paul stone safaris

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AFRICAN HUNTING SAFARIS

Stone Hunting Safaris was established in 1998 by two brothers with extensive experience in hunting dangerous game and plains throughout Africa. Stone Hunting Safaris operate in South Africa, Namibia, Ethiopia, Zambia and Tanzania, offering top quality hunting safaris in the best areas Africa has to offer.

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Welcome from paul stones safaris africa.

Paul has established a very high standard of client service. Repeat business of over 98% bears testimony to this. Continuous monitoring of areas throughout, gives us the edge in knowing exactly where to go for the best possible success. We do not own properties but have the sole hunting rights to some of the finest concessions in Africa available to us. Client satisfaction is paramount, and we endeavour to produce a product that is of excellent value and quality. Whether you wish to hunt for plains game in South Africa or take your first Cape buffalo we will cater to all your requirements. We will arrange your hunt and all that it entails. With meticulous precision, we will get you into the bush and upon the completion of a memorable safari, back to your home and loved ones!

2 x1 Limpopo Bushveld Plainsgame Safari

1x1 Limpopo Bushveld Plainsgame Safari

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PROFESSIONAL HUNTERS

Paul Stones has been a professional hunter for over 30 years. His passion is for Africa, its wildlife and habitat is the driving force behind successful safari offerings. All conservation hunting is done with the wellbeing of species and their habitat being at the forefront of any conducted safari.

Paul has experienced extensive hunting in Africa, accompanying and guiding clients on over 95 species of game.  Paul is also one of the founding members of Custodians of Professional Hunting and Conservation – South Africa.

Dave Langerman

Dave Langerman was brought up on a farm in the famed Zambezi Valley of Northern Zimbabwe. He was raised with a rifle in one hand, a fishing rod in the other, and a respect and love for the outdoors and its wildlife. Dave has hunted from his native Zimbabwe, to South Africa and Mozambique but rates the vast and remote hunting wilderness in the Niassa Special Reserve as some of the finest and most authentic adventure the discerning safari hunter could hope for. 

He has hunted here for 17 years, guiding people from all walks of life, from aristocracy, to the average man, on hunting, photographic and canoe safaris. Dave has a fascination for African wildlife, and he holds a BSc degree in Environmental Science from Rhodes University in South Africa. He prides himself on being a naturalist, as well as a hunter and guide.  Dave is a fully licensed professional hunter and guide, and is a member of the Zimbabwe Professional Guides Association (ZPGA) and the African Professional Hunters Association (APHA).

James Lizamore

From a very young age James has been obsessed with the outdoors, hunting and fly fishing. James has been actively guiding professionally for the past 7 years with hunting experience in 4 different African countries and over 35 species. After 5 years in the Legal and Financial industry, James decided to follow his life long dream and become a professional hunter.

James is a licensed professional hunter and guide, and is also a member of Custodians of Professional Hunting and Conservation South Africa (CPHC-SA). James has been hunting in the Niassa for 5 years and has gain valuable experience hunting in various of the Niassa hunting blocks.  Be assured you will be in very capable hands

Our Trackers

Bilale Charles Maina  | Tino Salvador | Sabite Mohamed |

Buanar Paulo

These gentlemen are the core of what we do once in the bush. Their skills as trackers are so vital in safari work, that without them we simply would not achieve that which is so important to client service. Their ability to follow the game we seek, often in terrain where visibility is extremely hard and at times to us, invisible! Their loyalty to our cause is something to behold, they have been in Niassa for almost 20 years and have a knowledge that is often worth sitting down and listing to them talk of days gone by. They add so much to your experience and are an integral aspect of safari life.

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Opinion: Pro hunter responds to our CEO regarding hunting in Greater Kruger

Opinion post by paul stones.

Professional hunter Paul Stones has responded in a Facebook post to Simon Espley’s opinion editorial questioning whether the trophy hunting industry will ruin Kruger National Park’s expansion plans.  We publish Stones’ post here, with his permission. The text in italics and quotation marks relates to statements extracted from Espley’s opinion editorial, followed by Stone’s responses.

