Safari Life Blog
Exploring the Wilds of Canada: Journeys to Churchill and the Canadian Arctic
Canada’s vast wilderness is the ultimate frontier for nature enthusiasts seeking truly remote wildlife experiences. As your next adventure with Safari Professionals, we invite you to explore the rugged, awe-inspiring landscapes of northern Canada with two...
Yellowstone and Grand Teton: A Wild American Adventure
In the heart of the American West, where towering peaks meet expansive valleys, lies two of the most iconic landscapes in North America—Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. These protected lands are synonymous with awe-inspiring beauty, abundant wildlife, and...
Mexico’s Natural Wonders: Baja Whale Tours and Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries
Mexico is a land of extraordinary biodiversity, where dramatic coastlines meet lush forests and arid deserts. As Safari Professionals expands its offerings in North America, we are excited to introduce two unique experiences that capture the heart of Mexico’s natural...
A Journey to Anjajavy: Madagascar’s Hidden Paradise
Nestled on the northwest coast of Madagascar, Anjajavy is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of luxury and untamed wilderness. As I stepped off the small plane that brought me to this remote paradise, I was immediately struck by the beauty of the landscape - a...
A Journey into Madagascar’s Emerald Paradise: Masoala National Park
Reaching Masoala is an adventure. First, I took a charter flight to the gateway town is Maroantsetra, located 750km from Antananarivo, Madagascar's capital. Flying low over the Madagascar allowed me to see the diverse landscape of this beautiful country from above....
Wildlife Wonderland: A Safari to Kenai Fjords National Park
Located on the stunning coast of Alaska, Kenai Fjords National Park is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise. On a recent adventure to investigate this park, we had the privilege of exploring this breathtaking park and encountering an incredible array of marine and...
Venturing into the Wilderness: A Safari to Katmai and Lake Clark National Parks
As I stepped off the small plane in the heart of remote Alaskan wilderness, I felt a rush of pure excitement and awe. I was about to embark on a wilderness adventure into one of my favorite areas in the world to photograph wildlife on safari—Katmai and Lake Clark...
Captivating Encounters: A Safari Experience in Mana Pools National Park
A safari to Mana Pools guarantees a front-row seat to some of the most captivating moments in the natural world! Located in Zimbabwe, this iconic wilderness sanctuary is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife and one of the things that...
Hwange National Park: Exploring Nature’s Majesty and Community Conservation Efforts
Embarking on a safari to Hwange National Park is akin to stepping into a realm where the raw essence of African wilderness unfolds before your eyes. Nestled in the heart of Zimbabwe, this expansive sanctuary teems with a rich biodiversity and cultural heritage,...
Searching for Snow Leopards in Ladakh
Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of the Ladakh region in India lies a treasure of natural wonders, cultural richness, and an elusive marvel of the animal kingdom - the snow leopard. A safari here promises not just an adventure into the heart of the Himalayas...
Exploring India’s Wildlife Wonders
Embarking on a safari in India is like stepping into a mesmerizing tapestry of biodiversity, where the flora and fauna combine and create an unforgettable experience. Among the myriad options, Kaziranga, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Pench National Parks stand out as crown...
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Coastal Patagonia A Wildlife Extravaganza
Along the rugged coastline of Patagonia, a world of enchanting biodiversity awaits the intrepid traveler. From the charming town of Puerto Deseado to the pristine shores of Peninsula Valdes, coastal Patagonia beckons with a symphony of wildlife experiences. Not many...
A Journey Through Patagonia: Majestic Landscapes, Wildlife Encounters, and Unforgettable Adventures
Nestled at the southern tip of South America, Patagonia beckons adventurous souls with its untamed wilderness, dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife encounters, and amazing conservation initiatives in action. This vast region, shared by Argentina and Chile, is a haven...
Tanzania Spotlight: Zanzibar
To me, the word itself always brought a sense of a mysteriously exotic place – an isolated island world, rich in the traditions of an ancient and unfamiliar culture and high on my bucket list. When I finally arrived, I found my high expectations were exceeded.It only...
