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Elephant decline + unforgettable Mara safari + 2 gorilla adventures
I have a dilemma. Our bushveld home town is growing rapidly – the same rural transformation that has taken place in so many formerly quaint villages across the country. A modern private hospital recently opened its doors, another shopping centre has broken ground, and commercial buildings are springing up everywhere. We even have a padel court!
Growth is, of course, the holy grail for happy humans, so heaven forbid I express misgivings. But along with growth comes all the other stuff, like traffic, noise, power grid and water issues, crime, and the eradication of that village feel we cherish – the very reasons we moved here from Cape Town some six years ago.
Of course, I recognise that I am part of the problem. By settling here, we added to the impetus. And I realise that my dilemma is that of a privileged person – well insulated against life below the poverty line.
OK, enough grumbling from me. The early rains I mentioned a few weeks ago have transformed the landscape into a green oasis, migratory birds have arrived, tortoises and chameleons are mobile, and the air is pregnant with the promise of more rain. Life is good!
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
As if contending with lion-hunting eagles and human super-predators weren’t enough for Africa’s big carnivores… Did you know that there is a microscopic threat that might be the most sinister puppet master of them all? Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite best known for turning rats into cat-chasers, has been pulling some pretty deadly strings in hyena cubs in Kenya’s Maasai Mara over the years, causing them to self-sacrifice themselves to lions.
Hyena cubs infected with the parasite boldly stroll right up to lions – their mortal enemies – essentially volunteering as dinner. Why? Because T. gondii can only reproduce inside felids. Yes, this single-celled schemer manipulates its hosts into self-sacrifice to hitch a ride to its preferred breeding ground. A three-decade-long study found infected hyena cubs were far likelier to die at the mouth of a lion than their uninfected peers. Who knew the circle of life had an MVP with such ominous finesse?
This week, we take a photo journey with Kathy West into unforgettable Maasai Mara, and break down the worrying study currently doing the rounds that shows major declines in elephant population density across Africa.
DID YOU KNOW?
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Story 1
https://africageographic.com/stories/an-unforgettable-maasai-mara-safari/
UNFORGETTABLE MARA
A safari to Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve for a week of slow-paced photography brought Kathy West intimate wildlife encounters
Story 2
https://africageographic.com/stories/elephant-populations-drop-by-90-forest-and-70-savannah-in-53-years-study/
ELEPHANT DECLINES
Research has uncovered population density declines of 90% for forest elephants and 70% for savannah elephants across Africa in 53 years
TRAVEL DESK:
Are you longing for a gorilla experience in the forests of the Congo or Rwanda? Take your pick and let our safari experts start planning your unforgettable trekking safari today!
Go beyond the safari norm to explore remote areas off the beaten path. Join us to find western lowland gorillas, forest elephants, forest buffalos, bongos, dwarf crocodiles, huge flocks of grey parrots and green pigeons, and other iconic wildlife species. See all of these specials in the forests, baïs and rivers of Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the remote northwest of Congo-Brazzaville.
Or, for an adventure of a different kind, find inspiration from our safari ideas here.
Our safari clients say…
Mark and Elaine Patterson from Australia recently embarked on an epic 23-day AG safari adventure. Their journey included Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, a visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and a Big-5 safari in Greater Kruger. In Cape Town, they enjoyed wine tasting, whale watching, and exploring the Cape Peninsula. Their unforgettable trip concluded with a serene island retreat in Mauritius. Here’s what they had to say about their experience:
Amazing Africa – “Just had an amazing trip to Africa that AG put together for us, based on a list of things that we wanted to see and do. They did it all and did an amazing job that exceeded our expectations all the way. Four countries, three safaris, flights, transfers, guides and drivers, over 3.5 weeks – and everything went to plan with no issues. Phenomenal job Christian, AG and team!” – Mark Patterson
Want to join our safari tribe and have safari experiences like these? Get in touch, and let’s start planning your unique African safari!
WATCH: A pack of hungry wild dogs with a large litter of pups to feed, scavenging hyenas, and an intense standoff – right outside the front door of Tinswalo’s Manor House. Watch this incredible scene play out in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Greater Kruger. (11:41) Click here to watch
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