In this Podcast, I'm chatting with Amanda Dewey, COO, of Dazzle Africa. Amanda has over 12 years working in conservation and her gracious voice and experiences will make you fall in love with community projects that give you a purpose that is beyond what you can imagine. We talk about her upbringing and where her love for nature, community engagement, and sustainability stemmed from. We also dive into Dazzle Africa, how it came to be, her role, and the great work they're doing. Amanda also weighs in on opportunities that exist out there for the youth in her space tying it all into her love for local communities and positive impact travel. Enjoy and be inspired!!

In this Podcast, I'm talking with Ms. Munira Anyonge Bashir, Kenya Country Director, The Nature Conservancy. We talk through her upbringing in Vihiga County and in Nairobi, her early recollections of enjoying nature and wildlife, and also her early career life working for the Kenya Wildlife Service. We also dive into her transition from Government to Non-Governmental Organization, the Nature Conservancy, her role and what that encompasses, the biggest threats facing wildlife in Kenya and what coexistence looks like in a modern and changing Kenya. Listen in to the end to hear more about the challenges she has overcome, her wins and advise to young people looking to make a difference in the places they have been planted. Enjoy!!

In this episode, I’m talking with Meena Amani, a wildlife photographer with a big passion for animals. We talk through her childhood and upbringing, her work at the Animal Track Sanctuary, the illegal pet trade and what she and her team are doing to rescue and rehabilitate wild animals. We also dive into her storytelling side, and the power of art in today’s world plus a whole lot more of other interesting stories from the wild. Enjoy and be inspired 💚🎙️

Dr Lynne MacTavish has worked at Mankwe Wildlife Reserve since 2000 as Operations Manager. She studied Travel and Tourism, has FGASA level 2, and was awarded an honorary doctorate of science in recognition of her major contribution to wildlife conservation in South Africa and promotion of conservation science at the highest level. She is also a qualified first aider. Lynne has been one of the Principal Investigators on the Earthwatch project and has lead 73 research teams. She finds being involved in research and education very rewarding and has recently been co-author on 17 publications. Besides helping her Dad, Dougal, run the reserve Lynne co-ordinates all the student and Earthwatch groups. Lynne has a passionate desire to save the rhino's in South Africa and is involved with the Rhino Protection Unit. She also has a menagerie of orphaned animals that she is rehabilitating at her house. Enjoy and learn something 💚

Jim Karani is an Environmental lawyer who works with law enforcement to ensure wildlife poachers and traffickers are brought to justice. A consulting partner at Lawyers for Animal Protection in Africa (@animallawafrica ) which is a network of lawyers in Africa working to elevate legal protections for Africa's iconic wildlife and domestic species. I hope you enjoy and learn something 👍🏾💚

Toby has vast research and field experience ranging from small mammals to large mammals. He started out as a volunteer intern (for over 4 years) at National Museums of Kenya, Mammalogy Department, before proceeding to Mpala Research Centre as Research Project Field Manager and as a graduate student. As the Ewaso Lions Research Manager, Toby takes the lead role in all monitoring activities and research programme management in order to provide data to support our mission. Toby holds a BSc. in Wildlife Management and Conservation from University of Nairobi, and a Master of Science in Wildlife Management from Karatina University. Toby has applied his skills and over the past years to implement research design, conduct field activities, write research proposals, and author publications in peer reviewed journals. Under the Ewaso Lions Biodiversity and infrastructure programme, Toby has been instrumental in collating data for the A2 Highway cutting across our study area for a consortium of partners monitoring wildlife-vehicle collisions and wildlife-road interactions and participating in consultative discussions on the Linear infrastructure development in Kenya. Enjoy💚

Anna Ashdown is a conservationist and she holds a Bachelors of Science in Wildlife Conservation and Management. Anna has travelled to South Africa every year since she was 17 to volunteer on a wildlife reserve and help them protect their wildlife. Unfortunately She’s not working in a conservation job at the moment as it’s been hard/impossible to work on projects and research expeditions during the pandemic, but she is constantly raising money for and raising awareness of rhino conservation through her Instagram page. Rhino conservation means a lot to her and has a special place in her heart. She has always been a great lover of wildlife and the natural world. Enjoy💚

