This Campfire Conversation brings Montana-native Jeff Hyer and South African oke Brett Horley together in the misty mountains of Magoebaskloof, and it is a chat all about nature destinations (Africa and around the world), making childhood dreams come true, near-death experiences, an undying loyalty to Swarovski Optics, and discussing why people choose to go on safari (and why they don’t).
A few things you should know about our famous friend before you go find him and subscribe to his YouTube channel:
Might be from Montana, but has not watched Yellowstone
Is improving his pronunciation of “Magoebaskloof”
Calls Montana the “last best place”
Host of his self-dubbed “nature show” which is also an abundant source of eco travel content, information, and inspiration. The most watchable channel on YouTube.
A secret author of a comedy adventure novel called Bon Voyage. A Covid-era experiment that made it all the way to print.
Produced a kids internet radio show, featuring Brett’s childhood hero, Jack Hanna.
Jeff produces content about eco destinations, and a trip to South Africa years ago was one of the most influential travels of his life. There he met Kayla - our content wizard - and years later, his business connected with ours. He’s a truly authentic “been there, done that” travel advisor who has to live the experience to be able to genuinely promote it (likewise) and when we recorded this episode, he was in the middle of a multi-multi-destination trip planned and executed by us at BHS.
You’ll hear about his epic itinerary in this episode (Botswana, Victoria Falls, Greater Kruger, and Cape Town), and much more. We talk about the magnificent beauty of Montana, the Duttons (just kidding), the allure of Costa Rica, bucket lists, safety while travelling Africa, and cover some quick-fire questions that amuse, inspire and educate.
A BHS safari involving Zambia and Namibia is the next destination combo according to Jeff - are you ready?
Immediately a friend, we thoroughly enjoyed meeting and working with this extremely informed safari and travel advisor. Big things to come from Jeff Hyer in the world. We are lucky to be connected and to share our passion!
Last year, we had a bumper Zambia safari season, which got us excited about a deep-dive episode dedicated to it, but we have been singing the praises of this destination for years. It is known as the "rising giant" and it truly does feel like it's still somewhat untapped. After Covid, a relatively lesser known Lower Zambezi National Park gained popularity, but don’t let that fool you - it’s still spoilingly uncrowded.
Our BHS safari experts, Jo Cooper and Geraldine Morelli, come together to compare their stories. Jo having been to South Luangwa recently, and Geraldine fresh out of Lower Zambezi. Both claiming they caught the biggest tiger fish of their lives. Geraldine didn’t even know she was into fishing until she hit the waters of the Zambezi.
Jo’s long career on the road as an overland safari guide means he’s done plenty of time within the borders of Zambia, but Kafue remains the “road less travelled” so that’s where he’d like to go next. Geraldine’s return to Zambia last year further enhanced her appreciation for the country as a photographer. She talks about the changes in light between the two parks we talk about, and… well, Geraldine’s enthusiasm has no limits, so prepare for some passionate reviews!
We discuss the unique value of South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi individually, and why they make an epic combination. The sheer variety of activities diversifies the way you can explore and experience the wilderness. The abundance of wildlife versus the lack of people, the space, and the professional and passionate level of guiding you’ll find.
If you missed our previous episode about Zambia, find it here. And we hope you enjoy this reflective chat about one of Africa’s most magical safari destinations.
Check out Geraldine’s photos from Zambia and elsewhere in Africa on her Instagram channel.
Darryl and Paul are two treasured BHS safari guests, and by this point we've lost track of who drives the adventure - us or them? Either way, the stories that have accumulated over these epic trips we've shared are worth putting on a platform like this.
There have been high highs - moments that are impossible to replicate - and there have been automotive breakdowns that have lasted hours, batteries that burst into flames, and somewhere in between we've found the perfect balance of adventure and luxury for Darryl. It exists in Botswana, she says.
This is an entertaining listen for folks out there who are chasing bucket lists and plotting to see some of the most iconic species and places on the planet. Brett and Jo, both of whom have guided Darryl and Paul through the bush, are reminded of some of their most outstanding moments, and almost-disasters.
From the Uganda gorilla expedition and cross-country safari in an overland truck, to leopards walking through camp in Botswana, getting lost in Savuti, epic honey badger battles, the search for the black leopard in Kenya, to the latest expedition to seek jaguars in Brazil’s Pantanal.
Joining us from the United States, Paul and Darryl relive some of the best moments, and if you can keep up with the excited chatter, you’ll hear about the faux pas too. The burden of committing to the gear for wildlife photography, setting expectations when it comes to hiking for gorillas (prepare to sweat!), and talking about dream destinations like Sri Lanka and Southern Utah.
Now that we’re on the other side of the Pantanal trip we talk about in this episode, we can say we’re absolutely going back. If you’re interested in making it happen, reach out to know about the itinerary we’ve curated from our experience.
