Drumbeat Autumn 2025

© Cover - Natural Selection © Contents page - Kiki Dalrymple Africa calls to us to return time and time again. We believe this is because of the incredible people, fascinating wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and the simplicity we don’t knowwe need. The spell of the African wilderness is captivating, and the pull to return is reflected in the fact that over 70% of our business comes from returning guests and their referrals. That sense of space from the shores of Lake Malawi, to the deserts of Namibia and the Eastern Cape, to the islands off West Africa, the chance to reconnect, discover, and relax, keeps us returning for more. In this edition, we explore new lodges, far-flung safaris only accessible by air, the glory of the green season, and old favourites in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and the Maldives. We plan safaris to places we know well and have personally visited. We have travelled with husbands, children, mothers and friends, and know exactly what makes a great holiday that ensures everyone has an incredible time. This year, we have seen more three-generation family holidays than ever before, with a host of new private houses that offer a real wow factor. Francis and Jo celebrate 17 and 19 years of crafting incredible safaris for our clients, and Emily, Sophie, Lucinda and Robyn (more on page 14) are growing in experience each year under their guidance. This striking image of a wild dog graces our cover in recognition of these phenomenal hunters. Our Aardvark Safaris guests have had an incredible year for wild dog sightings, with record numbers seen in Tanzania, Botswana, Kenya, and Zambia. I am writing this from an exciting new destination, São Tomé and Príncipe, two tropical island gems not far from the coast of West Africa in the Gulf of Guinea. I’ll share all the exciting details in the next issue. Please get in touch, no matter how early in the planning process you may be or how quirky the request. We are here to help and love showing off Africa at her raw best. P.S. This image was taken by Kiki (if you look closely, you can spot her husband Tom among the Maasai). Alice Gully – Owner 4. Kenya - a firm favourite for families 6. Where sophisticated style meets the wilderness - Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia 8. Trekking with giants - my exceptional gorilla encounter, Rwanda 10. Skyborne safaris - Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, the Seychelles 12. The glory of the green season - Botswana, Zambia 14. Ask the expert - Robyn takes the hot seat 16. Soneva Jani - the perfect Maldives playground 18. Signature adventures - Botswana, Mozambique, the Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania 20. Ride with the migration - in the Serengeti and the Masai Mara 22. Exclusively yours - a special occasion calls for a truly spectacular setting 24. Feedback we love - guest testimonials