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Decoding Botswana’s elephant hunting quotas + your day on safari + Black Friday Okavango offer
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From our CEO – Simon Espley
The math and the impact of Botswana’s elephant trophy-hunting quotas are clear; do we care?
Sadly, most people who encounter our report below about Botswana trophy hunting will scan it and then move on. No dramatic headlines or sensational rumours to fuel the social media feeds.
Most will miss the message that seemingly minuscule trophy-hunting quotas, in the context of ‘too many elephants’, disrupt population dynamics and accelerate the looming demise of large-tusked elephants. Because, like poaching, trophy hunters surgically remove the tiny portion of male elephants that have large tusks. The usual rhetoric from trophy hunting acolytes is that killing only 0.3% of the population per year is sustainable. It’s not.
Because trophy hunting targets the biggest bulls, which comprise a tiny and already limited portion of the population. The science says that the current quota will reduce Botswana’s bulls aged 30 and older by 25% and bulls over 50 by 50% compared with a no-hunting situation. The math is simple and easy to comprehend if you calm the ideological fervour and have both eyes open.
As I write this, my Facebook feed is awash with news that UK trophy hunter Ricky Clark claims to have killed the last lion on permit in Benin, from where lions are rapidly disappearing. That’s how extinction happens – very slowly and then suddenly. There are about 85+ tuskers left in Africa. Watch that space …
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
Click below to listen to this editorial
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
Vultures rarely make the headlines, but they quietly hold ecosystems together. That’s why it’s worth giving Mokala National Park in South Africa’s Northern Cape airtime this week, for making vulture conservation history. In a first for a South African national park, Mokala has been declared a Vulture Safe Zone, thanks to work between SANParks and the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Home to a critical breeding population of endangered white-backed vultures, Mokala is now one of the country’s most important strongholds for the species.
Since 2008, targeted action has reduced poisoning risks, made power infrastructure safer, and removed hazards such as open reservoirs, where vultures often drown. More than 1,100 vulture chicks have already been ringed and tagged here. Add stricter controls on toxic veterinary drugs, and Mokala’s skies are looking a little safer for our planet’s most efficient clean-up crew.
This week, we dig into Botswana’s elephant hunting debate with a critical new report, and take you through what to expect on a typical safari day, from first light to star-filled nights.
Yours in wild adventure,
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
BOTSWANA ELEPHANT HUNTING
A new Elephants Without Borders report reviews Botswana’s elephant hunting system, scrutinising quotas, transparency & risks to mature bulls
YOUR SAFARI DAY
Experience a full day on safari, from sunrise sightings to starlit nights, and discover what wildlife and moments each part of the day offers
Travel Desk – 2 African safari ideas
Mashatu & MalaMala Big 5 safari – 10 days – From US$16,920pps
The Big 5, leopards galore & iconic landscapes: this safari focuses on two of Africa’s premier leopard locations, renowned for their relaxed spotted cats. From iconic elephants to giant baobab trees on wide, sandy riverbeds and cable-car river crossings to epic scenic flights, this safari has it all for those who seek an exclusive journey of discovery and adventure.
From desert to delta – 10 days – from US$9,700pps
Journey through three of Botswana’s most iconic landscapes: the arid Central Kalahari, the lush Okavango Delta, and the mighty Chobe River. Enjoy luxurious lodges, fine dining, and seamless service as you follow wildlife from salt pans and desert dunes to glistening lagoons and wide rivers. This safari is shaped by water and the life it sustains.
Still dreaming of the ultimate African safari escape? Browse our safaris ideas here. Or click here to plan your safari.
Black Friday Special Offer
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Our safari guests say…
AG safari guests Aidan and Yasmin from the UK went on a perfect birthday safari to Kenya:
A top company to help organise and arrange your perfect safari trip. Benjamin was extremely helpful in tailoring our experience exactly as we wanted it, from the initial conversations to the suggested changes to the organisation whilst on the trip. I would thoroughly recommend Africa Geographic. If you want peace of mind for your perfect once-in-a-lifetime trip, then this is the company for you. Will definitely be recommending them and using them again if and when we visit Africa!
WATCH – AFRICAN SAFARI INSPIRATION:
Once abandoned, Tanzania’s Kwakuchinja Corridor is coming back to life. This short film, Guardians of the Corridor, follows the rangers, communities and partners leading its revival between Tarangire and Lake Manyara. (08:11) Click here to watch
Cover image: A mud bath gets messy for the photographer. Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana. © Kevin Dooley
Photographer of the Year 2022 entry
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