Dubbo Safari Club

05/05/2026

The Bateleurs are a unique conservation NGO based in South Africa 🇿🇦
They connect volunteer pilots with wildlife organisations in need of aerial support
Using privately owned aircraft, they assist with missions across Southern Africa
From tracking rhinos to monitoring endangered vultures, their impact is huge
They also help detect illegal poaching and environmental damage from the air
Their work gives conservationists access to remote areas quickly and efficiently
With over 200 volunteer pilots, they’ve supported 150+ conservation groups
It’s a powerful example of skills and passion being used for wildlife protection
Aviation meets conservation in one of the most practical ways possible
Learn more about their incredible work here: The Bateleurs are a unique conservation NGO based in South Africa 🇿🇦
They connect volunteer pilots with wildlife organisations in need of aerial support
Using privately owned aircraft, they assist with missions across Southern Africa
From tracking rhinos to monitoring endangered vultures, their impact is huge
They also help detect illegal poaching and environmental damage from the air
Their work gives conservationists access to remote areas quickly and efficiently
With over 200 volunteer pilots, they’ve supported 150+ conservation groups
It’s a powerful example of skills and passion being used for wildlife protection
Aviation meets conservation in one of the most practical ways possible


Learn more about their incredible work here:

The Bateleurs volunteer pilot conservation NGO provides free aerial support to protect South Africa’s wildlife and environment. Our pilots fly missions for conservation, research, and community impact.

07/04/2026

Frederick Selous — not just as an explorer, but as one of the early voices for wildlife conservation in Africa.
At a time when big-game hunting was widespread and largely unregulated, Selous began to recognise something many others ignored: wildlife populations were declining, and without care, they could disappear entirely. His deep respect for the natural world led him to advocate for responsible, regulated hunting and the protection of habitats — ideas that were well ahead of their time.
Selous contributed valuable knowledge about African wildlife, working with scientists and helping to build understanding of ecosystems that are still studied today. His influence helped inspire the creation of protected areas, including the vast Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania, ensuring that future generations could experience Africa’s incredible biodiversity.
While history is complex, it’s important to acknowledge those who helped shift thinking toward conservation. Selous reminds us that appreciation for wildlife can evolve into a responsibility to protect it.

16/03/2026

Using drones to help with Elephant and human wildlife conflict. Interesting idea that could be used in conjunction with other tools.

In the Serengeti region in Tanzania, conflict can arise between humans and the elephants that graze on their crops. The U.S.-based nonprofit RESOLVE is testi...

21/02/2026

Did you know Namibia Is a Global Conservation Leader
When it comes to wildlife conservation in Africa, Namibia stands out — not just for protecting animals, but for empowering people.
✔️ First African country to put environmental protection in its constitution
✔️ ~20% of the country managed by community-run conservancies
✔️ Wildlife like black rhinos and desert elephants rebounding
✔️ Tourism revenue goes directly to local communities
Instead of protecting wildlife from people, Namibia protects wildlife with people.
By giving communities legal rights and economic benefits from conservation, Namibia has shown that when wildlife pays, wildlife stays.
A powerful model that’s inspired countries like Kenya and Botswana.

12/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ARCYnNwbX/

I’ll be at The Milestone this evening if anyone would like to talk Africa
Just a quick note that I’ll be at The Milestone in Dubbo from 5:30–6:30pm tonight for anyone curious about travelling to Africa — especially if safety has been a question.
There’s no presentation and no pressure.
Just an informal chat over a drink.
If you’d like to join the conversation, you’re very welcome.
I’ll be wearing my Africa With Grace hat so you can spot me 😊

10/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17yQnBdtLC/

A little more about this Friday’s African travel conversation
I know Africa can feel like a big idea — and sometimes it’s easier to be curious quietly.
This Friday, I’m hosting a small, informal face-to-face chat in Dubbo for anyone who’s ever thought about travelling to Africa but had questions, especially around safety.
There’s no presentation, no pressure, and no expectation that you’re planning a trip.
It’s just a relaxed one-hour conversation over a drink, with numbers kept small so everyone feels comfortable asking questions.
CBD Milestone Hotel, Dubbo
Friday 13th February, 5:30–6:30pm
Free
Limited to 8 people
If you’d like the details, please send me a private message — happy to answer any questions before you decide.