This is a real virtual campfire chat between friends, so enjoy the entertaining nature of it and hearing from both guides and guests. Thank you Darryl and Paul for joining us! We can’t wait for the next journey together.
Check out Darryl’s photography on Instagram
In this episode, Brett celebrates good friends Jeff Williams’ and Patricia Goodwin’s brand new book - Dangerous Animals of Southern & Eastern Africa. This long-awaited conversation that details not only the entertaining stories and fascinating encounters that led to the content in their book, but also 15 years of shared experiences in special places that BHS has been a part of.
With the greatest of pleasures, Brett sat down with Jeff and Pat in Hoedspruit (featuring European bee-eaters, crested barbets, and a nyala bull passing by) and prompted some truly “campfire-worthy” stories as they recounted some of their shared experiences - some of which have contributed to a previously published book On Foot in the African Bush.
This brand new publication (get it here on Amazon) is summed up as an up-to-date evidence-based reference to Africa’s most dangerous animals - a book that was originally intended for guiding students, but that serves every person interested in the behavioural observations of the continent’s most renowned species.
“This book provides a comprehensive, detailed, evidence-based review of the seven animals officially described as ‘dangerous’ by the professional association of Field Guides in South Africa. To this number the authors have added crocodiles. The text embraces the anatomical, physiological and behavioural aspects of the animals and aims to provide such up-to-date and evidence-based information as is available at the time of writing."
From frightening facts and figures to emotional tales - one particularly life-changing moment with Andreas Fox and a herd of 12 elephants in Amboseli, Kenya - the retelling of memories from Jeff and Pat detail their experiences with phenomenal guides in Botswana and elsewhere. The stories and memories covered in this podcast are about how a love of Africa begins, and the opportunities to explore that love that can change the course of a life.
Where would you go if money and time were no object? This brings about discussions about Niassa, Niger, Ghana, and Mozambique...
What a pleasure to have shared some of Pat and Jeff’s most memorable and informative trips to Africa, and to be on the receiving end of their brand new book!
Go have a listen to this conversation and get yourself a copy of Dangerous Animals of Southern & Eastern Africa.
https://www.bhs-safari.co/
Gary is one of the original BHS travellers, putting his adventurous spirit in the hands of a 20-something Brett Horley almost 13 years ago when he was a guide on a conservation course. Sleeping under the stars and walking the rocky baobab-strewn outcrops of Mapungubwe was only the beginning of the Franklin explorations, which now span more than a decade with BHS.
Camping out in a sweltering hide in the Kruger National Park, celebrating 20th wedding anniversaries with best friends on a star-filled Namibia safari, throwing a 60th birthday bash in the Timbavati, trailing in Pafuri, wading through the Levuvhu River, photographing shoebills and gorillas in Uganda...
In a nutshell: Gary’s 13 years of safari have created memories to treasure, and there is no slowing down. Just next month, Gary heads to Botswana to capture more moments that will undoubtedly end up framed on a wall or displayed in a photo book.
We’ve been there every step of the way as Gary has introduced his family and friends to African destinations, and in his words, he’ll "be going to Kruger forever”. Walking trails in the Lowveld introducing new people to experiences like these, and never knowing what’s going to happen in the wild are what keep him coming back.
It has been a privilege to see Gary wear our BHS peak cap in more countries in the world than anyone else, and to be connected with a passionate lifetime traveller. This conversation was an awesome opportunity to revisit some of those memories, and it’ll surely inspire you to take the plunge and make those David Attenborough moments a reality.
Enjoy this chat between friends and follow Gary's photographic travel gram on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/garyfranklin8/
Dr Mércia Ângela raced from a meeting in Maputo about rabies disease control to join us virtually for this campfire conversation, so we are very grateful that she carved out the time to talk to us!
This Mozambican veterinarian is part of the superpower team that is rebuilding and expanding the biodiversity of “Africa’s Lost Eden” - Gorongosa National Park. A destination that is HIGH on the wishlist for many of our safari goers, and indeed ourselves.
We’re travelling to Gorongosa with guests in June this year, and after listening to this impassioned and emotional conversation with a vet working on the front line of conservation crises and wildlife crime, we are even more aware of the long journey it has been and continues to be to bring Gorongosa back from the beyond the brink.
Mércia works mostly with carnivores in the park, but her heart lies with the rare and unusual pangolin - 134 of which had been rescued from illegal trafficking at the time of our conversation. She has travelled to participate in high profile conferences and summits about conservation, and she is a key player in Gorongosa’s veterinary leadership team. The emotion she expressed when talking to us about what pangolins face was a testament to her heart belonging in her work.
