Arc Earth

03/07/2024

Bear Grylls is the top explorer in the world, would he love Selinda Explorers Camp?

We think so. There is so much to love!

The camp accommodates only ten guests and is built on the banks of Botswana’s Selinda Spillway. Now guests who want privacy will have found their ultimate escape right?

Plus, it's been handpicked by by the eponymous Dereck and Beverly Joubert, Great Plains Conservation owners and National Geographic Explorers, who have been exploring the area for years. Lion, leopard, cheetah, and the recently discovered Explorers Pack of African wild dogs hunt these parts regularly.

Best time to go?

Herbivores migrate into Selinda a few months into the Dry season (April to October) and stick around until the year’s end. The climate and the presence of animals from June until October makes these the best months to visit.

We love this discreet little camp and often take our guests there.
We have a few Youtube videos that show you Selinda, so head over to our Youtube Channel for a detailed video starting with Selinda.

02/07/2024

Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique has been a slow burn to rehabilitate the land and slowly encourage animals and drive tourism but conservation initiatives have been a key driver to its success!

Gorongosa National Park was decimated after the war that ended in 1992. But it is a successful conservation story today.

02/07/2024

Quirky little warthogs are such a delight to see.

Here are 3 quick facts about these cute yet feisty animals:

1. When they take off, their tails go up in the air like a on old school TV antenna.

2. They have tusks which are in fact actually front teeth.

3 When they get into their burrows at night, they go in bottom first, so in the morning, they can shoot out quickly to avoid any predators waiting to pounce!

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28/06/2024

What happens when a lion encounters a porcupine face to face?

It’s quite often that the lion comes off second best, nursing an injured paw and or mouth. Contrary to popular belief, porcupines don’t shoot their quills. But they are loosened and released when their lives are in danger.

This is such a coup to see this rare sighting as porcupines are rare to see in the bush, being predominately nocturnal.

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27/06/2024

We love the work that this team does.

26/06/2024

A unique experience beckons for the intrepid traveller yearning for understated luxury in a rugged and isolated landscape.

Sometimes, we need an off the grid holiday where we don’t have to see people, socialise, fight with hordes of people. Get off social media. Voila!

Let us take you entirely off the grid to the middle of the Namib Desert where the Hoanib River meets the Ocean.

If Angelina and Brad thought it was private enough to live when they adopted their daughter Zahara, it must be private enough for non celebs.

Stay with Wilderness at their exquisite Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, where 8 pale olive, generously furnished tented suites peak out of the stark desert. Totally reliant on solar power, their open design and colour palette reflect and mirror the surrounding desert.

Charter flights offer the chance to experience the breathtaking views of the Namib Desert and the Skeleton Coast from above with a scenic flight. This offers a unique perspective on the dramatic landscapes, including towering sand dunes and rugged coastline.

Embark on guided nature walks to learn about the unique flora and fauna of the region. Discover how plants and animals have adapted to the harsh desert environment and learn about the ecological significance of the area.

Engage with the local Himba or Herero communities to learn about their traditional way of life. Visiting these communities provides insight into their rich cultural heritage and how they thrive in this remote part of Namibia.

Take a trip to the nearby Skeleton Coast, known for its hauntingly beautiful coastline, shipwrecks, and seal colonies. The eerie, fog-shrouded landscape is a stark contrast to the arid desert inland.

25/06/2024

Love this!

Victor Luus of Cape Town writes  In 2018, we visited Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe and spent 10 days in one of the satellite camps on the Zambezi River.

24/06/2024

Excerpt from a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda by Richard De Gouveia

We patiently waited as the trackers looked for more gorillas and better views for us, but as we sat quietly, the distant rumbles of thunder echoed through the mountains. Rain was coming and before we knew it, we were getting soaked in a torrential downpour. The guides had just found more gorillas who also ducked for shelter, and we were forced to do the same. Soaked to the skin, we waited for the rain to subside.As he sat in the rain, we took exquisite pictures, impervious to his grumpy demeanour. His fur was clumped by the water droplets adding even more texture to his already sullen look.

Want to hear more?

19/06/2024

Another highlight of the Kalahari is the chance to see and photograph the supremely stream lined and striking Cheetah.

These photographs by Richard De Gouveia perfectly capture the cheetah cub's amber coloured eyes, an extraordinary colour made more striking by the burnt orange sand and the sandy coloured grass behind it.

These earthy tones offer the perfect camouflage for apex predators like cheetahs. Without them, herbivore numbers would rise and more vegetation would be eaten, resulting in greater soil erosion and less drinking water.

