Journal

From the field

Stories, observations, photography and other experiences from across Africa.

Simon Landolt Simon Landolt

Controlled fires - a mixed blessing

Fire can renew a savanna, create fresh grazing and shape the movements of wildlife. But it can also destroy nests, insects and the habitats of smaller animals. In this journal, we take a closer look at controlled burning: Why it is used, how it works, who benefits, who suffers, and why fire in Africa is rarely as simple as it first appears.

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Simon Landolt Simon Landolt

The People Who Lost Their Forest

The Batwa have lived in the forests of the Great Lakes region for generations, long before Bwindi became a national park. Today, many live in difficult conditions on the edges of the forest they once called home. This is a story about displacement, conservation, culture and one unforgettable question:
If they could return, would they?

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Simon Landolt Simon Landolt

Mount Longonot – The Volcano Behind Naivasha

Rising above Lake Naivasha, Mount Longonot is easy to take for granted. But behind its familiar silhouette lies a story of ancient eruptions, the Great Rift Valley, changing landscapes and a surprisingly rich wildlife community. This journal explores the volcano, its crater, its history and the forces that continue to shape the mountain today.

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A close-up of an adult elephant with two white birds perched on its back, standing in a dry, open landscape.