Africa travel blog
Travel tips, background stories and tales from Africa – by our guides and travel experts.
Zambia – unspoilt Africa
In May it was time for me: off to Zambia! This country, more than twice the size of Germany and a link between Southern and East Africa, had long been at the top of my personal travel wish list.
In the eye of the chameleon
It is not so long ago that on one of my visits to Kruger National Park I almost ran over a chameleon. I saw it swaying along the road in front of me just in time and pulled over to the left, delighted.
Heroes' Day is Herero Day
On 26 August last week Namibia celebrated its annual Heroes' Day. It goes back to the struggle against apartheid and against the South African government, which colonised Namibia, then still called South West Africa, between 1915 (officially from 1919) and 1989.
Male circumcision – the gateway to manhood among South Africa's Xhosa people
The traditional male circumcision (Ulwaluko) of Xhosa culture in South Africa and its cultural significance. Find out more about it here.
Gorillas
King Kong was the film that taught me to fear gorillas … aggressive, destructive and bestial. No wonder, then, that these giant apes were not particularly close to my heart for a long time. That only changed with the biographical film "Gorillas in the Mist", released in 1988.
Ivory trade in Africa: why elephants need our protection
Record slaughter, ever more heavily armed criminal organisations, politicians backing the illegal trade, seemingly inexhaustible markets for ivory and huge sums of profit at every level of this bloody business create a rather hopeless outlook for the victims of these machinations.
Marmite – Mar … what
I will never forget the moment I tried "Marmite" for the first time. Yes, I have to put it that bluntly, I almost threw up across the table. Even a glass of Maggi seasoning enriched with garlic, ginger and onions is easier to drink than swallowing this revolting stuff.
Of souvenirs and species protection
When someone goes on a trip, souvenirs fan the flames of the urge to shop. They buy with passion until at some point customs makes them suffer … How often am I asked as a guide whether you may take this or that out of the country at all, or import it into Germany, Austria or Switzerland.
Impressions of a summer party
Many heartfelt thanks to everyone who celebrated our 10th anniversary with us on 18/19 July and contributed to the success of our summer party. It was lovely! We were delighted with the lively turnout and would especially like to thank those who travelled from far away.
Elephants sue humankind
It is the sensational news of the day: at the first World Congress of Elephants in Botswana's Chobe National Park last week, around 400,000 African and about 40,000 Asian elephants from over 35 countries gathered for a 5-day crisis summit.
Mandela Day – a day of good deeds
Every year Mandela Day greets us. … This year again on 18 July. … Then the spirit of Nelson Mandela goes out into the world to inspire people everywhere and move them to do a good deed, at least on this one day and at least for 67 minutes.
The Great Migration
One of the greatest natural spectacles of our time in one of the most spectacular open-air theatres in the world is the Great Migration of animals across the plains and rivers of the Serengeti and Masai Mara. The protagonists: around 1.5 million migration-hardy wildebeest accompanied by several hundred thousand zebras, Thomson's gazelles and eland antelopes.
Beautiful Botswana – pure nature!
In November 2014, full of anticipation, I set off on my third trip to Southern Africa. From Munich, my colleague Constanze Walsdorf and I flew with South African Airways first to Johannesburg, through the transit area briefly and on with Air Botswana to Maun in Botswana.
On the road as a photo guide in southern Namibia
From 16 to 30 April 2015 I was on the road in southern Namibia as a photo guide for Elefant-Tours, together with 6 photography-loving participants. My task during this trip was to organise the daily schedule so that the photographers could position their lenses at the right time, in the perfect place and in ideal light.
My journey through Southern Africa
My first trip to Africa in summer 2014 took me through South Africa, Namibia and Botswana as far as Victoria Falls. The experiences and impressions I gathered on this trip will always stay with me.
Potjiekos
When I started my ranger training a few years ago, there was a delicious barbecue evening on the very first day. Besides tender kudu and chicken meat, there were not only vegetable side dishes but also a special stew dish that sizzled in a pot on the fire.
My first trip to Tanzania
"Karibuni sana" (a warm welcome), dear friends of Africa! It was 3 March and high time for me to finally pack my suitcases, because the very next day I was off to Tanzania. Before I knew it, I was sitting on the Ethiopian Airlines plane.
The golden hour – on a photo tour through Namibia
It is something very special to be able to offer your guests such an exquisite photographer as Wolfgang Bauer on a photo tour. Beautiful pictures, interesting subjects and plenty of exchange of experience are guaranteed. And if that is not enough for you, rest assured that little sleep is also among his qualities.