Our second season of the podcast draws to a close in a spectacular manner, in the company of Lowveld safari legend and return offender on Campfire Conversations, John JD Dixon, and our neighbour here in Klaserie, Troy TC Zambezi Meeser! We sat down under Big Jack - the 400-odd-year-old Jackalberry tree under which some of our guests at Tulela might have enjoyed a bush breakfast - and got down to some seriously good safari stories. Between Brett, JD, and Troy, there are decades worth of guiding wins and epic fails, which let's face it, are more fun to talk about than the wins. 

We chat about hair-raising wildlife encounters (thanks Troy!) and talk about the particularly special history and sentimental value of the Klaserie Reserve. Another couple of bonus stories you will love hearing make this episode one of our most entertaining yet!

Both JD and Troy are linked forever to the Lowveld, having spent the vast majority of their lives on these game trails, tracking in these riverbeds, sleeping under these stars, and telling stories around campfires. Finally, we have them here together to tell us a story or two about their eventful lives around this campfire, and we are so happy to put it on record to share with the world. 

JD calls himself a 1960s model, and like a fine wine, he really does get better with age. His life and experiences among wildlife in the bush have both aged him and kept him young! He has been professionally involved in safari guiding, elephant and leopard research projects, game capture, wildlife filming and photographic work, lodge development, and... he sings – a talent we were lucky enough to witness in his last appearance on the pod!

Troy arrived on the Manyeleti soil in the 90s as a baby. There was no way Troy wasn’t going to lead a life in the bush given his background, and in fact he and his sister are both incredible guides working in the bushveld neighbourhood they were raised - full circle! Troy has guided all over Africa, including many trips as an overland guide including Namibia, Tuli, Chobe, Zimbabwe, Kafue, Luangwa, and right here in the GK where he is now based at Tuskers with his business partner and friend Brave Dave Hancock. 

Please enjoy the authentic connection between these guests and the ease of storytelling they share. Season two has been a whopper - we are looking so forward to what's to come!

Find JD on Instagram at @bush_explorations_africa and Troy at @tczambezi and @natural.earth.safaris