Witnessing the Great Migration in the Southern Serengeti
Embarking on an exploration safari to Eastern and Southern Serengeti and Ndutu in February is a journey into the heart of one of nature's most awe-inspiring spectacles—the Great Migration. As millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the vast landscapes,...
Embarking on a Year of Exploratory Safaris
Unveiling the Beauty of Patagonia and the Enchanting Wonders of Madagascar 2024 promises to be a year filled with untamed landscapes, captivating wildlife, and the thrill of discovery in new destinations as we continue to design unique conservation-based safaris....
2023, A Year of Wonders
My year of adventures have redefined my understanding of wilderness and unveiled the raw beauty of some of the world's most captivating landscapes. From the heart of Africa to the rugged terrains of Alaska and the untamed expanses of Argentina, my travels took me on...
The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Botswana: A Natural Wonder That Defies Expectations
Nestled in the heart of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are a mesmerizing natural wonder that beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts from around the world. This vast expanse of shimmering salt flats is one of the largest salt pans on the planet, offering an...
A Journey into the Wild: Experiencing the Wonders of Duba Plains, Botswana
Imagine a place where the African wilderness unfolds in all its untamed glory, where the rhythmic sounds of nature serenade you, and every moment is a chance to witness the majestic creatures of the savannah. Welcome to Duba Plains – a safari destination that promises...
The Rainforests of Southeast Asia
Exploring the Wonders of Southeast Asian Rainforests: A Safari Adventure Imagine stepping into a world where lush green canopies stretch as far as the eye can see, where the air is thick with the symphony of chirping birds and buzzing insects, and where every corner...
Komodo Islands Exploration
Imagine the gentle sway of a traditional sailboat, the crisp sea breeze kissing your skin, and the anticipation of exploring a land filled with dragons and untouched natural beauty. Welcome to the adventure of a lifetime: a safari aboard a traditional sailboat around...
A Wildlife Adventure in Indonesia and Malaysia: Rainforests, Coral Reefs, and More
Indonesia and Malaysia are the gems of Southeast Asia — each offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique wildlife experiences. I embarked on an unforgettable journey through these two countries with a journey into the heart of Borneo, wild jungles of Sumatra, and...
Olson’s Bring It to Safari Professionals
As Safari Professionals’ founder and CEO, I am particularly pleased to announce that two of our colleagues and friends, Steve and Laura Olson, have joined our growing conservation travel team. Steve and Laura each bring invaluable expertise to significantly enhance...
Wild, Wild Alaska – Untamed Beauty
Everyone is surprised when I tell them that Alaska is wilder than Africa, but there are few places on earth where you can travel to more remote locations and lose yourself in the wild. During my recent exploration to Alaska, I had the privilege of re-discovering this...
10 Stunning Places Where the Desert Meets the Ocean
When deserts meet the ocean, the results are often spectacular. The dry, sandy air along an endless stretch of sand collides with the salty moisture of the sea. Two opposites meeting in the middle to become one — what a fascinating phenomenon of the natural world. In...
Should Leopards Be Paid for Their Spots?
Leopard spots are meant to provide camouflage, but they ironically endanger the species. Leopard pelts or prints entered Western fashion in 18th-century France. They were seen as symbols of wealth and luxury, but also of chastity. Centuries later, when Jacqueline...
6 Ways to Support Rewilding Projects Around the World
As the world population continues its growth, the space for nature and indigenous species is rapidly shrinking. This is an issue for both plants and animals. Fortunately, there are many people around the world that recognize the issue and the dire consequences for...
Bucket List: These Trips Are the Adventure of a Lifetime
There are a number of once-in-a-lifetime trips that can serve as bucket-list destinations for travelers. One is visiting the base camp at Mount Everest. Many who do so have no intention of climbing the mountain. Similarly, you don't need to be an expert snorkeler to...
Why polar bears are walking around with colored dots on their fur
There are bears being spotted in some zoos with dye on their fur and most casual observers didn’t know why for the longest time. What we found out is that they are being dyed because researchers want to know more about their life cycle. There were many bears around...
