The Wild Eye Podcast

In this episode, Gabby has a very insightful chat with Dr Debbie English, a companion animal vet whose journey has led her into some unforgettable moments in wildlife. From chaotic bush rescues to pangolin care, Debbie shares the stories, challenges, and laughs that make conservation medicine so unique. She also reflects on the moments that keep her inspired and the legacy she hopes her work will leave behind. This episode is full of heart, wild tales, and the kind of passion that reminds us why protecting our planet’s animals matters. Visit the YWPSA website: https://www.ywpofsa.co.za/ Visit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com/

In this episode, Gerry speaks about why most photo safaris miss the mark if you're serious about your photography. Stop asking basic questions year after year and start planning trips with actual outcomes in mind. We talk about the difference between tourism with cameras and real photography-focused travel. Visit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com/

Andrew just got back from four days of gorilla trekking in Uganda's Bwindi forest, and he's breaking down what it's really like getting close to mountain gorillas. From a three-week-old baby born with tourists watching to 400-pound silverbacks walking past you like you're not even there. He covers the reality vs expectations, why a 70-200mm lens is essential, how the guides prioritize gorilla welfare over perfect shots, and that crucial moment when you need to put the camera down and just experience it. Plus insights from spending time with the Batwa people and learning local culture. If gorilla trekking is on your bucket list, this is what you need to know before you go. Visit the Wild Eye website here: https://wild-eye.com/travel-expriences/uganda-travel-inspiration/

Meet Gabby Sikora - she's 17, dreams of being a wildlife vet, and accidentally built one of Southern Africa's biggest youth conservation networks. What started as a 13-year-old with a point-and-shoot camera and three friends on Instagram has turned into YWPSA - 800+ young photographers across Southern Africa using their cameras to protect what they love. Gabby breaks down how she went from watching safari streams as a kid to partnering with Canon and working alongside organizations like BirdLife South Africa. She talks about why youth voices matter in conservation, how photography can actually help save wildlife (not just capture pretty shots), and what happens when you give teenagers real responsibility. If you've ever wondered whether one person can actually make a difference, or if you're curious about the next generation stepping up for nature - this one's for you. Plus, Gabby's got some strong opinions about ethical wildlife photography that might surprise you. This is Gabby's debut on Wild Eye, but definitely not her last - stay tuned for more episodes where she'll be taking the host seat and bringing you the stories that matter in conservation. Visit the YWPSA website here: https://www.ywpofsa.co.za/

In this episode Gerry and Johan tackle the messy world of wildlife guiding ethics and social media drama. They discuss guides posting dangerous animal encounters for likes, the problem with calling each other out online, and why some people seem obsessed with pushing boundaries just to create viral content. From wild dogs biting clients' shoes to elephants walking inches from tourists, they break down where the line should be drawn and question whether the constant finger-pointing is actually helping anyone. It's a raw conversation about responsibility, privilege, and what safari experiences should really be about. Visit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com/

In this episode Gerry shares some thoughts on how social media influences the experience when you're out in the field and he shares a piece he wrote on this called The Performance of Wonder. Visit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com/

In this episode Gerry shares some thoughts on the impact of letting your photography get in the way of a beautiful experience. Read the blog post here: https://wild-eye.com/the-art-of-taking/ Visit the Wild Eye website here: https://wild-eye.com/

In this episode, Andrew speaks to two of his guests about the Namibia adventure they just completed. They discuss the extreme experiences, incredible wildlife encounters, and the contrasts of their two-week journey through one of Africa's most remote regions. It's a candid conversation about what it means to completely disconnect and experience the wild in its rawest form, recorded around a campfire under the stars. So settle in and join them as they unpack their Namibian adventure. Visit the Wild Eye website here: https://wild-eye.com/

In 13 years of guiding safaris, Michael Laubscher had never witnessed anything like this. Deep in Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park, a small female leopard found herself face-to-face with one of Africa's most intelligent species - a lone baboon stranded high in a towering winter thorn tree. What followed was an hour-long battle of wits, strategy, and raw survival instinct that defied everything Michael thought he knew about predator behavior. This is the story of the hunt that stopped time, where nature rewrote the rulebook before his very eyes. Visit our website here: https://wild-eye.com/

In this episode Gerry she is a very simple approach as to when you should be getting creative with your images out in the field.

