Lankester White Safaris

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Lankester White Safaris African journeys created by Africans. As born and bred South Africans with an in-depth knowledge of
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One of the most important things our travel/ writing lives have in common - our beloved Dad Happy Fathers Day Dad Wonder...
16/06/2024

One of the most important things our travel/ writing lives have in common - our beloved Dad

Happy Fathers Day Dad

Wonderful father and grandfather experience we share


CONGRATULATIONS  and his talented team for winning not only a gold medal  Chelsea Flower Show, but also Best in Pavilion...
23/05/2024

CONGRATULATIONS and his talented team for winning not only a gold medal Chelsea Flower Show, but also Best in Pavilion and best new Design. What a hatrick. His innovative design showcases the flowers against a clay mountain range - as they grow in the Cape in South Africa. After a four year absence from Chelsea, Leon and the team have come in once again proving SA is brimming with talent.
Leon and I first met many years ago as volunteers helping to build the SA stand at Chelsea - so yes, possibly shed a tear when I saw him at the stand.

It’s spectacular and not to be missed if visiting Chelsea over the next few days. No surprise that is a sponsor - innovation, conservation and showcasing the Cape Flora being in their DNA. Visiting should be on everyone’s list when going to South Africa.

Well done to all those involved.

My other highlight was seeing the name of .garden (the best garden designer in the UK) as part of the team for , and . I so excited to see Tania’s name on the board I forgot to take a photo of the actual planting 🙈💐🙈💐🙈

Chelsea Flower Show experience we have to share

Watching chimps go about their business is a privilege… and if it were not for you, many of these amazing sightings migh...
03/04/2024

Watching chimps go about their business is a privilege… and if it were not for you, many of these amazing sightings might not have been possible. Happy 90th Birthday, Jane Goodall! You are a true inspiration to us all. I remember sitting in Arusha listening to you talk on the stage platform at my children’s school. I turned to look at them and their faces were completely enraptured by you and your words. They were four and seven at the time but even at that age understood what you have done for the world through your tireless conservation work. My daughter clearly remembers asking you what young chimpanzees do for fun. Your answer was that they love to chase each other around ☺️ I don’t think she will ever forget that.

It is people like yourself that inspired my own career as a guide and my passion for conservation.

Asante sana … Thank you… Dankie

How many predators can you see? Thank you  for the photo Sunday puzzles we have to share
17/03/2024

How many predators can you see?

Thank you for the photo

Sunday puzzles we have to share

What an honour to meet Propser Uwingeli, Chief Park Warden of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. For most of us, Volcanoes...
29/02/2024

What an honour to meet Propser Uwingeli, Chief Park Warden of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.

For most of us, Volcanoes National Park is all about the gorillas. for Prosper it is managing the conservation and research of the great apes. It is overseeing the guides, the trackers and porters. The administration of permits. Overseeing tourist experience and safety. As well as managing local communities living on the borders of the park.

It was truly an honour to meet such a dedicated and knowledgeable conservationist.

#❤️🦍 🦍 #🦍 #🐒

Happy Friday… hope you find a comfortable perch with some good friends to see the weekend in. Or recover from the week b...
02/02/2024

Happy Friday… hope you find a comfortable perch with some good friends to see the weekend in.
Or recover from the week by roosting in your happy place.

Roost experience we have to share

📸 taken on safari in Botswana

Happy International Cheetah Day. Isn’t that a delightful, spotty, super fast cat thought to have at the beginning of Dec...
04/12/2023

Happy International Cheetah Day.
Isn’t that a delightful, spotty, super fast cat thought to have at the beginning of December.

Cheetahs we have to share

Such fun exploring Antananarivo… the capital of Madagascar, and known as Tana.  We wandered around local markets with th...
30/09/2023

Such fun exploring Antananarivo… the capital of Madagascar, and known as Tana.
We wandered around local markets with the freshest vegetables - and what varieties, ate at restaurants with car collections (and trumpet collections and sewing machine collections), a cooking course by masterchef Rianala from Tamana Kitchen, spent time exploring Malagasy handicrafts - and being Madagascar - a few natural wonders en route. The staghorn fern and a moth just recently emerged from its cocoon.
Antananarivo is a melting pot of origins, royal families and colonial powers… spilling out over the hills in a mash of architectural styles, and sounds! Training teams singing, calls to mosque, church bells, market traders and a bustle of life.

It’s wonderful.

Tana experience we have to share.

