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Lion Bon Jovi relocated + Hwange conservation safari + wildest photos
This is why I stopped photographing wildlife while on safari.
Kwando Reserve, Botswana. It was a hot dry-season day, and we were parked in a copse of almost-bare mopane trees. About 30m away, a huge, venerable kudu bull fought for his life. Backed into a blue bush, he was surrounded by a pack of wild dogs. Each time one of these incredible hunters made a dart at him, he slashed his white-tipped horns in an arc. They were patient, and so was he. More than two exhausting hours later, he made his cautious escape while the dogs rested nearby in a rare pool of shade. They noticed his departure but were too fatigued to do anything about it.
Our game-drive vehicle had a mix of keen amateur photographers and people like me who take the odd snap on their mobile phones. Throughout the drama, the photographers were griping about the harsh sun overhead, shrubbery getting in the way of their shot, and having left a more suitable lens at home. For me, two hours felt like minutes as I absorbed every moment as this courageous kudu defied the odds and lived to see another day, and the dogs used every ounce of their cunning and athleticism to secure a meal – at risk of injury or even death. What an epic occasion to be in the moment and not distracted by technology.
Of course, wildlife photography helps us celebrate nature’s wonders (our Photographer of the Year is a testament to that) – and we are all voyeurs, living vicariously through those evocative images that tell Africa’s stories. But while on safari, I choose to be totally in the moment. Each to their own. Many professional wildlife photographers I meet out there have learned when to put the camera down so they can ply their trade and also enjoy the moments for what they are – nature revealing her secrets and sometimes showing off.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
Flying lessons, but make it wild! For 300 years, the northern bald ibis forgot how to migrate. Until humans stepped in, using a small aircraft and foster parents to teach the birds how to migrate again. With their bald red heads, long curved beaks and quirky greeting rituals, these gregarious birds were once widespread across North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and Europe. But until recently, they have been extinct in Europe, and had only one stable population in Morocco. Breeding efforts have worked well, but without wild ancestors to guide the ibises, they had no idea where to fly for winter. That’s when Austria’s Waldrappteam stepped in, guiding ibises cross country with the help of an ultralight aircraft, in a move influenced by the real-life Canada geese that inspired 90s film Fly Away Home. During the flights – the team have been perfecting these migrations for 20 years – human foster parents sit on the back of the microlight, waving and shouting encouragement to the birds as they fly.
Last year, 36 ibises completed a 2,800km journey from Austria to Spain. This project is helping the species reclaim lost ground beyond its African populations – one human-led migration at a time.
This week, we received news that famous Liuwa Plain lion Bon Jovi has been relocated: read more in our news story. Simon also shares his recent adventure to Hwange, during which he embarked on a conservation safari with our Photographer of the Year 2024 winners. Plus, we’ve chosen the best photos for the second week of our 2025 competition. Check these all out 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
https://africageographic.com/stories/famous-liuwa-plain-lion-bon-jovi-relocated-to-kafue-after-becoming-problem-lion/
BON JOVI RELOCATED
Famous Liuwa Plain lion Bon Jovi has been relocated to Kafue National Park after killing cattle and becoming a threat to local villagers
Story 2
https://africageographic.com/stories/lion-collars-and-photographers-in-hwange/
LION COLLARS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
Our Photographer of the Year 2024 winners headed on a Hwange conservation safari, handing over lion collars, visiting community projects, & exploring Zim’s wilds
Story 3
https://africageographic.com/stories/photographer-of-the-year-2025-weekly-selection-week-2/
WILDEST PHOTOS
Photographer of the Year 2025 is here! Here is our selection for Week 2 of the competition. Enter for a chance to win a safari to incredible Odzala-Kokoua National Park
TRAVEL DESK:
Our safari picks of the week
Still searching for that handcrafted experiential safari? Browse our ready-made safari ideas OR click here for free safari planning.
A haven for pangolins
The Pangolarium – a dedicated pangolin care facility – has opened in South Africa’s Lapalala Wilderness in the Waterberg. Built by the African Pangolin Working Group (APWG) in partnership with Lapalala with support from Lepogo Lodges, this groundbreaking centre provides medical care, rehabilitation, and vital research for these elusive creatures.
TeamAG’s Nadia and Sarah attended the Pangolarium’s launch, witnessing firsthand the incredible work being done to protect pangolins and experiencing conservation in action. Learn more about this crucial initiative here.
WATCH: A verdant forest paradise, and the location of our Photographer of the Year 2025 winner’s prize: Odzala-Kokoua NP in Congo-Brazzaville is a bucket-list safari spot. Western lowland gorillas, forest elephants, bongos, dwarf crocodiles, huge flocks of grey parrots & green pigeons – and much more are on offer here. Learn more about this magical part of the Congo. (05:27) Click here to watch
For more videos celebrating Africa, check out our videos here
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