Safari Stories
Trunks & Tracks Co-founders Jomi Krobb and Hadley Pierce share wild stories about what life is like on safari in the African bush. Safari Stories is a light-listening podcast with short episodes to make you laugh, learn about the bush, and fall in love with Africa.
Episodes
Episode 52: The Secretive Creatures of the Congo Rainforest
This week, we chat about the last camp we visited while exploring Congo’s Odzala-Kokoua National Park: Mboko Camp. Here, we embarked on various adventures both by boat and on foot and encountered many unexpected forest creatures (from golden forest elephants to a daytime sighting of an African palm civet) including one of the true crown jewels of the Congo rainforest. Tune in to find out which one
Episode 51: Waist-Deep in Congo’s Lango Bai
This week, we continue our journey through Congo’s Odzala National Park as we arrive at Lango Camp, set beside one of the region’s remarkable forest bais (a clearing in the rainforest). From kayaking the Lekoli River and tracking forest elephants on foot to wading through ancient swamp channels and encountering spotted hyenas after dark, this episode captures the raw, immersive experience that mak
Episode 50: Republic of the Congo - Welcome to the jungle
In this episode, we chat about our recent trip to the Republic of the Congo (not the DRC). Starting with explorations of the capital city Brazzaville and then venturing into Odzala National Park where we embarked on several adventure filled treks in search of Western Lowland Gorillas.
Episode 49: Is Mala Mala South Africa's Finest Game-Viewing Destination?
Is Mala Mala South Africa’s best wildlife viewing destination? This week we talk about our visit to this iconic lodge and property. The game viewing stats speak for themselves but will the reality of our time there match the incredible reputation of the area? Find out by listening.
Episode 48: The Leopards of Londolozi
In this week's episode we talk about leopards, leopards, leopards and why Londolozi is such a phenomenal destination to view these magnificent cats
Episode 47: The Mababe Depression
We visited the Mababe Depression last year after the highly anticipated opening of Mokete Camp. The area completely blew us away and as a wildlife destination now ranks amongst our favourite in all of Botswana. Listen hereto find out why!
Episode 46: Dinaka Part 2
We head back out to the Dinaka lion pride that same afternoon, this time watching them come to the camp waterhole for a drink before the youngsters decide to play in the lodge and then confront the resident honey badger
Episode 45: Dinaka Part 1
We're in the Central Kalahari this week, at the fabulous Dinaka Camp, where we chat about a truly insane morning spent with a pride of lions.
Episode 44: South Georgia
After a bit of a summer hiatus we conclude the Antarctic part of this season with an episode about the crown jewels of the Southern Ocean, South Georgia, a marine wildlife mecca.
Episode 43: Action on the Antarctic Peninsula
This week, we plunge into the frigid waters off the Antarctic Peninsula and recount some epic sightings, including watching humpback whales feed (from a nearby zodiac), a large pod of killer whales bow-riding the ship, and leopard seals hunting penguins.
Episode 42: The South Shetland Islands
Land ho! After crossing the Drake Passage, we finally reach the South Shetland Islands and all the amazing wildlife that calls it home. Jomi shares what it’s like
going out on your first excursion (a zodiac cruise or landing) and some of the most memorable sightings he has had there. Think: playful seals, newborn gentoo penguin chicks, and some gnarly interactions between nesting penguins and pred
Episode 41: Crossing the Drake Passage
How does one get to Antarctica? What’s it like to cross the Drake Passage? This week, we talk about what traveling down to Antarctica entails, from getting to Ushuaia, to heading out through the Beagle Channel, and into the famously turbulent Drake Passage. We also introduce some of the wildlife you might encounter at the start of an expedition to the southern-most continent. Wandering albatrosses
Episode 40: Exploring Antarctica, Part II
In the second part of ‘Exploring Antarctica,’ we discuss Scott and Amundsen’s race to the South Pole and Shackleton’s Transantarctic Expedition saga…the famous story of the Endurance.
Episode 39: Exploring Antarctica, Part I
What’s it like to spend months down in the Antarctic? It’s the world’s driest, highest, coldest, windiest and least inhabitable continent and Jomi has spent the last two austral summers (northern hemisphere winters) exploring it. This season, we explore it with him. Part one of this two-part episode sets the scene of the remoteness of the inhospitable Antarctic continent by taking a look at how it
Episode 38: Lions Galore at Vumbura Plains
Three days packed full with amazing lion sightings. That’s what awaited us during our most recent return to Vumbura Plains camp. From three massive males feeding on a buffalo kill, to a lioness nursing her cub beside her lechwe kill, to an adorable reunion between the cubs and mother lionesses of a pride, it was an action packed, lion filled stay, and we are bring you all the details of the variou
Episode 37: Wild Dogs Dig a Den at Chitabe
We’re back at Chitabe this week to round up the second part of our recent safari there. Sightings included following a large male leopard hunting by day and seeing a pack of 19 wild dogs digging their dens (plural) for TWO pregnant females.
