Between the Baobabs

In this episode, we dive into the world of giraffes, with a special focus on the unique Thornicroft giraffe found in Zambia’s South Luangwa Valley.

Along the way, Anna takes on the challenge of mastering some tricky taxonomy names - let’s just say there’s progress (and a few laughs) as we navigate the scientific side of giraffes.

As always, we bring back our favourite segments: “Two Truths and a Lie,” where things may not be quite as they seem, and section on traditional beliefs, where we unpack fascinating cultural beliefs and stories about giraffes.

It’s a mix of science, storytelling, and a bit of fun - join us as we get to know one of Africa’s most iconic animals a little better.

Monkeys and baboons are everywhere in the Luangwa Valley - so common that most people barely notice them. But if you actually stop and watch, you’ll realise they’re some of the most entertaining and intelligent animals in the bush.

In this episode, we talk about the clever, chaotic world of vervet monkeys and baboons: why lodges have to manage their interactions with guests, how quickly these animals learn to steal food, and the fine balance between wildlife and tourism. From tap-drinking monkeys to a baboon that made off with an entire bag of chips, we share some of the stories that make these mischievous primates unforgettable.

And of course, we finish with our usual round of Two Truths and a Lie, as well as a short folktale.

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Henry Mwape - a carnivore expert and passionate advocate for Zambia’s wildlife and communities. Henry has spent the past 15 years working with the Zambian Carnivore Project (ZCP), building deep knowledge of the carnivore landscape across South Luangwa, with a special love for African wild dogs.

We talk about his journey from joining Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust as a young boy, to studying in the United States, and eventually becoming a leading voice in conservation back home. Henry shares practical and innovative solutions for reducing human-wildlife conflict, and speaks about his decision to run for mayor in Mfuwe, where his focus is on helping both wildlife and local communities thrive together.

Henry has also featured in several major wildlife documentaries, and we’ve linked those in the show notes below.

Featured documentaries:

The Hunt (BBC Earth): https://www.bbcearth.com/shows/the-hunt

Last of the Longnecks (Prime Video): https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Last-of-the-Longnecks/0IRE1QW5FBLNVXGFSEU2TZZ0LA

Kingdom - Episode 6 (BBC): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002hdgh

In this relaxed catch-up episode, we take a moment to chat about life lately - from the thunderstorm that rolled through Luangwa overnight and knocked out the WiFi (which is why Anna ended up recording from the one spot with signal: someone's bathroom), to the very different ways we experience travelling to work every morning. We also share a bit of excitement about what's coming next as we get ready to welcome our very first guest on the podcast in the upcoming episode.

And as promised, here’s a little shoutout to Anna’s soon-to-be cousin-in-law, who runs a very cool makeup account on Instagram. You can check her out here: https://www.instagram.com/keirab_21x/

This episode is all about painted dogs - one of the most exciting and unpredictable animals in the bush. We talk about why South Luangwa is such a special place to see them, what makes their social life so fascinating, and share a few unforgettable sightings (including one very confused hyena in the middle of a pack). We also touch on how their numbers have declined over the years, the work being done to protect them, and why these underdogs of the safari world deserve a lot more love

This episode is all about elephants. We explore what makes them deeply feeling, soulful creatures - how they grieve, recognize the bones of lost companions, and form bonds that run for a lifetime. Anna shares a fascinating African elephant myth, and we recount bush encounters, from baby elephants trailing their mums to herds appearing out of nowhere.

This episode is all about snakes. We talk about why they’re everywhere (and why that’s actually a good thing), unpack some common fears and misconceptions, and share bush encounters and African myths. We also touch on a few key things to know about living alongside snakes, plus shout out two brilliant resources - the Mfuwe Snakebite Prevention Project and the Zambian Snakes and Other Crawlies Facebook group.

This episode is all about Ceska. We talk about growing up between Malawi and Zambia on a farm, family history, and how the bush has always been part of her story. From childhood memories to life in Frankfurt today, it’s an easy conversation about home, identity, and the places that stay with you.

In this episode of Between the Baobabs, we sit down with Anna and chat about growing up in Zambia, what it's like running a lodge there, and how life in the bush shapes the way you see the world.

We talk wildlife, pothole-filled roads, power cuts, small-world moments, and the realities (and joys) of hosting guests far from city comforts. It's a relaxed, honest conversation between friends - the kind you'd have over a drink as the sun goes down.

We hope you enjoy getting to know Anna a little better!

Welcome to Between the Baobabs, where we share stories about life in and connected to the bush - from everyday moments to the unexpected.

In this first episode, we introduce ourselves, talk about how the podcast came to be, and share what you can expect in the episodes to come. We hope you enjoy, and that you stick around!