Thoughts from a guide training programme at Xigera Safari Lodge, exploring confidence, alignment, and what modern safari guiding truly requires.

In November I travelled with a family through two very different corners of the Maasai Mara, exploring the Reserve and the northern conservancies during one of the quietest times of the year. Without the crowds of peak season, the Mara revealed a deeper, more honest version of itself. Extraordinary sightings, long discussions around the fire and an unfiltered look at the ecosystem turned this “off-season” journey into one of the most meaningful safaris I’ve done in years.

Seven weeks in SUJÁN Jawai offered a powerful reminder of what long-term conservation can achieve. From leopard dens to returning Nilgai, this season revealed an extraordinary landscape in recovery.

As AI-generated animal videos flood our social media feeds, they’re doing more than entertain — they’re quietly reshaping how millions of people think wildlife behaves. In a world driven by clicks over truth, these digital illusions risk eroding the respect, understanding, and caution that real conservation depends on.

Who really owns Africa’s wildlife — and what does that mean for its future? A look at ownership, stewardship, and the balance between people and nature.

Join Adam Bannister in the Okavango Delta during one of its wettest, most vibrant seasons in decades. From packs of wild dogs in full pursuit to leopards hunting in the trees of Little Mombo, this journey reveals why Botswana remains one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations.

Uber Safari is here—but should a safari be as easy as ordering a ride? Discover why convenience may come at a cost to guiding, wildlife, and the sacredness of our wild spaces.

Explore the challenges facing the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, from overtourism and social media hype to conservation solutions. Learn how we can protect this iconic wildlife spectacle.

The chaos at Mara River crossings doesn’t have to be inevitable. I have proposed a system that would regulate access without charging visitors extra, using a first-come, first-served approach. Vehicles would be parked in predetermined spots, with each crossing point carefully assessed for its capacity. This would ensure that every car has a fair view, removing the frantic, rally-style races we see today.

Why we wake early, brave the cold, and return to the wilderness — again and again.

In April 2025, Adam Bannister led an intensive 5-day workshop with eight guides at Laikipia Wilderness Camp, tackling the immense pressure they face to deliver sightings of Giza

True guiding lies in the art of observation — by tuning into animal behaviour, guides unlock a deeper, more meaningful safari experience

The growth of a nature guide is a journey of rapid learning, followed by a plateau where stagnation looms.

The latest update from Adam Bannister on his month in India: training guides and learning from the leopards that live on the rocks!

Embark on a journey of growth, exploration, and wildlife adventures as Adam reflects on 2024 and shares exciting plans for 2025.

For the last three weeks, I had the privilege of working with 20 guides from three very different parts of Kenya

It’s incredible to think that 12 years have passed since I first helped establish Jawai, leading the field team to understand the leopard

On October 1st, I had the privilege of joining my family on the very first day of the central zones' opening- the start of Tiger Season

Our 12-day journey took us through some of the most exclusive and breathtaking lodges in the Okavango Delta, an ecosystem celebrated for its

After nearly 18 years of working for others, we have made the decision to become captains of our own ship.