🇲🇬

Tate Gallery - A world in Common, the Contemporary African Photography exhibition After a day of lectures we felt we des...
14/09/2023

Tate Gallery - A world in Common, the Contemporary African Photography exhibition

After a day of lectures we felt we deserved a real test. Beautiful, moving, inspiring … evoking the continents history, the present day and an imagined future as seen through the eyes of African photographers from across Africa.

We loved the ideas behind the work of Malawian photographer and artist Samson . It’s an immense fabric quilt with cardboard cutouts: “I believe in people, I’m not too sure about countries. I think there should be a thousand countries every day. I like the idea that every moment is a country of its own”Living a life so rich every moment is its own country.
Think about that over your latte this morning.

Photography exhibition experience we have to share.

Exhibition open until 14 January 2024.

Tate Gallery - A world in Common, the Contemporary African Photography exhibition. After a day of lectures we felt we de...
14/09/2023

Tate Gallery - A world in Common, the Contemporary African Photography exhibition.

After a day of lectures we felt we deserved a real treat.

Beautiful, moving, inspiring … evoking the continents history, the present day and an imagined future as seen through the eyes of African photographers from across Africa.

We loved the ideas behind the work of Malawian photographer and artist Samson . It’s an immense fabric quilt with cardboard cutouts: “I believe in people, I’m not too sure about countries. I think there should be a thousand countries every day. I like the idea that every moment is a country of its own”

Living a life so rich every moment is it’s own country. Think about that over your latte this morning.

Photography exhibition experience we have to share.

London? It’s not all lion sightings, G&Ts overlooking an African sunset. UK travel regulations are notoriously stringent...
14/09/2023

London? It’s not all lion sightings, G&Ts overlooking an African sunset.

UK travel regulations are notoriously stringent and overly complicated. Post Brexit and the Covid pandemic - regulations both implicit and implied are more confusing than ever. Jo and Diana spent day at ABTA ( Association of British Travel Agents) for a series of lectures from ABTA solicitors .solicitors, which confirmed that we at Lankester White Safaris are up to date and ticking all the boxes. Our ATOL license undergoes a rigorous renewal every year ensuring our clients are receiving not only the best advice on where to travel to Africa, but also that they can book with complete confidence knowing we are never complacent when it comes to the paperwork.

ATOL license number 11317 for client confidence.

💫💫GOOD NEWS DAY 💫💫💫💫South African National Parks (SANP) have reported a massive decrease in rhino poaching - up 78% in s...
05/09/2023

💫💫GOOD NEWS DAY 💫💫💫💫

South African National Parks (SANP) have reported a massive decrease in rhino poaching - up 78% in some areas - of the Kruger National Park.

The donation from of 4 Bat Hawks - that’s a type of small surveillance aircraft as opposed to the raptors- have played a big part in this success.
Given the enormity of the Kruger National Park, the aircraft are providing crucial support to aid surveillance, conservation and anti-poaching efforts. Highly trained and dedicated ground teams can work more effectively with these eyes in the sky.
We wish Addo Elephant Park similar success when they receive their first Bat Hawk.

👏👏👏👏👏 to and the anti poaching teams.

With thanks to and for reporting and photo of the Bat Hawk in operation.

Good news we have to share

poaching

📸🦏 iStock

Happy wild Birthday to our very own MamaCats  her skill at her job knows no bounds and we would be lost, ankle deep in h...
05/08/2023

Happy wild Birthday to our very own MamaCats her skill at her job knows no bounds and we would be lost, ankle deep in high water without her. Love you Bat and hope you have the most wonderful of days and we wish you many more years of adventures together with us in the future

Many of us know the images of the beautiful and colourful buildings of Bo-Kaap, one of the oldest residential areas in C...
24/07/2023

Many of us know the images of the beautiful and colourful buildings of Bo-Kaap, one of the oldest residential areas in Cape Town. A visit here is a must, as there is so much more to be seen along the streets and learned within those quirky buildings. This is a neighbourhood of rich culture and history, of people that have seen suffering but also know the meaning of community and of looking out for each other.
Zayed Misbach, son of well known chef Zainie Misbach from Bo-Kaap Cooking Tours gave us fascinating information and insight into the history, culture and cuisine of the Cape Malay … we shopped for spices and learned how to mix the perfect Masala.. then onto his family home where his wonderful sister made us feel right at home while teaching us the methods behind sumptuous Cape Malay meals of curry, rooti, samosas and daltjies( with Zainie “mummy” popping in over her shoulder every now and then for her snippets of advice ❤️)
This was a wonderful way to pass a few hours with our family and theirs and we hope Bo-Kaap remains as it is now for more generations to come. Sadly, the future of this vibey, close community is at risk. The major threat facing this close knit community is now not forced removals as it was during Apartheid, but gentrification, as outsiders move into and renovate the lovely old buildings, taking advantage of the sea views and proximity to the city centre.
-kaap