I welcome all of you to our new segment dubbed , monthly travel banter with Dibblex (myself) and Felix. It’s a segment where we will be sharing current trends and issues in the travel and tourism industry. Reach out and DM us too on what topics and questions you would want us to cover. A new episode on this will be going up each and every month throughout the calendar year. Listen in to this teaser episode we did and leave a review. And also, Subscribe! Subscribe! Subscribe! Let’s do this guys! Much love,stay safe and smile😃💚

Jonathan odongo assists with the implementation of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy’s conservation education program. He holds a degree in Environmental education from Kenyatta University. His interest in the natural world and its preservation has led him to thought leadership platforms such as global environmental educators forum (USA), African regional center for expertise conference(Nairobi), United Nations framework convention on climate change (Morocco),International zoo educators conference in the United Arab Emirates among others. Lewa’s conservation education program hosts over 5,000 students from all corners of Kenya and reaches out to thousands more in the Northern part of the country. Jonathan’s goal in life is to inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment. Enjoy💚

Nina joined IRF in May of 2020 as its Executive Director. She has been a wildlife conservation professional for more than 30 years. She previously held positions as vice president of philanthropy and vice president of field conservation at Defenders of Wildlife, and was executive director at Bat Conservation International. Nina has visited all 50 U.S. states and more countries than her age, though she keeps that number a secret. She loves both remote nature travel as well as urban destinations. Despite hating the cold, she has often found herself at the top of big mountains, including Mt. Kenya and the Bale Mountains in Ethiopia. Nina feels very fortunate to travel annually to northern Kenya, where she loves the wildlife, landscapes and people. Enjoy this episode 💚

Since 2001, Cathy has been CEO of Save the Rhino International, a UK-registered charity working to conserve viable populations of the five species of rhino in Africa and Asia. Cathy and her team raise funds for long-term rhino programmes, as well as one-off projects, e.g. workshops or training courses. Save the Rhino also works with NGOs in Vietnam and China to deliver behaviour-change campaigns aimed at reducing the demand for illegal rhino horn. Cathy’s particular remit is to liaise with field programmes to determine priority needs and then build collaborative partnerships to piece together the financing needed to implement rhino conservation strategies. She is a Member of the IUCN SSC African and Asian Rhino Specialist Groups and won the IUCN Harry Messel Award for Conservation Leadership in 2015. She has run seven marathons and three ultra-marathons to raise funds for rhino conservation. Enjoy💚

James Mwenda is a passionate conservationist currently working at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. James is one of the caretakers of the last two known northern white rhinos in existence, a character and narrator of the award-winning documentary ‘’KIFARU” and the recipient of the Paradise Foundation’s 2018 African Ranger Awards. Inspired to make a difference by witnessing extinction on a daily basis, he regularly attends to guests, students, volunteers, and media crews on Ol Pejeta. In the last three years, James has been globe trotting and speaking against species extinction as well as the well-being of the planet. James has appeared on BBC Breakfast, BBC Podcast, Sky News, BBC's Seven Worlds, Euro News , GQ Magazine, One Planet and many more. If he is not looking after his rhino girlfriends, he enjoys safari guiding, photography, playing guitar and a good series binge. I hope you enjoy 💚

David chancellor’s work brings him across the world,from the tribal lands of Kenya to the sombre mountains of Scotland.His interests are mapping that jagged and bloody line where man and beast meet.He has participated in numerous group and solo exhibitions, exhibited in major galleries and museums,and published worldwide.Recognized by world press photo, the Taylor wessing National portrait prize and pictures of the year international,David published the monograph ‘Hunters’ in 2012. His work continues to examine mankind’s commodification of wildlife. Visually reminiscent of 19th century daguerreotypes,David’s photographs are arresting,engaging,and thought provoking. His passion for his work allows him to consistently succeed in navigating the minefields surrounding his chosen subjects. The resulting bodies of work never fail to draw people in and create a space for a much needed dialogue. Enjoy💚👍🏾

