The journal
Stories, tips & inspiration
Honest, useful writing on planning an African safari, separate from our destination guides.
Inspiration · 11 min
Your First African Safari: What to Expect, Where to Go, and Why You Shouldn't Wait Any Longer
An African safari isn't just a holiday – it's a complete recalibration of what travel can be. Here's your honest, practical guide to taking the leap and making your first time in the African bush truly unforgettable.
Published October 2026
Stories · 5 min
The Secret History of Pilanesberg: When Teenage Elephants Went Rogue and Nature Found Its Balance
Nestled inside an ancient, extinct volcanic crater in South Africa’s North West province lies Pilanesberg National Park. Today, it is celebrated as a malaria-free wildlife sanctuary brimming with the Big Five, offering a stunning escape just a couple of hours from Johannesburg. Yet, for all its tranquil beauty, Pilanesberg holds one of the most fascinating and bizarre chapters in modern conservation history – a story of social collapse, teenage delinquency among pachyderms, and a profound scientific lesson in how wild animals heal.
Published October 2026
Food & culture · 18 min
Cape Town's Food Scene: The Restaurants, Markets and Flavours Every Australian Traveller Should Know
Cape Town is quietly one of the world's great eating cities – a place where Cape Malay spice traditions, open-fire cooking, and world-ranked fine dining share the same table. Here's where to eat, what to order, and why the food culture here runs far deeper than a great view.
Published October 2026
Stories · 10 min
World Ranger Day 2026: The Unsung Guardians Standing Between Wildlife and Extinction
Every game drive you take in Africa is protected by people you'll likely never meet. On 31 July – World Ranger Day – we honour the rangers who risk everything to keep the wild alive, and show Australian travellers exactly how their safari choices can support them.
Published July 2026
Wildlife · 11 min
Your First Safari in Kruger National Park: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Kruger National Park is one of Africa's most accessible and wildlife-rich safari destinations – and it's surprisingly doable for first-time Australian visitors on almost any budget. Here's your no-nonsense guide to planning it right.
Published June 2026
News · 8 min
South Africa's New Mandatory Travel Declaration: Everything Australian Visitors Need to Know Before They Fly
From 1 July 2026, almost every traveller entering or leaving South Africa, including Australians, must complete an online customs declaration before they fly. Here's what changed, why it matters, and exactly how to do it so you don't get caught out at the border.
Published June 2026
Planning · 12 min
When to Go on Safari in Africa: A Season-by-Season Guide for Australian Travellers
Picking the right time for an African safari is the single most important planning decision you'll make – get it right and the wildlife comes to you; get it wrong and you're staring at empty scrub. Here's an honest, season-by-season breakdown of what to expect, when to go, and how much it matters.
Published June 2026