Maposa Lion Thornybush

Photo by Jordi Woerts of Maposa (@jwwlphoto) – Website: jordiwoerts.com

Maposa’s story is one of resilience, strength, and unwavering determination. Despite being blind in one eye, this remarkable lion carved out a name for himself as a true king of the wild. His journey began in 2016 when, as part of a young coalition, he defied the odds by challenging and defeating the experienced Trilogy coalition. However, life in the wild is never easy, and Maposa’s challenges were just beginning.

In 2018, after losing his coalition partner to injuries and being displaced by the Ross males, Maposa found himself alone—a daunting reality for any lion. Yet he persevered, adapting to his new circumstances with fierce determination to survive. Eventually, he bonded with the Monwana Pride, becoming their leader and protector, a role he fulfilled with grace and strength.

By 2024, a new threat emerged. The powerful Black Dam males began encroaching on Maposa’s territory, leading to a devastating confrontation that forced the Monwana Pride to retreat. In June 2024, Maposa was seen for the last time. His disappearance left a void not only in the pride but also in the hearts of those who had grown to admire and respect him.

By September, the Black Dam males had taken full control of the Monwana Pride, marking the end of an era. Despite this heartbreaking conclusion, Maposa’s legacy remains one of courage, determination, and adaptability. He was more than just a lion—he was a symbol of survival and strength, and his story touched everyone who followed his journey.

For those who had the privilege of seeing him in the wild, Mapoza wasn’t just a king of the savannah; he was an inspiration. His roar may no longer echo through Thornybush, but his spirit will live on forever in the stories we share and the memories we hold. Farewell, Maposa. You will always have a place in our hearts.

MAPOSA Lion Thornybush

Photo by Jordi Woerts of Maposa (@jwwlphoto)

The 2024 reigning KING of African Safaris has officially been crowned, and it is none other than the one and only BOTSWANA! Every year a review is done to ultimately decide which country should wear the crown as Africa’s best safari country of the year. Safari-goers and experts from all over the globe were at the heart of these results. More than 4,000 of their reviews were analyzed in this detailed and comprehensive study. The analysis included reviews from expert travel journalists who have extensive safari experience across all of the countries covered by this survey. All that to say, this year’s coveted winner, claiming the number 1 spot as ‘Africa’s Best Safari Country of 2024’ is Southern Africa’s Premier Wildlife & Safari Destination and one of the most remarkable wilderness areas on earth – Botswana! Botswana is not only regarded as Africa’s premier wildlife-watching wilderness gems & widely acclaimed safari destinations on the African continent, but one of the most remarkable wilderness areas on earth.

Its safari time! While South Africa has no shortage of beautiful destinations to explore, going on an authentic safari in the unspoiled African bushveld should undoubtedly be at the top of every traveler’s bucket-list. A South African safari ticks all the right boxes if you’re looking to venture off the beaten track, explore the great outdoors, and experience the many thrills that only safari life can deliver.

A luxury safari in Africa is an experience like no other – its no surprise that going on a luxury safari getaway in the vast and gloriously diverse continent of Africa has fast become one of the most highly sought-after travel experiences amongst avid travellers, tourists, globe-trotting adventurers, and wildlife enthusiasts across the globe. If you’re looking to combine adventure, romance, luxury, and exclusivity with phenomenal game viewing, vast unspoiled landscapes, the magic of the African bushveld, beautiful beaches, bucket-list worthy safari experiences, once-in-a-lifetime adventures, and so much more, Africa will undoubtedly exceed all your expectations as a luxury safari holiday destination. In a world where we can travel anywhere and do anything our heart desires, Africa steps up its game and offers us luxury we could only ever dream of.

A luxury safari isn’t just about the wildlife – it’s also about the opulent accommodations and personalised service that make your trip truly unforgettable. Here is just some of what you can expect from a luxury safari in Africa.

Newlyweds looking to combine adventure, romance, breathtaking natural beaty, thrill, luxury, and exclusivity with phenomenal game viewing, vast unspoiled landscapes, the magic of the African bushveld, beautiful beaches, bucket-list worthy experiences, and so much more, look no further than AFRICA!
We’re often asked, which is the best country to visit for a honeymoon. We can firmly say, without a single once of doubt, that a honeymoon safari in East, Southern or South Africa should be high up on any newlywed couple’s list of honeymoon destinations.

While there is no shortage of romantic places and destinations around the world, very few can offer an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience like an African safari honeymoon – it is simply unmatched! Not to mention it will surpass and exceed your EVERY expectation! Regarded as one of the most highly sought-after honeymoon and top safari destinations in the world, Africa offers some of the most astonishing safari, wildlife, travel opportunities, and adventures on the planet. With more luxury, privacy, world-class wildlife sightings, and once-in-a-lifetime safari experiences than anywhere else on earth, you’re bound to fall head-over-heels in love with not only the sheer unmatched natural beauty of Africa in its purest form, but the wild, vivid, and untamed African bushveld and everything it has to offer.