In this Podcast, I’m talking with Daniel Ole Sambu, Program Coordinator, Predator Protection Program. We talk through his humble upbribging in the vast Amboseli ecosystem, what drives his passion for wildlife conservation and all about Big Life Foundation and the Predator Compensation Fund Program that he is in charge of. We also dive into some of the biggest threats facing wildlife in the Amboseli- Tsavo- Kilimanjaro ecosystem and what Big Life Africa is doing to promote coexistence, plus so much more. Listen in and enjoy🎙️💚

In this bonus episode of our series #womenintravel, I get to have a chat with Katito Sayialel, a local Maasai from Loitokitok. She has worked for 25 years studying and monitoring elephants 🐘 in Amboseli national park. Katito works for a project called Amboseli trust for elephants, an organization who since its inception in 1972 has worked towards studying elephants in Amboseli, monitoring their numbers and also reducing threats faced to curb and maintain a healthy and secure elephant population. Enjoy💚

In this episode, I am honored to have a chat with Blackman da traveler, a travel blogger who is based in London,UK. He was born and raised in the UK and he found his passion to travel and he has been backpacking across various countries since 2014. He launched his YouTube channel this year and let me say you cannot afford to miss the great content he is giving us. Next year, he is planning a 4 months trip to India, Pakistan & Bangladesh and we cannot wait to see that side of the world from his perspective . I hope you enjoy and learn something 💚

In this final episode of our series #womenintravel, I get to have a chat with Dorothy Lowakutuk. Dorothy works as a guest relations officer at reteti elephant sanctuary in Samburu county. Reteti elephant sanctuary is located in Namunyak conservancy and it is the first community owned elephant orphanage in Africa. The sanctuary was designed to rescue, support, and release orphaned and abandoned elephant calves back into the landscape that they lived in, with the hope that they would unite with their family groups once old enough to do so. I hope you enjoy and learn a thing or two💚

In this 5th episode of our series #womenintravel , I get to have a chat with Selengei. She is a conservationist. Selengei was born and raised in Kenya and her love of wildlife was inspired by her childhood there. Her mother, Joyce Poole, is a world renowned elephant scientist who has studied the communication and behavior of African elephants for over 45 years. Selengei’s parents run the non profit Elephant Voices, an organization that studies the behavior and communication of African elephants and uses knowledge acquired over decades to act as a voice for elephants. Selengei has always had a deep love and understanding of Animals, especially elephants 🐘, and is passionate about animal protection and welfare. Selengei uses her knowledge about conservation and the threats facing wildlife to raise awareness on her own online platform. Enjoy💚

In this fourth episode of our new series #womenintravel, I get to talk to Rafaelle Abramovitz, or you can call her Rafi. She runs Naretoikenya.org whose mission is to collaborate with Maasai communities to empower Maasai women in Kenya. Their projects focus on supporting girl’s education,cultural exchange, and local economic efforts. Enjoy💚

In this third episode of our new series #womenintravel I get to chat with Sham, founder Travel 4 Purpose, a platform with a mission to simply create more smiles. It allows the traveler to have a positive impact while traveling and at the same time live their best life. Travel 4 purpose was born to encourage exploration of the road less travelled with an inbuilt consciousness. If you’re looking for a holiday with nothing on the agenda but sitting on a beach and sunbathe all day,turn around. However, if you’re ready to immerse yourself in local culture, make a difference and build a community while following your purpose,you’ve come to the right place. Travel 4 purpose is out here to create connection,growth & smiles😀😀. Enjoy💚

In this second episode of our new series #womenintravel , I get to have a chat with Natasha Chapman, who is from the UK but has since been living in Tanzania. Natasha is a physical education teacher by profession having taught in the UK, Malawi,Tanzania and briefly in Honduras while volunteering. She is passionate about travel and in particular travel within the African continent.She loves experiencing new cultures and meeting new people as well as going on safaris and taking photos of wildlife. Her favorite place to go for safari is south luangwa, Zambia. Enjoy💚