Espley: “It is no secret that the trophy hunting industry staggers from one unsavoury incident to the next…”

This is a statement that is undeniably true. In certain cases a blatant disregard for rules and requests, all in the name of self-enrichment! The damage that these acts causes does not only impact the wildlife we profess to “conserve” but the many livelihoods, community projects, and service industries that rely on hunting income and contribution. However, it goes even further than that, way further. It directly impacts the future of Africa’s fauna and flora! This statement is equally powerful if not more than the opening statement to this article. Many may wish to dispute this but please, humour me and read on.

The banning of elephant hunting in Botswana lead to much of the impact I mention in the past paragraph. The ban that had been implemented has caused nothing but heartache and loss for communities and wildlife alike. The lack of revenue and the dishonesty of photo safari companies that had promised to run these hunting concessions in photo mode has never transpired, other than a few select areas that adjoin with the Okavango Delta. The increase of meat poaching with snares  – that is way more damaging to wildlife than selected species poaching as it removes anything and everything caught in these snares, including all the lion and leopard that these selfsame crusaders of conservation profess to save. The condemning of hunting through story-telling from “days of yore” are not conducive to the far more conservation-based hunting industry of 2019. Much of what transpired in the past left a legacy that we should not be proud of – we know this. As with all industries, no matter how small or how large, there will be those that detract from the immense good industries can and often contribute to specifics.

The agreement signed between Kruger and the neighbouring private and community reserves is not only one that is hugely beneficial to all current activities in this relationship but for the future of the Kruger National Park, it should be applauded.

Espley: “In the latest trophy hunting-related disaster, South Africa’s Parliament has attacked Kruger’s magnificent and visionary 10-year plan by  calling for the nullifying of the recently signed agreement  between Kruger and neighbouring private and community reserves. Who knows what political manoeuvrings are behind this, but it is notable that trophy hunting and a perceived lack of local community benefits were at the root of the statement from Parliament.”

Insofar as to suggest “political manoeuvrings” I would agree with that comment, only from the anti-hunting fraternity and their capture of Parliament in this regard.  This could not have been clearer, attending the Colloquium late last year, I was stunned to see how certain journalists were given more credence than the very people with all the experience, and those in the trenches were reprimanded for questioning a journalist on his anti-hunting diatribe by the chair of the portfolio committee! Say no more about political manoeuvring!

Espley: “The main focus and revenue drivers are the targeting of big gene elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, etc. and these have become increasingly scarce in the wild, resulting in drastic (sometimes illegal or contrary to agreed protocol) antics to secure the desired trophies.”

Trophy hunting does play a huge role in African conservation, an undeniable fact. The comment that it is all about “big gene” animals is one that needs addressing; this is not entirely a false statement. Record Books are, in my humble opinion, the damnation of hunting as a noble pastime, and should be banned! Where does the truth lie? Somewhere in the middle? No, in today’s world with a very large majority of people who come to hunt in Africa, the size of game animals is not of importance, as representative, old animals are far more sought after. The record book entries are damaging to us, this is a fact, however, those that subscribe to this chest-beating exercise are in the minority in the greater world of hunting.

As Espley’s article is about the agreement between one of the main players, the APNR (Associated Private Nature Reserves) and the Kruger National Park, I can categorically state and unequivocally fight the “big genes” statement! The APNR has unquestionably the finest hunting protocol in Africa today. This is an absolute fact. We do not hunt ANY big gene animals!

An example, ALL buffalo hunted may never exceed the 38-inch spread of horn (width of the horn from outside curve to outside curve) and these buffalo may not be younger than 12 years of age. They are old buffalo. The next category, if one needs to use that description, are ‘management buffalo’ bulls that are of inferior genetics and improve the herd quality by removing some of them. These buffalo may not exceed 34 inches and they may be hunted just on the maturity of six years, and absolutely no big tuskers, ever! Cats, well, aged-based only and not size! Yes, conservation at its best!

Espley: “Last year I wrote to the good people of the Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR), a collective of private reserves that forms part of the Greater Kruger. I know some of them personally – good people who want the best for conservation. I cautioned them that their fund-raising model needs to change. Trophy hunting constitutes a sizeable chunk of the revenue pie that is applied to manage the reserve and keep wildlife safe from poachers. They acknowledged my letter politely, but I got the sense that the day-to-day reality of the issues that they face prevent them from taking too seriously warnings of the coming storm.”

