The Malcolm Ainscough Collection (TMAC) is a creator of luxury safari experiences, set in pristine destinations among some of the most concentrated wildlife populations in Africa; a perfect storm of surroundings, encounters, and expertise that will leave a lasting impression on your lifetime.
To give greater understanding into the incredible moments found in Africa, we’ve asked our Guides and Travel Ambassadors to share their top memories and moments from their numerous adventures. After all, who better to share the stories of African than those that have lived them, first-hand?
What is your favourite African Destination?
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What is your favourite animal sighting or experience?
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My favourite animal encounter was with a group of Meerkats in the Magadigadi salt pans, in Botswana. It was fascinating following the energetic group as they foraged for food. We were allowed to sit down and let them scuttle up our bodies and sit perched on our heads, getting a good view of any potential predators in the area. It gave me a unique insight into the busy lives of these intelligent little creatures.
-Jos Evans
On an afternoon game drive at Royal Malewanes’ Thornybush we had discovered a pack of wild dogs resting and playing, so we were observing them quietly, when to our left, a lone wildebeest wandered into a clearing and unknowingly straight into a pride of sleeping lions camouflaged in the dry grasses. There was a loud cacophony of shrieks and squealing, and in an instant, a large lioness took down the wildebeest and dragged it into a nearby ravine. We repositioned our vehicle into the ravine and witnessed the spectacle of life and death in the bush for the very first time. The lioness was quickly joined by another who brought along their litters of young cubs to join in the kill. The lionesses were clearly teaching their cubs what to do, as they let them participate in the entire process, snarling when they got in the way, but gently guiding them in the methods they used to kill and feed on the unfortunate wildebeest. It was shocking to see life so quickly taken, literally right next to our vehicle, but at the same time, we knew, also necessary for the lions to survive. All of a sudden, one of the lionesses became quite alert with ears pricked forward; staring into the bush. Quite quickly and incredibly silently, her sleek body rose up and slipped into the bush surrounding the ravine. In another instant, we heard a high pitched cry: One of the wild dogs: the Alpha male, as it turned out, had been creeping up to the kill and ended up paying a heavy price. We learned later that the research collar the dog was wearing (as a highly endangered species, some dogs are studied) probably saved its life and the lioness was only protecting her kill and her cubs. The dog suffered a broken leg, which may or may not have been fatal as the pack will nurture a hurt member back to health if they are able. If was an experience I will never forget. Nature ensure that life is fleeting and we never know what may be camouflaged ahead or what will wander into our path.
-Lynn Hogan
Which is your Favourite Lodge or Camp?
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Royal Malewane: There are so many gorgeous lodges and I have truly loved them all. However, for the epitome of luxury matched with ultimate game viewing, and unparalleled service, I have to go with Royal Malewane. This is my favorite because it simply has it all… the lodge is stunning… the lounge/bar area is second to none; sitting in a swinging chair, feet toasting in front of the fire overlooking a watering hole and into the starry night is sheer bliss. Magnificent rooms with plunge pools where elephants often wander by to drink, a killer gym and spa to work off your Safari calories , and haute cuisine dining to put them back on ; complete with a fantastic outdoor boma and dancing by the firelight. Pair that with the Thornybush Private Game Reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park for some of the most incredible wildlife sightings you will see anywhere, and the best, friendliest, and highly trained staff who will cater to every whim, and this place will live in your dreams forever.
-Lynn Hogan
