Campfire Conversations with Brett Horley

This Campfire Conversation reunites Brett Horley with longtime friend and lion conservationist Marnus Roodbol for a fascinating discussion about Africa's lions, conservation on the frontline, and a career spent protecting some of the continent's most iconic wildlife.Together, they explore Marnus's journey from guiding in the Sabi Sand to leading lion conservation projects across southern and East Africa. The conversation delves into the realities of declining lion populations, wildlife trafficking, human-wildlife conflict, and the people working tirelessly behind the scenes to safeguard Africa's apex predators.Along the way, they share stories from remote field camps, close encounters with lions, lessons learned from life in the bush, and the resilience required to work in conservation.Marnus also shares insights from his work with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), one of Africa's leading conservation organisations dedicated to protecting threatened species, combating wildlife crime, and conserving critical ecosystems. To learn more about their work or support their conservation efforts, visit www.ewt.org.za.Whether you're passionate about wildlife, conservation, or love a great safari story, this episode offers an honest, insightful, and entertaining look at the people dedicated to protecting Africa's wild places.

This Campfire Conversation turns the tables as wildlife filmmaker, safari travel advisor, and friend of BHS, Jeff Hyer, takes over hosting duties to interview Brett Horley.Together, they explore Brett's journey from childhood trips to the Kruger National Park, to guiding on foot in South Africa, training guides in Botswana, living in Tanzania, and ultimately building BHS Safari Company. Along the way, they discuss the mentors who shaped his career, the places that continue to inspire him, and why birding has become one of his greatest passions.The conversation also ventures into dream safari destinations, favourite camps, unforgettable wildlife experiences, and a rapid-fire round of safari questions that reveal a little more about the person behind the microphone.Whether you have travelled with Brett before or are discovering BHS for the first time, this episode offers an honest and entertaining look at the experiences, people, and wild places that have shaped a life dedicated to Africa.

This Campfire Conversation brings Montana-native Jeff Hyer and South African oke Brett Horley together in the misty mountains of Magoebaskloof, and it is a chat all about nature destinations (Africa and around the world), making childhood dreams come true, near-death experiences, an undying loyalty to Swarovski Optics, and discussing why people choose to go on safari (and why they don’t).A few things you should know about our famous friend before you go find him and subscribe to his YouTube channel:Might be from Montana, but has not watched YellowstoneIs improving his pronunciation of “Magoebaskloof”Calls Montana the “last best place”Host of his self-dubbed “nature show” which is also an abundant source of eco travel content, information, and inspiration. The most watchable channel on YouTube.A secret author of a comedy adventure novel called Bon Voyage. A Covid-era experiment that made it all the way to print. Produced a kids internet radio show, featuring Brett’s childhood hero, Jack Hanna.Jeff produces content about eco destinations, and a trip to South Africa years ago was one of the most influential travels of his life. There he met Kayla - our content wizard - and years later, his business connected with ours. He’s a truly authentic “been there, done that” travel advisor who has to live the experience to be able to genuinely promote it (likewise) and when we recorded this episode, he was in the middle of a multi-multi-destination trip planned and executed by us at BHS. You’ll hear about his epic itinerary in this episode (Botswana, Victoria Falls, Greater Kruger, and Cape Town), and much more. We talk about the magnificent beauty of Montana, the Duttons (just kidding), the allure of Costa Rica, bucket lists, safety while travelling Africa, and cover some quick-fire questions that amuse, inspire and educate. A BHS safari involving Zambia and Namibia is the next destination combo according to Jeff - are you ready? Immediately a friend, we thoroughly enjoyed meeting and working with this extremely informed safari and travel advisor. Big things to come from Jeff Hyer in the world. We are lucky to be connected and to share our passion!

Last year, we had a bumper Zambia safari season, which got us excited about a deep-dive episode dedicated to it, but we have been singing the praises of this destination for years. It is known as the "rising giant" and it truly does feel like it's still somewhat untapped. After Covid, a relatively lesser known Lower Zambezi National Park gained popularity, but don’t let that fool you - it’s still spoilingly uncrowded. Our BHS safari experts, Jo Cooper and Geraldine Morelli, come together to compare their stories. Jo having been to South Luangwa recently, and Geraldine fresh out of Lower Zambezi. Both claiming they caught the biggest tiger fish of their lives. Geraldine didn’t even know she was into fishing until she hit the waters of the Zambezi. Jo’s long career on the road as an overland safari guide means he’s done plenty of time within the borders of Zambia, but Kafue remains the “road less travelled” so that’s where he’d like to go next. Geraldine’s return to Zambia last year further enhanced her appreciation for the country as a photographer. She talks about the changes in light between the two parks we talk about, and… well, Geraldine’s enthusiasm has no limits, so prepare for some passionate reviews!  We discuss the unique value of South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi individually, and why they make an epic combination. The sheer variety of activities diversifies the way you can explore and experience the wilderness. The abundance of wildlife versus the lack of people, the space, and the professional and passionate level of guiding you’ll find. If you missed our previous episode about Zambia, find it here. And we hope you enjoy this reflective chat about one of Africa’s most magical safari destinations. Check out Geraldine’s photos from Zambia and elsewhere in Africa on her Instagram channel.