To talk of the “coming storm” re the future of trophy hunting is not an invalid observation and one that might well have frightening consequences for all I mentioned above.

The Dollar comparison of the consumptive and non-consumptive activities, if one bases it on eco-footprint and sustainability alone is immense.

Espley: “Rather, my warning was that the rolling snowball of public rage at killing animals (particularly large-gene individuals) for fun and ego is growing in size and momentum every day, and the consequences will only increase.”

Is it not ironic that the “public rage” perpetuated by faceless, ignorant, emotive millions is over a sustainable and highly beneficial activity? Driven by egoistical individuals who generally have no dog in the fight! What if those faceless millions were to be shown the eco footprint stamped across Africa by the photographic industry with regard to the classic case of the tragedy of the commons: WATER!

Let us for one minute forget about the encroachment of wilderness, the destruction of habitat by luxury lodge building, the perpetual humdrum of humanity invading wild animal spaces, the creation of Disney-like habituated (once wild) animals, the belching of fumes coming out of the diesel stalks by countless vehicles into herds of game in the hope of a kill sighting, the damage to flora and the ‘lesser’ species by driving into and across so much of our precious African bush, the Mara game viewing jamboree at the time of the migration is criminal and the incessant hum of charter aircraft transporting the myriad planeloads of human cargo into what was once a pristine Africa.

Let’s look at one small facet that seems to go unnoticed and ignored  – WATER.

How many of these areas have ever had a single environmental study conducted in them where the future of water may be a deciding factor in granting permission for the construction of these behemoths, of which many are such, simply because it is about volume and that in the modern world it is all about more, quicker, easier and shorter, so the more people that can be accommodated in the shortest space of time is the most beneficial to the financial well-being of photographic safari “camps”.

We all know that the world is changing, climate change is real, whether it is through human activity or simply a natural phenomenon, it is happening! South Africa is feeling it more than many other parts of the world!

So, based on this fact, the APNR, or let’s refer to it as the Greater Kruger, is in a very low rainfall area to begin with. Wild animals require vast swathes of habitat to move through, and as the seasons change, so too do their feeding patterns . If we continue to allow the photographic industry to grow in these areas we will absolutely destroy the natural patterns that currently exist. Besides the destruction of habitat and riverine being a large part of that habitat loss, as rivers draw lodges like a dog draws fleas! We will use up the groundwater to the point that spring lines, drainage lines and pans will cease to exist. What then?

The millions and millions of litres that are currently sucked out of the ground to fill the claw baths, outdoor showers with views that hardly encourage a quick soaking, can and will not be replaced! The lioness and her four cubs, 2 miles down the valley from the lodge are dying of thirst, for the seep that her pride has used for millennia is now dry and her cubs will die!

Espley: “Timbavati, one of the APNR reserves, recently increased the conservation levy paid by visiting tourists, and now cover 55% of their operational budget from this revenue source (the rest comes primarily from trophy hunting). Based on simple maths explained to me recently, increasing that levy from the current R368 to about R750 per person per night would remove the need for any trophy hunting. This arithmetic is of course subject to assumptions, such as demand staying the same, but in broad strokes this number holds water.”

The argument that an increase of levies will solve the financial requirement to run such areas is true but a very temporary solution. Over an inordinately short time frame, R750 will be worthless, as simple inflation will erode and increase each year. There are only so many Golden Geese! The author was clear with regard to this short-term solution. Also, within the APNR, certain land masses have very few lodges so how do they benefit with the levies?

Espley: “Would travel agents and tourists agree to this increase? Time will tell. This model of increasing conservation levies paid by photographic tourists will not work in all of the reserves incorporated into the APNR, because some simply do not have not enough commercial lodges relative to land size and management costs. Those reserves have to find another model – perhaps including funding by the passionate and powerful anti-hunting lobby?”

The treacherous suggestion of the anti-hunting fraternity funding our wildlife and its habitat should be condemned with the venom it deserves. The mentality that the “white west” must once again control Africa and our wildlife should be spurned with all the contempt it deserves!

