Safari Life with Bobby-Jo

Imagine sitting under a tree in the middle of the Tanzanian bush, surrounded by Maasai elders and young warriors. They've just slaughtered a goat, and as the only woman there, I'm trying to absorb the weight of the moment. This isn't just any meeting; they are debating the future of lions in their homeland, and an elder has just asked the most direct question possible: "Do you guys want lions in Ngorongoro or not?"In this episode, the third in our series with the incredible team at KopeLion, I take you into the field for some of the most profound experiences I’ve ever had. We start by tracking a collared lioness with a group of Maasai warriors (who were just as excited as I was to see her climb a tree!), but the real heart of this story is the community meeting I was privileged to witness.I sit down with KopeLion co-founder, William Ole Seki, an inspiring Maasai leader who talks us through the complexities of human-wildlife coexistence. He shares the powerful story of a young warrior who was mauled by a lion but now fiercely advocates for their protection. It’s an unbelievable story of forgiveness and understanding. We also get to meet some of the other unsung heroes of the team, like Lillian, the outreach officer changing young minds, and the mechanic who keeps the whole operation moving on some of the toughest roads in Africa!If you enjoy the episode, would you mind giving it a quick review or rating? I love reading your comments as well!To get in touch via social media:Instagram: @bobbyjosafarisFacebook: Bobby-Jo SafarisAnd to explore upcoming safaris: Bobby-Jo SafarisThis is a Podvan Media production.

In this episode, I’m on the ground in Ngorongoro with the KopeLion team, and I walk into a situation that just completely blows my mind. I was heading into a Maasai Boma to take a portrait of one of the Ilchokuti (the lion guardians), when I was told I couldn't go in because his wife had literally just given birth inside their tiny home moments before! No doctors, no hospital, just the traditional midwives of the village. I was utterly blown away!From there, I head off with the team that are treating some injured livestock, and you will not believe what was attacking them and biting their tails clean off - to have as an afternoon snack! Join me as I spend the day with these incredible guardians, hearing their stories (with the help of my brilliant translator and friend, Kimani), and documenting the vital work they do to protect their communities and the lions they live alongside.Get in touch via social media:Instagram: @bobbyjosafarisFacebook: Bobby-Jo SafarisAnd to explore upcoming safaris: Bobby-Jo SafarisIf you love wild stories, hit play, leave a review, and share with your fellow safari lovers!This is a Podvan Media production.

It’s a brutal catch-22 in conservation: what happens when lion numbers start to grow? The conflict with the local community often grows with them. Tragically, in Ngorongoro, a recent increase in lions attacking livestock has led to more retaliation killings, and it’s an incredibly challenging time on the ground.In this episode, I’m back at Mama Simba’s and I get to introduce you to someone very special. Ololotu Munka is the Executive Director of Kope Lion, and he also happens to be my new boss! His story is genuinely inspiring. He applied for a job with the organisation years ago and wasn’t successful, but his passion for conservation and his community drove him to try again, and now he’s leading the entire team!Ololotu talks us through the huge challenges the Kope Lion team is facing right now. He explains how they get information when a lion is killed, how they use GPS collars on ‘problem’ lions to prevent attacks, and the incredible work the Ilchokuti do on the ground to find and treat hundreds of livestock attacked by predators. It’s a raw and honest look at the front line of human-wildlife conflict.Get in touch via social media:Instagram: @bobbyjosafarisFacebook: Bobby-Jo SafarisAnd to explore upcoming safaris: Bobby-Jo SafarisIf you love wild stories, hit play, leave a review, and share with your fellow safari lovers!This is a Podvan Media production.

OK, before I get to how I just got chased by a lion...I've gotta say, I was so angry and sad when I saw some footage online recently. Dozens of tourists had gotten out of their vehicles at the Mara River crossing on the Serengeti side, some standing on the roofs of their cars, others sitting right on the riverbank. This is completely illegal and incredibly dangerous, and it was all happening as a huge herd of wildebeest were attempting one of the most stressful moments of their lives.In this episode, I talk you through the chaos that unfolded and what I think needs to be done to protect these animals from this kind of tourist pressure. I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming these crossings are for the wildebeest (I’ve cried while taking photos of calves being forced over cliffs), and we really need to talk about how to manage these sightings better, from permits and fines to the responsibilities of the guides.But it's not all frustration out here! I also share one of the most wholesome and beautiful sightings I've had in a long time. By sitting patiently and giving them space, I was rewarded with an intimate view into the world of a black-backed jackal family and their tiny, brand-new puppies. It’s a perfect reminder that when you sit back and respect the animal's space, you get to witness the most incredible natural behaviour. Plus, I’ll tell you about the hippo I spotted doing a hilarious ‘walk of shame’ and I finish with the story of how I just got chased by a lion!!!I'd love to connect with you via social media!Instagram: @bobbyjosafarisFacebook: Bobby-Jo SafarisAnd if you'd like to explore my upcoming safaris: Bobby-Jo SafarisIf you love these stories, please leave a review, and share the podcast with your fellow safari lovers!This is a Podvan Media production.

