The Blog

When you are planning to go on safari, you will most likely want to capture your experiences. Your photos and videos will bring back memories of your safari and allow you to take a little piece of Africa home with you. This blog will give you a general idea of the basic photography gear and knowledge you will need to snap some epic shots on your next safari.

We know that planning a holiday to Africa can be daunting – especially with kids. Parenting is hard. When you are on holiday, the last thing you want to be doing, is worrying about keeping your kids safe, healthy, happy and entertained. We all need a break! When you are booking an exclusive holiday like an African safari, you expect a high standard of comfort, including child-friendly accommodations, food options, and flexibility. You probably want assurances that lodges or camps will offer amenities like those of high-end resorts, especially since they’re in remote locations. You’ll want to reduce the actually planning and preparing for the trip to the absolute minimum. And most importantly, you don’t want to have to worry about your kids’ comfort, safety or entertainment. That’s why we have rounded up our top 3 tips to make planning your “Bush Bash” hassle-free and smooth sailing!

Beach, European and urban destinations are at the highest risk of over-tourism. Lucky for us, the luxury of space in Africa is our biggest asset. In all our bespoke safaris we plan for our travelers, we prioritise the luxury of space: finding those destinations that offer the absolute best of African safari, without the crowds. So that you can enjoy your African safari the way it is supposed to be: unhurried, immersive, and truly luxurious. A wild and untouched Africa is not a myth. Trust us, we live there! While some popular safari destinations have undeniably suffered from overcrowding (Kenya’s Masai Mara Triangle being one of them), there still remains a plethora of alternative, stunning African safari destinations to choose from. Read more about where Africa is truly still wild and untouched!

If you ask us to choose between a 40sqm room in a Highrise building in London, versus an 80sqm free-standing, en-suite in the middle of pristine wilderness – both at €1,000 per person per night – there is no competition... In today's world, spending $1,000 a night for an entry-level room in most big cities has become normal. To give you some insight into what this budget will get you in Africa, versus any similarly priced luxury European, UK and USA options, here are some options in Africa’s most popular destinations.

In recent years, various new technologies have been introduced and used to combat wildlife crime. Millions of rands are spent annually by national parks, private game reserves and landowners on the multitude of innovative solutions to the problem. One method in particular, has been receiving increased attention as a ‘silver bullet’ to end the current rhino poaching crisis: employing large drones in combination with solar ankle collars, powered by AI. But does this really work, is it better than dehorning, and what are the challenges?

Booking a luxury African holiday comes at a cost, for a wide variety of reasons. One being popularity: the more well known the lodge or destination, the higher demand and therefore higher the price! In this blog, we highlight some of our favourite lesser known (and therefore less costly) but equally stunning Africa safari destinations. These dupes – or less costly alternatives to popular destinations, offer a more affordable safari experience for those travellers who have already seen the Big Five or those who are simply looking for a purer, off-the-beaten-track and less crowded Africa. Read on to discover our top-tips when it comes to selecting your next, unchartered safari destination!

True luxury on safari isn’t found in fancy finishes, golden platters, or rose petals and towel swans on the goose-dawn-filled duvet covering the emperor-size, four-poster bed. There, we said it. True safari luxury is found in experiencing your destination to the absolute fullest. Read to discover what it truly means to experience a luxury safari.

The iconic Kruger National Park in South Africa is perhaps the epitome of the classic game drive safari. But the Kruger Park is also a vast wilderness area the size of Wales, with hundreds of lodges to choose from. While game viewing throughout the park is amazing, there are some areas that are just that little bit above average and - dare we say it – perhaps even the best game viewing areas in the whole of Africa! But what is the best game reserve in Kruger National Park, and which are the best private game lodges near Kruger? In this comprehensive guide, we list our top private reserves near Kruger, as well as the best Kruger luxury safari lodges out there. If you book your safari at any of these private game lodges near Kruger National Park, we guarantee that your journey into the heart of the South African wilderness will be nothing short of extraordinary!

Embarking on an African safari is the ultimate dream for many avid travelers, promising unforgettable experiences amidst the breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife. Now add one extra word to that and you’ve got yourself the ultimate bucket list holiday: an African luxury safari – combining not only the inherent natural beauty of Africa, its wildlife and its people, but also lavishly and tastefully decorated lodges, boasting the most spectacular views over the untouched surrounding landscape, exclusive access to thousands of hectares of privately managed and pristine wilderness areas, the finest wining and dining experiences, topped off with first-class safari guides and hospitality service that will blow your head off. The one question we most often get asked about such African luxury safaris? What is the cost of indulging in such a luxurious escape and why are African safaris so expensive? With this blogpost, we delve deeper into the answers to those questions... We’ll unravel the factors that contribute to the cost of luxury safaris in Africa and provide insight to help you plan your dream getaway in full transparency of where your money goes.