Espley: “Two community-owned reserves in the Greater Kruger (but outside the APNR) only have trophy hunting as a revenue source. The larger of the community-owned reserves with open fences to the Kruger (the 42,000 hectare Letaba Ranch) is now buried in chaos, after the trophy hunting operators left after being accused of unsustainable offtakes, baiting animals from the Kruger and of channelling little or no benefit to the community landowners.”

Let us look at the community areas and the comments made. Letaba Ranch is a sad indictment of a lack of governance. Letaba Ranch, I wholeheartedly agree, is a mess but we cannot pin this mess on trophy hunting per se. It would be grossly unfair to do such. Our country has the laws to deal with all the issues raised re this beautiful area bordering the KNP. They simply have not been enforced and it is an absolute disgrace. An opportunity perhaps for the right people to be given a fair chance to create what it should be?

The Kruger Park’s 10-year management plan to secure land for species to roam is admirable and should be supported to the best of all adjoining lands capability, however, we need to be very clear that most is private land and private land should not bend to the wiles of public perception or opinion if that perception or opinion damages our wildlife and its habitat. Hunting does not damage either when conducted under protocols such as the APNR protocol, it enhances wildlife and habitat. It has an eco-footprint that is minimalistic.

God forbid that we ever have to go back to fences and protectionism, it is the curse of a modern world where wildlife and habitat are in short and ever-decreasing supply, and that which we have we need to cherish dearly and in certain cases agree to disagree. It is not only the behaviour of certain hunting practices that need to be changed and condemned in the strongest possible terms, but the behaviour too of those that know so very little or refuse to enlighten themselves on the massive benefit responsible hunting offers and promotes across much of Africa.

Espley: “The trophy hunting industry seems, by virtue of its behaviour, not capable of playing a constructive role in the future conservation landscape on the western border of the Kruger National Park. Plus, the increasing public awareness and assertiveness will most likely eventually take down any attempt to involve that industry. Decision-makers can ignore these realities, or they can undertake the hard task of finding alternative conservation-funding models.”

We do not need to seek “alternative conservation-funding models” – we have the two finest that exist  – we simply need to ensure that both are responsible and both have the end result that we seek and that is the betterment of our wildlife and habitat for future generations to marvel and enjoy.

‘The systematic demise of hunting as a conservation tool, will ensure the absolute demise of wildlife in Africa.’ –  PAUL STONES, professional hunter

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PAUL STONE SAFARIS (AFRICA) | Elm Av, Craigavon AH, Sandton 2021, Gauteng

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Welcome to Stones Safaris

Join experienced field guides, Lynne and Michael Stone, on a private guided game drive, bush walk or sightseeing tour.

Bush walks in a Private Game Reserve

Explore the trails in a private game reserve on foot with experienced freelance field guides, Lynne and Michael Stone.

'Braai' like a South African

Enjoy a sunset game drive and unique bush braai experience in a private game reserve.

Explore the Kruger National Park and Panorama Route with us, Michael and Lynne Stone, both Freelance Trail Guides

We enjoy driving guests on Safari in our Open Safari Vehicles. We also love leading walks in the bush, or the Blyde Canyon,  whether it be a morning walk or a 3-night backpack adventure.

We have a wide area of interest in nature “from the stones to the stars”.

Our Favourite Tours

1. Guided Trips to the Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park (pick up in Hoedspruit area) Duration: Minimum 9 hours

Our goal for a day trip to the Kruger National Park is to spend time in a place that is dedicated to conserving what is natural, and to make a day out of the details. Beginning before sunrise, this trip is an opportunity to see it all unfold, and to notice the animal activity change throughout the day. Sunrise brings about the birdsong, the awakening of the bush, the dawn calls and chance to see crepuscular hunters at work. 

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Give yourself the gift of patience and watch a waterhole for a while. Our approach is to immerse ourselves in the experience rather than join long queues at a fleeting sighting. We want to see it all unfold and explore the path that Mother Nature has in store for the day.

In a place known around the world as the hub and heart of South Africa’s wildlife, we stand a good chance of leaving at the end of the day with memories of elephants feeding alongside us, giraffes peering curiously at us, hippos bellowing at one another, and alert herds of zebra, wildebeest, and impala filling the plains around us. 