Well, being completely on my own in a tiny, doorless vehicle when a heavily pregnant leopard decides to walk right past is a feeling I’ll never forget! I finally tracked down my first leopard of the trip, the incredible Ndoto, and the experience was sensational. She was so confident, parading between the cars, and the thrill (and slight heebie-jeebies) of having her so close while I was in a completely open vehicle was next level.In this episode, I share that heart-pounding story, and the bizarre one that followed. I came across one of the strangest things I've ever seen in the wild: a huge bull giraffe, dead, but standing perfectly upright with its head wedged in a tree. I talk you through my theory on what happened and the incredible scenes that unfolded afterwards.Plus, I share the absolute joy of finding my very own lions, calling the sighting in on the radio like a proper guide, and giving you a few of my go-to photography tips for capturing that perfect sunrise on the plains.Get in touch via social media:Instagram: @bobbyjosafarisFacebook: Bobby-Jo SafarisAnd to explore upcoming safaris: Bobby-Jo SafarisIf you love wild stories, hit play, leave a review, and share with your fellow safari lovers!This is a Podvan Media production.

Well, I just had quite a big scare! My heart's still racing! Tonight, from in my tent, I spotted a VERY close Cape Buffalo! He was so close I just thought, ‘OK, this is how it ends. I get cleaned up by a buffalo’.In this episode, I’m reporting from my first week back in Kenya, and it’s been an absolutely wild start! When I’m not teaching photography, I get to take my own little Suzuki out on solo adventures, tracking the magnificent tusker elephant Fred and having some truly spectacular encounters with giraffes in a storm. But the biggest thrill (and shock) has been a certain buffalo who seems to be making a habit of waiting for me in the dark.I also sit down with some of the incredible people I’ve met in camp. You'll hear from Abby, a 19-year-old intern who reveals what it’s like to grow up on a game reserve with a very unusual pet. Then, you'll feel the rush of a first-time safari through the eyes of 14-year-old Archie, who witnesses a dramatic life-and-death struggle between lions and hyenas on his first-ever night drive. It’s been a crazy week and this is only the beginning!Get in touch via social media:Instagram: @bobbyjosafarisFacebook: Bobby-Jo SafarisAnd to explore upcoming safaris: Bobby-Jo SafarisIf you love wild stories, hit play, leave a review, and share with your fellow safari lovers!This is a Podvan Media production.

In this episode, I’m coming to you from one of the most incredible trips of my life. It's my maiden voyage through Sri Lanka with six brilliant Honey Badgers by my side. From bogged safari vehicles and thunderstorms to magical moments like releasing baby turtles into the ocean, this adventure had it all!I’ll take you inside the wild parks of Yala, Kumana, and Wilpattu, where we searched high and low for Sri Lanka’s leopards, dodged crocs while driving over a lake, and photographed some of the most stunning birdlife I’ve ever seen. You’ll also hear about the unforgettable characters (human and animal!) we met along the way - including a flamboyant jungle fowl that stole the show. 🐔😂Plus, you’ll get the lowdown on the elephants that act as roadside toll collectors and the hilarious, hair-raising moments that made this trip one I’ll never forget!Get in touch via social media:Instagram: @bobbyjosafarisFacebook: Bobby-Jo SafarisAnd explore upcoming safaris: Bobby-Jo Safaris💬 If you love wild stories, hit play, leave a review, and share with your fellow safari lovers!🎙️ This is a Podvan Media production.

