The Wild Eye Podcast

In this episode, Andrew and Luke break down Mana Pools - a place everyone gets wrong. Most people think it's just the floodplain with some trees and the Zambezi River in the distance, but that's only 5% of it. The actual park stretches south with baobabs, rocky cliffs, and dense mopani forest most visitors never see. What makes it wild is how you experience it: you're walking through the bush with your guide, tracking elephant behavior or following a lion's footprints, not just sitting in a vehicle. It's remote enough that morning "traffic" at a spring includes elephants, wild dogs, and lions all passing through at once. Whether you're a photographer wanting the best shots of your life or just after a genuinely spiritual safari experience, this place delivers different.Learn about our Mana Pools safari: https://wild-eye.com/trip-report-mana-pools-and-kanga-camp-14824/Visit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com/

What does it take to fly alongside migrating birds… and then turn your attention to one of the most misunderstood species on Earth?In this episode of the Wild Eye Podcast, Gabby sits down with Sacha Dench - conservationist, adventurer, UN Ambassador for Migratory Species, and founder of Conservation Without Borders. Known globally as “The Human Swan,” Sacha has spent years using extraordinary expeditions to tell the story of migration, climate change and habitat connectivity.From her early life growing up across Australia and Europe, to overcoming a fear of flying and launching world-renowned aerial conservation journeys, Sacha shares how adventure became her vehicle for impact.We explore her latest global mission, Flight of the Vultures - a bold, multi-expedition project highlighting the rapid decline of vulture populations across continents. Why vultures? Why now? And how do we shift public perception of a species that quietly keeps ecosystems healthy, yet faces one of the fastest collapses of any bird group in the world?This conversation dives into resilience, storytelling, global collaboration, and the power of reframing how we see wildlife.Whether you're a photographer, conservationist, field guide or simply someone who cares about wild places, this episode challenges us to look up, look closer, and think differently about the species we often overlook.Visi the YWPSA website: https://www.ywpofsa.co.za/Visit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com/

In this podcast Don and Gerry pull apart the psychology of spending money, specifically what choosing an experience like a safari over stuff says about who you actually are.They work through why money can buy happiness but only up to the point where basic needs are met, the difference between happiness and contentment, and why chasing something is neurologically more satisfying than having it.Gerry brings in biophilia to explain why Africa hits differently, and why a safari's uncertainty, patience and hardship does more for your head than a passive beach holiday ever will.The episode lands on one clear idea: you're not buying nine days in the bush, you're buying ten months of anticipation and memories people are still talking about a decade later.Visit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com

Last year Andrew and Luke both visited Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for the first time, staying at Buhoma Lodge as their base for gorilla trekking. In this episode they unpack what makes this place so special, from the location right inside the park boundary to the way the whole operation is built around making your trekking experience as smooth as possible. They also get into the afternoon activities, the Batwa people, the Ride for a Woman initiative, and a few stories you probably won't find in any travel brochure.Find out more about our Uganda safaris: https://wild-eye.com/uganda-photo-safaris/

In this episode of the Wild Eye podcast, Gerry confronts the "identity crisis" currently dividing wildlife photographers. He argues that if you use Lightroom masking, Denoise, or Topaz, you are already using AI. Whether you admit it or not.Gerry explores how synthetic imagery is rapidly consuming the entry-level market and why the "lived experience", the wind on your face and the physical grit of the bush, is your last true differentiator. He provides a practical framework for using captions as "proof of presence" and shares an ethics statement to help photographers draw their own line between technical enhancement and digital fabrication.The episode concludes with a direct challenge: stop the existential crisis, define your "why," and decide exactly where you stand in this new reality.Vsit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com

Grant Marcus has been living and guiding in Madikwe Game Reserve since 2011, so when it comes to knowing this place inside out, he's your guy. In this conversation, Danny and Grant get into what makes Madikwe tick — the dramatic landscape that shifts from Kalahari red sand to Bushveld in a single drive, the extreme seasons that'll either freeze you or cook you, and the wildlife that goes way beyond the obvious. They talk rhinos with full horns, brown hyena den sites, world-class birding, a wild dog chase that didn't quite pay off, and the story of how over 10,000 animals were moved to essentially build this reserve from nothing. If you've never heard of Madikwe or you're still on the fence about going, this one's worth your time.Visit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com

In this episode Johan and Luke have a conversation about the Lower Zambezi and why it's become one of Wild Eye's key safari destinations over the past few years. The discussion covers how the partnership with Classic Zambia came together, what makes the camps work for photographers, and why this place has quietly overtaken South Luangwa as Zambia's premier photographic destination.They talk about those intense first trips that left everyone shellshocked, the guides who understand photographers and will stay out all day when the moment demands it, and some wild sighting stories, including leopards killing crocodiles in the river. The conversation touches on October's heat, the ethics of getting the shot, and why that winter-thorn forest backdrop makes Lower Zambezi special. Plus why you need to get on the water at least once, even if it means skipping a game drive.Visit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.comView our Lower Zambezi safaris: https://wild-eye.com/photographic-travel/lower-zambezi-photo-safari/

In this episode of the Wild Eye Podcast, I’m joined by Brent, Mammal and Bird Scientist at Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, to unpack what threatened species conservation actually looks like on the ground. From Blue Swallows and vultures to cheetah and elephant management, this is a candid conversation about science, decision-making, and the realities that don’t always make headlines.This episode goes beyond celebration and recognition. It’s about responsibility, accountability, and why the future of our wildlife depends on more than just good data - it depends on bold action.Visit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.comVisit the YWPSA website: https://www.ywpofsa.co.za