Our expectations for animal sightings aside, we get to unravel the mysteries of how this all came to be. The importance of rock formations, soil production and plant growth, drawing the grazers, browsers, and naturally, predators. It’s not so much about  what  we see but about what we  see .  As we guide you through the natural cycles of life, we invite you to see things differently, taking home Kruger memories bigger than you ever imagined.

From R950 per person (excluding conservation fees), price varies by group size.

CONTACT US TO MAKE A BOOKING

2. Guided Bush Walks

Private Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger. Pick up in Hoedspruit area. Duration: 3 – 4 hours

A bush walk invites you gently out of your comfort zone and gives you the opportunity to let go of the world you know. The familiar falls away and you’ll find yourself tuning into your often-neglected senses to really see and understand the stories of the African bush. As fellow pilgrims journeying on foot, we will look at tracks and signs left by animals in the bush and use our long-practiced knowledge to interpret them and understand what might have unfolded just before us.

A guided walk through territory that belongs not to us but to Africa’s most revered and admired animals has the potential to leave you with a new perspective.

Sharing a pathway carved by elephants en route to water, or leaving your footprints alongside the spoor of a leopard who walked through the night are experiences that give you a profound sense of belonging to nature.

As you walk, your ability to observe details and notice smells and sounds will grow. You’ll feel connected to the environment that was once the home of your ancestors, and what remains at a distance on a game drive suddenly comes into full focus. 

The complexity and beauty of the African bush unfolds as you encounter the bush with us. A whole new world opens up, souls restored, perspective gained, senses stimulated. Where we walk in nature, our journey covers everything from the Stones to the Stars.

From R675 per person.

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3. A South African bush ‘braai’

Private Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger. Pick up in Hoedspruit area. Preceded by Sunset Game Drive. Duration: 4-5 hours

Fusing the pleasures of food and fire, the South African braai is synonymous with a safari experience. It not only elevates the food component of your time with us, but it creates an atmosphere of friendship and celebration. Feasting under an open sky layered with stars, with the territory of Africa’s wild species darkening around you, you will be drawn to the light and crackle of the fire.

As fire-trained chefs flip seasoned steak on the glowing coals, the familiar smoky aroma will churn up an appetite. The exciting events of your days on safari become the topic of conservation as you share memories and moments with your fellow journeying humans.

A bush braai takes us back to our shared roots, when our forefathers would light fire for both safety and food, and in our modern day fireside celebration, we are reminded of this age-old approach to survival. 

  During the meal, listen out for the iconic call of the hyena, the pearl-spotted owlet, and the fiery-necked nightjar. Feel the warmth of the fire on your face and savour the traditional flavours of South African food in your belly, leaving you satisfied and full of the sensations that complete a safari. 

From R1,195 per person (adults), Kids less R100 per person, price varies by group size.

What our guests say…

Ready to book your next adventure.

Contact Lynne or Michael now to make an enquiry or to book your guided experience.

+27 (0)81 286 9653   |  +27 (0)72 257 2525

Or email us at [email protected]

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SOUTH AFRICA: Paul Stones Safaris

• Thread starter Thread starter Markschu
• Start date Start date Nov 21, 2013
• Nov 21, 2013

Hello again. I am continuing my research. I did contact one US agent at the recommendation of a friend and he recommended Paul Stones Safaris. Can't really find anything about him on this site. Any info would be helpful. Thanks.  

• Nov 23, 2013

Paul Stones is a well respected member of the SA Professional Hunting community. He also serves(d) on the board of PHASA and has an excellent reputation.  

Thanks for your reply. I am trying book a hunt in Zimbabwe for next September. Wouldn't it be better to go through a Zimbabwean outfitter?  

KMG Hunting Safaris

Markschu said: Thanks for your reply. I am trying book a hunt in Zimbabwe for next September. Wouldn't it be better to go through a Zimbabwean outfitter? Click to expand...

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Volcanoes Safaris Was the First to Bring International Travelers to Rwanda’s Gorillas — Here’s Why It’s Still the Best

Nearly 25 years since its founding, Praveen Moman's Volcanoes Safaris is as focused on community and sustainability as ever.

