Matson & Ridley Safaris

02/10/2026

There's a version of Africa you only see from above the treeline.

No engine noise, no dust, just the hiss of the burner and the plains waking up beneath you. Herds moving like shadows, rivers catching the first light, and a horizon that doesn't end.

Tammie captured this on her last trip and we haven't stopped watching it.

Looking to add something unforgettable to your safari? Consider a balloon safari.

24/09/2026

Mountain gorillas are one of conservation's genuine good-news stories, and a major part of that story is ethical tourism.

Trekking permits fund ranger patrols, habitat protection, and community programs in the areas where gorillas live. Unlike many wildlife encounters, there's no separation between the experience and the conservation, and booking the trek is the contribution.

That's why gorilla trekking sits close to the top of our list of trips worth doing at least once.

On World Gorilla Day, here's to the guides, trackers, Rangers and communities who make that possible every single day, not just today. Their quiet, patient work is the reason these gentle giants are still here to be found.

18/09/2026

Akagera's elephants disappeared entirely between 1938 and the early 1960s. Today, thanks to a small reintroduced herd and decades of protection, there are at least 142 elephants, and we now know most of the adults by a unique identification code (and lots by Kinyarwanda name).

Over the past two years, with support from Triumph Conservation Trust, Akagera's Research Support Officer Emerance Tuyipfukamire has led fieldwork to identify individual elephants by their ear notches, tusks, and unique features, building a database that's now almost 80% complete.

The results are more than numbers. The team can now track social bonding groups, spot new calves, monitor tusk changes, and understand how these elephants move through the park across seasons. That's the kind of data that turns conservation from guesswork into evidence-based management.

In August, Tammie visited Akagera to spend some time with lead researcher, Emerance and local freelance guide Samuel, among the elephants, while exploring options to support further elephant research with the park research team.

The future of this program depends on the Rwandan people driving it on the ground. Thanks to the Akagera Management Company, and the Akagera Freeland Guides Co-operative, for their ongoing support and commitment to this project.

Read the full blog to learn more about Akagera's elephants and the research helping to protect their future here: https://matsonridley.com/blog/rwanda-africas-most-surprising-safari-destination/


Emerance
Friends of Akagera National Park
Tammie Matson
Tammie Matson

14/09/2026

We are hiring an African travel and marketing consultant!

Africa-based experienced travel consultants with reservations experience are encouraged to apply for this remote role.

Matson & Ridley Safaris is looking for an African travel and marketing consultant. Africa-based travel consultants with experience in reservations are encouraged to apply. This is a broad role with lots of scope for growth and flexibility in a company focused on providing support for conservation an...

14/08/2026

There's something about an elephant encounter that makes the bush feel very small and very big at the same time.

Watching a herd move together, seeing the young ones protected in the middle, or simply sitting quietly as they pass reminds you that you're witnessing something much bigger than a wildlife sighting.

Elephants are essential to the ecosystems they inhabit, shaping landscapes and creating opportunities for countless other species.

Protecting them isn't simply about saving an iconic animal. It's about protecting the intricate web of life around them.

And that's something worth celebrating every day. 🐘

31/07/2026

Rich because... you return home with a greater appreciation for the people, traditions, and stories that make Africa so extraordinary.

A safari isn't only about the wildlife you encounter. Some of the most memorable moments come from taking the time to connect with local communities, learning about their way of life, and sharing experiences that leave a lasting impression.

These cultural visits aren't performances, they're opportunities for genuine exchange, where travel becomes richer through understanding and respect.

Because the most meaningful journeys don't just change where you've been.

They change how you see the world.

24/07/2026

The Okavango Delta is unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Every year, floodwaters make an incredible journey from the Angolan Highlands before spreading across northern Botswana, breathing life into one of Africa's most extraordinary ecosystems.

This year, those floodwaters have been particularly impressive, creating an incredible surge of life.

For travellers joining us in June 2027, that's exciting news. I've shared more about what a high-water season means, and why I'm so excited for our Botswana Group Safari in this week's blog.

We now have just one room remaining on our June 2027 Botswana Group Safari. If you've been dreaming of experiencing the Okavango at its finest, I'd love for you to join us.

Read the blog via the link below, or get in touch to learn more about the final available place.

https://matsonridley.com/blog/the-okavango-is-flooding-and-why-thats-extraordinary-news-for-2027/

Images courtesy of David Longmuir & Siobhan Hey Botswana, June 2026.

10/07/2026

Meet the African wild dog, also known as the painted wolf. Critically endangered, this is one of the world's rarest predators.

Fewer than 6,000 remain in the wild. And yet a wild dog encounter is consistently rated among the most thrilling wildlife experiences in Africa. Fast, intelligent, and fiercely devoted, the entire pack raises the pups together.

June to August is denning season in Botswana. You probably won't see the pups yet, as they're tiny and hidden deep in the den, but watching the pack hunt together to feed the alpha female is something else entirely.
June is also the sweet spot for a Botswana safari - dry season begins, the Okavango floodwaters arrive, and prices are lower than peak season.

If Botswana is calling you we have limited spaces available on our hosted safari in June 2027. Contact us at the link in our bio.

03/07/2026

You. A cheetah. Nothing else. 🐆

No commentary needed for this one, just turn your sound on and watch.

This is what the Serengeti feels like when everything goes quiet. Wind, birdsong, and a cheetah doing exactly as he pleases.

Moments like this are why we do what we do. 🌍

If Africa is calling you, we'd love to help you answer it.

26/06/2026

What an awesome safari in Tanzania!
Going on safari in green season is definitely worth considering for the lower prices, tourist numbers and overall experience. There’s nothing like being in Africa when the grasses are green and there’s new baby animals bounding about.
Here’s our highlights reel.

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