As October unfolds, I find myself filled with a renewed sense of excitement. It’s a time of transition in the African bush, the soft glow of spring sunlight filtering through acacia trees, the first signs of green beginning to push through dry earth, and the return of migratory birds that signal the rhythm of change.
It’s also one of my favourite times of the year to be out on safari. A time when the wilderness feels alive with promise. For me, this month marks the start of a string of extraordinary journeys, each one with its own story to tell, and I can’t wait to share them with you.
Later this month, we’re heading north to one of South Africa’s hidden treasures, Madikwe Game Reserve. Tucked away in the North West Province, right along the Botswana border, Madikwe is a malaria-free safari destination that has quietly become one of the most rewarding reserves in the country. Known for its incredible Big 5 sightings, and warm hospitality, Madikwe offers something truly special, a safari that’s perfect for families and first-time travellers alike, without compromising on authenticity or adventure.
Our stay will be at Morukuru Family Safari, specifically at Morukuru Owner’s House a private and exclusive home in the heart of the reserve. It’s a place designed for families to reconnect, to share meals under open skies, and to experience the wild together in absolute comfort. From private game drives to the laughter of children around the pool, it’s the kind of destination that reminds us why safari is such a deeply human experience, one that brings us closer to nature and to one another.
Then, just a few days later, I’ll be packing my bags again and heading further north, across the border into one of Africa’s last true wilderness frontiers: Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe.
Few places capture the essence of wild Africa quite like Mana Pools. Set along the mighty Zambezi River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a landscape shaped by water, wildlife, and time. Here, elephants stand tall on their hind legs to reach the fruit of albida trees, lions patrol the riverbanks, and the air hums with life and possibility.
I’ll be travelling with TandaAfrika on a photographic safari, staying with African Bush Camps, two names synonymous with authentic, sustainable, and beautifully crafted safari experiences. This journey will be about more than just photography; it’s about slowing down, immersing ourselves in nature, and capturing moments that tell stories beyond the lens.
These are the kinds of trips that remind me why I fell in love with Africa in the first place and why I love bringing people to this amazing place, the raw beauty, the unpredictability, and the moments that make you pause and simply breathe.
As always, my goal is to bring you along through the stories we share, through the photographs, the sounds, the movement, and the feeling of being there. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and first-hand experiences from these incredible destinations. I hope they inspire you to dream, to plan, and perhaps even to join us on one of these safaris yourself.
October promises to be an unforgettable month, and I’m excited for you to be part of it.
Until next time, stay curious, stay inspired, and keep exploring the wild with us.
If you are looking to plan your bucket list safari get in touch and lets create something truly special
francois@francoisfouriesafaris.com
Warm regards,
Francois Fourie