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Written by Melanie van Zyl
Travelling to Africa is more meaningful than you think. These conservation-led safaris make all the difference for a wilder world

Written by Melanie van Zyl

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What we love about Africa

A first for large African mammals: DNA used to count Gabon’s endangered forest elephants

Across the African continent the populations of both species of African elephants – forest and savanna – have been declining due to habitat loss, poaching and human-wildlife conflict. Maybe a key to their salvation lies in their dung?

8 months ago

Why Lamu is one of the Indian Ocean’s best-kept secrets

Lamu soared to fame after Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, and his then-wife Jerry Hall, visited in the 1970s. Yet this Kenyan island has been continuously inhabited since the 13th century and offers more than just an idyllic getaway.

9 months ago

Hike up (then sleep beside) the world’s largest lava lake

Adventure awaits those willing to trek the Democratic Republic of Congo's volatile Mount Nyiragongo.

10 months ago

What the heck is a carbon-neutral safari anyway?

Emboo River Camp is seriously sustainable and we're obsessed.

10 months ago

Senegal is decolonising its heritage, and in the process reclaiming its future

On the morning of 5 September 2017, the inhabitants of Saint-Louis, a regional capital on Senegal’s northwest coast, woke to a strange scene. The statue of Louis Faidherbe that had formed the focal point of the Square Faidherbe since 1887 had fallen.

10 months ago

Rwanda’s passionate female conservationist on Kigali’s best

Conservation and Community Program Manager at Singita’s lodges in Rwanda, Claudine Tuyishime, shares where to walk, rest and grab a bite in the capital.

10 months ago

Margot Raggett on Compiling Conservation Book Remembering African Wild Dogs

African Wild Dogs are misunderstood, persecuted and now critically endangered — acclaimed photographer Margot Raggett sheds light on this unique species.

10 months ago

Exploring Mount Mulanje: Malawi’s Island in the Sky

An unusual mountain in Malawi offers one of Africa's best hiking experiences.

10 months ago

Discover Africa’s last old-growth forests, the earth’s second green lung

While a rainforest once spanned the continent, Africa is now home to just 8% of the world’s ancient woodlands.

11 months ago

The mysterious lives of Mafia Island’s whale sharks

Cousin to cultured Zanzibar, Mafia Island is Tanzania's smaller and lesser-known island destination. Lying some 160km to the south, it’s also the domain of ocean giants.

11 months ago

Sudan has twice as many pyramids as Egypt – this is their little-told story

200 pyramids populate desert sands near the ancient city of Meroë, standing testament to a largely untold chapter of African history.

11 months ago

Africa’s Top 9 Conservation-led Safaris

Travelling to Africa is more meaningful than you think. These conservation-led safaris make all the difference for a wilder world

12 months ago

Explained: The A – Z of going on an African safari

From aardvark to mozzies to Zululand, we have you covered.

1 year ago

Zimbabwe’s brilliant female environmental lawyer (and urban farmer) shares her Harare

Boasting a long list of accolades, Takudzwa Mutezo tells us about the best museums, bars and markets to visit in her guide to Harare.

1 year ago
A first for large African mammals: DNA used to count Gabon’s endangered forest elephants
A first for large African mammals: DNA used to count Gabon’s endangered forest elephants
Why Lamu is one of the Indian Ocean’s best-kept secrets
Why Lamu is one of the Indian Ocean’s best-kept secrets
Hike up (then sleep beside) the world’s largest lava lake
Hike up (then sleep beside) the world’s largest lava lake
What the heck is a carbon-neutral safari anyway?
What the heck is a carbon-neutral safari anyway?
Senegal is decolonising its heritage, and in the process reclaiming its future
Senegal is decolonising its heritage, and in the process reclaiming its future