The Explorer Society

27/01/2025

The daily school dropoff doesn’t change much from species to species.

26/01/2025

There are a range of incredibly luxurious lodges you can use as a base for your gorilla trekking experience in Africa.

This isn’t one of them. Mahogany Springs is about giving you what you need, but remembering that the focus should be on the gorillas, the local communities and not the lodge itself. It’s situated in a lovely secluded part of this incredible ecosystem, but only minutes away from a gorilla tracking start point.

That’s also not to say that just because it isn’t aiming to be the fanciest that it isn’t comfortable. The 12 suites each have their own private terrace with amazing views, and each one has large bathrooms with open terracotta showers, perfect for soaking away aches and pains. If the hot water doesn’t do it, then try the stocked bar to soothe those tired muscles, or simply console yourself in their food with local ingredients.

At the end of it all though, the stay revolves around the gorilla experience and not the lodge itself. It is simply a way of enjoying it more. As it should be.

24/01/2025

Compare the pair.

Us on safari looking at elephants vs elephants on safari looking at us.

20/01/2025

The boys are back in town at Monwana Game Lodge.

12/01/2025

A place so nice they named it twice.

And it is not just us thinking it is nice, as Little Chem Chem was recently recognised as one of the best resorts in the world. But, when it comes to Africa, “resort” isn’t really the right word. This intimate tented camp has a maximum of only 14 guests, and each day brings with the choice of how you want it to unfurl with your private vehicle and guide. It could be a day learning about the local communities, a day looking for wildlife or a day at camp seeing what come past. That freedom is the luxury here, more so than the lovely accommodation and delicious food. The freedom of choice, plus the freedom of movement for the animals that surround this unfenced camp, allow you immersion in the local environment.

So, whilst the word ‘resort’ may not suit this place, the word ‘best’ definitely might.

05/01/2025

If you are wanting to see the highlights of Torres Del Paine, like the Grey glacier and Lago Grey for example, sometimes it helps if it you stay next door (geographically speaking).

Lago Grey Hotel is located within the National Park of Torres del Paine, and not only has an incredible panoramic view of the Grey Lake, but it is also only a 10 min walk from the starting point of the boat trip to the glacier. You can go from breakfast, to boat, to glacier, to hotel drinks overlooking the glacier, all in a few hours.

This is an accessible hotel for most travellers, with 60 spacious guest rooms ranging from standard to superior rooms. They all have comfortable spaces, heating (important) and nice view over this wonderful part of Patagonia. At the end of the day, that’s the main reason you go right?

31/12/2024

Maybe 2025 bring you health, happiness and the chance to visit places like this.

See you on the other side.

27/12/2024

Most of us right now, after a few days of seasonal overeating and summer heat.

26/12/2024

The vibe of anyone attempting Boxing Day sales.

Image courtesy of Londolozi.

25/12/2024

Is this how you feel right now? This is how we feel right now.

Image courtesy of Londolozi.

24/12/2024

Racing to get those last minute gifts.

Image courtesy of Londolozi.

23/12/2024

We are switching off for a week or so, to spend time with loved ones and refresh for the year ahead.
In the meantime, you get to enjoy these daily sightings courtesy of the team at Londolozi, South Africa. This is us trying to get our overstocked plate back to the table on Christmas Day.

22/12/2024

This is us with the kids on school holidays.

We are switching off for a week or so, to spend time with loved ones and refresh for the year ahead.

Seasons Greetings to you all and hoping your travel dreams come true in 2025.

In the meantime, you get to enjoy these daily sightings courtesy of the team at Londolozi, South Africa.

19/12/2024

Called Golden Monkeys because of their yellow hair, which contrasts sharply against their black hair, these monkeys are actually a subspecies of the Blue Monkey.

Confused? Don't worry about it, come and check them out anyway.

16/12/2024

African sundowners: When the drink is in celebration of that day that was, rather than the fact it is finally over.

12/12/2024

Refuelling post gorilla trek at Singita Kwitonda, Rwanda.

12/12/2024

A more personal story from our Co-Founder, about what makes a thing into "a thing". In other words, what small thing motivates you to make it a big part of your life.

In look what motivates us to travel, we delved deep back into our childhood for one largely forgettable film, and one unforgettable tale.

09/12/2024

Living in the harshest of environments, these deserted adapted elephants are a wonder. These ones were spotted near Camp Kipwe, Namibia.