In this episode, Johan and Don share some thoughts on some of the best National Parks in Africa.Read the blog here: https://wild-eye.com/africas-best-national-parks/Visit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com

Odzala is a vast rainforest national park in the Republic of Congo with some of the world's most critically endangered wildlife including forest elephants, gorillas, chimps, pangolins, and species most people will never encounter anywhere else.In this episode, Andrew interviews his two guides, Dylan and Pedro. They come from completely different worlds - Dylan worked his way through South Africa's top reserves before chasing something wilder; Pedro left a luxury retail job in Brussels after one safari experience, retrained as a guide, and basically rebuilt his entire life around Africa. They talk about what makes Odzala genuinely special (it's wild, you have to work for sightings, there's always something new), the rare species living there, and how the place fundamentally changes how you see nature.Visit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com/

In this podcast Johan and Donavan chat about different fishing destination in Africa, why they are amazing and even whether you can combine any of them with a safari experience.Visit the Wild Eye website here: https://wild-eye.com

In this episode, Don and Danny unpack everything to do with a Wildebeest. From the different species and their subspecies, to what they eat, what eats them. They talk about the migration and what role this plays on the environment. It is an animal mostly overlooked while on safari, but there is way more than meets the eye.Read the wildebeest blog here: https://wild-eye.com/learn-more-about-the-wildebeest/Visit the Wild Eye website here: https://wild-eye.com

In this episode Gerry and Luke chat about exciting changes to our Kenyan safari offerings as well as the stunning new Enkishui Safari Camp!Visit the Wild Eye website here: https://wild-eye.com/photographic-travel/masai-mara-photo-safari/Visit the Enkishui website here: https://www.enkishuisafaricamp.com

In this episode Andrew and Danny chat about what a photographic safari guide actually does, and why it's basically the same job as being a golf caddie.They talk about what a photographic safari guide actually does by comparing it to being a golf caddie. A caddie knows the course, understands equipment, thinks ahead, reads conditions, and coaches their player. They do the same thing. They know animal behavior, understand cameras, anticipate what's coming, position the vehicle right, read light and wind, and coach guests on their settings. It's about preparation and trust. When guests get great shots, that's the win - they're happy in the background.Visit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com

In this episode, Danny and Donovan dig into the question everyone asks: when should you actually go on safari? They break down the real differences between seasons and what will actually give you the best experience.They cover South Africa, Botswana, East Africa, and Zambia — when to go for big cats, when for walking safaris, and why "best time" really depends on what you're after. If you're planning a safari trip and tired of conflicting advice, this one cuts through it. They also share their honest picks for first-time safari goers and why you might choose differently depending on whether you want leopards, heat, or fewer crowds.Perfect for anyone trying to figure out when to book their African safari without breaking the bank or arriving in the rainy season.Visit the Wild Eye website and plan your next safari here: https://wild-eye.com/

What if saving the planet started with understanding the human mind?In this episode, Gabby chats with Dr Andrea Marais-Potgieter, a conservation psychologist whose work explores how our thoughts, fears, and values shape the way we treat the natural world. From Western Leopard Toads in Cape Town to community projects across the globe, Andrea reveals why real conservation begins within - and how hope, empathy, and imagination can change everything. Together, they unpack the psychology of conservation, talk about the emotional side of climate change, and explore what it truly means to “accompany” another species.This conversation invites you to pause, reflect, and ask: What kind of relationship do I want with nature?Visit the YWP website here: https://www.ywpofsa.co.za/Visit Dr Marais-Potgieter's website here: https://conservationpsychology.co.za/Visit the Wild Eye website here: https://wild-eye.com/

In this episode, Gabby Sykora sits down with wildlife photographer, author, and filmmaker Armand Grobler, whose life is deeply entwined with the African wilderness. From catching snakes in suburban Australia inspired by Steve Irwin to spending nearly 300 days a year living in tents across Botswana and South Africa, Armand’s story is one of grit, humility, and relentless passion.He shares how his debut book Photo Safari Kruger became a bestseller, what inspired his deeply personal new work Eden: Soul of Africa, and why integrity and passion matter more than awards in the world of wildlife photography. Expect reflections on guiding, ethics, fear, creativity, and how living close to nature transforms both the artist and the person.Visit the YWPSA website here: https://www.ywpofsa.co.za/Find Armand on IG at: https://www.instagram.com/armand_grobler_photography/

In this episode Gerry shares some of his favorite mobile apps for safaris, expeditions, photography and travel.They are:TripIt Pro – Travel booking organizerPolarsteps – Travel journal with mappingAiralo – eSIM data providerLightroom Mobile – Mobile photo editorSnapseed – Quick photo editingPremiere iPhone – Mobile video editorProject Indigo – Adobe raw camera appHalide – Manual camera controlSpectre – Long-exposure photographyMerlin Birds – Bird ID by soundRoberts – East Africa bird guideEast Africa – Regional bird guideSeek by iNaturalist – AI wildlife identifierStar Walk 2 – Sky identificationSkyview – AR sky viewerGood luck and happy shooting!Visit the Wild Eye website here: https://wild-eye.com/

In this episode Gerry share some thoughts on his recent photo tour to Brazil's Pantanal.Join a Pantanal Safari: https://wild-eye.com/photographic-travel/jaguars-of-the-pantanal/Visit the Wild Eye Website: https://wild-eye.com/

In this episode Gerry shares some thoughts about Imagen AI, the AI editing software that promises to make your culling and workflow a whole lot easier.Visit the Imagen website here: https://wild-eye.com/Visit the Wild Eye website here: https://imagen-ai.com/