This is a copy of our weekly email newsletter. Subscribe here to receive the newsletter.
Rare leopard/gorilla sighting + Kahuzi-Biega + new hyena menu
Is this the most astonishing wildlife sighting ever? Guests at Camp Imbalanga in Odzala-Kokoua National Park were watching a silverback western lowland gorilla forage in a forest clearing (known as a baï) a mere 3-minute walk from camp when a movement at the forest edge caught their attention.
Further binocular investigation revealed a leopard keenly watching red-fronted duikers and birds in the clearing. I wonder if that’s a first-ever sighting – a lowland gorilla and leopard in one place? There is a photo, albeit a bit murky, as it was taken from a mobile phone through binoculars.
Other recent guests were lucky enough to see lowland gorillas, forest elephants, forest buffaloes, and bongos during one treehouse session at Moba Pool Baï – another fantastic location to watch for wildlife from the safety of a treehouse on the edge of the clearing.
Of course, these are wild animals, and no sightings are ever guaranteed. Note also that these are not habituated gorillas – encounters follow a natural rhythm as they wander between feeding sites – ‘Africa time’.
We will soon release a new safari package to this new frontier of great ape conservation for those interested in unusual safari experiences. Watch this space.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
Do animals wage war like humans? While interspecies battles are common – lions, leopards, orcas, wolves, bears, and even ants fight over territory or mates – these skirmishes are usually more about intimidation than lethal conflict. Attacks are spontaneous rather than strategic. But there is an exception.
Did you know that chimpanzees engage in violent, organised warfare? Jane Goodall famously bore witness to a brutal four-year conflict between rival chimp groups in the 1970s (known as the Gombe Chimpanzee War). This war saw murders, forced exiles, and violent beatings. Researchers have even observed chimps using elevated positions to plan attacks on rival groups. Chimp wars have also been documented to involve methodical patrols, cannibalism, infanticide, corpse mutilation and coordinated attacks. Some researchers even use the “chimpanzee model” to understand human warfare. Grizzly stuff!
This week, we explore the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s magical land of primates, Kahuzi-Biega National Park – check it out below. Plus, researchers have observed hyenas systematically snacking on queleas – read why this is an exciting find.
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/queleas-added-to-hyena-menu/
QUELEAS FOR LUNCH
Queleas have become an unexpected addition to the diet of spotted hyenas, showing hyenas’ adaptability and opportunism
Story 2
https://africageographic.com/stories/kahuzi-biega-national-park/
KAHUZI-BIEGA NP
Explore Kahuzi-Biega NP, the DRC’s biodiversity haven and sanctuary for critically endangered gorillas
TRAVEL DESK:
Dreaming of your bucket-list Maasai Mara or Serengeti safari? Or how about an island paradise? Check out the epic safaris below, or let our travel team help you plan your dream safari
Discover Tanzania’s popular northern safari circuit, including Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti NP, and the idyllic serene beaches of Zanzibar. This safari offers you a seamless introduction to the wonders of a Tanzanian bush and island retreat. Immerse yourself in these iconic locations whilst exploring diverse landscapes and rich culture.
Feeling inspired and wanting more? Explore more of our safari ideas here
What our travellers say
Our safari clients have left some stunning reviews on their adventures through Africa:
“Africa Geographic delivers dreams”
Mallory and party travelled with AG to Namibia, Botswana and Victoria Falls. She says:
We spent just over three weeks in Namibia, Botswana and Vic Falls this summer. Holidays like this don’t come around every summer for us, so we wanted it to be the absolute best it could be. Delivering the holiday of a lifetime starts with imagination and expert planning by someone who really knows where you are going and thoughtfully adds in all the little extras to make it more than just an ‘off-the-shelf’ holiday. This requires warm, professional and highly skilled people on the ground to deliver on what’s expected, to manage the unexpected, and to bring a place to life. This also needs continued interest and follow-through should you need to be in touch, once all is paid for and the holiday is actually happening. Africa Geographic, Christian, Joram and the many other people involved in making our dreams come true ticked all the boxes.”
“Exceptional travel experience from start to finish”
Delores travelled with AG across Africa. Delores and party went gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, visited Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, saw the elephant orphans of Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya, and enjoyed a sojourn in Cape Town, South Africa. She says:
Christian from AG provided an exceptional travel experience from start to finish. He created a custom itinerary that perfectly matched our preferences, making all reservations and ensuring every detail was handled with precision. At each location, we were met with quality drivers, which made our travels seamless and enjoyable. Christian delivered a full itinerary for our phones, which was incredibly convenient. Throughout the trip, he was always available, promptly addressing any issues that arose and making us feel supported every step of the way. His dedication and attention to detail made our trip truly unforgettable.
Want to join our safari tribe and have experiences like this? Get in touch, and let’s start planning your unique African safari!
WATCH: Looking for something different? Check out Ukuri – safari camps for responsible travellers. Ukuri brings you lodges and campsites managed by African Parks that offer tangible, measurable benefits for conservation & communities. 100% of tourism revenue earned by African Parks goes to conservation and local communities. (0:33) Click here to watch
For more videos celebrating Africa, check out our videos here
To comment on this story: Login (or sign up) to our app here - it's a troll-free safe place 🙂.