Brad Japhe/Travel + Leisure

When viewed in pictures, the silverback gorilla is a foreboding beast: a hairy, barrel-chested warrior weighing as much as 600 pounds with an arm span that can stretch more than eight feet. But, when observed in their native habitat of Sub-Saharan Africa, there is nothing menacing about Earth’s largest living primate. Juveniles are as playful and innocently curious as their human counterparts, while adults are wholly enveloped in a zen aura. It is a spellbinding spectacle.

So, it’s no wonder that approximately 50,000 visitors a year make the trek to experience it for themselves — and despite the steep cost of entry (a permit is $1,500 per day in Rwanda and $800 per day in Uganda), that number is rising. They’re arriving not just for the silverback but for all the great apes of the region, which includes chimpanzees and critically endangered golden monkeys.

Still, despite the interest in the region and its incredible ecosystem, with increased tourism comes the continual risk of over- tourism. Sadly, the communities and ecosystems directly threatened by such are largely denied the added revenue it generates.

Brad Japhe/Travel + Leisure

One man, however, is working hard to ensure a more equitable — and sustainable — outcome. Praveen Moman, a native Ugandan and a successful hotelier and passionate activist, leads Volcanoes Safaris , founded in 2000 as the first international safari company to take clients to Rwanda. Five years later, it became the only safari company to sign the United Nations Kinshasa Declaration on Saving the Great Apes. By 2009, Moman had started a non-profit trust dedicated to promoting their conservation while simultaneously enriching the livelihoods of those in surrounding villages.

“We believe that responsible tourism can be a powerful force for positive change,” says Moman, who was listed as an A-List Travel Advisor for chimpanzee and gorilla safaris earlier this year by Travel + Leisure . “We are proud to support the communities and habitats that make gorilla trekking experiences possible.”

SHAUN S. RITCHIE/Courtesy of Volcanoes Safaris

What exactly does that look like in practice? For one, the lodges he operates — which now include five properties spread across the high mountain jungles of Rwanda and Uganda — are built by a local labor force who are paid salaries that exceed the going market rate. They also rely on locally sourced materials and incorporate eco-friendly technologies, including water recapture, to reduce energy consumption and waste.

Through the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, a litany of ongoing projects improves infrastructure in the remote villages that border conservation land. In recent years, it has donated water tanks to these towns, improved road conditions, and set up solar energy sources, all while rewilding wetlands and ensuring the safety of the gorillas and chimpanzees that bring the tourists here.

Because Volcanoes Safaris was the first to bring five-star luxury to gorilla trekking two decades ago, with its now-legendary Virunga Lodge, the brand enjoys an edge of expertise over its competition. It’s had extra years to train and develop a knowledgeable workforce comprised exclusively of local talent.

Propping up these communities while protecting the wildlife is a complicated task. It is often viewed as an either-or supposition because these small villages turn to any form of tourism as a potential lifeline — even those that don’t employ best practices. But Moman is proving that you can serve both. When Volcanoes Safaris established its Kyambura Gorge Lodge back in 2009, it opened concurrently to an ecotourism project fueling conservation efforts in and around its namesake ridge. Within the immediate area is an isolated community of chimpanzees, and by creating a nearly two-mile-long buffer zone around the canyon, the population of these animals has climbed from 15 to 33 in the ensuing years.

On July 1, the company cut the ribbon on its latest offering, Kibale Lodge . Positioned along the Albertine Rift in southwestern Uganda, the eight-villa estate reinforces the ethos of its sister property at Kyambura Gorge. It will partner with the Jane Goodall Institute in the town of Kibale to help ensure the safety of neighboring primate populations, and it’s working with the Rwenzori Sculpture Foundation to support and showcase the output of local artisans.

None of these brand missions sacrifice anything to the quality of the hard product. In fact, they only enhance a sense of luxury routed in an authentic vernacular. A deluxe banda at the new Kibale Lodge brandishes plush kingsize bedding, a stone-ringed fireplace, and an unfettered sightline of the Rwenzori Mountains climbing high above the distant plain. It’s all contained charmingly under a vaulted ceiling thatched with exposed wooden beams. Personal butler service is offered to all guests, along with access to a pool and spa.