Joining us from Delhi - headquarters of Ameliya Safaris - is Indian safari guide, filmmaker & on-screen presenter Suyash Keshari, who you are more than likely to have stumbled across on social media. His popular following is a testament to the addictive nature of his exciting wildlife content, and after working with Suyash to plan a tiger safari for repeat guests of ours, we knew we wanted him in the hotseat to talk more about his country and its complex and incredible wildlife offering.
Suyash has spent over 1,200 days in Bandhavgarh National Park in the last five years alone! If you’re as starstruck as we are about the Indian safari landscape, whether it’s tigers, the 1,500 bird species, black leopards, snow leopards, or the Indian Big Five, you’ll love this deep-dive conversation with Suyash.
Where to go, where not to go - for ethical reasons, exclusivity and quality of your experiences, government vs private safari operations, and common misconceptions - Suyash debunks some typical narratives about a safari in India, answering our audience questions, and making relatable comparisons that truly paint a picture of how to make the most of this incredible destination.
Growing up around wildlife in India and with 10 years of professional guiding under his belt, Suyash is firmly cemented in the industry we know and love. He believes "we all have a curiosity towards nature embedded deep within us" - a sentiment that speaks right to our own spirit of adventure and discovery in the natural world. He has worked with WWF and Animal Planet, and developed an intriguing YouTube series that follows him on safari, notably covering the story of one famous tigress named Solo.
Beyond that, Suyash is a dedicated conservationist who has created significant awareness and impact around human-wildlife conflict in areas of India where people and nature exist side-by-side. Building waterholes in water scarce areas, equipping hundreds of anti-poaching rangers with the essentials to work in their remote and challenging environments, working with authorities to reconstruct and rehabilitate natural habitats, and sponsoring impactful educational programmes for kids living alongside wildlife populations.
This was a totally fascinating (and far too short) virtual campfire conversation that we plan to pick up again in person (on safari with Suyash in Bandhavgarh!) It’s a listen you’ll love and it is sure to spark curiosity, if not set a fire under your seat and urge you to take that next step on an Indian wildlife adventure.
Follow Suyash on Instagram, YouTube, and find out more about his safari experiences at Ameliya Safaris.
Instagram: @suyashkeshari
YouTube: @SuyashKeshari-Official
Website: https://ameliyasafaris.com/
Dr Ian Whyte joins us on the podcast for the second time - back by popular demand after his tales from a 30+ year-long career in the Kruger National Park left our audience wanting more.
This episode follows on with even more stories from Ian's life in wildlife conservation, where close calls, hair-raising encounters, and what Ian calls "dodgy moments" in his career, leave us with no doubt that he has a very hard working Fairy Godmother!
The bond he created with wild lions during the many years tracking and monitoring pride dynamics, movements, and prey patterns led him to one of the most incredible moments with a lioness and her brand new cubs. To this day, Ian (as well as his wife, children, and many friends and admirers) thanks his lucky stars that he has lived to tell the tale.
A scenario involving an angry black rhino, and one or two other close shaves detail Ian’s colourful life in the Kruger. A true legend in his field, Ian's book "Living the Wild Life" captures a lifetime of adventures navigating the decades of animal research and conservation in South Africa’s most iconic national park.
The book is a must-read for any Kruger Park enthusiast, and is available by direct order from Ian at merle.m.whyte@gmail.com or you can find it at Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport and on shelves at High Tea With Elephants. We’ve gifted a few copies to special guests and friends of BHS, and we are delighted to have had this second in-depth chat with the author.
There’s no promising we won’t do this again! Happy listening.
Do you know “the Kruger Park shop smell”?
How many little round soaps with their white waxy packaging and green SANParks sticker do you have in your toiletry bag?
Grant Beverley reckons one could bottle the smell, sell it overseas and make a small fortune from nostalgic expats. Andrew Briscoe describes his Kruger memories as “formative” and remembers a cheetah kill from 1994 like it was yesterday. Brett Horley’s favourite Kruger moments are the skottle breakfasts, and putting together the camping gear with his daughters in days before.
This fantastic podcast episode is coming at you from Orpen Camp in the Kruger National Park - there is no better place if you ask some people. Certainly if you ask our people! The good old KNP has never been knocked off our top 3 list.
No matter how far we go or how long we are gone, South Africa’s historic, sprawling national park stretching from the Crocodile River in the south to the Limpopo River in the north, holds a very special place in the hearts of most South Africans.
In this episode, Brett talks to two great friends who share this sentiment. Grant and Andrew join him around a fire at Orpen rest camp, with two honey badgers trying their luck at the surrounding campsites. These three discuss the best roads in Kruger, their favourite spots in the park, the most iconic sightings, and their nostalgic lifetime memories that we know so many in our audience will relate to.
Brett has a goal to stay at every camp and drive every road in the park, but will there be enough time? Grant tells us that we only see about 500m on either side of the road when we drive the expansive road network, and there are huge blocks that are nowhere near accessible. There are 20,000km2 of wilderness within the park boundaries - we see only a fraction. Imagine everything we don’t see, and the possibilities there are at any time to see free-roaming animals in this space.