Episode 36: Predator Pandemonium at Chitabe
Jomi and Hadley go to the renowned Chitabe, whose reputation as one of the top camps in one of the most productive parts of the Okavango does not disappoint one bit as predators show up in numbers. They include a cheetah mother with SIX cubs, a young leopard trying not to drop its impala meal and four lions that try to ruin the leopard’s day.
Episode 35: Tubu Tree Part 2: Lions on the Hunt
Are lions nocturnal? Not entirely, and definitely not at Tubu Tree. Join us in the Okavango Delta as we recount some epic sightings of lions hunting during the day. What was on the menu? Find out here...
Episode 34: Tubu Tree's Leopard Dynasty
We’re back! After a healthy hiatus, we come back to you while on safari in Botswana's Okavango Delta, reflecting on a few incredible days at the wonderful Tubu Tree Camp. We talk about our gifted guide, Kambango Delta, discuss some Tubu leopard family history, and how we’ve seen more leopard history in the making!
Episode 33: Walks of Life Art with Cannon Winkler
Jomi chats with Cannon Winkler about his Walks of Life art, a series of paintings inspired by his time in the African bush. Cannon uses direct moulds and castes of tracks which he paints onto canvas to create his paintings. A portion of proceeds from selling the paintings are donated to African Parks. We talk about what Cannon enjoyed about his time in the bush, what distinguishes his paintings an
Episode 32: Mombo Magic: A leopard sighting we will never forget
On our last day in the Okavango Delta, we have a series of sightings at Mombo Camp that absolutely blow our minds and leave Hadley speechless and Jomi in tears. A young male leopard puts on a spectacular show for us, attempting to snuff warthogs out of burrows on the ground before climbing into a tree above the burrow to try for an aerial approach. The next day, we spend the whole afternoon with t
Episode 31: Looking for Leopards at Tubu Tree
We are back in the Delta and talking about our time at Tubu Tree Camp, a camp set in the trees on an island in the Okavango Delta. While looking for leopard (the area is renowned for its leopard viewing), we stumbled upon so many other animals and ended up spending hours alone with a pack of hunting and playing wild dogs. Listen as we share some of our favorite sightings, why this camp is so speci
Episode 30: Vumbura Plain Madness, pt. 2
This week, we’re back at Vumbura Plains talking about the second game drive we went on in this slice of safari paradise. Seeing various nocturnal animals by day, another elephant carcass, tracking lions through channels from one island to the next, and an incredible sighting of a predator stalking some very large prey to cap off the drive: this is another action-packed episode from the heart of th
Episode 29: Vumbura Plain Madness
“From the moment we landed, we were in safari heaven.” This week, we are at Vumbura Plains on the northern side of the Okavango Delta. The area has to be one of the most productive safari areas we have ever been to. Listen in as we share the story of our incredible drive from the airstrip to the lodge which included elephants, buffalo, and two cheeky warthogs chasing a pack of wild dogs away from
Episode 28: The Magical Linyanti
A lion pride feeding on an elephant carcass, herds of elephants swimming across the Linyanti channel, and so much more. This week, Jomi and Hadley come to you from Botswana’s Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. Find out how it’s different from the Okavango Delta, why it’s so special, and what amazing surprise Jomi and Hadley got while out on game drive! Bonus: find out which special bird Jomi finally manag
Episode 27: Into the Okavango Delta
This week, Jomi and Hadley come to you from Botswana’s famed Okavango Delta. They tell stories from their time at the stunning Qorokwe Camp, including stumbling upon a pride of lions walking across a rickety wooden bridge and tracking down the famed male lion known as “Tripod,” and more!
Episode 26: A Cracking Kruger Safari
This week, we reflect on our latest trip to South Africa, specifically recalling some of our favourite sightings while in the Kruger National Park. From seeing a male white lion, to strange baboon behaviour, and cheetahs on the hunt, this episode is all about the safari stories!