Join us on a journey through the heart of East Africa as we list the best resorts in Serengeti that promise a luxury safari experience like no other. From luxurious accommodations nestled amidst the wilderness to exclusive retreats offering unparalleled seclusion, each of these Serengeti luxury safari lodges has been carefully curated to provide you with the ultimate blend of comfort, adventure, and awe-inspiring wildlife encounters...

An African luxury tent safari is not merely a vacation; it’s a rendezvous with the untamed, a journey into the heart of nature's grandeur. And what better way to immerse oneself in this raw, unbridled beauty than through the lens of a luxury tented camp? These canvas sanctuaries offer an unparalleled experience, where luxury meets wilderness, and the soul of Africa whispers through every fold of fabric blowing in the wind.

Ever wondered what it’s like going on a luxury tented safari in Africa? To really feel connected to one of our last remaining wildernesses? To take nothing but photos and leave behind only footprints? Read about our experience at Barclay Stenner, a mobile luxury tented safari camp in the Okavanga Delta, Botswana. And no, we don't just love it because Taylor Swift's Wildest Dreams was filmed there...

It is difficult to convey how special this place is in a few words, both to me and to the travellers and guests I’ve had the chance to experience it with, but I will give it my best shot! I have had the fortune of guiding full time at Mala Mala for two years, and have been able to visit again as a private guide on safari with guests many a time since. Safe to say, the property, lodge and wildlife absolutely blows my mind every single time! Mala Mala is a name that needs no introduction in the safari world: the MalaMala model formed the blueprint for the photographic safari industry some 60 odd years ago and continues to set the standard to this day. And so it almost seems ironic that I’m about to tell you that it is one of the best “value for money” safari destinations in South Africa at the moment!

If you are looking to embark on a Botswana safari, the Okavango Delta offers a range of accommodation options, from rustic mobile tented camps to some of the most sought after luxury lodges on the African safari circuit. Botswana’s low-density tourism model means that most safari experiences in the Delta are relatively private and away from the crowds. In terms of rates, a fully inclusive safari package can vary from $450 per person per night, right up to $5000, depending on the style of lodge & safari experience chosen. Here is a list of our top 10 absolute favourite lodges in the Okavango Delta:

Botswana, a land of contrasts, from the swampy inland delta of the Okavango to the Kalahari desert and shimmering horizons of the Makgadikgadi salt pans. With water brings life and nowhere is that more apparent than in Botswana. The Okavango delta floods annually, bringing water to the otherwise dried up, ancient salt lakes in the Kalahari basin. This flood brings a migration of zebras, flocks of flamingos and a whole host of other wildlife. Onwards they go, into the Okavango Delta itself, the ‘Jewel of the Kalahari’, where hippo-filled channels of water wind through reed beds that are humming with birdlife. It's a true garden of Eden supporting the largest population of elephants on the planet, huge herds of buffalo, dazzling plains game and impressive predators. Privacy and wilderness are synonymous here, with something exquisite to see during every month of the year. If you cannot wait to visit the delta, contact us to enquire about last-minute packages with enhanced long-stay discounts. Valid for bookings between 11 January and 30 April 2024​. Contact us to enquire!

One of the most common questions we get, is “where in Africa should I travel to?” Whilst a seemingly simple question, the answer is perhaps even simpler: “it depends on what you want to see!” Word around town is that Africa’s three most popular destinations are: Kenya (23%), Tanzania (22%) and South Africa (21%). The most popular attractions and activities included seeing the Big Five (26%), visiting Victoria Falls (14%), meeting locals (10%), visiting Cape Town (9%) and gorilla trekking (8%). If you are stuck deciding between Kenya, Tanzania or South Africa, here’s some things to keep in mind when choosing your safari destination.

What exactly is a white lion and where can you see the white lions of Timbavati? Are white lions albino lions? This blogpost answers all your questions and lists the latest confirmed recordings of female white lion, male white lion, and white lion cubs in the wild.

If you've dreamed of an African safari, Kenya’s Masai Mara is likely it! Scenes of vast, rolling plains dotted with grazing animals and iconic umbrella acacia trees. Herds of wildebeest and zebra stretch as far as the eye can see, elegant cheetah moving through the long grass and in the evening, the thundering roars of lions in the distance and the distinctive whoops from hyenas. This is the land of the Maasai, custodians of an ancient culture. Spectacular game viewing combines with unique cultural experiences and amazing opportunities to get to know the Maasai and Samburu people and their ways of life.

