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Breath-taking images + the majesty of De Hoop Nature Reserve
A quick (true) story. A few years ago, a young couple requested our help to design the perfect gorilla trekking safari in Uganda. We did just that. They took our itinerary and ignored us from then on – conducting research with the assistance of online technology to reduce the package cost by a few hundred Dollars by choosing different accommodation – about 40 km away from our suggested lodge. On the day of their gorilla trek, their transfer to the gorilla trekking centre in Buhoma (Bwindi) took 4 hours. That road is a nightmare after rain and it often rains in that part of the world. They missed their trek – the permits cost $750 each.
The mix of passion, experience and empathy that goes into building the perfect safari is what STILL separates human safari consultants from algorithms. If you think that technology reduces CONSUMER costs, think again. Can you think of ANY service industry taken over by software where you have benefited via reduced costs? Perhaps it’s the feeling of being in control. We are interfacing with billion-dollar software that gobbles up other people’s data which it uses to direct us to an affiliated business. How much control do we really have? Technology is good for many things – as we all know. BUT whether you should outsource your remote-Africa safari decisions to algorithms is up for debate. I am keen to hear your thoughts.
Keep the passion
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
TRAVEL DESK UPDATES:
Ready to book your next bucket-list safari in Kenya or Uganda? Chat with our safari experts, and let’s get you out into Africa…adventure awaits!
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Uganda – 6day/5nights – From US$ 3,380 pps
You will start this Uganda safari by exploring the stunning biodiversity of Entebbe Botanical Gardens before seeking out the world-famous tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park. From there, explore Bwindi National Park – trekking mountain gorillas and discovering the Batwa culture.
Maasai Mara migration season safari – 7days – from US$ 4,585 pps
Now’s your chance to witness the spectacle of the Great Migration in Kenya’s Maasai Mara as vast herds of wildebeest and zebra plunge through rivers, dodge predators and gallop across the plains. We recommend securing your spot on this seven-day safari between July and October, when the migration is in full swing.
From our Scientific Editor – Jamie Paterson
Did you know that elephant calves are born with tusks? They are deciduous teeth (“milk teeth”) that grow to around 5cm and then fall out when the elephant is about a year old, to be replaced by a permanent set. This adorable fact often goes unnoticed because they are small and difficult to see for the first few months. But if you look closely at a particularly touching image from this week’s Photographer of the Year gallery, you may just glimpse some tiny tusks peeping out beneath the trunk of a genuinely delightful baby forest elephant.
Precious offspring feature heavily this week, contrasting beautifully with spectacular displays of Africa at its most raw. From curious cephalopods and near misses to gentle light and scenes of agrestic simplicity, the photographers have once again excelled themselves. Entries close on the 30th of this month, so this is your last chance to submit your finest images!
Our second story of the week will take you on a journey to the magnificent De Hoop Nature Reserve in South Africa. This haven of soft white dunes, azure waters, unique vegetation and endangered wildlife is one of the country’s conservation success stories. Read all about it below and then add it to your list of must-visit destinations.
Story 1
https://africageographic.com/stories/photographer-of-the-year-2023-weekly-selection-week-11/
BREATH-TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS
Our Week 11 gallery is here as Photographer of the Year 2023 enters its final stretch! Our selected finalists stand a chance of winning a share of $10,000 and a Botswana safari
Story 2
https://africageographic.com/stories/de-hoop-nature-reserve/
DE HOOP
De Hoop Nature Reserve in South Africa’s Western Cape offers sea, wetlands, rare plants, diverse wildlife and hiking trails
WATCH: This dramatic video of an elephant rescue in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe, has been viewed over 3 million times (02:45). Click here to watch
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