Protecting the world’s fastest cat with Vincent van der Merwe

Africa Foundation’s Future Leaders Program Manager Lebogang Matlakala is a paradox. A girl who grew up in the dry and dusty interior of South Africa who is an avid diver and oceanographer. An impressive academic and public speaker who advocates for simple and effective communication of complex issues to local communities. A mentor and inspiration for others who remains thoroughly grounded and humble. Listen to her tell her story of personal growth and community development as she literally and figuratively learns to swim with sharks, whether in the depths of the Indian Ocean or among the big fish of the scientific community. 

In September 2023, during Climate Week, we were joined by travel expert and writer Jessica Nabongo (our host) and panellists Amanda Ho (Regenerative Travel), Javier Arredondo (Virtuoso), Costas Christ (Sustainable Travel Pioneer), Tshewang Wangchuk (Bhutan Foundation) to discuss the power and agency that individual travelers have to turn the switches, move the dials, and catalyse positive change within the travel industry.The goal of this event was to bring together industry experts, travelers, advocates, and to give listeners a toolkit of interesting information and important actionable points that will allow each of us to travel better tomorrow; taking ourselves from travelers to change makers.The host and panellists discuss a variety of topics including what difficult questions should we be asking of our hotels or tour operators and how to go about asking them; the responsibility of different players within the travel ecosystem when it comes to making a positive impact; and ultimately how we can really make our travel count for good and bring about positive change. 

Co-founders and editors of African magazine Anja Hanke and Jelena Moro talk about all things conservation and describe their experiences trekking gorillas in Rwanda. Find out about the threats to the survival of mountain gorillas, hear what is being done to ensure their survival and come along as Anja and Jelena describe their gorilla trekking adventure. 

Archie Voorspuy, manager of Suyian Conservancy, paints a picture of this wild and untamed part of Africa and the exceptional game viewing opportunities that it offers. Learn more about the Laikipia Plateau, where Suyian is situated, and find out about the rare and endangered species that make this region their home. Get a glimpse of how this working cattle ranch and wildlife conservancy operates, as well as what travellers to this secluded destination can hope to see and do.

Find out all about Punakha River Lodge, &Beyond’s new home-away-from-home in the kingdom of Bhutan. &Beyond Asia Managing Director Suhail Gupta talks about the challenges encountered and overcome during the building of the lodge. Renowned travel writer Gisela Williams shares warm and poignant memories from her first trip to Bhutan and delves deeper into the country’s unusual model of tourism. &Beyond Sales & Touring COO Ryan Powell describes the emotions of being one of the first visitors to Punakha River Lodge and expands on how &Beyond plans to make a difference in local communities. 

Heli pilot and Director of Tropic Air Helicopters, Ben Simpson, shares his experiences of flying above Africa, from creating exhilarating experiences for travellers to shooting natural history documentaries in remote destinations and translocating elephants and gorillas for conservation initiatives. Listen to him speak about his adventurous career and describe his latest helicopter routes in Tanzania.

John Corse, Managing Director of the Serengeti Ballooning Company, talks about the wonder and magic of soaring over one of the planet’s best-known landscapes in a hot air balloon. Hear John describe what it feels like to take off into an African sunset and find out why a balloon safari is a must on any wildlife adventurer’s bucket list. 

Cristián Saucedo, Wildlife Director at Rewilding Chile, introduces us to the country’s unique wildlife species, from the renowned puma and condor to the lesser known huemul and guanaco. He explains the importance of rewilding and describes the work done by Rewilding Chile, touching on how the organisation is carrying on the legacy of conservationists Kristine and Douglas Tompkins. Cristián also shares his thoughts about the similarities and differences between conservation in Africa and South America.

In conversation with writer and sustainability expert Juliet Kinsman, five voices across three continents came together to share tales of their unforgettable travel experiences to enlighten, enrich and inspire, with interconnected musings on a topic that has never been more vital.Discover epic stories, epic adventures and epic solutions about how travel can make a positive impact. Listen now to discover how travel may not only be life-affirming, but authentic and yes, epic, as it leaves our world a better place.

Have you ever wanted to know everything there is to know about cheetahs? These iconic big cats are one of Africa’s most important predators; playing a crucial role in all the ecosystems in which they are occur. Cheetahs have been extirpated from 90% of their range across Africa and Asia, but people like Vincent van der Merwe are working tirelessly to see the species rebound. In this podcast, we hear from Vincent on the history of cheetah and the challenges which are facing the species, as well as the importance of the species and the efforts being made to protect and conserve them. We also learn about the concept of metapopulations, and how this management strategy is crucial to bringing the world’s fastest cat back from the edge of extinction.