In this episode and new season of the #travellocalpodcast, i talk to Sinja Stoetzner, a German girl who quit her job and moved to Kenya to travel and help other women to travel safely in Kenya. She is fascinated by finding a way on how you can make a real impact with money you spent while traveling. In her projects, she focuses on empowering local communities. Her newly launched women travel guide for Kenya teaches women all the tricks & hacks on how to become a #travelbosslady. Enjoy💚

In this fourth episode of the #travellocalpodcast, I talk to Emmaculate,a field guide at the national museums of Kenya 🇰🇪 about what tourists can expect upon planning to visit this rich heritage site.

In this episode we tackle the issue of carbon emissions in relation to the way we travel and how we can do better as local tourists and as a community in reclaiming lost glory for our natural resources because mama earth 🌍 is talking and we really really need to listen!!!!

In this podcast, I’m chatting with Nuria Salim, founder Watoto Go Green, an organization that works to address the environmental education gap in the Kenyan curriculum by offering creative project based learning to vulnerable children in Meru County. We talk through her journey and what got her to where she is now, Watoto Go Green and how it came to be, environmental education to young children through creative art and Kijani Club program which deals with education, advocacy, and greening initiatives. We also dive into why they are focusing on young people and what the future looks like through the creative curriculum they are building. Enjoy and be inspired🙏🏾

In this episode we explore a great camping destination in sagana,central Kenya. Our dear friend Felix will be answering some of the key questions I’m sure you’d want answers to as to what makes Sagana a great camping and adventure destination in Kenya.

In this episode we talk to Felix about the current affairs in the tourism industry here in Kenya and on a global scale plus how COVID 19 has affected the local people through job loss and we also get to touch on the future of sustainability.

Our aim is to empower local voices and stories in the travel world🌎

In this Podcast, I’m talking with David Saruni, Security Administrator in Loisaba Conservancy. We talk through what inspired him to work with Wildlife, what has over five years working for Loisaba Conservancy in the Security department taught him and what his typical work day looks like. We also dive into the the role of community conservancies in Kenya and David also narrates the ground breaking reintroduction of 21 critically endangered Eastern Black Rhino back to Loisaba Conservancy after 50 years of extinction and what that meant to him and the team. Listen in and get inspired💚

In this Podcast, I’m chatting with Olivia Adhiambo, Climate Policy Director for Africa Region at Wildlife Works. We talk through her upbringing, early education and passion for environmentalism, her 10 years plus of experience in conservation focused policy advocacy and all about Wildlife Works and what a typical work day in her role entails. We also dig into the Kasigau REDD+ project, the importance of working hand in hand with local communities, her proudest moments at work, the challenges she has overcome and so much more. Listen in and get inspired💚

In this Podcast I’m chatting with Cpt. Gilbert Macharia Kibe, MD of Air Transport Consulting Ltd, a company devoted to the growth and development of aviation. We talk through his childhood and how he got into the aviation world, what has been in the aviation sector for more than four decades taught him and his professional career serving in various capacities around the world. We also dive into drones, drone laws in Kenya, his involvement with Expert Drones Africa, and what the future of aviation looks like plus so much more. Enjoy and be inspired 💚

This #InternationalWomensDay, join Mara Elephant Project Research Assistant Sylvia Ondabu as she details how a city girl ended up working up in conservation in the Mara and the women at MEP that Inspire her. Enjoy🐘❤️

This World Wildlife Day, I’m grateful to be talking with Marley Sianto Sikawa, a Maasai Lady with a vast experience and passion for East African tourism, conservation, cultural preservation and a travel enthusiast with a heart for her people. We talk through her upbringing and education, what drives her passion for what she doea, and her earlier years of the Miss Tourism Peagent and what that meant for her. We also dig into her current role as Assistant Director Tourism and Wildlife at Narok County, what her role entails and we touch on women empowerment, fitness and wholesomeness, things she is very big on. Enjoy💚