We’re sure you’re wondering ‘Well, WHERE in Africa should I go on honeymoon?’. Lucky for you, we’ve tailor-made Africa honeymoons for thousands of newly-weds from across the globe! Here is our expert advice on what some of the top honeymoon destinations in Africa are.

It’s time to live out your very own African wildlife documentary! If you think “wildlife documentary” the soothing voice of Sir David Attenborough is bound to come to mind. Ever since his debut series Zoo Quest hit the screen back in ‘54, this staunch conservationist has influenced a generation of documentary filmmakers and intrepid travellers.

Today Attenborough is hailed as the “father of the modern nature documentary”. His wildlife adventures have taken the world from the icy tips of the Arctic to Malaysia, Australia, and beyond. But there’s one place he holds dearest: AFRICA! His critically acclaimed series, Africa spent four years in the making and takes viewers on an awe-inspiring journey through the continent’s most diverse destinations & vast contrasting landscapes.

Now in his 90s, his love of the natural world shows no sign of abating. So, if in more than a half-century of broadcasting, he has inspired you to live out your own wildlife documentary then here are the top 5 destinations to go on safari in Africa to follow in his footsteps.

If you’re dreaming of your next great travel adventure, a trip that pushes both borders and boundaries, look no further than AFRICA! Whether you’re a wide-eyed first-timer or a frequent visitor, this formidable continent will get under your skin (in the best possible ways, of course), sweep you right off your feet & ignite your adventurous spirit & thrill-seeking soul all in one go!

Embarking on the ultimate African adventure is high up on countless travellers’ bucket-lists – and why shouldn’t it be? From the wild & untamed natural beauty of the African wilderness to its magnificent wildlife sightings & encounters, diverse landscapes, thrilling safari experiences, and abundance of once-in-a-lifetime adventures – what’s not to love?

With so many different places & destinations to discover & explore, not to mention the abundance of exciting adrenaline-pumping experiences to be enjoyed in Africa, how do you ensure you get to experience the very best adventures Africa has to offer? Well, lucky for you, we’ve got your back! We’ve travelled the continent far and wide to find the most unforgettable and thrilling wildlife & safari experiences and adventures in Africa to get your heart pumping and adventure juices flowing. Without further a due, here are the Top 15 Adventures in Africa you must do at least once in your life.

Are you thinking about going on your first safari in Africa? If so, we couldn’t be more excited for you! African safaris are high up on countless travellers’ bucket-lists. And why shouldn’t they be? From the untamed beauty of the African wilderness, magnificent wildlife sightings, diverse landscapes, and thrilling safari experiences – what’s not to love?

If you’ve never been to Africa before, you have so much to look forward to. Home to some of the most exclusive safari destinations and premier National Parks, game reserves, and conservation areas in the world, Africa truly offers wildlife and nature lovers a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. With so much to offer, deciding where to go on your first safari in Africa can be an intimidating experience.

Depending on the type of safari you’re looking to experience, you need to choose the country and safari destination you would most like to visit very carefully. Here are some of the best countries in Africa to enjoy an unforgettable first-time safari experience.

Every love affair must start somewhere. For most, their love of Africa starts before they even arrive, feeling the lure and excitement whilst planning their first ever African safari. From the moment you first set foot on African soil and fully immerse yourself in your safari experience it is officially game over – you will be forever hooked, hopelessly and head-over-heels in love with the wild untamed natural beauty and enthralling magic of the African bushveld, never wanting to leave, and always yearning to return.

From unsurpassed natural wonders, astounding wildlife, and a vast diversity of contrasting landscapes, ranging from searing deserts, freshwater wetlands, dramatic coastlines, and soaring mountain peaks to thunderous waterfalls, endless stretches of open savannah plains, and lush tropical rainforests, Africa is unlike any other continent. Here are our 10 best safari destinations in Africa for first timers.

From the nearly 2 million hectares of unrivalled African wilderness of the renowned Kruger National Park (South Africa’s Flagship National Park), the astounding tropical bushland and coastline of KwaZulu-Natal, the star-studded skies of the arid Karoo desert, the vast Green Kalahari of the Northern Cape, and the world-famous champagne-coloured savannah teeming with incredible wildlife and birdlife species, to majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, pristine National Parks, game reserves, conservation areas, and private safari loges, discovering, exploring, and experiencing South Africa’s amazing variety of remarkable, diverse, and one-of-a-kind landscapes and wilderness regions is truly unparalleled and should undoubtedly be right at the top of EVERYONE’S travel bucket-list.

There are few things that can compare to embarking on a remarkable, riveting, and exhilarating Big 5 Safari adventure in the vast, wild, and untamed South African wilderness, so be sure to enjoy every single second of this unbelievable experience! Here are our top 5 Big 5 safari destinations in South Africa.