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The Blog

Our thoughts on conservation, purposeful travel and giving back. Sharing interesting
stories about wildlife and it's wild wonderful ways.

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Mala Mala: Big Five Powerhouse, Photographic Safari Blueprint & the Epitome of Classic Luxury

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!

Latest on the blog

A luxury tented safari in the Okavango Delta: an insider perspective!

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...

A Botswana Okavango Delta Safari: an Okavango safari to never forget!

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!

White Lions of the Timbavati

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.

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A luxury tented safari in the Okavango Delta: an insider perspective!

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...

A Botswana Okavango Delta Safari: an Okavango safari to never forget!

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!

White Lions of the Timbavati

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.

Our Best Masai Mara Safari Lodges for your Kenyan Safari

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.

Travel with the best: why book a specialist personal guide for your safari

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.

The safest African safari destinations

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!

A not-so-classic African Safari: Africa’s Greatest Boating & Fishing Safaris

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!

Protecting South Africa’s reserves: Is it too late?

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.

Preserving Nature's Wonders: How to #beatplasticpollution on Safari

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.

Back to Kwandwe: coming home

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...

Where it all began... the start of Wild Wonderful World!

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.

Gorilla trekking FAQ, tips & tricks

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…

The best places in Africa to see leopard in the wild

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.

Are NFT's the future of conservation funding?

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.

Birds of a Feather

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.

Make a difference this festive season

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.

What Impact Has Covid19 had on Conservation in Africa?

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.

The mysterious case of Botswana’s elephant deaths

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.

Inspiring Change: Wild Wonderful World

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.

Vultures - beauty or beasts?

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?

Lessons in Conservation: From our year on the road

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

What to pack for a Safari

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

How do elephants communicate?

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

The Secret Social lives of Plants

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

How do birds navigate their migrations?

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

Birding the Busanga

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

Mulberry Mongoose: Creative Conservation

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

Re-wilding Orphaned Elephants in Zambia: The Elephant Orphanage Project

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

Lions of Laikipia Collaring for Coexistence

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

Saving Wild Dogs in Zimbabwe: PDC

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

The Subterranean Undertaker

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

Anti Poaching with the Bumi Hills Foundation

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

An Overlanders Guide to the Central Kalahari

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

Can drones save Rhinos?

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

Aardvarks affected by climate change

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