Our weekly newsletter
Soul of the safari + best of bush & beach + 4 giraffes
This is a copy of our weekly email newsletter. Subscribe here to receive the newsletter and more inspiration for your African safari.
From our CEO – Simon Espley
Shhhhh, it’s a secret!
The soul of a safari is not about ticking off the Big 5 or witnessing Mara River crossings during the Great Wildebeest Migration, although those are indeed extremely special encounters to be cherished. It’s the moments in between (or in place of) these encounters that define a memorable journey.
Our treasured repeat safari guests often share with us the moments they remember for years as they go about their everyday lives on the treadmill of working life.
Our guests love watching predators converge on alates (flying termites) emerging after the first rains – from eagles to leopards, toads to chameleons – all gorging on those parcels of nutrition. Next time, try tasting the termites to see what the fuss is all about – delicious!
They relish the quickening of senses, that narrowing of focus, when walking near dense thickets and hearing oxpeckers chirring their alarm calls from above.
And they know the joyous freedom and fulfilment that comes from skipping an early morning game drive to stroll around the lodge gardens looking for birds before settling on the deck with a mug of coffee and freshly baked biscuits.
Our connoisseur guests enjoy the luxury of not seeing another human during a game drive, as often happens in remote areas off the beaten tourism tracks and outside of the busy peak safari season.
If you yearn to experience the true soul of a safari, start the discussion with one of our safari experts.
This essay was powered by a heady blend of pressed coffee and a bushveld dawn chorus. Bliss. Peace out
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
Click below to listen to this editorial
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
Sometimes, the smallest creatures carry the biggest weight. Case in point: the speckled dwarf tortoise (Chersobius signatus) – the world’s tiniest tortoise, and South Africa’s latest conservation celebrity.
Thanks to the Endangered Wildlife Trust, the Lokenburg Conservation Servitude has been registered on a farm in the Northern Cape, securing long-term protection for this pocket-sized reptile and its fragile habitat. Within Lokenburg, in the Bokkeveld landscape, special tortoise management zones will help keep pied crows in check, giving the tortoises a fighting chance.
What’s more, the Nel family, who’ve farmed Lokenburg for six generations, are showing how rooibos and livestock farming and biodiversity can thrive side by side.
Their commitment proves that conservation and community livelihoods don’t just coexist – they can actually strengthen each other. And thanks to this cooperation, South Africa’s smallest tortoise just scored one of its biggest wins.
This week, we bring the news that the IUCN has now officially recognised that there are four separate giraffe species, and not just one species with several subspecies. Plus, we bring you our list of the ultimate bush and beach combo safaris.
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
Bush or beach? There’s no need to choose! Here are the top combo safaris featuring epic beach & bush destinations
FOUR GIRAFFES
The IUCN has confirmed that there are four giraffe species and not one – reshaping conservation across Africa
Travel Desk – 2 African safari ideas
Kenya Highlights safari 8 days – from US$14,070pps
The IUCN has confirmed that there are four giraffe species and not one – reshaping conservation across Africa This luxury safari offers an unforgettable introduction to the stunning beauty of Kenya’s diverse landscapes and endangered species. Encounter rare Nubian/Rothschild’s giraffes up close, see the Big Five, find majestic rhinos – Africa’s unicorns – and unwind in luxurious accommodations amidst breathtaking landscapes. You’ll also engage in a range of activities, ranging from hiking to horseback riding, bush picnics and bush walks.
Classic Tanzania: bush & beach safari – 10 days – from US$7,150pps
The perfect bush and beach trifecta. A classic Tanzanian bush and beach safari that immerses you in iconic locations with time-honoured luxury camps. This is an unforgettable 10-day sojourn that blends the untamed beauty of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit with the tranquil allure of its pristine beaches. You’ll journey through Tarangire National Park to the awe-inspiring panoramas of the Ngorongoro Crater, the sweeping plains of Serengeti National Park, and the sun-kissed shores of Zanzibar.
Still dreaming of the ultimate African safari escape? Browse our safaris ideas here.
African safari: Our safari guests say…
AG safari guest Aurore from the UK went on a brilliant family safari to Botswana:
“Sally-Anne helped us plan a trip in the Okavango Delta and did an excellent job at it. She listened carefully to our expectations and was able to offer an outstanding itinerary with a variety of landscapes and experiences, which was within our budget. Her knowledge of the area added huge value to the planning process. The execution was flawless with very enjoyable camps and straightforward transfers between camps, and we had a brilliant holiday. Would not hesitate to highly recommend.”
Connect with us today, and let AG start planning your dream safari.
WATCH – AFRICAN SAFARI INSPIRATION:
Spy cameras, disguised as dung and an egret, follow a baby elephant who strays from his herd and learns why it’s dangerous to be alone in the wild. (05:06)
Click here to watch
*Cover photo: The Selous spectator sport: lions watching tourists in their natural habitat. Nyerere National Park, Tanzania. © Peter Reitze. Photographer of the Year 2018 entrant
To comment on this story: Login (or sign up) to our app here - it's a troll-free safe place 🙂.
