Broadcasting from the banks of the Chobe River in Botswana, I sit down with Lebo, one of the inspiring “Chobe Angels” at Chobe Game Lodge — home to Africa’s first all-female safari guiding team.

We talk about her journey from a village near Gaborone to guiding in Chobe National Park, the realities of working in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Lebo shares honest stories about:

The pressure guides face when guests expect “all the Big Five by tomorrow morning”, and the serious impact of off-roading and why protecting the ecosystem matters more than getting the perfect photo. She reminisces about guests cheering on a giraffe to outrun a lion, and the difficult but necessary reality of the “cycle of life” in the bush.

This episode explores conservation, empowerment, guest expectations, and why protecting the ecosystem matters more than the perfect photo. It’s a powerful reminder that safari is not just about the animals — it’s about the people who dedicate their lives to protecting them.

Deutsch: Du kannst diesen Podcast auch auf Deutsch hören: “Africa with André auf Deutsch”

** Please tell your friends about this podcast, and leave me a rating on Spotify or Apple. I would love to hear from you - send me your questions, comments and ideas to podcast@africawithandre.com **

Chobe Game Lodge: https://www.chobegamelodge.com/about-us/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africa_with_andre

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Sound credits: uppbeat.io/ and https://pixabay.com/

Can you really take children on safari…?

In this episode we explore the magic, and the practical realities, of taking children on safari. Where early wake-up calls meet endless curiosity, and where animal dung can be just as exciting as spotting a leopard.

We talk honestly about: The right age to take kids on safari, private vehicles (sanity-savers for everyone), Malaria questions and how to balance family time and adult time.

I’m joined by 3 guests:

Lex, who shares what it’s like going on game drive with her own young children — including why seeing safari through a child’s eyes makes you notice the small things again.

Laura, who tells us about South Africa’s iconic Sabi Sabi Reservenear the Kruger National Park, where kids can join game drives and dive into creative, hands-on bush education at the Elephant Centre — no screens, just spoor tracking and sand art.

And finally, Manuela from Mziki Safari Lodge, tells us what happens when children build shelters, purify water, learn fire-making skills, and graduate as certified Junior Rangers.

Deutsch: Du kannst diesen Podcast auch auf Deutsch hören: “Africa with André auf Deutsch”

** Please tell your friends about this podcast, and leave me a rating on Spotify or Apple. I would love to hear from you- send me your questions, comments and ideas to podcast@africawithandre.com **

Ultimate Safaris, Namibia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Five_game

Somalisa Acacia Camp, Zimbabwe: https://africanbushcamps.com/experiences/somalisa-acacia/

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, South Africa: https://www.sabisabi.com/lodges/bush-lodge

Mziki Safari Lodge, South Africa: https://www.mziki.co.za/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africa_with_andre

Subscribe to Email reminders when episodes go live: www.africawithandre.com

Sound credits: uppbeat.io/ and https://pixabay.com/

The Big Five might get all the attention - but game viewing goes way beyond lions, leopards and large grey animals.

Travel with me to Botswana to chat with Grant Reed, co-founder of Letaka Safaris and veteran safari guide who has spent decades exploring the bush, training guides, and reminding guests that the “Small Five,” the “Ugly Five,” and even the “Sexy Five” deserve their spotlight too.

André and Grant unpack:

• Why the “Big Five” started as a hunting term (and why guides now wince when they hear it)
• What happens when you stop chasing sightings and start chasing experiences
• Why birdwatching can be addictive, and how a “little brown job” might just steal your heart
• The magic of mobile tented safaris in Botswana, where you travel lightly and leave only footprints

It’s a conversation that celebrates the whole ecosystem: from black mambas gliding through the grass to lilac-breasted rollers painting the sky.

Because in the end, Africa’s beauty isn’t measured by the size of the animal, but by the stories you uncover when you slow down, listen, and let the bush reveal itself.

Deutsch: Du kannst diesen Podcast auch auf Deutsch hören: “Africa with André auf Deutsch”

** Please tell your friends about this podcast, and leave me a rating on Spotify or Apple. I would love to hear from you - send me your questions, comments and ideas to podcast@africawithandre.com **

The Big Five: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Five_game

Letaka Safaris: https://www.letakasafaris.com/

Marabou Stork: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marabou_stork

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africa_with_andre

Subscribe to Email reminders when episodes go live: www.africawithandre.com

Sound credits: uppbeat.io/ and https://pixabay.com/

What do rhinos, elephants… and succulents have in common? Sadly, they are all poached.

In this eye-opening (and occasionally eyebrow-raising) episode, we meet Paul Vorster from Sanbona Wildlife Reserve in South Africa’s Western Cape.

André and Paul unpack the wild world of plant poaching, where tiny succulents worth a few dollars at your local market can fuel international crime syndicates. From rhino horn smuggling to beetle collectors with big egos, this conversation sheds light on the lesser-known corners of the conservation struggle — and on the quiet heroes fighting back.

Paul also tells us how Sanbona transformed 62,000 hectares of old cattle land into one of South Africa’s most beautiful rewilded reserves.

