The Wild Eye Podcast

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/

In this episode Gerry shares a unique sighting that he recently shared with our guests in Svalbard as well as some other thoughtS from his recent Arctic expedition.Visit the Wild Eye website here: https://wild-eye.com/Join Gerry and Johan in 2027: https://wild-eye.com/photographic-travel/svalbard-arctic-expedition/

From squirrels and potholes to hadedas and the African bush, Temba Robin has made a name for himself by finding humour in the everyday. But behind the jokes is a storyteller with a deep love for wild spaces and a gift for helping people see nature in a new light.In this episode, Gabby goes beyond the laughs to talk about Temba’s journey, what inspires his creativity, and how comedy can be used to spark real conversations about conservation. It’s thoughtful, funny, and packed with those “only-in-Africa” stories that make you smile while you think a little deeper.Visit Themba Robin's website: https://thembarobin.com/Visit the YWPSA website: https://www.ywpofsa.co.za/Visit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com/

In this episode Danny and Matt share a quick update from the banks of the Mara and the amazing Enkishui Safari Camp!Visit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com/Learn more about Enkishui here: https://wild-eye.com/enkishui-mara-camp/

In this episode, Gerry shares a quick update from Longyearbyen as he is about to start our wonderful Svalbard Arctic for expedition.Find out more here: https://wild-eye.com/photographic-travel/svalbard-arctic-expedition/

In this deeply personal and heartwarming episode of the Wild Eye Podcast, Gabby sits down with her 82-year-old grandfather, Terry Ashmore, a lifelong bird lover, wildlife photographer, mineralogist and chemist, with decades of stories to share. From early birding in the UK with second-hand binoculars to walking the first Kruger wilderness trails in the 1970s, Terry reflects on the magic of slowing down, watching nature with care, and living with curiosity. He shares memories of rare bird sightings, close calls on foot, the joys of handwritten field guides, and his thoughtful, minimalist approach to photography. With humour, wisdom, and passion, this episode is a rare glimpse into a quieter, more intentional way of experiencing the wild, and a touching reminder of the stories that deserve to be passed downVisit the YPWSA website here: https://www.ywpofsa.co.za/Visit the Wild Eye website here: https://wild-eye.com/

Many wildlife photographers get so caught up chasing the perfect shot that they miss the very emotion that drew them to nature in the first place. In this episode, Gerry explores the psychology of awe - that profound feeling of being dwarfed by something magnificent - and how the technical pursuit of photography can actually block this transformative experience. From the pressure of social media validation to the "Walter Mitty moment" of choosing presence over documentation, Gerry examines when putting the camera down might capture something far more valuable than any photograph ever could.Find your own awe on the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com/