Saving One of Tsavo’s Big Boys
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is well known for its elephant orphanage, which sits at the edge of Nairobi National Park. We include the adoption of one of the orphaned elephants in our Kenyan safaris and, when possible… Click here to read more
The Five Fun Activities You Can Enjoy at Amalinda Lodge
A private wilderness of granite! For almost three decades, the Stead Family has called the stunning granite landscape of Matopos their home. They’ve lived in harmony with the gorgeous wildlife that shares this… Click here to read more
Did you know Costa Rica is home to the American Crocodile?
Imagine. It’s 1995, and you’re sitting in a boat on the Corobici River. Gorgeous trees surround you on either side. There’s a nice breeze blowing the fresh scent of the water to your nose…
Alternative ways to explore “The Enchanted Isles”
For decades, yachts and ships have been the primary vehicles for exploring the Galapagos Islands. Each morning we would travel from the yacht to the shore of one of the islands via a panga – an inflatable boat also known as a Zodiac… Click here to read more
Abigael’s Journey – Back to School!
As we’ve chronicled in earlier posts, the Covid pandemic caused the closing of all schools in Kenya. Fortunately, Abigael’s school went online and we were pleased to be able to provide her with a…Click here to read more
A Tall Tale – or is it a Tall Tail?
When you create a business it’s important to choose a name that tells your prospective customers what you do. And in today’s world, that name has to be available as an Internet domain.
The endangered Grevy’s zebra, social media and artificial intelligence
Zebras are one of the most ubiquitous animals our travelers see on safari. The zebra species most people recognize in East Africa are the plains zebra, which are also called the common zebra. They are so plentiful that, occasionally, I’ve even heard,… Click here to read more
Abigael’s Journey Continues…
Earlier this year, we introduced you to Abigael Wanjiku, as she began her secondary school studies in January. The recipient of our Impact On Africa four-year scholarship, Abigael was incredibly excited to launch into her studies at Alliance Girls High School. Of course,… Click here to read more
Optimism in the Safari Business???
I suspect it will not come as a surprise to learn that the COVID-19 pandemic has hit our travel industry harder than any other business sector. In our country alone, over eight million jobs have been lost, which is more than half of the… Click here to read more
In Celebration of World Lion Day – The Story Behind the Photo
Justin holds in his hand a picture from his very first trip to Africa and gets lost in a swirl of beautiful memories.
Kenya Update: Elephant Twins in Amboseli!
Nestled in the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Kenya’s Amboseli National Park lies on Kenya’s border with Tanzania. It’s one of our favorite places to visit when we are in Kenya.
A Truly Private Kenya Safari – Limited Special
Travel only with those you know and trust – your friends and family! In the midst of the re-opening of safaris in Kenya, we have been able to negotiate some amazing prices for some private, fully-escorted… Click here to read more
Roosevelt’s 1910 East African Adventure – A Dream Safari
When Nielah was younger, she voraciously read books. She especially loved those about Africa and her wildlife. And one of those books was African Game Trails by Theodore Roosevelt. In it, Roosevelt popularized the word “safari” to a worldwide audience… Click here to read more
Current COVID19 Update
Updated 8.14.20 Continuous progress is seen as international travel begins to open up. Last week, the US State Department lowered the travel advisory level for several of the countries in which we travel. Previously, there was a blanket level 4 – “Do Not Travel” –...