Tune in - whether you’re a Kruger die-hard (shout out to our wonderful guests the Holtshausens who celebrated 42 years of marriage with a 42-day road trip in Kruger earlier this year!), or have never been before - this campfire conversation is bound to get you dreaming about a self-drive getaway to Satara!
We would love to hear your best Kruger stories, favourite roads, rest camps, and picnic sites. We all have our next Kruger trip already on the calendar… Do you?
Follow the legendary Kruger wild dog expert Grant Beverley and his incredible work with Contemplate Wild, and keep an eye out for some of our collaborations.
Find us online
https://www.bhs-safari.co/
@bhs_safarico
hello@bhs-safari.co
Ben Coley is a Professional Field Guide and Astronomy Educator who believes "Astronomy is the root of everything and to understand it is to achieve the ultimate connection with nature."
For nearly two decades, he has entertained his guests with tales of the heavens as a part of their safari experience, and he has authored FGASA’s Specialist Astronomy Qualification, weaving an astronomical passion and knowledge to the country's advanced guiding qualifications.
Having worked with Ben in the past to deliver a stargazing evening to our guests, we had to reconnect to take a deep dive into our southern skies. So we invited Ben to one of our favourite escapes in Klaserie where we got talking, and truly had our minds blown. Frames of reference entirely reframed!
Ben says: "We believe in highlighting the cultural and environmental aspects of astronomy. From how astronomy allowed early man to navigate and establish a society, to the traditional stories associated with the constellations, our Night Sky Safaris take people on a journey of discovery against the most stunning backdrop of them all."
Under a darkening sky on safari, we watched as Ben brought the night to life, pointing out constellations, clusters, planets, distant galaxies, and nebulae. Using advanced telescopic equipment, a simple pair of binoculars, and a laser pointer, we watched as images and stories came to life. What a truly mind-altering experience on our tiny blue dot floating through space.
Enjoy this immensely interesting chat with Ben on Campfire Conversations, and find him online to arrange a private night sky safari for a group of friends at home, or for a school event, or find out how Ben can deliver a virtual tour of the southern night skies.
Ben's services are 100% available on our safaris in the Greater Kruger, and we know what an incredible impact they have.
Find Ben online and get yourself acquainted with the night sky. You'll be asking yourself: "is it more daunting to imagine there are other beings out there, or is it more daunting to imagine we are entirely alone?"
🪐 celestialeventssa.com
🌌 celestialeventssa@gmail.com
👽 @celestial_events_sa
Have you ever heard of Socotra? Neither had we, until we met Pedro Quirino - a Portuguese tour guide, eternal adventurer, and outdoors enthusiast who has travelled to this mysterious "treasure island" off the Horn of Africa and has introduced us to scenes we could only compare to something out of Avatar. Once we heard about this island of biodiversity that used to belong to the ancient continent of Gondwana, we got to researching and are now of the understanding that this is one destination that will blow the mind. It’s got us dreaming of something totally different!
Join Brett, Jo, and Pedro in this fascinating chat about 3 destinations as yet unknown to us...
Off the coast of Somalia and 380 km south of Yemen, this island is off the beaten track. It has a sacred spirit about it with Dragon's blood trees, hostile-looking cliffs and crags, a coast that looks like the Seychelles, and huge caves that are full of scientifically significant stalagmites and stalactites.
Birding, scuba diving, hiking, camping - wild, wild, wild. And a third of the fauna and flora is found nowhere else in the world. It's a relatively new tourism destination, given the restrictions that have historically been in place due to conflict in Yemen, and certainly it is brand new to us and on our radar. Flights from the UAE have been in action since 2021, and Pedro’s business, Africando, is our direct source to discovering Socotra.
But before you are sold on one crazy new destination alone - listen to what Pedro has to say about the west coast of Africa... the “scary side” of the continent. You’ll hear Pedro quickly debunk our assumption that there is anything to fear, and immediately confirm that our curiosity about São Tomé and Príncipe can 100% be backed up by magical facts.
Having recently spent some time on these volcanic islands, Pedro described the extremely high count of endemic species, new scientific discoveries all the time, and the natural significance of these equatorial islands off the coast of Gabon. Totally different to Socotra, equally as alluring, this is a Garden of Eden, an African Galapagos, lush, tropical, and forested.
Somewhere in between is Madagascar - the third destination Pedro spoke to us about, having visited the “Eighth Continent” in 2023. Another must-do, must-go, must-prioritise spot on the map for us, and somewhere that carries so much allure and interest in our community of keen travellers.
Enjoy this super interesting and informative 30-min chat with a friend and major adventure traveller, and let us know what you think! These places are unreal. Never before explored by BHS, but we’re ready when you are.
