THIS WEEK - Africa Geographic

African safari — André Bauma and his ward, Ndakasi – rescued as an infant when the rest of her family was murdered. Bauma and Ndakasi remained close throughout her life until she died in his arms in 2021. Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. © Marcus Westberg Photographer of the Year 2022 Highly Commended finalist

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Leopard hunting exposé + Join a Zambian wildlife translocation safari this July

Experienced travellers regularly ask me to recommend one safari that makes an immediate, measurable conservation impact. This is it.

In late July, African Parks is translocating hundreds of zebras and wildebeest from Zambia’s Liuwa Plain to Kafue. Six Africa Geographic guests will join their crew of vets and rangers on the ground in Liuwa Plain to monitor herds, shepherd them towards capture bomas and load them into trucks. And they will witness a release in Kafue. There may also be veterinary procedures related to scientific research and the treatment of injuries, if necessary. You could join that VIP group and play your part. It will be noisy, dusty and fast-paced at times, but always deeply meaningful at conservation ground zero. I have joined this and other crews on similar missions – it’s exhilarating and immensely satisfying. Not only do you get your hands dirty and learn a great deal about conservation, but your safari price also directly finances these translocations.

And yes, you will have time for game drives and other epic safari activities – in Liuwa Plain and the astonishingly fantastic Busanga Plains, Kafue. In Liuwa Plain, your stay will be hosted by African Parks in a comfortable tented camp built specifically for this experience, while in Kafue, you’ll be hosted in a rustic safari bush camp. The short flights between Lusaka, Liuwa and Kafue will give you an epic birds-eye view of this vast biodiverse landscape.

As you read this, I am in Botswana – first the Central Kalahari and then the Okavango Delta, inspecting lodges and finding the magic that goes into our tailor-made safaris. This is one tough aspect of my job, but someone has to do it 😉

Thanks for reading this.

Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic

From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld

For the first time in six years, an elephant has been spotted in Senegal’s Niokolo-Koba National Park – and not just any elephant, but Ousmane, a lone bull who is a forest and savannah hybrid. Captured by a camera trap in the moonlit hush of the forest, his unexpected cameo has reignited hopes that the park’s once-silent herds may return. With millions invested and boots on the ground, conservationists are starting discussions on rewilding a population that had all but vanished. Dare we hope? If the latest forest whispers are anything to go by, then definitely.

This week, we examine a report that details the extent to which trophy hunting is affecting leopards. And, we dive into the magical world of mountain gorillas, with everything there is to know about these gentle giants.

Happy exploring!

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

MOUNTAIN GORILLAS

The thrill of trekking for mountain gorillas in the astonishingly beautiful misty highlands of East Africa is not difficult to explain.

Story 2

LEOPARD HUNTERS

Trophy hunters are targeting Africa’s leopards. A new report reveals the true cost of killing the cats we can’t afford to lose

TRAVEL DESK:

2 SAFARI IDEAS

Exclusive African Parks conservation safari – 8 days – July 2025 – US$8,800pps

Dusty air, pounding hooves and the warm sun on your neck: this is what you can expect from this exclusive safari opportunity. Join Africa Geographic and African Parks on a hands-on conservation adventure this July, where you will be right at the central part of a wildebeest and zebra translocation operation. In Liuwa Plain, you’ll assist the AP capture team in monitoring and capturing herds. Stay in a purpose-built tented camp, meet park managers, and see the conservation process from the inside. Then, witness the dramatic release of translocated animals into one of Africa’s great wildernesses, Kafue. You’ll also enjoy immersive game drives, walking safaris, and serene nights at Ntemwa-Busanga Camp in Busanga Plains.

Spaces are limited – don’t miss out.

Big 5 + chimps + gorillas in Rwanda – 10 days – US6,570pps

This safari flattens three bucket-list items in one epic trip – in one country! From searching for the Big 5 in Akagera NP to the forests of Nyungwe NP for chimpanzees, and Volcanoes NP for mountain gorillas. What more could you ask for? Aside from rare golden monkeys, the Kigali Genocide Memorial and more – which are also on offer during this safari.

MAKE YOUR MARK FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Support our Collar a Lion, Save a Pangolin and Guarding Tuskers conservation campaigns – vital efforts protecting Africa’s most vulnerable species.

Lions have lost 75% of their population in 50 years. Pangolins remain the world’s most trafficked mammal. Fewer than 100 great tuskers roam the Earth. Your support on these campaigns helps conservation teams on the ground make a lasting impact. Learn more about our campaigns now.

WATCH: This powerful video, featuring HRH Prince William, reveals the courage, care, and hope driving the battle to save a species on the brink of extinction. Left orphaned and vulnerable after brutal poaching attacks, baby rhinos face a desperate fight for survival. But thanks to the fearless guardians at Kruger National Park and Care for Wild, these calves are given a second chance at life. Check out this snippet from BBC Earth’s Guardians. (10:32) Click here to watch

For more videos celebrating Africa, check out our videos here

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