This episode reminds us that saving Africa’s wild spaces isn’t just about the “Big Five” - it’s about every plant, insect, and person who calls it home.

Deutsch: Du kannst diesen Podcast auch auf Deutsch hören: “Africa with André auf Deutsch”

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve: https://www.sanbona.com/

CapeNature: https://www.capenature.co.za/

Klein Karoo: https://www.karoo-southafrica.com/klein-karoo/

Articles from Paul

“Daily Maverick” article: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-07-08-conviction-reveals-criminal-syndicates-shifting-focus-in-illegal-plant-trade/

Youtube video from “Daily Maverick”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRLkwZAhXQ4

👉 If you’ve enjoyed this episode or have thoughts to share, please reach out: podcast@africawithandre.com

Follow me on Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africa_with_andre

Subscribe to Email reminders when episodes go live: www.africawithandre.com

Sound credits: uppbeat.io/ and https://pixabay.com/

South Africa has long been known for more than just safaris and Table Mountain – it is an absolute paradise for foodies. In this episode, I chat with Michi, a Swiss chef and food scout who regularly visits Cape Town. He is always on the lookout for new culinary highlights.

Michi shares his favourite restaurants with us, including real insider tips such as the South China Dim Sum Bar and the stylish Hemel Huijs, explains why Willoughby's Sushi is a must for him every year – and how you can literally eat your way around the world in the Western Cape region.

We talk about Cape Town as a ‘melting pot of flavours’, the incredible quality of South African ingredients, about ostrich fillets instead of fondue – and why Scarborough is one of the most magical places in South Africa for Michi and myself.

If you already love Cape Town, or are just planning your first trip there, this episode will not only make you hungry, but also guarantee you wanderlust.

Deutsch: Du kannst diesen Podcast auch auf Deutsch hören: “Africa with André auf Deutsch”

👉 If you’ve enjoyed this episode or have thoughts to share, please reach out: podcast@africawithandre.com

Michi Angehrn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michi_eats_out

Willoughby & Co: https://willoughbyandco.co.za/

Hemel Huijs: https://www.hemelhuijs.co.za/

South China Dim Sum: https://www.facebook.com/SouthChinaDimSumBar/

Pajamas & Jam Eatery: https://www.pajamasandjam.com/

Babylonstoren: https://babylonstoren.com/

Ouzeri: https://www.ouzeri.co.za/

To make reservations: Dineplan: https://www.dineplan.com/

Jonkmanshof in Montagu: https://www.jonkmanshof.com/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africa_with_andre

Subscribe to Email reminders when episodes go live: www.africawithandre.com

Sound credits: uppbeat.io/ and https://pixabay.com/

In this episode, we head to the rugged beauty of Namibia’s Damaraland to meet some very special residents: the last 150 desert-adapted elephants. My guest, Daniel Oswald, shares how a volunteer project with the Elephant Human Relations Aid (EHRA) not only brought him face-to-trunk with these remarkable giants, but also inspired him to swop his Swiss banking career for a life in Africa tourism.

From building protective walls to prevent elephants from damaging farmers’ water pumps, to tracking herds under the blazing desert sun, Dani reveals how hands-on conservation is helping people and wildlife coexist. We talk about sleeping under the stars, the Peace and Seed education projects, and the unexpected joys (and surprises) of life in the bush.

Whether you’ve dreamed of volunteering in Africa, are fascinated by wildlife conservation, or just love a good story about life-changing journeys, this episode will leave you inspired. And maybe it will have you packing your own bag for Namibia.

Deutsch: Du kannst diesen Podcast auch auf Deutsch hören: “Africa with André auf Deutsch”

EHRA: https://www.ehranamibia.org/

Namibia Tourism: https://visitnamibia.com.na/

Malva pudding recipe: https://wandercapetown.com/recipe/malva-pudding/

👉 If you’ve enjoyed this episode or have thoughts to share, please reach out: podcast@africawithandre.com

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Sound credits: uppbeat.io/ and https://pixabay.com/

In this episode we share the remarkable story of "Mary" (a pseudonym to protect her privacy), a woman whose determination, integrity, and resilience helped her rise from humble beginnings to the role of General Manager of an hotel in Africa.

Starting with no connections, no job prospects, and even being asked for unspeakable "favors" just to get a chance at work, her story is one of courage in the face of cultural challenges.

We explore how Mary fought for her first job, the struggles of women in male-dominated work environments, and how she is now mentoring younger women. The deep love she has for her job, makes her hotel a special place.

This is a raw and inspiring conversation about resilience, leadership, and the power of staying true to one’s values.

Deutsch: Du kannst diesen Podcast auch auf Deutsch hören: “Africa with André auf Deutsch”

👉 If you’ve enjoyed this episode or have thoughts to share, please reach out: podcast@africawithandre.com

Follow me on Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africa_with_andre

Subscribe to Email reminders when episodes go live: www.africawithandre.com

Sound credits: uppbeat.io/ and https://pixabay.com/