Find more info on Pedro at Africando, or on Instagram.
Find us on our website or Instagram, or reach out directly at hello@bhs-safari.co.
Thanks to Karabo Ramuhashi for editing this season of the podcast for us, and to Trent Ashton for giving us his original hand-drum beat for our intro.
Our destination of 2024 and 2025 - Zambia - is a "rising giant", an enigmatic safari destination that delivers just as much punch whether it's a first-time or many-time repeat destination. Its alluring national parks are sprawled between major river systems, floodplains, swamps, and ancient trees, and you can explore by boat, on foot, in a canoe, and on game drive. Leopard sightings that match and surpass the Sabi Sand, crazy bat migrations, wild dogs, swamp lions, shoebills, hippos, and elephants that blend into the oversized landscape.
Here to talk with Brett about this wild, wonderful, and vastly underrated safari spot is our BHS safari expert, Jo Cooper, and a repeat podcast guest, professional photographic guide, and eternal adventurer, Charlotte Arthun, who rates this spot higher than the Sabi Sand for predator encounters.
We start off on the banks of the Klaserie River where this conversation over morning coffee is almost drowned out by the dawn chorus, and we discuss the issue of the moment - a 2.8m black mamba in the roof! Jo, Brett, Charlotte and a few of our fellow team members gathered after game drive to talk about what we all truly love - the magic and madness of African nature explorations - and we soon delved into the unique appeal of Mana Pools' northern neighbour, Lower Zambezi, and the Sabi Sand's rival location for leopard photography, South Luangwa.
Liuwa Plains, Kafue, and the Busanga Swamps are fascinating and less explored than the typical two mentioned above, so listen up for some fascinating insights into these hidden gems, and brace yourself for some "horror stories" that come with the territory as Jo looks back on his guiding career and Zambezi canoe excursions.
Brett's regaling tale of an attempted 02h00 escape from Kafue is one for the books (don't mess with off-duty Zambian Game Scouts!)
Before we wrapped up this episode, we changed gears dramatically to talk about another destination that appeals to every nature seeker: Alaska. Charlotte spent 7 months in Alaska and has bear stories that are unbelievable to the inexperienced.
Rule #1: Camp among brown bears and make that morning coffee at your own risk!
Rule #2: Fishermen, beware - hundreds of bears want the fish you're catching.
Rule #3: Pack a bear fence.
We are in awe of places like this where crazy wildlife migrations and seasonal movements invite congregations of different species and create interactions beyond our wildest dreams. Our roots may be in Africa, but our hearts wander far and wide to all corners of this awe-inspiring globe. What a treat to get some insider info into Alaska, and to share some stories about our beautiful Zambia.
Enjoy this episode, reach out with your questions, recommendations, and podcast wish list so that we can keep generating the content and conversations that light you up.
Find us at hello@bhs-safari.co or on Instagram where we share all.
A big thank-you to Karabo Ramuhashi for editing this season of the podcast, and to Trent Ashton for supplying us with his original hand-drum beat for our intro.
This episode comes with a PG warning, and it couldn't be more entertaining. These are truly the UNTOLD stories from behind the scenes on safari involving guides, guests, friends, and colleagues in the industry that some might never have considered would make it onto a podcast. But thanks to our treasured friend and superior safari chef, Christina “Mufasa” van der Merwe, we have a no holds barred Campfire Conversation that takes us through reels of bush bloopers that’ll have you belly laughing throughout.
Christina and Brett have a 12 year history together in the Lowveld, working together at some of the camps we’ve visited and loved for the longest time. Over the years, early careers and safari inductions have led to daring escapades and mortifying mishaps that are still remembered today. We’ve tried to remember to leave out names and places for the sake of dignity, but if you’ve crossed paths with these two over the last decade, you’re likely to pick up on a detail here and there as you listen. Shout outs to the mates who have given us the material for these tales - you’ll know who you are!
Accidental rounds fired off, cars stuck on remote bush roads, red-wine walking safaris, rugby tackles around the fire, escape artists and intoxication… These stories just skim the surface of what’s buried in our brain.
There’s no one else on Earth who could have nailed this assignment. It’s colourful and candid and at times we were breathless with laughter, which is all thanks to the entertaining delivery of these stories by our friend, Mufasa. She’s wild and wonderful, and she’s got the charisma and charm that make her irresistible. Above all, she’s a safari chef extraordinaire and the host with the most, and if you’re lucky enough to know her or to have been hosted by her on a BHS safari, you’ve been treated to the best.
This was one or two stories too short, and we’d love to have Christina around our campfire again. So we’ll rope her in for round II one of these days. But in the meantime, if you’re in the Hoedspruit Lowveld and planning a bash, make sure you get Mufasa’s Private Catering involved. If she’s not already booked up by us, she’s our first recommendation to you.
