Safari Insight

Gavin Ford, one of the most well respected guides across Africa, chats with David about his life in the bush, guides training, starting the proficiency exam, safaris on Fothergill island and everything else his life has entailed.

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Dive into the history of Great Zimbabwe with archeologist and historian Paul Hubbard. David and Paul chatting through the history of Zimbabwe whilst on a guides training course in Zim.

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In this episode of Safari Insight, we sit down with renowned expert Andy Loveridge to dive deep into the world of lions and the groundbreaking research he leads with WildCRU and Panthera across Africa. From tracking prides and understanding lion behaviour to tackling the urgent conservation challenges they face, Andy shares frontline insights from decades in the field. With lion numbers having plummeted from around 90,000 in the 1970s to just 23,000 today, this conversation explores what’s driving the decline—and what science, collaboration, and conservation can do to secure a future for the king of the savanna.

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Carina Grueninger, founder of Safari Destinations, has carved her own path through the male-dominated safari industry, redefining what it means to be a woman leading in this space. 

With vision and tenacity, she's broken barriers and built a successful business, proving that expertise and passion transcend gender. 

Her journey from navigating a man's world to championing women in tourism across Botswana stands as an inspiration to the next generation of women claiming their place in Africa's wild spaces.

Listen in as our host David Carson chats to Carina about her life’s adventures...

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Rewilding is conservation’s new frontier - and James Ward is at its heart. Join us as we explore how James' company Rewild Safaris is reshaping travel, restoring ecosystems, and reconnecting us to the wild. James has a heart for Africa and rewilding it through safaris.

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In this episode, we sit down with Benson Siyawareva – renowned safari guide, conservationist, and visionary founder of Lesedi Zimbabwe Initiative. 

Benson shares the incredible journey that led him from guiding guests through Africa’s wildest landscapes to opening the doors of opportunity for educating children in Victoria Falls.

We explore how his experiences in the bush shaped his deep commitment to education, empowerment, and community development. With humility and heart, Benson reflects on the challenges of bridging two worlds – the untamed wilderness and the structured classroom – and why he believes true guiding means uplifting people, not just pointing out wildlife.

A story of purpose, perseverance, and the power of giving back.

If you would like to give back:
https://lesedizim.org/donate/

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Welcome back to Safari Insight, where we unravel the wild with curiosity—and a healthy dose of skepticism.

In this episode, we’re taking on some of the bush’s most persistent myths.
 Can impalas really hold off giving birth until the rains arrive?
 Why do ground hornbills struggle to raise chicks—even under ideal conditions?
 And what’s the deal with eland—Africa’s largest antelope? Do they really click when they walk, and what causes the sound?

We’ll also zoom in—literally—with a quick guide to binoculars: what to buy, how to use them, and why a good pair might just change your entire safari experience.

Let’s separate fact from fiction, one hoofbeat at a time.

 Stay curious—and never get too comfortable.

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In this episode of Safari Insight, we’re joined by Keith Vincent, CEO of Wilderness, a pioneering force in African conservation tourism. From remote camps to vast private concessions, Wilderness has redefined what it means to travel with impact—balancing luxury with purpose, and wildlife protection with community development. Keith shares how the company’s ambitious conservation model is shaping the future of Africa’s wild spaces, and why true sustainability means putting ecosystems first.

Stay curious, and never get too comfortable.

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"Life in a Shell" with Adam Jones. In this episode, we’re cracking open the mystery of an egg—from its origin deep within the avian reproductive tract to its remarkable, multi-layered structure that protects and nourishes new life. 

Drawing on insights from recent research on avian anatomy and the intricate design of egg components, we’ll explore how nature engineers this perfect package for life. Join us as we journey through the lifecycle and anatomy of an egg, revealing secrets that are as fascinating as they are fundamental to life itself.

References:

https://ohiostate.pressbooks.pub/vethisto/chapter/13-avian-female-reproductive-tract/

https://www.birdspot.co.uk/bird-reproduction/anatomy-of-an-egg

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Marc Germiquet—an adventurer whose journey redefines the limits of endurance. 

As a Botswana guide, conservationist, and extreme athlete, Marc conquered the World’s Toughest Row, completing a 3,000-mile transatlantic race in just 43 days, 7 hours, and 21 minutes, and clinching first place among solo rowers. 

Listen in as we delve into his inspiring story and explore the passion and perseverance that fueled his record-breaking feat and his life in guiding.

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