The Greater Mana Expedition
Whereas our last post showcased the well-known beauty and photographic magic Mana Pools has to offer, through this blog I wanted to illustrate some of the lesser-explored and more secluded areas of this national park. What many don't know is that there are private concessions that run the whole length of the lower Zambezi River Valley. Great Plains Conservation has acquired the Sapi Concession, a truly wild tract of land that incorporates all elements of the breathtaking Zambezi valley. Our
One Family’s Journey of a Lifetime
Family safaris that are privately guided and chartered are what we do best and, we believe, the most fulfilling of all journeys. Every time I return from a trip like this, I get feelings of deep nostalgia, overwhelming joy and even a little sadness. Nostalgia, because it reminds me of the journeys I have done with my own family and the memories we made together. Joy, because of the privileged position I am in to witness families take in the beauty
A Journey Into The Blue Forest
Each year I try to make a pilgrimage to one of my favourite wilderness areas in Southern Africa, Mana Pools, in order to escape the world and reconnect with the wild. This year, I was lucky enough to be able to share this special place with the Rendell family. This African gem has been established as a favourite destination among avid travellers, and the Rendells were about to find out why! As seasoned travellers to Africa, the Rendells were not short
Two Million Reasons To Visit East Africa
Every year, one of nature’s greatest spectacles takes place where over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebra and a host of other antelope travel approximately 800km or more in the search of food as the seasonal rains scatter across the vast grasslands between the Serengeti and Masai Mara. Although this is a highlight for visiting this part of continent, it is just one of a myriad of reasons one can enjoy an East African safari. For a wildlife migration to exist on
Top 25 Images From The Third Quarter of 2018
Selecting the top 25 images of every quarter is always such a tough task. There are so many memories and experiences from each safari, so how do we pic? We think the best idea is to let each guide decide what photographs bring back the best memories and that capture the moment and the essence of the safari they are leading. This allows some freedom of expression and shows unique styles of each person as well as the mood of
The Boys on Safari
A meandering, life-filled body of water makes its way annually from the Angolan highlands towards an oasis in the middle of the Kalahari Desert, known to us as the Okavango Delta. The formation of this unique phenomenon is extremely well documented. Research papers that span back decades as well as ongoing current research ensures we have as much knowledge of this occurrence as possible, allowing us to protect it for many years to come. Visiting the Okavango Delta has to be right on the
A Family Adventure Through Africa
I strongly believe that there are few destinations in the world that can rival Africa. By immersing yourself in the world's natural playground, there is always something for everyone to look forward to! When just a few highlights of our next Safari Architects trip included dancing on the banks of the delta at a drinks stop, watching a cheetah with cubs hunt an impala, helicopter flips over the waterways, peacefully exploring the delta by boat, archery competitions alongside elephants and seeing
East Africa: The Whole Picture
East Africa is often associated with a well known motion picture: "Out of Africa". This film displays rolling vistas of grasslands and mountains, dotted with a myriad of mammal species, endless plains and a sense of complete wilderness. In real life, this is truly not far from the truth! There are still vast stretches of land that are protected within National Parks such as the Masai Mara and The Serengeti. Besides these areas, there are countless more habitats and reserves
A Safari Around the Sun
"The only man I envy, is the man who has not yet been to Africa - for he has so much to look forward to
A Safari of Surprises
There is an overused phrase, conjured up in the bush many years ago, which is often the answer to multiple questions from first time safari travellers. The phrase: "There are no two game drives alike. Everything is different, every time!" Even though this statement may be utilised extensively, for me, it always holds true. One cannot say "How could this get any better?", because each venture out into the wilderness brings new experiences, each incredible on their own, without comparison. The