Abigael’s Journey Begins
The NYASHEP Education Trust in Kenya is one of the successful organizations we support in Kenya. Secondary education (the equivalent of grades 9-12 in the USA) is not provided by the government and usually requires attending a boarding school. The expense puts the ability… Click here to read more
The Nyashep Education Trust
Education is the single most important element that leads to a successful, meaningful and satisfying future. The Nyashep Education Trust is a Kenyan community-based initiative that assists underprivileged but promising children to complete secondary school education in Kenya. Secondary education in Kenya… Click here to read more
The Magic of South Africa – A Dream Safari
Our newest “Dream Safari” is based on an itinerary we created for a couple who wished to safari in South Africa on their honeymoon. During our online safari planning meeting, they identified their safari priorities… Click here to read more
A step back in time: Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park
There are a number of famous destinations within Africa that often bring a response of recognition when they are mentioned. Among them are Serengeti, Okavango, Maasai Mara, Zambezi River, Kilimanjaro and Kruger. There are also lesser-known – and in some cases… Click here to read more
Impact On Africa – Kenya’s Northern Rangelands Trust
Kenya’s Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) grew out of the dedication and perseverance of Ian Craig, who, along with his brother Will, converted their ranch at Lewa Downs into the Lewa Conservancy in the 1990s. NRT’s mission is simply stated: To develop resilient community conservancies that… Click here to read more
Reading the Spots on a Giraffe
The color of a male giraffe’s spots may reveal insights on its behavior, new research suggests. As scientists led by Madelaine Castles of Australia’s University of Queensland report in the journal Animal Behaviour, dark-furred giraffes tend to be both more dominant… Click here to read more
Impact On Africa – Ewaso Lions – Changing traditional views!
One of our favorite organizations in wildlife conservation is the Ewaso Lions Project in the Samburu region of northern Kenya. Shivani Bhalla has led the effort to understand and protect the lions of the region through effective engagement with the local communities. Wildlife conservation has to go… Click here to read more
In Defense of the Pride!
It’s seldom that people get to witness this process. We came across a defense of his territory by a lion several years ago in the Maasai Mara. We were watching a small pride – a male, two females and two young cubs – when, our guide, David Kariithi spotted a male lion approaching in the distance. David positioned… Click here to read more
The Serengeti Shall Not Die!
In 1959, Dr. Bernard Grzimek declared that the “Serengeti Shall Not Die,” through his groundbreaking film and book of the same name. His Academy Award winning documentary introduced the Serengeti migration to a worldwide audience. Dr. Grzimek’s pioneering work led the way for today’s conservation scientists… Click here to read more
Innocent Killers
Large cats, like leopards, cheetahs and lions, are among the world’s most popular animals, but people seem to hate the fact that they kill. In fact, preying on herbivores such as Thomson’s gazelles, wildebeest, Cape buffalo, zebra and warthogs, is how they make their living. Everyone has… Click here to read more
Loldia Primary School
Loldia Ranch is a private farmstead on Lake Naivasha that we often visit while we explore the great Rift Valley Lakes in central Kenya. Several years ago, our host at Loldia, Peter Njoroge, invited us to visit the nearby Loldia Primary School. The school has more than 1,000 students, ranging in age from… Click here to read more
Council of Conservation and Science Advisors
Safari Professionals is pleased to announce the formation of the IMPACTONAFRICA Council of Conservation and Science Advisors. This group of esteemed volunteer conservationists and…
Incredible Kopjes: Islands of Biodiversity
During my many trips to East Africa, one of the things I enjoy most is spending time around the amazing geological features know as kopjes, an Afrikaans term referring to relatively small, isolated rock hills that rise abruptly from the surrounding, flat savannah or plain. There… Click here to read more
Cheetahs at Play
During my last trip to the Serengeti in January, 2014, our group was fortunate enough to happen upon a female cheetah with a young cub in a remote area of the park. We had special permits to drive into this isolated region, where few other vehicles go. We had only seen that entire day… Click here to read more
Imprisoned for “Love”
Many have heard about the famous “Birdman of Alcatraz”, the prisoner who kept birds in his cell and became an expert on all things avian. But have you heard about the bird that “imprisons” its mate? Hornbills are one of my favorite birds and much of their appeal has to do with their incredible… Click here to read more
The Bisate School Project
It all began with a few soccer balls! In the fall of 2008, Swinton Griffith, a junior at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, Georgia, flew to Nairobi with a black duffle bag loaded with soccer balls. As part of a safari designed by Tom LaRock and Safari Professionals, Swinton shared those soccer balls as he toured… Click here to read more
The rarest of the rare – Pangolin!!