What is it like to run a lodge on the edge of tiger country, train over two thousand wildlife guides and share your backyard with big cats? Just ask Ratna Singh, India’s very own superwoman.In this episode I am recording right on the pool deck at our beautiful base inside Kanha National Park. There are candles flickering, owls calling and the forest is only metres away, perfect for a chat with Ratna, who is one of the most inspiring women I know.We talk about• Her wild childhood growing up alongside tigers in Bandhavgarh• The leap from a career in law and the UN to tracking big cats for a living• Being the first and only female guide in several parks across India• What makes Indian safaris so unique and why tracking here keeps you sharp• How India is leading the way with conservation and how we can all helpThere are tiger tales, leopard close calls and the magic of seeing nature through new eyes. Ratna is living proof that following your instincts can change your life and protect the wild places we all love.📸 Follow along on social mediaInstagram: @bobbyjosafarisFacebook: Bobby-Jo Safaris✈️ Explore upcoming safaris: Bobby-Jo Safaris💬 If you love wild stories, hit play, leave a review and share with your fellow safari lovers!🎙️ This is a Podvan Media production.

What’s it like to search for tigers and experience India’s wilderness up close? Absolute magic – with a few surprises and lots of laughs along the way!In this episode, I’m taking you on a whirlwind journey through India’s national parks, from the rhino-filled grasslands of Kaziranga to the tiger havens of Tadoba, Kanha, and Ranthambore. Alongside my wonderful guests – Caroline, Lauren, and Susan – we share the real highs and hilarious moments of travelling on safari in India, from VIP treatment on sleeper trains to unforgettable tiger sightings.I’ll also chat about my all-time favourite spot to grab a samosa, how the mongoose and coucal became our good luck charms, and to top it all off, we finish at the Taj Mahal – still as mesmerising as ever.Come join me! 🦁 Instagram | 🐘 Facebook | 🦡 Safari ToursAnd if you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review and share it with your fellow safari lovers!This is a Podvan Media production.