In many ways, the look and feel of the latest addition to the portfolio is an extension of what was laid down at Virunga Lodge two decades prior. That original property, suspended high on a spine between two of Rwanda’s largest lakes, remains a vibrant icon of five-star forest trekking. Each of its 12 spacious villas is appointed in a decor that Moman originally coined as “Rwandese Afro-chic.”

Rates there start at $1,030 per person during the low season of October through May and climb up to $2,230 for single occupancy if you book from June through the end of September, on par with the pricing you’ll find at the Kibale Lodge. It includes food, drink, post-trek massages, laundry, and butler services. There are cheaper places you can stay — indeed, the jungle trekking landscape is crowded with options in this day and age — but you’ll be hard-pressed to find an operator fully committed to the sustainable cause.

“Volcanoes Safaris is the pioneer of great ape tourism in East Africa and, for the last 25 years, has been solely focused on providing the premier gorilla and chimpanzee trekking experience,” Moman says. “But that’s all pretty hollow if we’re not providing social support for local communities.”

In this particular pursuit, Volcanoes Safaris wasn’t just the first; it remains the best.

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Safari Pearl is your source on the Palouse for comics, games, costumes, and theatrical make-up. Our selection of comics and graphic novels offer captivating stories for every taste, age, and reading level. We also have a great selection of board games, card games, role-playing games, 40K, and Age of Sigmar. Games are a great entertainment value, they bring people together, and they build brain power. Feel free to try a game or join an event in our store game room. Safari Pearl is also your local, year-round source for costumes, cosplay, and stage make-up. We can supply everything you need for your theatrical production, we'll happily help you plan a theme party, and we love Halloween...

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Safari Pearl 660 W Pullman Rd Moscow, ID 83843 Monday - Saturday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Sunday Noon - 5:00 pm 208-882-9499 - [email protected] Map it!

Kremlin & Red Square

The very founding site of the city (and arguably, the country), the Kremlin and Red Square are still at the heart of Moscow – historically, geographically and spiritually. Feel the weight of this significance as you wander within the walls of the ancient fortress, marvel at the mind-boggling magnificence of St Basil’s Cathedral and pay your respects to the revered leader of a now-defunct state. Moscow will move you. It will tantalise your senses, soothe your spirit and boggle your mind – and it all starts right here at the Kremlin and Red Square.

Communist History

The remains of the Soviet state are scattered all around the city. Monuments remember fallen heroes and victorious battles, while museums attempt to analyse and synthesise the past. See Lenin and Stalin – off their pedestals – at the whimsical Art Muzeon. Step into the socialist-realist fantasy at VDNKh. Descend into the depths of the Soviet system at Bunker-42 Cold War Museum. Ride the museum-like metro and remember the millions who suffered at the Gulag History Museum. Nowadays, retro clubs and cafes give their guests a taste of the Soviet experience. You can even try your hand at Soviet-era arcade games.

As you leave Moscow, the fast-paced modern capital fades from view and the slower-paced, old-fashioned countryside unfolds around you.

Performing Arts

What is more thrilling than watching a ballerina defy gravity, leaping across the stage at the glittering Bolshoi Theatre? Or feeling the force of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, just a few blocks away from where it premiered more than a century ago? Or oohing and aahing as circus performers soar under the big tent? The classical performing arts in Moscow are still among the best in the world. Nowadays, even the most traditional theatres are experimenting with innovative arrangements, reviving lost favourites and hosting world premieres. Whether you appreciate the classics or prefer the contemporary, the capital’s performing arts will impress.

Orthodoxy & Architecture

At nearly every turn in Moscow, you’ll see golden domes peeking out over the rooftops and hear church bells peeling through the streets, which are dotted with some 600 churches – many of which are glittering after recent renovations. There are colourful hidden gems, historic fortresses and gargantuan cathedrals. The exteriors are adorned with stone carvings and glittering domes; interiors are packed with ancient icons, swirling incense and faithful worshippers. For more than a millennium, Orthodoxy has helped to define the Russian nation, a significance that is palpable in these atmospheric spiritual places.

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