In an area such as the Kalahari, what little drinking water there is in the drier months is crucial. Cheetahs help keep the prey populations in check, in turn supporting local ecosystems.

12/06/2024

We can’t get enough of these little guys.

Check out this OG keeping a steady gaze on his Meerkat colony.

His sidekick is mirroring his stance and they won’t let anything get in harm’s way.

If you take a closer look, you can see the red dusting of Kalahari Sand on their little noses and a fang sticking out on the OG.

What nickname do you think would suit this feisty, little predator?

12/06/2024

Safari Winters are epic. Start the morning with hot chocolate or a coffee with a nip of Amarula in it as you snuggle on an open air jeep in search of awakening animals.

It's difficult to imagine that sunny Africa gets cold, but believe me, you can be icily cold.

If you're stuck at what to bring for a winter safari, we've compiled a list below, a handy guide for those frosty starts.

So from May to August, use the following as a guideline:

1. Warm Jacket or Coat: A down jacket or puffer jacket is ideal for keeping warm in cold weather and doesn't take up much space in your luggage. A Uniqlo puffer is always a win too.

2. Lightweight Fleece or Sweatshirt: These can be worn under the warm jacket for added insulation. Most of the top lodges have own branded fleeces to choose from too, but best to pack just in case.

3.Thin Waterproof Layer/Windbreaker: This will protect you from wind and rain.

4. Hat, Scarf, and Gloves: These will keep your head, neck, and hands warm during early morning and evening game drives.

5. Thermal Underwear: Quite a life saviour for those freezing morning drives where the wind can cut through you.

6. Flannel Pyjama Bottoms: For the cold nights, these will keep you cosy :)

7. Warm Socks: These will help keep your feet warm during the cold mornings and evenings, think cashmere and mohair wool!

8. Binoculars: A lot of the lodges do have a pair of 'binos' but it's always handy to have your own.

9. Sunscreen: Don't be fooled by the winter temps, you cans till get sun and wind burnt!

10. Comfortable Shoes: Bring comfortable walking shoes and sandals for around the lodge, you can always buy a pair of flip flops at the Lodge Gift Shop too.

Pack light and prioritise comfort but bring a t-shirt too, by the afternoon, you could be soaking up the winter sun overlooking a viewing deck teeming with animals.

07/06/2024

**Klein Jan seems to have sparked some wonderful comments so we thougt we would share more of the beautiful photographs Richard De Gouveia captured.**

This unassuming little ‘shed’ is in fact the entrance to one of the most desired restaurants in South Africa, if not the world.

Created and then curated, by celebrated, Michelin starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, ‘Klein Jan’ is found nestled amidst the burnt orange sand dunes of the Kalahari .

Exclusive to Tswalu Guests, Klein Jan takes guests on an understated yet exquisite culinary journey with touches of Afrikaans food nostalgia perfectly paired with the Cape Winelands’ best wine.

The food is complimented by the pared down yet on point attention to detail from the simple, soft candlelight to the willowy white linen and exceptional staff.

It’s so sought after, it’s so discreet. Utter Bliss.

📸 .degouveia on an Arc Earth Safari.

05/06/2024

An exquisite image of a large, male gorilla captured by .degouveia

Gorillas can be found in both Uganda and Rwanda and generally guests choose the country based on the experience they want to have and want they want to explore.

Rwanda is seen as the much more expensive cousin of Uganda, with lodges catering to the upper echelons of society and those seeking a more luxurious landing. Rwanda’s park fees and permits are also significantly more expensive than Uganda.

But not to be outdone, Uganda is a bit little grittier but no less sensational than Rwanda. What differs is also the ecosystems and habitats of where the gorillas live.

The main difference is the landscape and vegetation. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is part of a dormant volcanic mountain range known as the Virungas, where gorillas primarily inhabit the a dense, bamboo forest zone.

This setting provides open vegetation, making it ideal for easy, clear viewing of the gorillas.

But in contrast, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a tropical rainforest, which can sometimes make it more challenging to obtain clear views of the gorillas due to the denser vegetation but no less exciting. As it’s a rainforest, the cacophony of ‘jungle’ sounds is simply stunning as is the ecosystems that jostle together here.

Rwanda has 12 trackable gorilla groups, while Uganda has over 25 groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and one group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Uganda also offers more options for a broader safari experience, including Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, while Rwanda is less established as a stand-alone safari destination but has some off-the-beaten-track gems.