What’s it like to fall asleep to the sound of lions roaring—every single night?In this episode, I’m back home in Dubbo, fresh from hosting three back-to-back safaris in Tanzania, India and Sri Lanka. But today, I’m taking you deep into the Southern Serengeti, where I kicked off the 2025 safari season with a dream crew of first-time Honey Badgers.From a brand new mobile camp nestled in lion territory to witnessing a cheetah hunt unfold in real time, this safari had it all—including a just-born baby elephant and the most wildebeest I’ve ever seen in Hidden Valley.You’ll also hear all about:• The launch of my first solo photo exhibition, A Wild Life• My favourite off-road moments in Ndutu and the Central Serengeti• The incredible wildlife sightings—including black rhino, caracal and flamingos at sunrise• Why I’m already counting down to Feb 2026 (and how you can join me!)This one’s a love letter to the place I’ll never stop returning to.Come join me! 🦁 Instagram | 🐘 Facebook | 🦡 Safari ToursAnd if you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review and share it with your fellow safari lovers!This is a Podvan Media production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when your two podcast worlds collide in a leopard-print shirt and a Camilla dress? You get this absolute belter of an episode.In this one, I’m back on the Central Coast catching up with Rabbit, my podcast mentor, editor and all-round legend, and giving him a sneak peek at some of the photos from my very first solo exhibition. From the hilarious backstory behind how we met to deep chats about art, animals and the stories behind the shots, this one’s packed.We’ll take you behind the lens on some of the wildest photos in the exhibition, including:A black leopard emerging from the dark like a ghostA giraffe giving birth in real timeMy once-in-a-lifetime bongo sighting (yes, I cried)A tiger charging through water in India’s Ranthambore National ParkAnd the real stories behind each image, from the terrifying to the hilariousCome join me! 🦁 Instagram | 🐘 Facebook | 🦡 Safari ToursAnd if you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review and share it with your fellow safari lovers!This is a Podvan Media production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s it like to build a life protecting lions in one of the wildest corners of Africa? It is a journey of courage, heartbreak and hope, and it all started with a bike ride across East Africa.In this episode, I am coming to you from Mama Simba’s house on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, where I sit down with the incredible Dr Ingela Jansson, better known as Mama Simba. Ingela is the founder of KopeLion, a groundbreaking project helping people and lions coexist in this iconic landscape.We dig into Ingela’s remarkable story, from growing up on a Swedish farm to cycling across Africa and landing a job with the legendary Serengeti Lion Project. She shares the pivotal moment that inspired her to create KopeLion, the heartbreaking challenges faced along the way, and the moments of pure joy that keep her going.Plus, we talk about the growing pressures of tourism on fragile ecosystems, the importance of ethical safaris, and how we can all do our bit to protect this magical place.Come join me! 🦁 Instagram | 🐘 Facebook | 🦡 Safari ToursAnd if you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review and share it with your fellow safari lovers!This is a Podvan Media production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s it like to grow up herding goats in lion country, then return home to protect the very animals your community once hunted?In this episode, I’m coming to you from the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, after wrapping up a ripper of a Serengeti safari with eight brand-new Honey Badgers. But it’s the days I’ve just spent with the KopeLion team that have truly filled my cup.I sit down with Kimani, a proud Maasai man and KopeLion’s Programs Coordinator, who shares what it was like growing up amongst wildlife, herding livestock from the age of five, and having his first lion encounter at just eleven years old. After years spent studying in the US, he’s back home in Ngorongoro, working to build harmony between lions and the communities that live alongside them.From dodging Cape buffalo as a kid to tracking collared lions through thick bush, Kimani’s story is a powerful look at how conservation and culture can walk hand in hand.Come join me! 🦁 Instagram | 🐘 Facebook | 🦡 Safari ToursAnd if you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review and share it with your fellow safari lovers!This is a Podvan Media production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m recording from the Southern Serengeti with one of my dearest mates and long-time safari partner, Firoz from African Mangu Safaris. We’re celebrating a decade of working together, guiding over 25 safaris and building a bond that’s become more like family than friendship.We chat about:• How our very first meeting involved a wild twist (what does SOS mean on safari? 👀)• Starting our own safari companies from scratch• Heart-stopping animal encounters, from baby elephants and charging gorillas to lions in trees• The hilarious chaos of getting stuck in the Ngorongoro Crater at night• The moment we watched a newborn elephant take its very first stepsThis is a heartfelt, hilarious and totally honest chat with a man I trust with my life - and someone you’re likely to meet if you join one of my Tanzanian safaris.Come join me! 🦁 Instagram | 🐘 Facebook | 🦡 Safari ToursAnd if you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review and share it with your fellow safari lovers!This is a Podvan Media production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s it like to kick off the safari season in the heart of the Serengeti? Absolute magic—with a few unexpected surprises along the way!In this episode, I’m coming to you from my favourite place on Earth, the Southern Serengeti, where I’ve just wrapped up two weeks as photographer-in-residence with Alex Walker’s Serian Camps. From dodging epic thunderstorms to witnessing the wildebeest calving season in full swing, it’s been an unforgettable start to 2025.I’ll take you inside life at the mobile camps, share the wildest animal encounters—including a cheetah hunt captured in real-time—and introduce you to some incredible people I’ve met along the way, like a chocolate sommelier who changed the way I see chocolate forever!Plus, I finally had a face-to-face showdown with my spirit animal—the feisty honey badger.Come join me! 🦁 Instagram | 🐘 Facebook | 🦡 Safari ToursAnd if you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review and share it with your fellow safari lovers!This is a Podvan Media production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a couple of best mates chase wildlife across the globe? Absolute chaos—and the adventure of a lifetime!In this very first episode of Safari Life with Bobby-Jo, I sit down with my longest and dearest friend, Glen, to relive our wildest safari memories. From our first African adventure in 2014—featuring aggressive elephants, an Indiana Jones-style bridge, and a surprise leopard sighting—to our latest icy expedition in Antarctica (where we got stranded at a remote military base!), this episode is packed with adventure, laughter, and a few “what were we thinking?!” moments.We also talk about trekking with gorillas in Uganda, climbing Kilimanjaro, and the one animal encounter that made me completely lose my mind!Come join me! 🦁 Instagram | 🐘 Facebook | 🦡 Safari ToursAnd if you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review and share it with your fellow safari lovers!This is a Podvan Media production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Safari Life with Bobby-Jo—a podcast where adventure meets the wild!Hosted by wildlife photographer and safari guide Bobby-Jo, this podcast takes you deep into the untamed corners of the world, sharing heart-pounding encounters, behind-the-scenes stories, and expert insights into the incredible creatures that roam our planet.From tracking big cats in Africa to photographing polar bears in the Arctic, Bobby-Jo has spent years capturing the raw beauty of wildlife. Now, she’s bringing you along for the ride! Expect thrilling stories from the field, conversations with fellow conservationists and adventurers, and a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking places on Earth.If you love wildlife, travel, and the thrill of the unknown, hit play and join the adventure!Come join me! 🦁 Instagram | 🐘 Facebook | 🦡 Safari ToursAnd if you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review and share it with your fellow safari lovers!This is a Podvan Media production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.