Join Donovan Cross, Wild Eye guide and passionate birder, as he breaks down everything you need to know about birding - from spotting your first backyard birds to tracking rare species across Africa. Don shares practical tips on choosing gear, learning bird families, and why patience beats luck every time. Plus, hear the hilarious story of how a "romantic picnic" at a sewage treatment plant actually led to incredible bird sightings. Whether you're safari-bound or just curious about those creatures outside your window, this episode will change how you see the world around you. You can visit our website here: https://wild-eye.com/

Are we chasing the latest camera tech or actually focusing on making better pictures? Some photographers seem obsessed with specs and upgrades, while others stick with older gear and concentrate on their craft. What really matters when you're behind the lens? In this episode Gerry talks about finding that balance between appreciating good tools and not letting gear become a distraction from what photography is actually about - capturing moments and telling stories. You can visit our website here: https://wild-eye.com/

Kilimanjaro towers over Kenya's Amboseli National Park, creating one of Africa's most iconic safari backdrops. But timing your visit makes all the difference when it comes to seeing elephants against this magnificent mountain. After ten years of guiding in Amboseli, Michael Laubscher breaks down the park's distinct seasons and what each offers. From the predictable elephant movements and dusty lake bed crossings of the dry months, to the lush green landscapes and clearer mountain views during the rains, learn how to plan your Amboseli safari based on what you want to experience. Michael shares practical insights on weather patterns, animal behavior, and why his personal favorite time to visit might not be what you'd expect. Visit our website: https://wild-eye.com/

The pink team just smashed records at Gold Reef City's Amazing Race, and they're not letting anyone forget it. Donovan (one month in) and the crew take you through their epic victory - complete with questionable strategy, Danny's log ride disaster, and certificates going straight into emergency folders. This is what happens when competitive safari guides get turned loose in a theme park. Records were broken, the black team lost, and everyone's still wearing pink. Featuring victory laps from the entire winning team - because when you dominate this hard, everybody gets to brag about it. Visit our website here: https://wild-eye.com/

In this episode, Johan sits down with Wild Eye's newest team members, Monique and Donovan, to hear about their journey joining the safari business. Monique discusses her transition from lodge work to the travel consultation team, while Donovan shares his experience stepping into sales and discovering the behind-the-scenes magic of safari planning. Both talk about the learning curve of joining Wild Eye, their upcoming Kenya adventures, and how the team's collaborative approach creates unforgettable African safari experiences. Visit our website here: https://wild-eye.com/

Every photographer knows the feeling - you've got hundreds of incredible images from your latest trip, but instead of editing them, you're watching "just one more" Lightroom tutorial. Sound familiar? After years of safari photography and teaching workshops, Gerry shares why the endless search for new techniques might be holding you back from creating your best work. This episode cuts through the noise to reveal an uncomfortable truth: you probably already know enough to edit great images, you just need to stop procrastinating and do the work. Learn why mastering the basics beats knowing exotic tricks, how to break free from tutorial addiction, and why the most powerful tool in Lightroom isn't a new preset or technique - it's simply sitting down and editing with intention. Visit out website at: https://wild-eye.com/

In this episode Johan chats with Donovan, Wild Eye's newest guide, about his move from lodge-based guiding to private safari hosting. Donovan gets real about what excites him most - seeing how animals behave differently across Africa and working alongside local guides without stepping on their toes. They discuss the tricky balance of supporting lodge guides while adding photographic expertise, dealing with long safari hours, and maintaining professional boundaries with guests. Donovan also shares his upcoming Kenya adventure and dream of exploring Mozambique's wild remote areas. A genuine conversation about the realities of safari guiding and what it takes to create memorable experiences for guests. Visit the Wild Eye website here: https://wild-eye.com/

In this episode Gerry tackles the toxic mindset that's plaguing photography communities everywhere: measuring creative worth by external validation instead of personal fulfillment. He explore what "good enough" actually means, why photography was never meant to be a competition, and how social media has warped our relationship with our own work. Too many talented photographers are ready to quit because they haven't won awards or been published, as if these are the only metrics that matter. If you've ever questioned whether your photography matters because you haven't received recognition from strangers, this conversation will challenge you to rediscover why you picked up a camera in the first place. Visit the Wild Eye website here: https://wild-eye.com/

In our latest episode, Johan van Zyl walks you through the incredible experience of our Jaguar of the Pantanal photography safari. He breaks down what it's really like spending eight day tracking these massive cats through Brazil's wetlands and getting those once-in-a-lifetime shots along the riverbanks. For more on this tour: https://wild-eye.com/photographic-travel/jaguars-of-the-pantanal/ Visit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com/

This episode brings you some fresh news about what's coming up for the podcast, plus Gerry wants to hear directly from you about what topics you're dying to have us cover next. Visit the Wild Eye website here: https://wild-eye.com/