Anyone for tennis? 🎾 🎾 🎾We have been riveted by  for two weeks. What will we do when it’s over? Plan a safari of course!...
16/07/2023

Anyone for tennis? 🎾 🎾 🎾

We have been riveted by for two weeks. What will we do when it’s over? Plan a safari of course! Perhaps to one of our favourite lodges with a tennis court. Serengeti House and Sasakwa Lodge in Tanzania both have courts, as does Singita Castleton in South Africa. in Kenya has a great court surrounded by trees and wilderness.

Men’s final is about to start. Who are you supporting?

Tennis experience we have to share.


South Africa is Number One!  readers in the UK have voted South Africa as the best country to travel viait and Cape Town...
14/07/2023

South Africa is Number One!
readers in the UK have voted South Africa as the best country to travel viait and Cape Town as the best city in the world.
Absolutely no surprise to us. 🇿🇦💚🇿🇦💚🇿🇦💚🇿🇦💚🇿🇦💚🇿🇦💚

South African experiences we have in bucket loads and full hearts to share

🇿🇦

Lion calling to show dominance over the territory at Shinde  We spent a while this beautiful male whose brother lay near...
05/04/2023

Lion calling to show dominance over the territory at Shinde
We spent a while this beautiful male whose brother lay nearby with the pride females

IT’S BEEN TOO LONG!! Thomson, Maolosi and Josephine - what a reunion here in Botswana. So glorious to be visiting  prope...
24/03/2023

IT’S BEEN TOO LONG!!
Thomson, Maolosi and Josephine - what a reunion here in Botswana.
So glorious to be visiting properties and catching up with such special people with whom I worked, lived and played with for so many years. The camps are, of course, wonderful but it’s the people who bring the soul, the spark, and laughter.

Great friends we have to share

Happy Monday! ☕️ African cappuccinos we have to share                            🐾
20/03/2023

Happy Monday! ☕️

African cappuccinos we have to share

🐾

11/03/2023

On International Women’s Day we could think of no better image than of guide, Jonesiah Dominique Kazawadi, at Dunia Camp .
Taken by Neil Andrews on one several visits to Dunia Camp, in the Serengeti. Jonesiah, known as Zawadi, embodies the very best of women in the safari industry. Her knowledge of the wilderness, her ability to share her knowledge on safari while ensuring you have great fun, and her deep intuition of her surroundings to keep you safe. Neil, like so many others loves the atmosphere of Dunia camp.

Other than it’s location to witness the vast wilderness herds that literally walk through the camp - Dunia is a beacon on women’s empowerment: Out of all the Serengeti Lodges and Camps, is the only one run by a team of only women.
“It felt such a genuinely happy camp. I only saw smiles.” Expertise, intuition, calm, patience, educators, fun … are some of the many adjectives used by clients to applaud the team.

Extraordinary Women working in conservation we have to share

📸 Neil Andrews

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Happy Valentines Day African Penguins (Spen*scus demerus) found only on the coastline of South African and Namibia… both...
14/02/2023

Happy Valentines Day

African Penguins (Spen*scus demerus) found only on the coastline of South African and Namibia… both countries heaving with romantic opportunities to celebrate Valentine’s Day, honeymoons, anniversaries or just a super awesome time with a loved one.

Romantic suggestions we have to share


Photo credit: Istock USO

What a reunion! 25 years on…What a wealth of experience.  My journey in the safari travel industry started at Singita wi...
30/01/2023

What a reunion!
25 years on…

What a wealth of experience.

My journey in the safari travel industry started at Singita with these three incredible mentors at the time - Bruce Simpson (then manager) ,Tim Cummings (then operations manager), Simon Blackburn (then head ranger) Missing from this photo is one Cheryl Blackburn (female guide extraordinaire). Early in 1998 they all took a chance on a 22 year old young woman desperate to be a game ranger at Singita. It is wonderful to see so many female guides out there today, but I can assure you back then it was pretty unusual! I could not be more grateful for their breaking the mould for that chance and for everything they all taught me about the safari industry, how to guide with empathy and to have a deep understanding of the bush, how to host people at the highest level known in the industry and how to treat all people with respect no matter what. The thing many people forget is that gaining expertise is never a solo journey, it takes a community of passionate individuals to guide you and, if you are listening, they will lead you to success. My extraordinary life that has led to being a successful business owner in travel has been peppered with many people like Bruce, Simon, Tim and Cheryl. I am grateful to all of them - not least my husband - the epitome of a safari expert & conservation champion, a pioneer, a maverick and most beloved man to me.
My expertise is theirs, and I hope I give back to all the people who I have come across in the same way.

