your own – you decide!
Kafue explorer – 6-8 days (5-7 nights) – from US$ 2,290
Visitors to Zambia’s vast Kafue National Park are treated to magnificent displays of Africa at its most spectacular through the miombo woodlands and across verdant floodplains. Explore this extraordinary wilderness and its waterways over several days, encountering the park’s abundant wildlife along the way. For the discerning traveller looking to experience one of the continent’s best-kept secrets, our packages showcase the best that Kafue has to offer.
From our Scientific Editor – Jamie Paterson
Did you know that the Namib Desert horses have one of the lowest genetic variations of any feral or domestic horse population? This is not a criticism, but another complication to an already fraught reality as each subsequent drought threatens another genetic bottleneck. With numbers dwindling and conflict with predators on the rise, their situation is perilous.
This week, our guest opinion editorial by Ron Swilling delves into the complexities of Namibia’s “wild” horses. She explores her own emotional connection to the horses, as well as their intimate ties to Namibian history and tourism and their impact on indigenous wildlife (and visa versa). Read her thoughts in our first story below, and let us know what you think.
This week’s Photographer of the Year gallery features several artistic celebrations of Africa’s renowned displays of light and shadow, along with some genetic quirks of nature. From heart-stopping glances to snapshots of terror, our entrants never fail to amaze. Oh, and there’s also one giraffe with an identity crisis. Go on, have a look!
Story 1
https://africageographic.com/stories/namibias-wild-desert-horses/
NAMIBIA’S DESERT HORSES
The fate of the Namib’s wild desert horses is uncertain. There are no easy answers when weighing up their role in Namibian tourism & wildlife
Story 2
https://africageographic.com/stories/photographer-of-the-year-2023-weekly-selection-week-6/
STUNNING SNAPSHOTS
Photographer of the Year 2023 entries for Week 6 are here! Enter for a chance to win your share of US$10,000 and a Botswana safari
WATCH: An incredibly rare sighting of Ethiopian wolves harassing and chasing away a pair of honey badgers that had ventured too close to the wolves’ den site (02:03). Click here to watch
To comment on this story: Login (or sign up) to our app here - it's a troll-free safe place 🙂.