In this episode, I’m talking with William Ouma, the head of operations at Expert Drones Afrrica. William is a very talented and passionate young man with a key focus on using drones for good while enpowering the next generation to think bigger in terms of what they can achieve and do with technology. We talk through his upbringing, his current role at Expert Drones Africa, the state of drones in Kenya and how they are revolutionizing key economic sectors. We also dig into the future of unmanned aviation in kenya, where he draws his passion and inspiration, safety procedures while operating drones and his experience working with young people. Enjoy💚

Mara Elephant Project is sponsoring six episodes of Boots on the Ground Podcast, and we couldn’t think of a better first episode than spotlighting one of their key partners, Kenya Wildlife Service Vet Dr. Michael Njoroge who leads the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Mars Mobile Vet Unit. His over 20 years of experience as a wildlife Vet across Kenya has made a considerable contribution to the wellbeing of wildlife. Join us on the latest podcast episode featuring Dr. Njoroge. Enjoy💚

Hello Folks!! In this episode, I'm chatting with World Elephant Day founder, Patricia Sims. Patricia visited the Kenya and Maasai Mara for the first time. She is very passionate about elephants and has done extensive research work and awareness creation for the conservation of these majestic creatures. We talk through her beginnings, her work with dolphins before transitioning to elephants and her time in Indonesia studying and helping to conserve Asian elephants. We also dive into how she founded World Elephant Day, how the project has been so far, and what the future of conservation looks like. Enjoy and be Inspired!!

In this Podcast, I’m super excited to be chatting with Trish Sewe, a phenomenal woman I look up to in the communications and storytelling space. Trish is currently working as the Chief Operations Officer at Wildlife Direct and is also leading the implementation and management of all aspects of the National Geographic’s Team Sayari and Nature Positive Kids Outreach project. Tune in to hear her incredible journey in conservation, her passion for leadership and communications. We also dig into Team Sayari and the impact they have achieved with this groundbreaking series which is kids lead. Listen in and get inspired💚

In this episode, I’m chatting with Christian Mugabe, the Founder of Ngozi Naturals, a social enterprise changing the lives of local people in Rwanda and making a positive contribution to Rwanda’s conservation goals. We talk through his childhood, education, and how he got into conservation. We also dive into founding Ngozi Naturals, the impact they have achieved so far, and how he is empowering women and working closely with local communities to make sustainable skin care products. Enjoy and be inspired💚

In this last episode of our series ‘Female Vets Driving Wildlife Conservation in Kenya Forward’ I’m super thrilled to be chatting with Dr. Mukami Ruoro-Oundo, a senior Veterinary officer working for the Kenya Wildlife Service. We talk through how her journey into veterinary medicine unfolded, the time she almost gave up her schooling to focus on another career, her time at a clinic in Nyali, Mombasa and how that propelled her further into her field of expertise. We also dig into what drives her passion for wildlife conservation, what her typical work day looks like, biggest threats facing wildlife in Kenya and her advise to young people who would want to get into this space. Enjoy and be Inspired💚

In our third episode of the series ‘Female Vets Driving Wildlife Conservation in Kenya Forward’ I’m super delighted to be chatting with Dr. Angwenyi, who is currently the Wildlife Health and Disease Surveillance Manager with Smithsonian’s Global Health Program in Kenya. We talk through her upbringing, education and how her passion for animals and wildlife grew. We also chat about what her day looks like working in the research project, and what that entails. We dive deep into her work with community rangers and how the development and training of the EarthRanger health tool is coming along plus a whole lot more. Listen in and get inspired 💚

In this special podcast, I’m chatting with Kyle Buster, Curator at the Watamu Snake Farm. Kyle, born and raised in Nairobi also grew up with his grandparents in Tanzania where he was immersed in the rich wildlife learning from his grandad and a Tindiga bushman, developing valuable bush skills and deepening his respect for nature at an early age. In this podcast, we chat more about his upbringing, what fuels his passion for snakes, and how he ended up working as Curator of the Watamu Snake Farm. We also talk through the biggest threats facing snakes in Kenya, the programs he helps run at the Watamu Snake Farm and the intricacies about snakes and how the community perspectives is changing for the better. Enjoy and be inspired 💚

