… goes to our friend and colleague, Richard Bonham, Big Life Foundation’s co-founder and Director of Operations in Africa. We are so delighted for him and the organisation, which operates from Amboseli, Kenya. Congratulations, dear Richard!

This lifetime achievement award given by Tusk recognises outstanding dedication and exceptional contributions to conservation in Africa. (Last year, Zimbabwean, Clive Stockil, was the proud recipient.)

On accepting the award, Richard acknowledged the many organisations and people involved in elephant protection, from the communities who have committed to live side by side with wild animals and their participation in conservation, to government and private sector partnerships, to organisations like Tusk, who put massive amounts of energy and money towards conservation, to the community rangers who sometimes put their own lives on the line to help protect Africa’s gentle giants.

“I have watched elephants in the Selous game reserve in Tanzania drop from over 100,000 animals to probably less than 10,000, and that number is still falling.”

And a quote from Richard Leakey that really strikes home – “In August, we reached a crucial tipping point in Africa, where more elephants were being killed than being born.”

In between this year’s fantastic safari trips and planning, Nicci and John visited their daughter, Briar in Melbourne, Australia to spend time with her and her husband, Dom and 3-year-old son, Oscar. Oscar is full of energy and his bright, inquisitive mind keeps even John on his toes!

Guided New Zealand goes from strength to strength and we encourage you to think about this beautiful and peaceful part of the world for a holiday with a difference.
Get hold of Briar Stevens directly and she’ll be happy to chat about the many options.

And you can also watch this - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHIDGESGh5c

Sarah and Milo’s Mana Pools Safari Company has had a good year, with the addition of brand new tents (roomy, comfortable, with that familiar authentic tented style remaining), flush toilets, washstands and extra lighting. Be sure to book your Zimbabwean safari now, if you want to secure a spot in John’s favourite part of the world!

Talking of Mana Pools and John’s long association in the area… he and a friend of 35 years or so, Russell Taylor (was senior ecologist at Matusadona National Park when John was area manager there), have initiated a collaborative anti-poaching body in the Zambezi Valley, as the problem is getting alarmingly bad in the area. With National Parks and operators in Mana working more closely to help stop the scourge that threatens our heritage, John and Russ are hoping for more effective results. We will have more news of this development for you in the New Year. Please watch this space as John will need your support and encouragement.



The next generation is already becoming well-versed in the ways of the wild. Imogen, Sarah and Milo’s little girl, now almost two years old, is the apple of John’s eye and has accompanied the family on a few trips to Mana Pools, as evidenced by her feeling quite at home atop a mound of elephant dung recently! On their last trip, Imogen woke John and Nicci in the morning with excited shouts, ready for her regular walk in the bush under her grandfather’s strong, guiding hand! (Isn’t she the luckiest girl in the world to have one of Africa’s top guides at her disposal?)

As some of you may know, John was privileged and proud to accompany a client on a safari by helicopter through Ethiopia and, more recently, around Zimbabwe.



Very exciting indeed and certainly a fantastic way to see any country if it’s within your budget, as you’re able to literally travel entirely at your own pace, see places that may be inaccessible otherwise and catch stunning views!

Zimbabwe is once again emerging as the “go-to” safari destination, having survived political and economic turmoil and now stronger than ever and offering a wonderfully unspoilt country to explore. We urge you to visit our special Zimbabwe – the wildlife is fantastic, the landscapes just breathtaking, camps and lodges of a high standard and the people some of the nicest you’ll meet on the continent.