Episode 25: Connecting with the Bush
This week, Jomi is by himself in the Kruger National Park, reflecting on a month well spent in the South African bush. He recalls some highlights from his last week in South Africa, which include a camping excursion to the unique Makuya Game Reserve, an afternoon spent looking for Pel's fishing owl and a morning birding adventure with old friends and an unlikely visitor. Jomi reflects on why he an
Episode 24: Boys in the Bush, pt. 2
In this week's episode, Jomi sits down with Hein Myers to chat about Marataba, a game reserve in South Africa where they both worked as guides several years ago. They recall some of their favourite vehicle and trail-based sightings, which include a very special black rhino sighting at a dam, encounters with territorial hippos, male lions using tactics to hunt impala successfully, habituating leopa
Episode 23: A Kgalagadi Safari
In Season 3's first episode, Jomi and Hadley come to you live from the South African bush. They sit down with Mike Anderson and tell stories of their most recent safari to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Tune in to find out where the name "Kgalagadi" comes from, what makes this part of the world so special, their top three most memorable sightings, and one of the strangest sightings they've ever had
Episode 22: Walking from Cape Town to Cairo with Bruce Lawson
On the last episode of Season 2, Jomi comes to you from Hoedspruit, South Africa with a true bush legend: Bruce Lawson. Bruce tells us what it’s like to live in Antarctica, what drove him to decide to spent two years walking from Cape Town to Cairo (that’s right), how he helped to create the Trails Guide qualification, and why primitive trails and birding are his passion. This is an absolute must-
Episode 21: Boys in the Bush, with Hein Myers
This week, Jomi is in White River, South Africa talking to best friend and Africa expert, Hein Myers (and his 10-week-old jack russell puppy, who makes more than one appearance). This week's episode is full of laughs, reminiscing, and stories of some of the shenanigans Jomi and Hein have gotten up to while working in the bush over the last 6 years. They also cover some practical topics like why Ma
Episode 20: From the Congo to the Kalahari with Safari Guide Sarah Nurse
This week Jomi comes to you from out in the bush (seriously--you'll hear all the sounds of nature) with friend and guide extraordinaire, Sarah Nurse. Sarah shares how she got into the guiding industry, what has kept her in it for the last decade, and how she went from tracking chimpanzees in the Congo to tracking pangolin in the Kalahari!
Episode 19: Insane Sabi Sands Sightings with Head Guide Dan Fincham
This week, we chat to Dan Fincham, head guide at Savanna Lodge in the Sabi Sands, which falls within South Africa's Kruger National Park. Dan shares some of the incredible sightings he’s had and why the game-viewing at Savanna is arguably second to none in this area. From a lion pride taking down a buffalo over the course of an hour to watching two leopards grow from cubs to adulthood and raising
Episode 18: Chatting with Safari Guide Trainer, Mike Anderson
This week, on location from Kruger National Park, Jomi chats with Safari Guide Trainer, Mike Anderson. Mike has guided at various five star lodges in South Africa’s lowveld and now spends his time sharing his profound bush knowledge and passion with the next generation of students training to become safari guides. Jomi and Mike discuss an incredible sighting of wild dogs they had this week, what i
Episode 17: Antarctic Safari with Michelle Sole
This week, Jomi comes to you live from the South African bush with our first guest on the show: Michelle Sole! From guiding safaris in South African to guiding polar expeditions in Antarctica and the Arctic, Michelle shares some stories from her adventures guiding around the globe over the last decade. Tune in to find out what it's like to go from viewing rhino, elephants, and lions in the African
Episode 16: Safari Guide Courses
Have you ever dreamed about spending two weeks in the African bush learning about the animals, the tracks they leave in the soil, the stars of the southern hemisphere? What about for 4 weeks? Or 4 months? Or a full year? Luckily for you, all those options exist.In this week's episode, Jomi and Hadley talk about the safari guiding courses they did as well as some of the many new courses that are a
Episode 15: What Was That Sound?!
This week, Jomi and Hadley share some more of their favorite sounds of the African bush. From a bird call that they have a love-hate relationship with, to a hair-raising sound that most guides are all too familiar with. And what cat sounds like someone using an old saw to cut a log? Listen in to find out!
Ep. 14: The Morning Report
This week, Jomi & Hadley talk about what's making headlines on the African continent. Why were elephants dying in Botswana earlier this year? What has been going on in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe? Which countries are open for travel? Find out this week!
Episode 13: Wow, did that really just happen?!
This week, Jomi and Hadley go back to basics and tell some good old-fashioned bush stories. From a gruesome lion kill to spotting one of Africa’s shyest creatures on foot, each of these sightings left Jomi and Hadley gaping at each other, wondering “did that really just happen?!”
