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Crowd-free safaris + Simien Mountains + striking photos
Do you remember ‘My Octopus Teacher’ – the documentary that created a tsunami of realisation that octopodes are special beings worthy of our respect? Well, hold onto your false teeth because ‘Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey’ on Netflix will blow your socks off. Trust me. Scroll down to our video of the week for more info.
It’s almost time for the prime safari season when tourists visit Africa’s special places in large numbers to enjoy the awesomeness. It’s no secret that the national parks and reserves away from private concessions become over-crowded – from Maasai Mara and the Serengeti to Kruger, Chobe, Etosha and Khwai. At that time of year, we see too many vehicles, poor behaviour (by tourists and guides) and harassment of wildlife. The convergence of self-drivers, large hotels/lodges, overland and mobile safari operators, and day visit operators is too much for our wild places.
Our tailor-made safaris avoid these areas during the silly season, and if our guests want to be there to see the Mara River crossings, for example, we ensure that the rest of their safari, away from those epic events, is quiet and peaceful. AND, of course, our lodge partners and their guides conduct themselves impeccably (or they get it in the neck from us).
This peak season overcrowding is a conundrum for the safari industry, which we must solve. You can help by working with my travel experts to design your safari to be responsible and spectacular. This is certainly achievable with the right advice and guidance…
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
When ants become contraband, you know biodiversity is in trouble. Forget rhino horn: Kenya’s latest wildlife trafficking bust involved thousands of rare queen ants, smuggled in modified syringes and test tubes through Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Their destination? The exotic pet trade in Europe and Asia.
It sounds absurd. And, let’s consider the implications. Wildlife crime is evolving. Traffickers are exploiting global courier networks and niche markets, targeting even the tiniest, most obscure species. Nothing is safe. Fortunately, authorities are catching up. The Kenya Wildlife Service has called this case a landmark in the fight against biopiracy – not just for stopping the smuggling, but for drawing attention to the urgent need to protect genetic resources, no matter their size.
You can check out other incredible ants in this week’s Photographer of the Year galleries – plus more. From eccentric chameleons to deadly zebra crossings, two super tuskers and striking gorillas, this week’s photo galleries bring you more wild and wondrous Africa. Plus, we bring you a guide on Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains National Park, which offers a cornucopia of experiences, including otherworldy creatures, a spectacular massif and sweeping valleys. Check out these stories below.
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
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS
Simien Mountain National Park in Ethiopia offers a cornucopia of experiences – Simien wolves, endemic ibex, geladas and breathtaking trekking
Story 2
EPIC PICS 1
Our Week 10 entries are in! Check out Gallery 1 of the latest pics. Enter to win a safari to Odzala-Kokoua
Story 3
EPIC PICS 2
Week 10 of Photographer of the Year is here! Explore Gallery 2 & enter to win a trip to Odzala-Kokoua
TRAVEL DESK:
Our safari picks for you this week:
Still looking for that unique once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure? Browse our ready-made safari ideas OR click here for free safari planning.
Our safari guests say…
Another 5-star review for teamAG! Colin enjoyed a birding bonanza safari to Amboseli in Kenya:
“Christian from Africa Geographic organised a 5-day bird-hide session near Amboseli National Park, specifically to photograph a number of waxbill species. The hide was basic (I was told this in advance) but the number and species that visited the hide were remarkable and all target species – and more – were photographed. Nearby Sentrim Amboseli was fantastic and an excellent choice!” – Colin Roberts
Get in touch today, and let AG start planning your dream safari.
Check out more pics from Colin Roberts’ travels here.
WATCH: A man finds new purpose when he helps rescue a baby pangolin – one of the most trafficked animals in the world – in a sting operation in South Africa. He embarks on a heartfelt mission to rehabilitate and prepare the vulnerable animal for a life of freedom in the wild. From the director of My Octopus Teacher comes Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey, an exploration of the connection between humans and the creatures we share our world with. Check out the trailer for this new documentary. (02:24) Click here to watch
For more videos celebrating Africa, check out our videos here
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