Some would say Tayla McCurdy was born for her role on SafariLive where she guided virtual game drives live-streamed to tens of thousands of listeners around the globe. She is entertaining, quick-witted, kind and energetic.  Her (one-sided) dialogue with various animals she encounters in her life as a safari guide makes her Instagram stories addictively amusing, but there is no mistaking her authentic knowledge and passion for nature and wildlife. We sat her in the hot seat for episode 2 of Campfire Conversations, and next to her was Ale Olivieri, who tolerates Tayla as both a friend and a colleague (kidding, T!) 

Ale Olivieri is the founder of private safari company called Wandering Thru and while that it familiar territory for us, she is by far the most exotic guest we will have on this show! Half Italian and half Venezuelan, Ale also speaks four languages fluently, as well as Russian, Latvian, Afrikaans and Shangaan conversationally. She is a leopard expert and a baker of delicious things. Her academic qualifications are something to be admired, and her modesty even more so. 

Last, but certainly not least is Brenden Pienaar, who is a great friend and mentor and trails guide Ninja! What we learned was that to many school peers, Brenden was known as Bots and nothing else. Growing up in Botswana and South Africa, this man has stayed true to the African roots he was born with. He is obsessed with primitive wilderness trails and is undoubtedly THE person you want to get lost in the bush with. His professional qualifications make him the best in his business, which is the well known and superb walking safari operator, Lowveld Trails Co. 

We thoroughly enjoyed sitting around a fire with these legendary humans and recording this episode. Please take a seat and let our campfire conversations entertain you!

Show some support for today's guests and follow their shenanigans on Instagram:

Tayla McCurdy: @tay_mccurdy @tayla_in_real_life

Ale Olivieri: @wanderingthru @aleolivieris

Brenden Pienaar: @loweld_trails_co @africa_trails_co