Darryl and Paul are two treasured BHS safari guests, and by this point we've lost track of who drives the adventure - us or them? Either way, the stories that have accumulated over these epic trips we've shared are worth putting on a platform like this. There have been high highs - moments that are impossible to replicate - and there have been automotive breakdowns that have lasted hours, batteries that burst into flames, and somewhere in between we've found the perfect balance of adventure and luxury for Darryl. It exists in Botswana, she says.This is an entertaining listen for folks out there who are chasing bucket lists and plotting to see some of the most iconic species and places on the planet. Brett and Jo, both of whom have guided Darryl and Paul through the bush, are reminded of some of their most outstanding moments, and almost-disasters. From the Uganda gorilla expedition and cross-country safari in an overland truck, to leopards walking through camp in Botswana, getting lost in Savuti, epic honey badger battles, the search for the black leopard in Kenya, to the latest expedition to seek jaguars in Brazil’s Pantanal. Joining us from the United States, Paul and Darryl relive some of the best moments, and if you can keep up with the excited chatter, you’ll hear about the faux pas too. The burden of committing to the gear for wildlife photography, setting expectations when it comes to hiking for gorillas (prepare to sweat!), and talking about dream destinations like Sri Lanka and Southern Utah. Now that we’re on the other side of the Pantanal trip we talk about in this episode, we can say we’re absolutely going back. If you’re interested in making it happen, reach out to know about the itinerary we’ve curated from our experience. This is a real virtual campfire chat between friends, so enjoy the entertaining nature of it and hearing from both guides and guests. Thank you Darryl and Paul for joining us! We can’t wait for the next journey together. Check out Darryl’s photography on Instagram

In this episode, Brett celebrates good friends Jeff Williams’ and Patricia Goodwin’s brand new book - Dangerous Animals of Southern & Eastern Africa. This long-awaited conversation that details not only the entertaining stories and fascinating encounters that led to the content in their book, but also 15 years of shared experiences in special places that BHS has been a part of. With the greatest of pleasures, Brett sat down with Jeff and Pat in Hoedspruit (featuring European bee-eaters, crested barbets, and a nyala bull passing by) and prompted some truly “campfire-worthy” stories as they recounted some of their shared experiences - some of which have contributed to a previously published book On Foot in the African Bush. This brand new publication (get it here on Amazon) is summed up as an up-to-date evidence-based reference to Africa’s most dangerous animals - a book that was originally intended for guiding students, but that serves every person interested in the behavioural observations of the continent’s most renowned species.“This book provides a comprehensive, detailed, evidence-based review of the seven animals officially described as ‘dangerous’ by the professional association of Field Guides in South Africa. To this number the authors have added crocodiles. The text embraces the anatomical, physiological and behavioural aspects of the animals and aims to provide such up-to-date and evidence-based information as is available at the time of writing."From frightening facts and figures to emotional tales - one particularly life-changing moment with Andreas Fox and a herd of 12 elephants in Amboseli, Kenya - the retelling of memories from Jeff and Pat detail their experiences with phenomenal guides in Botswana and elsewhere. The stories and memories covered in this podcast are about how a love of Africa begins, and the opportunities to explore that love that can change the course of a life. Where would you go if money and time were no object? This brings about discussions about Niassa, Niger, Ghana, and Mozambique... What a pleasure to have shared some of Pat and Jeff’s most memorable and informative trips to Africa, and to be on the receiving end of their brand new book!Go have a listen to this conversation and get yourself a copy of Dangerous Animals of Southern & Eastern Africa. 

https://www.bhs-safari.co/Gary is one of the original BHS travellers, putting his adventurous spirit in the hands of a 20-something Brett Horley almost 13 years ago when he was a guide on a conservation course. Sleeping under the stars and walking the rocky baobab-strewn outcrops of Mapungubwe was only the beginning of the Franklin explorations, which now span more than a decade with BHS. Camping out in a sweltering hide in the Kruger National Park, celebrating 20th wedding anniversaries with best friends on a star-filled Namibia safari, throwing a 60th birthday bash in the Timbavati, trailing in Pafuri, wading through the Levuvhu River, photographing shoebills and gorillas in Uganda... In a nutshell: Gary’s 13 years of safari have created memories to treasure, and there is no slowing down. Just next month, Gary heads to Botswana to capture more moments that will undoubtedly end up framed on a wall or displayed in a photo book. We’ve been there every step of the way as Gary has introduced his family and friends to African destinations, and in his words, he’ll "be going to Kruger forever”. Walking trails in the Lowveld introducing new people to experiences like these, and never knowing what’s going to happen in the wild are what keep him coming back. It has been a privilege to see Gary wear our BHS peak cap in more countries in the world than anyone else, and to be connected with a passionate lifetime traveller. This conversation was an awesome opportunity to revisit some of those memories, and it’ll surely inspire you to take the plunge and make those David Attenborough moments a reality.Enjoy this chat between friends and get cracking no that travel checklist!