Episode 12: Capturing the Moment on Safari
In this week’s episode, Jomi and Hadley discuss some of their favorite sightings and photographs taken in the bush. They talk about how photography is constantly evolving and how things like social media have altered—if not outright stigmatized—the practice of taking photos. While describing some of their favorite photos and videos, Jomi and Hadley walk you through the various ways you can documen
Episode 11: The 7 Must-See Africa Documentaries
They’re back! Having finished Tiger King, The Last Dance, and too many other Netflix series to count, Hadley and Jomi found themselves returning time and time again to the ‘Nature’ genre of Netflix. In Safari Stories’ first episode of Season 2, find out which Africa documentaries, shows, and movies made their list of the absolute best, must-see films & series to get you ready and excited for your
Episode 10: Overlanding Adventures
What is overlanding? Hadley and Jomi share some of their chaotic adventures while overlanding through Namibia in this week’s episode. Find out how challenges such as dodgy ferry crossings, flat tires and broken fridges were overcome and why the sheer beauty and raw nature of Namibia makes it all more than worth it.
Episode 9: Fighting Fire
This week, Jomi and Hadley recount their experiences fighting fire (and the other elements) in the African bush. From fire-beaters to make-shift fire trucks, canoeing out of camp and roads washing away, this episode describes what it's like experiencing the radical highs and lows of the elements in the bush.
Episode 8: Why Birding is the Best & Everyone Should Do It!
Did you know there is a bird that, after learning to fly, doesn’t set foot on land again for four YEARS?! And that there is a bird who sheds all its feathers to help insulate its eggs from the cold? In this week’s episode, Jomi and Hadley share stories about some of the super cool things birds do, why anyone can be a birder, and why everyone should!
Episode 7: Wild Bush Stories
It’s time for some more safari stories! This week Hadley and Jomi share some more of their wildest and most memorable experiences in the bush. From a leopard walking past their bedroom window to a warthog giving Jomi’s guests the fright of their life, these stories are testimony to why being in the bush is so addictive.
Episode 6, Part 2: Planning Your First Safari
With travel restrictions slowly easing around the world, people are beginning to dream of when and where they will be able to travel next. For those dreaming of wide open spaces and remote nature, Africa may just be the perfect destination. In this week's episode, Jomi and Hadley walk you through the process of planning your first safari. How do you begin? How do you narrow down which country to g
Episode 6, Part 1: Planning Your First Safari
In part 1 of this 2-part episode, Jomi & Hadley answer the questions they often get asked by people thinking about traveling to Africa: Is it safe? Will I get malaria? Is there Wi-Fi? Can my kids come? …and much more! For anyone that’s thinking of going on their first safari (or is perhaps a bit nervous about going on a safari), this is an essential listen.
Episode 5: Our Favorite Places in Africa
In this week’s episode, Jomi and Hadley reminisce on some of their favorite places in Africa and quickly walk you through what makes these places so special. They reveal their favorite place to: go on a walking safari, get off the beaten tourist track, go on a first time safari, feel like it’s your first time to Africa even if it’s your tenth, and more. They’ll also reveal what countries they are
Episode 4: "What Was That Sound?!"
While on safari, it's not uncommon to wake up in the middle of the night to an unfamiliar sound. But what was that sound?! In this week's episode, Jomi and Hadley walk you through some of the most common (and their favorite) sounds of the bush. You'll learn what animal makes each sound, what it means, and why it's so special to get to hear it.
Episode 3: In the Animal House
Want to know what it’s like living in the bush? In this week’s episode, Jomi and Hadley share some of the craziest (funniest) experiences they’ve had living in the bush. Find out which animal would wake them up in the middle of the night, which creature sent Hadley to the hospital, and as a bonus: why Jomi ran 150km in 3 days last week!
Episode 2: Walking Safaris
Take a walk on the wild side! This week, Jomi and Hadley talk about walking safaris--what they are, why they love them, and why it's safe to go walking in the bush alongside some of Africa's most iconic species. Tune in to hear them tell the stories of two of their favorite walks in the African bush and why they will never forget them.
Episode 1: "How on Earth Did We Get Here?"
Do you ever look around and wonder to yourself, how on earth did I get here? Well, we recently wondered the same and we got to reflecting on how we ended up moving to Africa, becoming safari guides, and all that followed. During this week's episode we discuss what brought us to Africa, why we fell in love with the continent, and why it's impossible to only go to Africa once.
Recommended
Wisdom of the Sages
The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes
Wild animals train
The Drew Mariani Show
TechCrunch Daily Crunch
The Austin Sessions : Art of Knowing
From Start-Up to Grown-Up
Learn Spanish a lo Boricua
Nailed It Ortho
ADHD Human Design
Central Line by American Society of Anesthesiologists - a podcast series for the anesthesia community
Leadership Sandbox: Strategies to Uplevel Workplace Communication, Team Collaboration, and Your Corporate Culture
