9) Elephant Safari - Zimbabwe and Botswana
High off the ground, you move easily and quietly through forest trails enjoying an entirely new perspective on wildlife viewing – quite literally. An elephant safari allows you to get much closer to the animals without feeling like you are intruding and at the same time you are able to form a special connection to your ‘transport’ as no other way can offer. Hwange and Chobe National Parks provide a stunning backdrop to interact with not just elephants but also wild dog, leopard, cheetah, giraffe and much, much more. An absolute must for lovers of this majestic animal.
10) Conservation Projects - Rwanda, Namibia and Madagascar
For many people wildlife travel feels especially good when the sense of ‘giving back’ to the destinations is involved. All of our trips contribute in some way to local communities and wherever possible wildlife and habitat protection, but some itineraries can include special opportunities to experience African conservation at close hand.
Gorillas doctors, Rwanda
In addition to the magical opportunity to track the endangered mountain gorillas in the staggeringly beautiful location of Volcanoes National Park and Virunga mountains of Rwanda, we offer a gorillas and conservation safari where you can spend a morning at the headquarters of the world famous Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project learning about the trials and tribulations that they face on a daily basis in the fight to save the last few surviving mountain gorillas. This is the region made famous by Dr Dian Fossey and her book 'Gorilla's in the Mist' which thankfully raised a huge amount of awareness of the plight of these wonderful primates through her world famous research.
Africat Foundation, Nambia
Founded in 1991, the Africat Foundation is committed to sustainable conservation projects developed to protect the regions big cats, specifically cheetah and leopard and has grown significantly in recent years to now include education and research around key issues such as habitat loss, rehabilitation and human/wildlife conflict. Located in Okonjima the main bush camp offers excellent access to the foundation meaning guests can experience the project first-hand to get valuable insight into its regular activities while also enjoying the chance to ‘radio track’ leopards.
Kianjavato Lemur Project, Madagascar
Madagascar is the only place in the world you can find the enchanting lemur species and yet it is still at risk from loss of habitat. Thankfully there are fantastic people and initiatives that are working hard to protect these primates and their home. We are privileged to be the only tour operator to take visitors into the Kianjavato Lemur Project on our small group safari. This pioneering project run by Dr. Ed Louis as part of the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership, researches bamboo lemurs, black and white ruffed lemurs and aye-aye`s, as well as reforestation and working with local communities and schools. Your time here allows you to spend time with the lemurs and track them as well as learn more about local conservation from researchers including the wider challenges facing the island and these magical inhabitants.
Contact our African specialists if you would like them to organise an unusual safari for you.