Kes Hillman Smith is an unsung hero in African conservation. She arrived in Africa in a Land Rover through the Sahara and stayed to become a dedicated conservationist. Her research and hands-on involvement in Garamba National Park in the northern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo on the border with South Sudan, protecting elephants and rhino from savage poaching, flying her own plane for animal surveys and establishing conservation initiatives - all while raising her two children - is impressive enough. But Kes did - and does - even more. This is part 1 of our 2 part conversation. Enjoy.

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How Scared Should You Be about Africa? It depends to a large degree on into whose hands you are entrusted. Good guides. Travel planners who understand that Africa can be daunting and are willing – and knowledgeable enough – to help you through to the other side. This is something I enjoy and whether we are talking about planes, animals, illness or just how different Africa is from every other trip you have taken, clients and I discuss and plan based on levels of comfort. I want to hold your hand as you face your fears so that you can experience one of the most magical places on Earth and in this podcast I discuss what people are concerned about and how to tackle those fears.

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Jack Coupland walks the talk. He oversees the fascinating – and incredibly important – conservation projects on Alphonse Island in the remote Outer Island area of the Seychelles. In our chat, we talk about sharks, turtles, birds, fish and coral and how they are all intricately, crucially, linked to form this pristine and thriving marine environment. It’s not often one can say that about the condition of our oceans these days so this is an uplifting one too! Enjoy.

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Listen to hear why this is my favourite tropical paradise in Africa. Whether you are looking to lie on white sands until sundowner time with a good book or want to get out and do some world-class fishing and diving and snorkeling and hiking and biking and and and... this is it. Happy listening!

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Tony Church is a man whose life has spanned fascinating moments in Kenya's history. To some he is the father of horse safaris in Kenya, to others the man who helped organise the horses for Robert Redford and Meryl Streep while they filmed Out of Africa, to other, precious ones, he's the grandfather who puts them on horses when they come to visit. Listening to Tony talk of zebra rustling as a child, of ocean voyages between England and Africa, of horse riding from Nairobi across lands then wild with lions and now busy with traffic is a personal walk through time for him and a wonderful glimpse into the history of a man and a land for us. Enjoy!

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In this episode, I talk about the endangered Mountain Gorillas and take you on a virtual trek. I have done this 8 times now, in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It's often called an experience of a lifetime - and it truly is. If you have done it, you will have a lovely walk down memory lane. And if you haven't, you will want to! Enjoy!

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I am back chatting with my good friend, Lorna Buchanan-Jardine, and as with our previous conversation, we cover lots of topics. This one delves into Lorna's experience as a safari camp manager. We talk about the kinds of cultural exchanges that occur between guests and the locals here and how this is often one of the highlights of a safari. You must hear her story of a New York City family describing their life to a Maasai woman. We also talk about different notions of wealth; how to photograph respectfully; the ways to give that last... Whether you have been to Africa, are coming soon or have it on your dream list, this is an insider's look you will enjoy. Happy Listening.

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In this episode I talk about one of Nature’s unmatched wildlife events: The Great Migration. Millions of wildebbeest, with zebra and gazelle, move around the Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystems following the rains for the freshest grass. This is the second largest mammal migration on our planet. (The first is bats.) The zebras and wildebeest cross the rivers, full of crocodiles, and these “crossings” are as dramatic as it gets. It also gets awfully dramatic on the river banks as many, frankly way too many, tourist vehicles gather to watch. In this episode I tell you all about the migration, the pros and cons of visiting during this time of year and the important ways we can all ensure it remains one of the most outstanding wildlife experiences of our lives. Happy Listening.

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