While Michael is exploring northern Tanzania with a small group of our travelers, I came across an account of one of the rarest wildlife encounters that can occur while on safari in Africa. Londolozi is one of the private reserves west of Kruger National Park. It is one of my favorite destinations… Click here to read more
Impact on Africa – The Wildlife Conservation Society
When people learn that I used to work at zoos, I’m often asked which zoo is the best zoo in the United States. My answer starts with my comment that there are many criteria that go into evaluating a zoo and that people have different priorities in evaluating the importance of these… Click here to read more
Why is safari luggage limited to 33 lbs. in East Africa?
We are often asked this question after our travelers read their personalized Pre-departure Safari Guide. Luggage weight limits for most international flights are higher and travelers are often surprised to learn this smaller weight limit applies to their safari flights within East Africa. Photographers… Click here to read more
The Gorilla Doctors – An Amazing Team Making a Difference!!
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of conservation organizations in the world, many of which work in Africa. In my opinion, few of them come close to the effectiveness and importance of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project – also known as the Gorilla Doctors… Click here to read more
What about electricity on safari?
As I prepared for my first safari 25 years ago, I learned I needed adapters in order to charge my camera batteries. I was told that the electrical current in East Africa was based on the European standard of 220 volts and a converter would be needed to lower the current… Click here to read more
Human-wildlife conflict: A different cheetah story
While this story is dated 15 November 2013, it just showed up on a search of the BBC website. In summary, a pair of cheetahs had been preying on goats in north-east Kenya. The man who owns the goats decided to do something about it. Along with three other men, he waited… Click here to read more
Making anti-poaching efforts more effective!
Wildlife conservation scientists have developed a method of using spatial planning software to increase the effectiveness of security patrols in the greater Virungas landscape – the home of the mountain gorillas. Their initial analysis showed that only 22% of the area was… Click here to read more
Impact On Africa – making a difference in Kenya
Impact On Africa is the umbrella under which we focus donations and other resources for the benefit of the communities in the countries that provide us with our livelihood. Even though all of the countries we travel in have their unique qualities, my heart always… Click here to read more
A railroad through the Pleistocene
When Theodore Roosevelt arrived in Kenya in 1909, he boarded the Uganda Railway at Mombasa. His descriptions of the wildlife he saw from the train are still among the most colorful accounts of East African wildlife ever written and can be found in his book African Game Trails… Click here to read more
Delia Craig’s legacy –The Lewa Conservancy
One of Africa’s most forward-thinking conservationists – Delia Craig– has just passed. Along with her husband, David, and her sons, Ian and Will, Delia converted their family ranch – then known as Lewa Downs – into today’s Lewa Conservancy. It started with the...
A conservation victory for the mountain gorillas of the Virungas!
One of the more troubling developments in East African wildlife conservation has been the threat of oil exploration within the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) Virunga National Park – one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Permission to conduct seismic testing… Click here to read more
Cheli & Peacock’s Tortilis Camp goes 100% solar!
Tortilis Camp sits in the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro at the edge of Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. When the Mountain decides to cooperate, you wake up and look out at the shining top of “Kili.” However, don’t be surprised if, as our guide, David Kariithi, used to say… Click here to read more
Monkeying Around
I’m not really sure how many species of non-human primates I’ve seen on my world travels, but I still find our closest relatives among the most fascinating of the many wild animals I’ve had an opportunity to observe. On my 2014 trip to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro… Click here to read more
Tree-climbing crocodiles!
Now this is something I haven’t seen in Africa – yet! There had been a few scattered reports of crocodiles in trees in the scientific literature. So University of Tennessee researcher Vladimir Dinets led a team to discover if these were isolated incidences or regular behavior… Click here to read more
Botswana starts ban on most hunting
The government of the Republic of Botswana initiated a hunting ban of game wildlife in all controlled hunting areas or hunting management units throughout the country at the beginning of the year. The ban is temporary, while studies are conducted into the many… Click here to read more
Lake Masek/Ndutu lion rescue in Tanzania from Panthera’s newsletter
As I write this, Dr. Michael Hutchins, our Director of Conservation and Science, is leading a wildlife safari in northern Tanzania. He and his fellow travelers will be visiting the location featured in the following article from the Panthera January newsletter. With any luck, they may see one… Click here to read more