We’re fortunate to work in our chosen field where seasons revolve, wildlife migrates, and the weather is unpredictable. This constant state of flux keeps it fresh and interesting. No two days are identical. Travel requirements, particularly in Africa, are notoriously fickle, and these variables make it absolutely vital that we keep our finger on the pulse. Being on safari for most of the year keeps us as current as possible with the facilities and service at each camp and lodge, as well as wildlife trends throughout the parts of Africa that we operate in.

Spend enough time in the bush, and sooner or later, you’ll be charged by an elephant. Mostly, this involves a bit of head shaking and the occasional trumpet before petering out. Not the case this time! Here’s Lee’s hair-raising account of a close encounter during a safari in Zambia:

It is often said that one's own country is easily overlooked when travelling. Having lived and worked in some of the most incredible wildlife areas right here in South Africa, I can definitely say that it deserves a place high on the list of Africa’s great wilderness destinations. Local culture adds a fresh dimension to any safari; with eleven official languages, colourful history and genuinely friendly people, this country offers a richly varied all-round experience, from the southernmost tip of the Cape to its northern borders.

Ever wondered how some of those “in your face” wildlife images are captured?  Often, the use of game viewing hides, sometimes called photographic hides, plays a defining role in getting that “wow” close up that otherwise would be nearly impossible. 

Sometimes, making a difference to underprivileged communities happens when we least expect it. A past safari to Zimbabwe was just such a case. Spending time on Lake Kariba to savour this spectacular wilderness was the main reason for us being there. However, a brief visit to a small fishing village,followed by the incredible generosity of my guests, would ultimately make a huge change to daily life in this remote corner of Africa.

One of the most useful pieces of equipment to take on safari is a pair of binoculars.  Whether one’s admiring the intricate patterns around an elephant’s eye from a safe distance, identifying a raptor in the crown of a distant leadwood tree, or merely scanning the surroundings for movement, a pair of binoculars is invaluable.  This simple guide explains what to look for when considering which pair to add to the packing list for an upcoming safari.

One of my favourite “little extras” to do while on safari is to make fire. Bushman style. Using friction, with my own selected pieces of wood, and elephant dung – no matches or lighters, but the way it’s been done since the very first fire maker stumbled upon the method by chance, and enabled his or her descendants a life-changing opportunity to cook food, protect themselves, and stay warm.

A recent Facebook post from a friend of mine with a conservation background posed the question that shark cage diving could have a negative influence on the behaviour of these super-predators, when conducted by less ethical operators than our preferred specialists.

After 12 years spent working as a guide and managing lodges for one of Africa’s finest and largest operators, I have finally taken the plunge and joined Essential Africa as a shareholder and professional guide. In this article I focus on the dilemma that faces any guide in our field, as it is structured at present – that is, to get ahead, we need to move away from guiding and into lodge management, which is an area most guides are not suited for and do not enjoy – and the opportunity created by Essential Africa for professional guides in this sphere. I’m sure this article will strike a chord with most experienced guides out there…we would love to hear your comments.

It's always nice when the time comes to start looking for new equipment, in this case, a camera.  But it's not always an easy position to be in, as there are many choices.  Firstly there are different brands to choose from.  Personally, I have always gone with Canon, but there are many others, all with their own pros and cons.  One of the big factors for Canon is its user-friendliness.  Once you've chosen the brand you'd like to go with, there are different modules within the brands. Some of them are unbelievably closely matched and the only big difference is the price tag.

Since inception, Essential Africa has aimed to make every safari “the trip of a lifetime”, in whatever form the safari takes. In this article we look at the key elements that we believe make for “a trip of a lifetime”.