EU
  
You are currently viewing the European Union version of the site.
Would you like to switch to your local site?
44 MIN READ TIME

Where eagles dare

IN ALL ITS GLORY: The African fish eagle, the national symbol of five nations, soars above the continent’s waterways, waiting to swoop for prey

Eagles are undeniably compelling. As predators, they occupy a similar ecological role to that of cats and other earthbound mammals, using supreme hunting prowess and a formidable array of weaponry to capture an enormous variety of prey. Such powers have long imbued them with emblematic status in human culture, from the golden eagle standard of imperial Rome to the bald eagle seal of the USA.

The African fish eagle alone is the national symbol of five nations. Africa is home to 25 of some 69 eagle species now recognised worldwide. All belong to the Accipitridae family of diurnal raptors, alongside the likes of buzzards, kites and vultures. They range from the martial eagle, which may top 6kg and can kill a small antelope, to the pigeon-sized but no less rapacious booted eagle, which captures birds in flight.

Read the complete article and many more in this issue of Travel Africa
Purchase options below
If you own the issue, Login to read the full article now.
Single Digital Issue April-June 2018 (82)
 
€6,99 / issue
This issue and other back issues are not included in a new subscription. Subscriptions include the latest regular issue and new issues released during your subscription. Travel Africa
Annual Digital Subscription €17,99 billed annually
Save
36%
€4,50 / issue

This article is from...


View Issues
Travel Africa
April-June 2018 (82)
VIEW IN STORE

Other Articles in this Issue


INDABA
Preserving the priceless
“We should preserve every scrap of biodiversity as priceless,"
First impression
The emotive impact of Africa
Most memorable experience
The essence of Africa
Calendar
What's happening this quarter
Meet the artist
Italian artist Marcello Pettineo’s African sketches evocatively replicate the detail of a naturalist’s notebook. Henry Bevan talks to him about his art and his connection with French organisation Cheetah For Ever
South Africa steps forward
The launch of a new South African Tourism Conservation Fund was formally announced in January with the appointment of a CEO, Paul Zille. Graham Boynton reports
Then and now
Gareth Hardres-Williams of Mammoth Safaris tells the story of his colleague Byron Ross, and gives us an insight into how the role of the safari guide has evolved
Snapshots of Africa
My very close friend and I recently travelled through the breathtaking beauty of Botswana. Both of us had some incredible times experiencing the mighty savannahs of East Africa in 2013 and the overwhelming vastness of the south-western Namib Desert in 2014. It all started with a little curiosity — not knowing exactly what to expect and instantly falling in love with Africa’s nature. It is this place that established the true bond of our friendship that will last a lifetime. This continent let our friendship grow and blossom, and shifted each of our perspectives deeply. It is a place I will visit as often as possible; a place where my soul becomes soaked in incomparable beauty. Here, I share with you a couple of peak wilderness moments, in which both of us gave a big portion of our hearts to the few lasting Edens.
FEATURES
Elephants caught on camera
In this portfolio, Greg du Toit reveals his tips on how to photograph these magnificent giants
Is this South Africa's most scenic drive?
Determined to find out, Hlengiwe Magagula sets off on a road trip along the Panorama Route, taking in the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Pilgrim’s Rest and some of the other highlights of this magnificent region
The Lost City
Inspired by the legend, Adam Cruise follows in the footsteps of other explorers and goes in search of the Lost City of the Kalahari, tracing clues and gathering evidence as he travels along remote trails of the Kgalagadi to the Aha Hills
Another Namibia
This southern African country usually conjures up images of arid deserts, so a visit to its Zambezi Region will come as a surprise. Here, at the junction of the Zambezi and Chobe rivers, lies a watery wonderland — with great game viewing opportunities, amazing birdlife and a host of land- and water-based adventures, says Fiona McIntosh
The perfect safari
Your guide to everything you need to know about planning your Zambian adventure — from where to go, to how long to spend in each place, and how to tie it all together — whatever your budget and interest. Compiled by Phil Clisby
Good times in Harare
If you like art, food, shopping and nature, you’ll find the buzzing Zimbabwean capital to be a great starting point for your trip or a destination in its own right. Words and photographs by Christopher Scott
Deep in the forest
Masoala National Park, in north-eastern Madagascar, is the largest of the island’s protected areas. Gillian McLaren visits to learn about the efforts to conserve its biodiversity
Enchanting Nyika
Set in the remote north of the country, this isolated park may not harbour big game but is home to magnificent landscapes and incredible biodiversity. Laura Griffith-Jones falls under its spell when she explores it on foot
High hopes
Sarah Gilbert joins a flying safari that puts the focus on preserving Kenya’s endangered species, including rhino, wild dogs and cheetah, and gives her easy — and comfortable access — to key conservationists and their work
Under Meru's spell
Although often omitted from the northern circuit, Arusha National Park is an accessible, varied and exciting place to spend a few days. Stuart Butler describes his experience in this small park with big appeal
Primates & people
Sue Watt explores the role of women in Uganda, sharing the stories of three inspiring trailblazers working to help the communities living alongside the gorillas of Bwindi
SUBSCRIBE!
Afridisiac? Never miss an issue…ensure each issue of
Safari
Safari
Ideas and advice to help you plan your perfect trip
Conservation
Understanding and protecting our natural heritage
Damming the Selous
Tanzania has ambitious plans to ramp up its power-generating capacity by almost eightfold in less than a decade. While few would argue that greater and more reliable access to power is crucial for the country’s economic future, one particular project is causing major concern among environmentalists: a US$2.6 billion hydro plant in the renowned Selous Game Reserve. Peter Borchert reports
A tale of resilience
The mountain gorilla recovery is fragile, but still cause for celebration – an undeniable success story illustrating the benefit of collaborative conservation efforts
Kenya unwrapped
An insider’s overview, from the experts at Steppes Travel