It was a great day on Simon’s boat and surprising Bruce and Simon by bringing Tim along with me. So many stories, still so much passion and still so much work to be done.

A wealth of experience that was shared with me

“Awww big mouth”The hippo has the widest mouth of any land mammal (yes, it’s counted as a land mammal). It can open it m...
27/01/2023

“Awww big mouth”

The hippo has the widest mouth of any land mammal (yes, it’s counted as a land mammal). It can open it mouth about 3.3ft (1m) wide.
The “yawn” is a display of dominance - literally showing off their weaponary in the form of those very large incisors.
Don’t get too close, despite their clumsy appearance not even Usain Bolt could outrun a hippo.

Yawning, never boring, experience we have to share

Last night, January 3rd was a perfect night for viewing Mars. With the planet sitting close to the waxing gibbous moon, ...
04/01/2023

Last night, January 3rd was a perfect night for viewing Mars. With the planet sitting close to the waxing gibbous moon, you were able to see the red planet with the naked eye.
Mars is called the red planet because iron minerals in the Martian soil oxidise (or rust) causing the soil and atmosphere to look red.
Of course, along with with the planets and moon aligning a clear African sky helps for a bit of star gazing.

Martian experience we have to share.

📸 .kemp

Oh holidays!   We do love a good beach holiday and like any trip we always make sure we have the best reading material w...
14/12/2022

Oh holidays! We do love a good beach holiday and like any trip we always make sure we have the best reading material with us in the best destinations … we also like to be ahead of the pack and have the inside scoop for next season’s best reads… Kara Gnodde’s The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything is definitely one to pre-order for next year’s travels to (Absolutely) anywhere.
👏👏

And what do you expect to find under your Christmas tree this festive season?      We were lucky enough to find this bea...
09/12/2022

And what do you expect to find under your Christmas tree this festive season?
We were lucky enough to find this beautiful pride of lion on the banks of the Zambezi in the Lower Zambezi National Park thanks to the Profs ( of Sausage Tree Camp )diligent tracking of them 💪 💪

It has been impossible not to be blown away by the clever, inspiring passionate Earthshot nominees.  Well done to the wi...
04/12/2022

It has been impossible not to be blown away by the clever, inspiring passionate Earthshot nominees. Well done to the winners.
Prince William has created the most admirable of competitions. We are literally all winners.

Now onto the football!!!

Zambia….how very sad we were to leave.  Sad to leave the vibrant greens of new summer leaves, the wobbly legs of baby im...
28/11/2022

Zambia….how very sad we were to leave. Sad to leave the vibrant greens of new summer leaves, the wobbly legs of baby impalas, the battle scars of lionesses, wild dog packs lolling in the shade of a sausage tree, the harrumphing of hippos, the quiet power of the elephants wandering beneath the winterthorn canopy. The electric light shows of the first summer rains.

Zambian experiences we look forward to sharing over the next few days!



Good Morning! Hope your week ahead of filled with great coffee, friendly people and a productive schedule.  Thank you Am...
14/11/2022

Good Morning! Hope your week ahead of filled with great coffee, friendly people and a productive schedule.
Thank you Ameer, Fred, Pius, Stella, Modester, Limbi and the rest of the great team at Puku Ridge in South Luangwa for a fabulous Monday morning

Morning coffee we have to share



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Experience We Have to Share

For the most part, travelling to “Africa” means going on safari or finding a remote beach destination. Why is this any different to most people’s travel experience? Because for the most part, unless you are very wealthy, once you are on safari you are where you are. If you have made a mistake about your accommodation and location, you are pretty much stuck where you are. It is not as simple as packing your bags and finding a new hotel or airbnb.

These are the elements that can make or break your safari: Location, the season, your guide, your vehicle, the camp , lodge staff, accommodation, and the logistics. Any one of these can ruin your experience or even worse, put your lives at risk.

We are African. We have lived and worked across Africa. We have the contacts, the insight, and the experience to ensure that your time in Africa affords you the best value for what you are spending. That your experience has been put together with your family or group specifically in mind.

Email or call - we are more than happy to chat through your thoughts and requirements and to help put together your trip of a lifetime.