I spent much of my time in South Africa this past year hosting safaris, working on my lodge, and a few personal side trips. The rest of the year was highlighted by group trips returning to the favorite locations of Dominica and Baja Mexico
Sperm Whales at The Island of Dominica
Dominica is a beautiful, rainforest covered island in the Caribbean. The Sperm Whales are resident year round and enjoy the waters just off shore of Dominica for its deep trench. In the course of the 5 days on the boat it is not unusual to see 5 different species of whale . This year we can add pilot whales and false killer whales to the many sperm whales we spotted, documented and had in water encounters with (all under permit)
Baja Mexico : Magdalena Bay and Cabo Pulmo
Baja is mostly known for its huge variety of marine wildlife all attracted to the area for the annual sardine run in Magdalena Bay. Stars of the show are the striped marlin and the sea lions are the ones who spoil the marlin’s hunting cooperation. The sea lions are so fast and very entertain with the way the are serious about catching fish but on the other hand also seem to be show off to us snorkelers.
Magdalena Bay steals the hype, but I do not highlight enough the beautiful and pristine scuba diving at Cabo Pulmo Marine Park. Most unique is the giant schools of fish. Bull sharks can be found lurking on the wrecks and if you are luck a lemon snapper will give you the perfect photo with the neon color.
Join me in November 2026 for peak season Baja, Mexico action
https://gregorysweeney.com/trips/trip_baja.html
Safaris in South Africa
I often equate going on a safari game drive to a reef dive – only dry. Wildlife is dense and there is always something unexpected and sometimes an epic story of survival and struggle playing out in front of us.
I host safaris in the Greater Kruger Region in South Africa during the best weather months: May and September. The days are warm but not too hot, it is dry season with little to no bugs and the grass cover is very low. The wildlife is more active with the cooler nights and sunny warm days in contrast to the rest of the year when it gets hot by 9am.
Our area around my Lodge is very rich in wildlife with the animals able to move between Kruger Park and private reserves. We also spend time durring the trip at Sabi Sands to enjoy thier perfect leopard territory and the many individuals they track on a daily basis. We end the safari at a small lodge where the owner has built a water level, underground photo hide. We can stay in the comfortable hide day or night and photograph the big 5 or small species that come to drink.
Images can better illustrate the magic and memories of a safari better than words. Details of my itinerary for May 2026 is here
I have a new trip for 2026 in August: Belugas and Summer Polar Bears & Wildlife in Churchill, Canada.
We use a rafting technique to get underwater images of belugas and get very close to them without having to be fully immerged in the river water. While not with the beluga we will drive the areas around Churchill to find polar bears (often mothers and cubs), caribou and other wildlife. Auroras are always possible and we will be on alert . In water is not mandatory if you just want to observe from the boat.
1 out 3 guest spaces remains https://gregorysweeney.com/trips/trip_polar.html