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From our CEO – Simon Espley
Does responsible travel = a better holiday?
A responsible safari is one that provides long-term, sustainable benefits to African ecosystems, biodiversity and people. And by this, I mean literal benefits – not just marketing hashtags. This is a complex topic with many layers, but to smash through the politics and vested interests, surely the responsible choice for our fragile wild areas is to focus on lower-volume, higher-value tourism?
Frustratingly, terms such as ‘green’, ‘eco’, ‘sustainable’, and ‘responsible’ come and go in a never-ending cycle of what’s fashionable, combined with cynical abuse of good intentions as mass tourism operators and others adopt them to greenwash their marketing slogans and collateral.
Sadly, for most people searching for a holiday, cheap prices and thrills are the dominant energies driving decision-making. Purveyors of mass tourism know this, and focus their marketing accordingly. And their clients get what they pay for … big resorts and hotels, crowded vehicles, rushing between attractions, cheap thrills and an overriding lack of reflection or meaningful engagement. Tick! Next please. This focus on volume trashes ecosystems, scares away wildlife and tramples on local people’s dignity and sense of purpose.
The best way to achieve truly responsible safaris is to prioritise smaller lodges and bush camps, which offer exclusivity – surely the ultimate luxury these days – and a greater sense of tranquillity. And note that smaller does not necessarily mean very expensive.
Choosing smaller safari lodges and bush camps means fewer vehicles and tourists, undisturbed wildlife encounters, more attentive, discreet service and meaningful engagement with local people. This combo has long-term sustainability etched into its soul.
And choosing a safari company that ensures your safari contributes directly to conservation and community welfare also yields a deep understanding of your safari’s legacy and positive impact. Read more about the sustainable revolution safari here. If better wildlife encounters, serenity and legacy are important to you, then responsible travel choices translate to a more rewarding holiday.
If this makes sense, get in touch and we’ll help you plan a meaningful safari.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
Click below to listen to this editorial
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
Ancient antelope teeth have rewritten our understanding of human evolution. A new study from South Africa’s Cradle of Humankind challenges the belief that this region shifted from woodland to grassland 1.7 million years ago. By analysing over 600 fossil antelope teeth from seven sites, scientists found strong evidence of grazing throughout nearly two million years.
The findings reveal that early humans lived in a mixed habitat of trees, shrubs, and grasslands, rich in ecological variety and opportunity. Some antelopes even ate differently from their modern relatives, showing adaptability. Some grazed, others browsed: a flexible response to habitat. Flexibility shaped survival. Africa has always belonged to the adaptable!
This week, we explore Africa’s 10 cat species, from lions to the continent’s most secretive small cats, and examine new research using AI and satellite imagery to track the wildebeest migration – revealing lower population numbers.
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
AFRICA’S 10 CATS
Discover Africa’s 10 cat species, from lions and leopards to elusive small cats – their habitats, behaviours, and conservation challenges
MIGRATION NUMBERS DOWN
AI and satellites reveal lower wildebeest numbers in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, offering a new view of Africa’s Great Migration
Travel Desk – 2 African safari ideas
Mozambique bush & beach combo – 12 days – from US$12,875pps
Discover Mozambique from the wilds of Gorongosa National Park to the barefoot luxury of Benguerra Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago. Game drives, bush walks, pangolin foraging, dhow cruises, snorkelling, and helicopter flights make this the perfect blend of adventure and indulgence.
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. Or click here to plan your safari.
Share the safari love and earn up to US$1,000!
Know someone who dreams of an African safari? Introduce them to us and earn 5% of their safari value (up to US$1,000) when they book. Cash, credit, or donation – your choice.
You already know the magic of an Africa Geographic safari – now share it!
Simply email us now and copy in your friend who is keen to travel, and we’ll take it from there.
Open to past and future AG travellers. Referrals close 30 November 2025. Read more about our referral programme here
Our safari guests say…
AG safari guests, Joel and Miranda from Canada, went on an unforgettable honeymoon safari to East Africa:
“Highly Recommend! Wow, we can’t say enough great things about Ramona and Tracie, who were our main contacts at Africa Geographic. They were both so kind, patient, and thorough in helping us plan our perfect honeymoon, and we’re so grateful we went with them.
Every place we stayed struck the perfect balance between sustainability, supporting local communities, and ensuring an amazing experience. It’s clear they’ve put a lot of thought and care into choosing their partners across Africa, and we highly recommend using Africa Geographic if you’re planning to travel across the continent.
🙂 Thanks again!”
WATCH – AFRICAN SAFARI INSPIRATION:
Planning an African safari can be overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be. Wildlife photographer Andrew Macdonald shares what makes an Africa Geographic safari truly extraordinary. (03:26) Click here to watch
Cover image: Immersed in the magic of Africa in the birthplace of walking safaris: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. © Kaingo Camp
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