Contact her on mufasasprivatecatering@gmail.com (you can be thankful she’s not on Instagram!)
And let us know if you’re ready for the next instalment…
As always, reach out to us on hello@bhs-safari.co, take a look at our website, or follow us on Instagram to stay in the loop of our never-ending adventures.
Thanks to Karabo Ramuhashi @karaborej who edited this season of the podcast for us, and to Trent Ashton @trent_ashton_nightingale who gave us his hand-drum beat to use in our intro.
Welcome to another destination-focused episode of the podcast, hosted by Brett. In this Campfire Conversation, Brett is joined by Jo, who is, by now, a regularly featured safari expert on the pod and who's got bush stories crazy enough to match Brett's. When it comes to Botswana, there are stories upon stories of rogue wildlife in campsites, breakdowns, black-outs, and utterly mesmerising moments in some the world's most pristine natural ecosystems.
Brett travels to Botswana on average 6 times per year, and this is the country Jo has spent the most time in (outside of South Africa) over his 10+ year long career as an overland safari guide.
These are two people who know Botswana extremely well. It it South Africa's northern neighbour, it's wild and unfenced, and emergency radios are a staple in each camp (because WiFi and air-conditioning are not a given!) Botswana offers that curious allure of high-end luxury that is not necessarily dictated by amenities, and rather by total remoteness and wilderness. Roads are flooded, camps are inaccessible other than by air, there are paths shared by humans and animals alike. Then there's the sheer magic of being on the water at sunset.
As one of safari's most celebrated destinations, we talk about Botswana a lot with our guests and our colleagues, and we frequently find ourselves debunking some assumptions about what a Botswana safari looks like. For the rates associated with travel in this country, there's an expectation for what 5-star should be, but what we want our guests to know is that the luxury you're getting is defined by something much greater and deeper than satisfaction at the touch of a button. It's in the exposure to true nature, to age-old tradition, to immersion, to close encounters with the big, wild animals in Africa whose territory you find yourself in. No fences, no signal, and sometimes no ice!
Nothing gets these two more excited than diving into a chat about a place we know well and love even more. This conversation had to be cut purposefully short, but not before we covered some of Brett's and Jo's combined memories of best moments, hair-raising encounters, and plans for exploring more of Bots in the future!
Tune in and enjoy (and if you're a previous Botswana guest of ours, enjoy this reminiscent chat about some epic adventures).
Thanks to Karabo Ramuhashi @karaborej who edited this season of the podcast for us, and to Trent Ashton @trent_ashton_nightingale who gave us his hand-drum beat to use in our intro.
Seeking out the rare and enigmatic creatures of this wild continent has always been a primary motivator for BHS and speaks right to our Explorer archetype. So, when there was barely a chance (but a chance nonetheless) to see a black leopard in Africa back in 2017, Brett and a couple of die-hard friends set off to meet the researchers and guides who had been tracking these elusive cats in a dramatically vast landscape, and that's when we first crossed paths with the legendary Ambrose Letoluai.
A leopard researcher, National Geographic Explorer, NEWF Fellow, award-winning conservationist, and co-founder of community support initiatives, Chui Mamas and Wildlife Kids Resource Centre, Ambrose is a busy man, but he is a friend of BHS and we love that this guy gave us 30 minutes to chat. Tuning in from his home in Kenya, Ambrose joined Brett and fellow black leopard enthusiast, Charlotte Arthun, who is also a professional photographic guide and at the time of recording was a few days away from her next trip to Laikipia to photograph the famous cats!
Ambrose was part of the team of researchers who named Giza - the now well known black female leopard. His ancestors talked about seeing these black cats living among them, and he was one of the first researchers to report the initial sightings on their camera traps. Now, his career is a dedication to mitigating conflict between rural communities and wildlife, working to keep leopard populations healthily independent so that they don't venture into human farmlands.
His Wildlife Kids initiative is something to be proud of and it speaks right to our belief that environmental education for young members the communities living among wildlife is the key to creating a future of wildlife protectors. Ambrose is the guy who does it all with whatever he's got to give and aside from his "dream job" as a leopard researcher, he is truly making a difference through his community work.
Find out more about his initiatives via the links about and follow Ambrose on Instagram to keep up with his crazy life with black leopards and as a conservationist in Kenya. And check out our privately guided BHS Expedition: The Original Search for the Black Leopard to see what it takes to join us in Laikipia.
Thanks to Karabo Ramahuhashi @karaborej who edited this season of the podcast for us, and to Trent Ashton @trent_ashton_nightingale who gave us his hand-drum beat to use in our intro.
Find us on Instagram, our website, or at hello@bhs-safari.co.
Retired animal scientist, elephant specialist, and ornithologist with a career that spanned 37 years at South African National Parks (SANParks), Dr Ian "Masthulele" Whyte has published papers on managing Kruger National Park's elephant population, the value of elephants vs biodiversity, elephants as a keystone species, different contraceptive methods, and translocation issues, to name a few.
