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Chimpanzees are known for their intelligence, but new research from Côte d’Ivoire’s Taï National Park shows how fragile their cultural knowledge can be. Poachers have wiped out all the males in one chimpanzee community, and the group has lost a key learned behaviour: a distinctive “knuckle-knock” mating gesture that had been passed down for decades. Though new males have since matured, the behaviour hasn’t returned.

The findings show that when individuals vanish, so can generations of knowledge essential to survival. From tool use to communication, these learned traditions are part of what defines each chimp community. Researchers say conservation must protect not only individual animals but the complex societies and cultures they form. Without that, we risk saving the species but losing their stories.

This week, we turn our attention to two extraordinary conservation landscapes: Tanzania’s Serengeti, where the Great Migration unfolds in all its power, and South Africa’s Cape region, where scientists are mapping 40 potential wildlife corridors linking the Garden Route, Baviaanskloof, and Addo.

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

SERENGETI GUIDE
The vast Serengeti, northern Tanzania, is home to an extraordinary amount of wildlife. It plays host to the greatest show on Earth – the Great Migration

Travel Desk – 2 African safari ideas

Cape Town, Winelands, Sabi Sands & Victoria Falls – a luxury journey – 13 days – from US$12,725pps
This is the ultimate luxury journey to three of Southern Africa’s most popular tourism destinations: Cape Town (including the Winelands), Sabi Sands, and Victoria Falls. Experience vibrant Cape Town, and the nearby Franschhoek Winelands, before a short flight to Sabi Sands Game Reserve for guided Big Five game drives, gourmet meals, sundowners and relaxation. Finish your adventure at Victoria Falls with thrilling game drives, river cruises, stunning views, and so much more.

Victoria Falls & Chobe – 7 days – from US$4,320pps
This safari delivers two of Africa’s most popular safari meccas: the iconic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and Chobe, Botswana’s most popular national park. Enjoy an activity every day, from river cruises to game drives, a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls and, for the more adventurous, bungee jumping and river rafting – and so much more!

Still dreaming of the ultimate African safari escape? Browse our safaris ideas here. Or click here to plan your safari.

The prime 5-year-old breeding male leopard, “Selati LM0025” (pictured in camera trap photos below), has become the eighth leopard killed on the roads of Hoedspruit, Limpopo, South Africa, since mid-2024. His loss is a devastating blow to the local leopard population’s genetic health.

To stop this tragic trend, the Ingwe Research Program launched the Road Ecology Project, to identify roadkill hotspots and safe wildlife crossings, which is vital data for lasting solutions. But they can’t do it alone. You can support Ingwe’s work by joining our Spots on the Line campaign to fund fieldwork, camera traps, and data analysis that could save leopards.

Your support can turn loss into lasting protection.

WATCH – AFRICAN SAFARI INSPIRATION:

The rivalry between two shoebill chicks in Bangweulu Wetlands, Zambia, becomes apparent when their mother leaves to fetch water. A short from the David Attenborough-narrated BBC documentary, Africa. (04:08) Click here to watch