Best Time to Go you ask? The best time for gorilla trekking in both countries is during the dry seasons, from May/June to September and then December to February.

What month is it now? Ohhhh June? We’re completely booked for this year, but there is always next year or 2026…

03/06/2024

A different form of 'necking'. These giraffes are actually in graceful fight mode.

Before the battle begins, they slowly 'size' each other up by rubbing heads and necks or leaning into one another, to assess each other's weight.

A lot of thought seems to go into this process, as they pause and gaze into the distance before submitting the first blow.

They use their necks to gain momentum, and swing them round in an arc, thus using their heads as a battering ram to connect with their opponent's flanks, rump or neck.

What's so interesting is that Giraffes have the same amount of vertebrae in their neck as humans but of course, they're just much longer.

27/05/2024

There's something ethereal and magical about black and white wildlife photography. Stripping away the colour, we focus on the essence, the textures, and the raw crux of the wild. Every shadow and highlight tells a story of its own.

meyer africa has encapsulated the unfiltered essence of the African bush, from the perfect dangling paw to Zebras on the move to the eerie gaze of the cats, their mottled markings and spots sharply brought into focus. 🖤

24/05/2024

Look what Richard De Gouveia captured on video! Elephants or ellies as they are affectionaly known, are busy learning social skills by 'play fighting' and interacting with one another at this water hole.

Here are 3 more facts about these gentle giants:

1. When they're not together, elephants use infrasound, that are sounds below the range of human hearing, to communicate over long distances.

2. Their exceptional memory helps them remember water sources and migratory routes that are crucial for survival.

3. By creating (and sometimes digging) water holes and clearing vegetation, elephants shape their ecosystems, benefiting other wildlife, by allowing others to drink from the same water sources too. By pulling down trees an dbranches, they also give small antelope the chance to eat the juicy green leaves from the top of tall trees.

23/05/2024

TEAM SA shines again at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

South Africa's Chelsea Flower Show exhibit, inspired by the Cape Mountains, led by designer Leon Kluge and artist Tristan Woudberg, wowed with its fynbos explosion, rare hybrids and a triumphant return after a hiatus, showcasing the country's rich biodiversity and securing a record-breaking 38th Gol...

22/05/2024

A real life 'bambi' doing a little jig.

One of the wonderful times to visit the game reserves is in the 'green season' - Spring - when it's calving time. It also means increased predator time as the young antelopes are easy prey.

Do you know what antelope this is?

22/05/2024

In other news, Johannesburg zoo is hailed as leading the way in endangered species conservation. To mark Endangered Species Day, for the whole month of May, Johannesburg Zoo is highlighting its conservation efforts for species such as the Pickersgill Reed Frog, African Wild Dogs, Wattled Crane, Southern Ground-Hornbill, Owl Education project, and Durban Dwarf Burrowing Skink.

The Joburg Zoo, as it's affectionately known, has had huge success in breeding schemes such as re-introducing the Pickersgill Reed Frog back to St Lucia in order to combat malaria.The zoo now houses 274 species and approximately 2127 individual animals, including some of the world’s rarest and most vulnerable specimens.

The well known Reptile curator, Mandla Dlomo participates in the Reverse the Red initiative worldwide, promoting collaborative efforts to ensure the survival of endangered species.

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17/05/2024

Animal sidekicks, like this Giraffe and Red Billed Oxpecker (tickbird) are often found together.

This feisty Oxpecker will spend their days clinging to large mammals, such as this pretty giraffe or buffalo, rhino, hippo and antelope, feeding off the parasites they find infesting the animals’ fur.

While this provides these blood thirsty birds with a delicious meal, it also keeps their hosts well groomed. Ticks and other external parasites, as well as blood, mucus, dandruff and ear wax make up the oxpeckers food source.

Parasites such as ticks can pass on deadly diseases as well as draining the blood of their mammal host. Although recent research suggests that the oxpecker does not make a significant difference to the parasite load on an animal, surely a few less ticks is a win win for all mammals.

15/05/2024

The 'Clean up Crew' features vultures, jackals, and hyenas who all squabble over carcasses in the African bushveld.

Vultures are specialized scavengers with piercing eyesight and an acute sense of smell, allowing them to locate carrion up to 6 miles away. As you can see by these images, they'll typically dominate carcasses due to their size and ability to tear through tough hides with their powerful beaks.

Vultures and hyenas will also salivate over the carcass as can be seen in the first image. Hyenas are also formidable hunters but are best known for their scavenging characteristics. Their powerful jaws can crush through the thickest of bones, even a large antelope like an Eland.

