Skeleton Coast lions 2024 update
In February 2018, I was on safari in Namibia's Skeleton Coast, a desert simultaneously so harsh and beautiful that it never ceases to impress me. The wildlife here roams vast distances in search of vegetation and water. Some species such as oryx (gemsbok) and springbok are so well adapted that...
The Family Tent
When I heard a strange sound while lying in bed at night it was comforting knowing that our kids were literally next door, and if I wanted to check on them I would not need to leave my tent. A family tent on safari is an innovative accommodation option featuring...
Usangu Plains
Ruaha National Park is Tanzania's second largest and is undoubtedly one of my favourite parks. It covers an area of 20,226 km2 (7,809 sq mi), which is larger than Denali National Park and is more than twice the size of Yellowstone. Years ago we would seasonally set up a...
Exploration of Ugalla River
Gillian and I met Dave at Arusha Airport in Tanzania. Local outfitter Nomad Tanzania had invited us on a recce (a reconnaissance trip to have a look at somewhere new or that has changed) to see their new Expeditionary Walking Camp. This was currently in Ugalla River National Park. This...
On foot in Mana Pools
It was August 2021. I made the most of a rare break due to the pandemic and travelled to Zimbabwe with my family. A highlight was our stay by the banks of the Zambezi River in the far north-east with Carl Nicholson, a keen younger professional safari guide. In 2019...
The mokoro ride
There were no thundering hooves of fleeing buffalo or barking of zebra this afternoon. Even the coos of the turtle and wood doves were subdued owing to the heat. We gently slid into the mokoro. Kenneth leaned on his long pole, skillfully balancing in the prow, and we silently glided...
A long, long time ago
As I stand on the western slopes of Ngorongoro Crater looking out over the vast Serengeti Plain, heads of giraffes appear and disappear between the tops of the acacias. There are times, often in January or February, when I also see long lines of migratory herds of wildebeest and zebra....
On safari in the Coronavirus era
Updated on 12 April, 2021 The Serengeti Plains and Ngorongoro Crater, normally almost overrun with visitors at this time of year, are now quiet. Few people are considering traveling abroad. Many parts of Europe and North America are sadly enduring another wave of the corona-virus epidemic. Most people will not...
Traveling in a downturn
I described the wilderness experience as being one of the most essential ingredients to a great safari in an earlier blog post. Over the past twenty years the popularity of African safaris have been steadily increasing. Wildlife areas vary considerably. Most reserves were created in areas of limited water or...
The Wilderness Experience
A safari in the African bush is likely to be one of your most memorable life experiences. It is like no other. Many of our visitors say that it was a unique, life-changing one. One of the phenomenal aspects of a safari is being in the wilds, in remote and...
Nine special areas in Africa
Dave and I have decided to write a series on our favourite areas in Africa. Normally in May we are preparing for upcoming dry season safaris. This year we have time to write about these magical areas while we wait for safaris to return in the wake of the Coronavirus...
The Great Migration
It is not easy to describe to someone who has not been what it is like to be in the midst of one of the greatest wildlife migrations on Earth. One obvious aspect is the sight of so many animals. However, the sound of this multitude is essential too; the...
