Is there Symbolism in Nature, or is it just Coincidence? Spending a lot of time in nature can change how you see things. It happens slowly, quietly, almost without you noticing. Every now and then in the early days of my adventures in Africa I would occasionally hear people talk about nature presenting things to them that somehow lined up with what was going on in their lives. To be honest, I thought it was a load of rubbish. However over the years I spent more and more time

Over many years of taking groups to wild places in Africa, I’ve found that the simple concept of being aware of animal comfort zones and pressure zones is one of the most import things for people to understand before they depart on one of my adventures, and it's VERY relatable to us as we have all met people who get into our pressure zone! If we imagine that every wild animal has an invisible space around it. When we stay outside that space, the animal feels relaxed and comfo

The Thinking Behind Every Overland Route This blog comes directly from conversations at the recent Adventure Travel Show in London, and from meetings with travel professionals in the Netherlands, and others. A number of people asked thoughtful, detailed questions about how and why we choose our routes. I thought it worth noting this for others to read... When people look at a map of Africa, it’s easy to circle the famous names. The big parks, the iconic reserves and the headl

When we talk about carbon offsetting, we usually picture something tangible, a tree planted in the ground, a hectare restored, a number added to a spreadsheet. Those things matter. But over the last 20 years, I’ve come to believe there is another kind of offsetting that is harder to measure and perhaps far more powerful: Planting the seed of nature conservation in a person. On our ventures in Africa, people don’t just see wildlife and take photographs, they immerse themselves

For a short period of my life I was lucky to know the great man Dr Ian Player who dedicated his life to the wild, wilderness and nature. Since those days I have always looked for the symbolism in nature he talked so much about. Every time I see a hyena they symbolise for me the importance of balance, community, communication and cooperation. My  spotted hyena sightings have been few and far between over the last 20 odd years of travelling to Africa, but this is one of the ani

As someone who leads trips with both young people and adults, I’ve spent a lot of time around fires. Not just the praWhy Partnerships Matter in Conservation and Travelctical kind, like the ones used for cooking, but the quiet social evening fires that mark the end of a long day. Campfires in the bush or at camp somewhere. Fires where nothing is scheduled and nothing is expected. Over the years, I’ve come to realise that some of the most powerful moments on our trips don’t hap

I am very pleased to share some thoughts with you about something I care deeply about; partnerships in conservation focused travel. Africa Wild Trails collaborations are so much more than just working together, they are about building connections with the land, the wildlife, and the incredible people who help bring these experiences to life. When we join forces with others who share our values, we can create adventures that are not only exciting but also leave a positive mark

I am far from an expert on elephant communication, but I have spent many hours over many years observing them in the wild with my groups, with friends, and on my own. There’s a quiet conversation happening in the African wilderness, one that we can’t always hear but of course, the elephants understand perfectly. These intelligent giants have one of the most complex communication systems. From deep, rumbling infrasound, to subtle gestures, taps and touches, elephants are const

" At Africa Wild Trails, we’re passionate about helping people experience Africa in its truest form. Our next overland adventure for people to join is in October, and led by myself and the amazing Haley Dahl from Africa Eco Ventures, and between us, we know what it takes to create a life enhancing journeys. Join us in October for the adventure of a lifetime! "   Itinerary link: https://itineraries.safariportal.app/Angus-Haley/1334548480437257537 Namibia, a far away place wher

Accreditations are essential when you are researching which travel company to use because they ensure the company meets recognised standards of quality, safety, and professionalism. Here's why they matter: Safety and Risk Management : Accredited companies must adhere to strict safety protocols, which are vital when traveling to remote areas, or areas that has an elevated risk factors due to wildlife safaris, wildlife field studies that required you to be on foot, bush walks,

"The happiest I've felt is sitting round a fire in Africa, and being in nature." Chloe Lord Sitting around a campfire at night, after a day of walking in the bush, rafting on a river, conducting field study tasks, or enjoying safari drives, offers us unique benefits for our personal development. This simple and powerful experience provides a space for reflection, for connection with nature and with each other, and growth that cannot be achieved in any other way. The campfire

In this age where tech dominates so much of our attention, the importance of connecting with the natural world has never been greater. Wildlife conservation, often perceived solely as a measure to protect biodiversity, extends far beyond preserving ecosystems. It holds substantial significance for the personal development of young people, providing growth in various areas. I want to explore how engaging in wildlife conservation is a vital component in the development of young