This episode is a conversation with a LEGEND. Dr Whyte was one of Brett's earliest influencers and idols, literally "living the wild life" (as is the title of his latest book) as he shadowed iconic wildlife vets conducting groundbreaking work in the 1970s, gained one qualification after the next as a true large mammal specialist, and was integral to the survival and redistribution of oxpeckers in South Africa.
Take a listen to the intro in this recording for a full list of Ian's accomplishments and fascinating career, which all kicked off after he was a self-proclaimed "hopeless case" as a school boy and entered the wildlife research field right at the bottom after being identified during his cricket practice at Skukuza!
Fast forward a few years and Ian and his wife, Merle, were raising their children in the Kruger National Park, following prides of lions and fitting radio collars to track their movement, behaviour, and their impact on other species. From a caravan parked under shady trees, for weeks at a time. A life that would feed any aspiring game ranger's dreams! Working with the likes of Dr Eddie Young, Dr Butch Smuts, and Dr Anthony Hall-Martin.
"Adventure every day and one of the highlights of my life" - Dr Whyte remembers his career among these huge names in wildlife with great fondness.
Ian has been a member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission's African Elephant Specialist Group since 1992, and a professional member of the Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) since 1988. He qualified as a pilot in the early 1990s and became a published author along the way. One of Kruger National Park's great elephant tuskers is even named "Masthulele" in honour of Ian's contribution.
"Living the Wild Life" is his latest book, detailing some of this extensive careers in a way that resounds with a wildlife-loving public. The book has limited availability, so get in touch with Merle on merle.m.whyte@gmail.com to order a copy directly or find a few right here in Hoedspruit at High Tea With Elephants. We gave away some signed copies to some dear friends, followers, and colleagues.
A huge thanks to Ian for navigating Zoom and joining us online to get this conversation recorded!
Find us online at www.bhs-safari.co or @bhs_safarico on social and reach out directly at hello@bhs-safari.co.
Podcast edited by Karabo Ramuhashi @karaborej
Original drumbeat by Trent Ashton @trent_ashton_nightingale
This episode is the first in a series of destination-focused episodes we'll be sharing in this season of the podcast. We're re-introducing you to Jo Cooper, who was our very first guest back in 2020 in season 1 - he is a safari guru, overland extraordinaire, an expert at African border crossings, navigating roadside marketplaces in the most bustling cities across southern and eastern Africa, and he's as at home on the beach as he is in the bush.
Since our first chat in 2020, Jo has infiltrated our ecosystem as a resident in the Centre of the Universe (aka. Hoedspruit) and a pro in the guiding and safari travel community with his own overlanding business, Footsteps Through Africa. Earlier in 2023, Jo came on board full time at BHS, sharing the knowledge gained during 13 years on the road in African tourism, and the passion he so undeniably has for the wild and wonderful continent. Sometimes more wild than wonderful - we all agree - but the "wonderful" is worth its weight in gold. Which is why we are all here!
Uganda in particular is a special place to both Jo and Brett, and so we decided to launch the destination series with this spectacular country. Brett and Jo's combined knowledge and experience in Uganda is substantial - each having hiked the volcanic slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, canoed the Delta-like Mabamba Swamp in search of the shoebill, sat in the mesmerising chaos of a chimpanzee community in Kibale, fished for the Nile perch in the river of the same name, and explored the seemingly unending sprawl of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
In this informal and entertaining conversation, Jo and Brett revisit some of the best memories, discuss what they've learned about Uganda's lesser known destinations and activities, and ultimately leave you more informed and rearing to press go on that bucket list trip to the equatorial African jungle.
Tune in and enjoy and let us know what you think!
Thanks to Karabo Ramuhashi @karaborej who edited this season of the podcast for us, and to Trent Ashton @trent_ashton_nightingale who gave us his hand-drum beat to use in our intro.
Kyle (recently completing his PhD) and Carrie (currently working on her PhD) have been leading the research and conservation of southern ground-hornbills in the Greater Kruger Park for the last seven years as part of a longterm study run by the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology that has spanned the last 23 years. They've tracked breeding behaviour, group dynamics, vocalisations, and the impact of changing environmental factors on these endangered "thunderbirds" through mannnnnnny hours of field work followed by even more hours spent recording and reporting their findings. It is a true dedication for science and for the bird that so few people even know is threatened.
The combined work installing artificial ground-hornbill nests by the APNR Ground-Hornbill Project and the Mabula Ground-Hornbill Project has resulted in an upward trend in the population growth rate of ground-hornbills in the Lowveld, whereas in other places these birds still exist, their status remains severely threatened.