Lastly, jackals are opportunistic predators and scavengers that often compete with vultures (as seen in picture 3) for carcasses. Agile and cunning, they'll sneak in and steal food from vultures given even half a chance.

Without these 3 species eating carcasses, there would be a fundamental shift in the environment. Why?

They help limits the spread of diseases within the ecosystem.

They help in controlling the population of scavenger species by efficiently consuming carcasses and preventing other scavengers from becoming overpopulated.

They all play a vital role in maintaining the balance and cleanliness of ecosystems.

📸 De Gouveia

06/05/2024

Why do you think this Giraffe has saggy skin?

A giraffe with saggy skin and a strange-looking bird? Our experts answer readers’ questions.

29/04/2024

The autumnal Impala Lily, is a shrub of great beauty that comes out in the Fall in the Southern Hemisphere. This bright pink stands out like a beacon in a landscape almost void of colour.

This plant contains a watery latex, a poisonous ingredient that has killed many domestic animals. Amazingly though, there have been no noted deaths in wild animals that feed on these vibrant flowers.

The poison is extracted from the bark and trunk and used to poison arrows for hunting, and hooks for poisoning fish. Other San cultures use other species of the Impala Lily as treatments for snake bites and scorpion stings.

Lastly, the lily is used as a magical poison by many different African cultures.

24/04/2024

Today is World Penguin Day and what better way to acknowledge Earth Week and the need to protect our planet than celebrating these cute little creatures.

Did you know that our own African Penguin is on the red list of threatened species with its population radically decreasing by 95% in the last decade?

There is a key NGO that supports penguins in South Africa, SANCOBB, and they work actively with BirdLife International. You can even adopt a penguin through them - from an egg, to a chick to an adult bird. They're not going to come live in your bathtub but you get to make a tangible difference!

PS If you're planning a trip to Cape Town, we highly recommend that you visit Boulders Beach in Simonstown - it's just voted 2nd best beach in THE WORLD!

A large amount of penguins live there and just by going there, sharing your pics on social media, you're helping create awareness, one penguin at a time!

Photos courtesy of

17/04/2024

Did the waterbuck sit on a freshly painted toilet seat?

There are many myths around why the waterbuck has a white ring around his bottom. One story is that waterbuck were believed to be the first animals to climb onto Noah’s Ark; when they climbed aboard, they went to the toilet before their long journey, and because the toilet seats were still wet with paint, they left a distinctive ring for everyone to see!

The trademark white ring around its bum is used as a “follow me” sign so that if one of them spot a predator the rest know where to follow to get away from becoming dinner for one of the hungry cats.

This photogenic antelope boast a number of extraordinary adaptations that have made it a major success in the environment such as having an oily pigment on it's fur to allow for it to be more buoyant in the water and stay relatively dry. This oil has a putrid smell which supposedly deters biting insects but sadly not crocodiles and lions!

17/04/2024

There's nothing quite as thrilling as watching a powerful lioness walking past your safari jeep as the sun sets behind her.

Lionesses are instrumental in a pride from forming bonds with other mothers and sisters, to creating the next generation of the pride by being fierce and protective mothers.Last but not least, they also do the majority of hunting for the pride.

15/04/2024

This is how it feels to get up, close and personal to an elephant drinking. A grown elephant can drink over a whopping 150 gallons per day! Did you know that their tusks are actually elongated incisor teeth? They're so smooth as they don't have enamel on them like 'normal' teeth and continue to grow throughout an elephant's life. On another note, do you know that elephants can use their trunks to snorkel across rivers?

12/04/2024

He is called 'The King of Beasts' for a reason. This male lion leisurely grooms himself with his gigantic paw. A male like this can easily tip the scales at over 500 pounds (200kg). If he is alone or in a small coalition with other males he will hunt for himself but if in a pride - he'll likely leave the hunting to the lionesses but be the first to feast.

18/03/2024

The vibrant sounds of a rain forest thrum with haunting bird calls and animal sounds and activity. Watch how this chimp nonchantly scratches his tummy and yawns - not perturbed by the cacophony of sounds around him.

18/03/2024

A tale of symbiosis: A big plant needs a big pollinator and lemurs are one of the largest pollinators in the world. Lemurs often scale traveller's palms, open the flowers and drink the sweet nectar. While it feeds, the lemur's long fluffy tail mops up a lot of pollen. Once it hops to the next palm, it fertilises the seeds, allowing more palms to grow.

Also, did you know that lemurs can only see in blues and greens?