Dr Mércia Ângela raced from a meeting in Maputo about rabies disease control to join us virtually for this campfire conversation, so we are very grateful that she carved out the time to talk to us! This Mozambican veterinarian is part of the superpower team that is rebuilding and expanding the biodiversity of “Africa’s Lost Eden” - Gorongosa National Park. A destination that is HIGH on the wishlist for many of our safari goers, and indeed ourselves.  We’re travelling to Gorongosa with guests in June this year, and after listening to this impassioned and emotional conversation with a vet working on the front line of conservation crises and wildlife crime, we are even more aware of the long journey it has been and continues to be to bring Gorongosa back from the beyond the brink.  Mércia works mostly with carnivores in the park, but her heart lies with the rare and unusual pangolin - 134 of which had been rescued from illegal trafficking at the time of our conversation. She has travelled to participate in high profile conferences and summits about conservation, and she is a key player in Gorongosa’s veterinary leadership team. The emotion she expressed when talking to us about what pangolins face was a testament to her heart belonging in her work. 

Joining us from Delhi - headquarters of Ameliya Safaris - is Indian safari guide, filmmaker & on-screen presenter Suyash Keshari, who you are more than likely to have stumbled across on social media. His popular following is a testament to the addictive nature of his exciting wildlife content, and after working with Suyash to plan a tiger safari for repeat guests of ours, we knew we wanted him in the hotseat to talk more about his country and its complex and incredible wildlife offering. Suyash has spent over 1,200 days in Bandhavgarh National Park in the last five years alone! If you’re as starstruck as we are about the Indian safari landscape, whether it’s tigers, the 1,500 bird species, black leopards, snow leopards, or the Indian Big Five, you’ll love this deep-dive conversation with Suyash. Where to go, where not to go - for ethical reasons, exclusivity and quality of your experiences, government vs private safari operations, and common misconceptions - Suyash debunks some typical narratives about a safari in India, answering our audience questions, and making relatable comparisons that truly paint a picture of how to make the most of this incredible destination.  Growing up around wildlife in India and with 10 years of professional guiding under his belt, Suyash is firmly cemented in the industry we know and love. He believes "we all have a curiosity towards nature embedded deep within us" - a sentiment that speaks right to our own spirit of adventure and discovery in the natural world. He has worked with WWF and Animal Planet, and developed an intriguing YouTube series that follows him on safari, notably covering the story of one famous tigress named Solo.  Beyond that, Suyash is a dedicated conservationist who has created significant awareness and impact around human-wildlife conflict in areas of India where people and nature exist side-by-side. Building waterholes in water scarce areas, equipping hundreds of anti-poaching rangers with the essentials to work in their remote and challenging environments, working with authorities to reconstruct and rehabilitate natural habitats, and sponsoring impactful educational programmes for kids living alongside wildlife populations.  This was a totally fascinating (and far too short) virtual campfire conversation that we plan to pick up again in person (on safari with Suyash in Bandhavgarh!) It’s a listen you’ll love and it is sure to spark curiosity, if not set a fire under your seat and urge you to take that next step on an Indian wildlife adventure.  Follow Suyash on Instagram, YouTube, and find out more about his safari experiences at Ameliya Safaris. Instagram: @suyashkeshari YouTube: @SuyashKeshari-Official Website: https://ameliyasafaris.com/

Dr Ian Whyte joins us on the podcast for the second time - back by popular demand after his tales from a 30+ year-long career in the Kruger National Park left our audience wanting more. This episode follows on with even more stories from Ian's life in wildlife conservation, where close calls, hair-raising encounters, and what Ian calls "dodgy moments" in his career, leave us with no doubt that he has a very hard working Fairy Godmother! The bond he created with wild lions during the many years tracking and monitoring pride dynamics, movements, and prey patterns led him to one of the most incredible moments with a lioness and her brand new cubs. To this day, Ian (as well as his wife, children, and many friends and admirers) thanks his lucky stars that he has lived to tell the tale.  A scenario involving an angry black rhino, and one or two other close shaves detail Ian’s colourful life in the Kruger. A true legend in his field, Ian's book "Living the Wild Life" captures a lifetime of adventures navigating the decades of animal research and conservation in South Africa’s most iconic national park. The book is a must-read for any Kruger Park enthusiast, and is available by direct order from Ian at [email protected] or you can find it at Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport and on shelves at High Tea With Elephants. We’ve gifted a few copies to special guests and friends of BHS, and we are delighted to have had this second in-depth chat with the author.  There’s no promising we won’t do this again! Happy listening.