06/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KKMovMNWr/

A quick note about next Friday’s African travel conversation
A few people have asked if this night is only for those already planning a trip — it’s not.
This is for anyone who’s simply curious about Africa, especially if safety has been a question.
You don’t need to be planning a trip.
You don’t need to have travelled before.
You don’t need to commit to anything.
It’s just a relaxed, one-hour chat in a small group.
CBD Milestone Hotel, Dubbo
Friday 13th February, 5:30–6:30pm
Free
Limited to 8 people
If you’d like the details, feel free to send me a private message — happy to answer questions before you decide.

Africa With Grace

03/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1MrgZSEyuN/

Thinking about travelling to Africa, but unsure if it’s safe?
I’m hosting a small, relaxed, face-to-face conversation in Dubbo for anyone curious about African travel but feeling unsure — especially around safety.
This isn’t a presentation or sales night.
Just an honest, informal discussion over a drink.
We’ll chat about:
What travel in Africa is really like today
Safety on safari (and what most people don’t realise)
Small group vs private travel
Your questions — no such thing as a silly one
📍 Dubbo CBD at the Milestone Hotel
🕠 Friday 13th February, 5:30–6:30pm
🎟 Free
👥 Limited to 8 people to keep it personal
If Africa has ever crossed your mind but you’ve had questions or doubts, this is a great place to start.

Comment or message me to reserve a spot.

31/01/2026

UPDATE: Kruger National Park & Flooding in Southern Africa
Friends, many of you have asked about the recent flooding in South Africa’s Kruger National Park and surrounding areas — including Marloth Park — and what that has meant for wildlife and people.
A powerful combination of extreme rainfall and swollen rivers forced authorities to temporarily close parts of Kruger National Park, evacuate visitors and staff, and caused major infrastructure damage across the region. Floodwaters washed away roads, bridges and camps, with 15 camps still closed or inaccessible and repairs expected to take years and millions of dollars.
Thankfully, there have been no confirmed deaths of wildlife inside the park, as animals like elephants, buffalo and lions instinctively moved to higher ground. However, the floods have disrupted habitats and displaced some species.
People have also been deeply affected — tens of thousands have been displaced in parts of South Africa and neighbouring countries, with loss of homes, livestock and crops.
For full details, read this excellent article from The Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/26/crocodile-warnings-floods-devastate-southern-africa?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Feel free to share this update with fellow safari and wildlife lovers.
Let’s keep Kruger’s incredible wildlife and the communities around it in our thoughts as they recover.

More than 100 people killed and hundreds of thousands displaced in South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe

21/01/2026

Worth a read for anyone interested in wildlife, hunting policy and community conservation in Botswana:
There’s an ongoing controversy over a hunting concession called NG13 on the edge of Botswana’s Okavango Delta — a community-based area meant to benefit the local San (Tcheku) community. The dispute centres on who should control the concession and its valuable hunting quota, which includes elephants, buffalo, big cats and other species.
At the heart of it is South African hunter Dawie Groenewald — a figure already facing more than 1 600 charges in South Africa relating to rhino poaching, trafficking, racketeering and money-laundering — and Botswana politician Machana Ronald Shamukuni. Critics say political influence and contestation over the lease have overshadowed transparent community involvement.
The controversy has sparked legal battles, community petitions and clashes over how wildlife revenues should be managed for community benefitrather than outside interests.
👉 Read more: Dawie Groenewald’s Botswana hunting dispute — Oxpeckers Investigations
🔗 https://oxpeckers.org/2026/01/dawie-groenewald-botswana/

A leaked recording, court orders and company records place the controversial South African hunter at the centre of a high-stakes struggle over a lucrative Okavango hunting concession – and political meddling. Oscar Nkala investigates for Currency Dawie Groenewald faces multiple charges in South Af...