In this second episode of our new series, I’m chatting with Dr. Florence, a female wildlife veterinarian based at Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. We talk through her childhood, growing up surrounded by pets, her education and passion for conservation and her dreaded Meru National Park encounter with a lion. We also dive into her time working with Chimpanzees and black rhino at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Get to hear her insights into how she aims to mentor young girls looking to venture into the world of veterinary medicine. Enjoy and be inspired 💚

In this Podcast, I’m talking with Dr. Sharon Mulindi, a dedicated wildlife veterinarian committed to wildlife health and conservation. We talk through her journey into veterinary medicine, her passion for wildlife, and how she manages a healthy work life balance. We also dig into the threats she has come across facing wildlife and wild spaces in Kenya, a sneak peek into her day as a vet, and her final word to any women out there who are looking to follow her path. Enjoy & learn💚

In this new podcast, I’m talking with Catherine Machungo, Carbon State at Natural State. We talk through her career and journey into conservation, how she and her colleagues at Natural State are creating tangible technological solutions that people can utilize and how Natural State is tackling climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation. We also dig into the carbon conversation , technology and how Natural State ia looking to increase their capacity building and also work with local Universities in Kenya to create more impact. Enjoy💚

In this podcast, I’m talking with Felix Mutwiri, the Secretary, Friends of Nairobi National Park(FoNNaP). We talk through his journey into conservation, what drives his passion, all about FoNNaP, and the threats facing Kenya’s wildlife and wild spaces. We also dive into Nairobi National Park, how they are linkingthe local communities in management of the park and the youth as well and also fundraising strategies aimed at attracting more funds to safeguard Nairobi National Park. Enjoy💚

In this podcast, I chat with Dr. Arthur Muneza a Wildlife ecologist working for the Giraffe Conservation Foundation as the East Africa Coordinator. We talk through his childhood and upbringing, how he got started working with giraffe, operation Twiga and what his role entails at the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. We also dig into the biggest threats facing giraffe, Twiga tracker tagging operation and its objectives and youth involvement in conservation. Enjoy💚

In this Podcast, I'm talking with Joseph Tororey, the Production Manager at Savannah Tracking Ltd. We chat about his upbringing, his love and passion for design that got him to where he is at the moment, and his current role at Savannah Tracking and what that entails. We also dig into what sort of technological advancements they have made on collars touching on Sustainability innovation and the Internet of Things (IoT). Listen in to hear what message he has for young folks and what he is up to when he is not designing collars. Enjoy and be inspired.

In this new episode, I’m talking with Napanu Stella, a biodiversity conservation scientist and a multitalented artist keen on Ecosystem Health. She is currently working as the rangelands officer with the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT). We talk through her childhood experiences and interactions with nature, her passion for visual arts and live performances, what her role entails at NRT and how she is working alongside her colleagues to improve rangelands health while working alongside local communities. We also dive into how she is connecting art with conservation and her engagement with the youth across Kenya’s conservancies to formulate policies that will guide youth involvement in conservation. Enjoy💚

In this new Podcast, I’m talking with Teddy Kinyajui, Sustainability Director ans Founder at Cookswell Jikos. We talk through his childhood and how he got involved with the natural world from an early age, Seedballs Kenya and some of the programs he helps run and also what seedballs are and why they’re so effective in regenerating some of our degraded ecosystems. We also dive into some of the biggest threats facing our key ecosystems and some of the challenges and successes he has had in his colorful career. Enjoy💚

In this new podcast, I’m super excited to be speaking with Amish Chhagan, a wildlife photographer originally from Zambia. We talk through his first encounter with a camera and what felt like, his career progression and challenges he faced and continue facing in his career. We also dive into his creative process and what that looks like for him when doing stories or creating moments. Enjoy💚