Ever felt a little unsure about travelling to Africa on your own or wondered how you can make your safari even more enjoyable?! Whether you are an experienced traveller or a first time safari goer, you can choose to be accompanied on your safari by a specialist private guide.

Many travellers are keen wildlife enthusiasts and have added an African safari to their bucket list; yet one of the biggest concerns that is holding them back from planning that authentic safari experience is; "Is it safe to travel to Africa?" Our answer; a resounding yes!

The term ‘wildlife' alludes to the wildness of the animals and areas you are dreaming of visiting. Very few people have the opportunity to come face-to-face with animals in the wild, living and thriving in their natural habitat and acting as they would if we weren’t there watching them. The best safari encounters are those experienced up-close, from an open game viewing vehicle or even on foot in the African wilderness! Read our latest series of blogs to find out where and how to have a safe safari experience!

You’ve Safari'd your way through Africa, and now you wonder what else the continent has to offer? While the classic game drive safari – where you get to experience the wonders of the wild from the comfort of a safari vehicle - will forever be the go-to, we’re here to tell you that a boating safari may just be what you are looking for!

Chris was one of Wild Wonderful World’s first ever safari travellers and he hasn’t looked back since! Chris, his wife Anna, and WWW Founder & CEO Michelle have travelled Africa far and wide. These are his memories of one of their recent trips, on a birding and Great Ape safari to the dense Central African rainforests of Uganda.

Did you know that South Africa is the third most biodiverse country in the world? Its diverse range of biomes - from forests to deserts, estuaries and marine systems, is home to over 95,000 known species. Many of these plants and animals are classified as “endemic”, meaning that they only occur in one specific geographic are. This so-called “endemism”, combined with species richness, is one of the key factors in the global prioritisation of conservation measures. South Africa’s extraordinary biodiversity means that its protection is not just a local concern, but a global one.

Embarking on a safari is a dream come true for many nature enthusiasts. The opportunity to witness breathtaking wildlife and the Big Five in their natural habitats is an experience like no other. However, it's crucial to remember that our actions as visitors can have a significant impact on these fragile ecosystems. Read our top-five tips to help you minimize plastic waste and ensure a sustainable safari experience.

As we turn onto the gravel road that takes us up to Kwandwe’s main entrance, we are engulfed in the vegetal smells of Albany thicket, mingled with the earthy dust wafted up by our car tires. Two Kudu bulls emerge from the spekboom and cross the road in front of us, while the wrought iron sign for Heatherton Towers points us towards Kwandwe’s reception house. This 1800’s building is just one of the many signs of the history that underpins this iconic game reserve...

It is almost impossible to imagine anyone at all can do anything to help at this stage, but what stood out to us more than anything on our expedition was the incredible people we met along the way who are doing just that -making a difference. And we wanted in. Their resilience and passion for continually fighting to save wildlife is nothing short of inspiring. From scientists, vets, soldiers to community officers they each taught us that if everyone fights a corner, supports just one project that protects one area, then we stand a chance.

No matter where you are in the world, you can #InvestInOurPlanet today & contribute to making a difference for the better. Wild Wonderful World exists for this exact purpose, to empower anyone to #IgniteChange in the world of conservation. Our non-profit organisation runs on a 100% donation model, meaning that 100% of donations received goes straight into wildlife conservation - with no admin or running costs deducted. As most of our team have been actively working in the safari and conservation industries for over 10 years, we have created a large network of wildlife veterinarians, wildlife guides & anti-poaching rangers, nature reserve managers, and NGOs across Africa. This gives us early access to budding projects, and enables us to identify genuine needs and valuable projects that will have a real impact.

If 2022 was the year that travel returned, 2023 will be the year that travel explodes! We are currently seeing 90-95% occupancies in Africa’s top safari lodges for 2023 over peak travel periods. This means that if you were thinking of ticking off a bucket list safari in 2023, chances are that you may have missed the boat…

You’ve read our recent Gorilla blog and are now itching to go and walk with Africa’s great apes, but have some questions about how it all works in practice? Read on…

Trekking & standing face to face with Africa’s great apes is one of the most magical, humbling & downright bewildering experiences you can have on safari. An encounter many of us dream of experiencing at least once in a lifetime, yet only a few get the chance to live. Have you ever wondered: "Where can I see Gorillas in the wild?" In this blog, we’ll give you some insights into what it’s like to trek the Mountain Gorilla families of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Together, these two places are home to the majority of remaining wild Gorilla populations in Africa!

