In this week's Safari Stories episode, Jomi is by himself in Kruger National Park, recounting a week of adventures in South Africa. The week began with a camping trip up to Makuya Game Reserve, a community-run reserve where walking and fishing is allowed, where campsites are unfenced and rustic, and where it is easy to connect with true wilderness. Makuya is a must for any South African bush lover!
Jomi also talks about an adventure with friend and previous podcast guest, Sarah Nurse, along the Olifants river to look for the elusive and scarce Pel's Fishing Owl; find out what the two saw and found on the way.
While down in White River and Nelspruit, Jomi reconnects with Hein and an old friend and all-round bush lover, Duncan McKenzie, who imparted his enthusiasm and knowledge of birds to both Jomi and Hadley at the beginning of their safari guiding careers. Jomi, Hein and Duncan go on an early morning birding mission in Duncan's backyard in Nelspruit and stumble across dancing half-collared kingfishers and a very surprising mammal --listen to the podcast to find out which one!
After a week of very grounding bush experiences, Jomi reflects on why he and everyone else should spend at least a small part of every day in nature and how it can help everyone going forward.
Tune in! You can listen to the Safari Stories podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, SoundCloud, our website, or wherever you listen to your podcasts! Links below.
Above: Catch and release fly fishing in South Africa's Makuya Game Reserve
Above: Steve posing with the tiger fish he caught before releasing it back into the river.
Above: Exploring Makuya Game Reserve on foot!
Above: A feather from a Pel's Fishing Owl