Kyle and Carrie live in Hoedspruit and are a part of the BHS ecosystem. We've accompanied them in the field, been allowed the unique privilege of peering into an active ground-hornbill nest, observed their careful handling and data capturing of these precious chicks, and had the honour of supporting their passion project (also for conservation), Nature on Tap.
In this episode, you'll hear about some of the WILD stories from their many years walking through the bush, what weird and wonderful discoveries they've made while monitoring these nests, and learn some fascinating truths about these remarkable birds.
During the recording of this podcast, Kyle helped us remove and measure a 2.8m long black mamba skin from the roof of our lodge (we found the actual snake the next day and it is still said to be living in the roof...) and we got to join an early morning "nest check" the next day.
We're delighted to introduce you to some truly lekker people and know that you'll find their stories entertaining and their expertise something to admire.
Definitely find them, follow them, and support them online via these links to the projects in this description. And as always, you know where to find us:
hello@bhs-safari.co
www.bhs-safari.co
Devoted Zimbabwean and professional guide of over 34 years, Ian Harmer is an experienced and passionate anti-poaching ranger with a convincing argument for legalising the rhino horn trade. He is a human historian and salt of the Earth human himself who "grew up in the hills" outside Bulawayo and still lives there.
He called in to talk to us from his home in the magical Matobo Hills, while we sat on the banks of the Klaserie River. We shared a couple of Windhoek lagers as we discussed the sustainable utilisation of a wild animal... it's a mind boggling conversation to be having!
Ian's opinion and insights into the rhino poaching problem come from a place of ongoing firsthand experience and personal history on the frontline. Ian believes firmly that the only chance we have of saving the rhino is by legalising the trade of the horn. Listen as he spells out the issue, recounts the history, does the maths, and creates a thought-provoking argument for opening the sustainable trade of rhino horn to the demanding market.
Beyond this controversial issue, we dive into the pure magic and unique appeal of Zimbabwe as an African destination to see. Bushman rock art beyond your imagination, and rhino encounters on foot in an ancient landscape, guided by this true bushveld legend. There are stories upon stories that'll have you holding your breath and conjuring up some safari dreams...
Find Ian and go explore Zimbabwe with him: African Wanderer Safaris wanderer@yoafrica.com
Find us as always at hello@bhs-safari.co, follow us on Instagram, or visit our website.
Podcast edited by @karaborej
Original drumbeat by @trent_ashton_nightingale
This one's been a long time in the making... What started as an exploratory conversation between Brett and his two guests - friends, Matt Lindenberg and Justin Sullivan - has now (a year later) become a relationship between colleagues and collaborators of BHS in conservation and in epic adventures.
A lot has happened since this recording, including the tragic loss of Anton Mzimba, a friend and an inspiring leader in the treacherous world of anti-poaching. We listen to this with a sense of reflection and respect for this man whose legacy lives on. Linked to Anton is the film RHINO MAN, which we discuss with Matt - lead producer and director - in this episode. The documentary has now been viewed and endorsed by the Prince of Wales and The Royal Foundation. A huge honour and well-deserved spotlight for this locally filmed story of Field Rangers.
You're likely to know both of our guests in their own capacity, and the same goes for the peanut gallery in this episode, which consists of guests and friends who joined us for this fascinating conversation at Serondella in the Greater Kruger!
A bit of background before you get stuck in to listening:
Justin Sullivan. A filmmaker defined by a need for expression and a calling for story-telling and interpretation, Justin is an award-winning creator. He has filmed over 200 rhino dehorning operations, but most of his career has been spent on blazing mountains documenting wildfires. Based in the Greater Kruger, this qualified firefighter & documentarian is honing in on his passion for conservation. When we recorded this conversation, Justin's dream was to go to the Congo. Now, as we publish, Justin has just returned from a second trip to the Congo, documenting a story about Field Rangers marbled with equal parts inspiration and danger.
Matt Lindenberg. The Founder and Executive Director of the Global Conservation Corps (GCC) – a non-profit organisation using education as a way of connecting people and wildlife on the border of the Kruger National Park. His passion for conservation and giving kids the opportunity to learn about and love wildlife comes from his own experience growing up in the little town of Sabie in Mpumalanga. Today, GCC’s Future Rangers Programme works with 20 schools to give 10,000 children each week access to environmental education and experiences.
Along with inspiring chats about challenging work in the conservation space, this episode packs a punch and is marked with sideline comments and interactions from our campfire audience. Be sure to listen out for shout-outs, animal sounds, quick-fire questions and awkward moments, which all weave through the unfolding of our latest episode.
Find more info at these links and make sure you show your support to these legends!
Matt:
https://globalconservationcorps.org/
https://www.instagram.com/rhinomanthemovie/
https://www.instagram.com/theglobalconservationcorps/
Justin:
https://www.justinsullivan.org/
https://www.instagram.com/justin___sullivan/