2026 Fall Galloping Gnus Newsletter

Dear Safarier:

As the seasons unfold, there is a rhythm to travel – a familiar pull toward wild places, new horizons, and the memories waiting to be made.

As autumn arrives, we are delighted to launch our 2027 Safari Planner, a collection of journeys shaped by curiosity, discovery, and a deep appreciation for Africa’s wild places. Come wander, wonder, and feed your soul.

50 Most Intriguing Places to Stay in 2027
Our annual list has expanded to 50 Most Intriguing Places to Stay in 2027. Across Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, and beyond, a new generation of camps is redefining the safari experience. Some embrace understated elegance and artful design. Others beautifully balance sustainability with a sense of luxury. Still others offer something wonderfully simple: the chance to slow down, listen to the wilderness, and reconnect with nature and traditional cultures. Each is intimate. Each is distinctive. And each offers its own interpretation of what it means to be in Africa.

Your Adventures, Your Stories
Our 25th Annual Photographic Competition is underway for 2026 trips! We would love to see Africa through your eyes, so please send us your favorite photographs by January 31, 2027. Until then, read through our recent Client Trip Reports. They are filled with the moments that make safari so unforgettable—the unexpected sightings, the quiet mornings, the laughter around the campfire, and all those wonderfully unplanned moments in between.

From the Field
The best way to understand Africa is to experience it firsthand. Mark and I have recently returned from South Africa and Botswana, while earlier this year Amy and Violeta traveled through Tanzania. Kyle is preparing for his first game count trip in Hwange, Zimbabwe, and Miles and Maria have their own adventures ahead, to Madagascar and Botswana. These experiences help us return with fresh ideas and meaningful recommendations for you. Being on the ground allows our team to discover emerging camps and lodges, revisit enduring favorites, and deepen the relationships that connect us to local guides, conservation initiatives, and communities. Follow along through our AAC Travel Blog posts.

Limited Edition Safaris for 2027
For our curious travelers, we invite you to explore our 4 iconic small group safari departures, led by exceptional guides from Tanzania, Botswana, Uganda, and Zimbabwe! In addition Mark’s Expedition Collection features the road less traveled.

Romantic Safari Getaways
For a honeymoon or simply a special romantic escape for two, Africa offers an incredible combination of adventure, privacy, and luxury—from unforgettable days on safari to relaxing beach stays along the Indian Ocean. Explore some of our favorite Romantic Safari Getaways for couples.

We are thankful for our AAC family and extended circle of friends! AAC remains loyal to the preservation of wildlife, wild places, and the people of Africa – to the community we call home. So, whether you are dreaming of returning to a beloved corner of Africa or imagining your very first safari, we invite you to explore, wander, discover, and dream a little bigger.

Warmest regards and wild wishes,
The Noltings (Alison, Mark, Miles and Nick) and the AAC Team!