From world renowned private game reserves in South Africa to remote national parks in Zambia and even some secret insight on where you can find the rare black leopard in Kenya, the destinations listed here will give you an extremely high chance of quality leopard viewing in the wild. Our guides at Wild Wonderful World have been lucky to have had these extraordinary experiences throughout Africa and share their insights here, so you too can add some of these special places to your own safari and experience the same incredible sightings for yourselves.

As NFT’s gain notoriety and hit global news headlines, we couldn’t help but ask; what are NFT’s, why are people spending so much money on them, and can they be applied in any way to benefit wildlife? An increasing number of platforms are allowing people to convert their NFT's into charitable giving - here we investigate their value as a future funding method for anti poaching and wildlife conservation efforts.

Whether you were on safari in Africa, walking in your local park at home or just living your every-day life, I’m sure you've spotted some of our magnificent feathered friends. Perhaps you’ve wondered why some are so colourful and others so plain, or why some have long feathers and others short? Well, grab your binoculars and let’s take a closer look at how and why birds have such brilliant colouring.

The holidays are almost upon us and as we all start gearing up for Christmas shopping we thought it pertinent to give thought as to our money is going and whether the gifts we buy this year are adding value to the environment, to wildlife and to people. It has undoubtedly been a tough year for many and the simple choice of what you buy and from where can really make a big difference.

Have you ever wondered what impact your safari will have on the countries, communities and wildlife areas that you travel to? How is it all connected and do your dollars ever truly filter down through the economy? The safari industry relies on healthy, functioning ecosystems with abundant wildlife and it is therefore crucial for safari operators to be actively involved in supporting and protecting the areas in which they operate. However, not all safari tourism is created equally, and even so-called ecotourist destinations can and do have an adverse effect on the wilderness they claim to protect. But how do you know who's telling the truth? We explain what ecotourism and sustainable travel in Africa is all about, and how you can ensure that your safari really contributes to protecting the environment.

As international borders across Africa start to re-open, we review what the impact Covid19 has had on conservation, and what we can do to support wildlife, going forward.

When news of some 350+ elephant deaths in the Okavango Delta region of Botswana was reported back in May, global headlines demanded answers. Four months on, conservationists and scientists alike remain baffled.

Our vision is a global community that celebrates stories of success as we watch our wilderness areas and species within them, thrive. Our mission is to make the connection, conversation, investment and actionable contribution to nature accessible to every individual and business interested in making an impact. To use our platform to educate and inspire, showing anyone who cares that a contribution of any size, shape or form can make a difference. Time. Money. Conversation. It all goes a long way.

A 7000km journey from Laikipia Kenya to South Africa, during which we aimed to experience as many wildlife phenomenon’s as possible!

Vultures particularly are easy to dislike, but they are rapidly becoming extinct - why so and what does their loss mean to our environment and economy?

Don’t let the lockdown lockout nature – join a live safari from the comfort of your own home!

We left South Africa in November 2017, and returned home 393 days and 19,040km later – wide eyed, overwhelmed and more inspired than ever.

Look the part, feel the part AND stay within limited weight restrictions with our handy packing list!

Sit near an elephant herd for a while, and you may hear a low rumble. Read on to find out what it means!

Recent research has made it clear that plants do in fact conduct informative exchanges between themselves.

Every year, more than 5,000 species of birds undertake impressive journeys to find food... but how do they do it?

Welcome to the Kasonso Busanga GMA, a truly undiscovered Zambian birding hotspot!

Meet Mulberry Mongoose,​ a team of passionate ladies who make hand crafted jewellery inspired by the African bush.

We visited the Lilayi Elephant Nursery as part of our visit to Lusaka, something that shouldn’t be missed on any Lusaka itinerary!

Home to the third largest population of lions in Kenya, Laikipia has been hailed as one of Kenya’s biggest success stories in conservation.

One of the most endangered species in Africa is fighting back survival thanks to PDC.

Ever wondered what happens to ants or termites when they die? It's not what you think.

On deployment for our first anti poaching foot patrol in Bumi Hills, Zimbabwe.

Wild and remote, experiencing the Central Kalahari should be on everyone's bucket list.

Drones have been receiving increased press attention as a ‘silver bullet’ to combat wildlife crime.

Changing temperatures are affecting more than just the weather and the knock-on effects are worrying.