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.

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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 Tours

And if you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review and share it with your fellow safari lovers!

This is a Podvan Media production.

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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 steps

This 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 Tours

And 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.