Gordon Buchanan, Wildlife Cameraman returns - Safari Special

The Travel Diaries

Today’s bonus episode is a real treat, because we're going on safari! Whether you've dreamt of spotting the Big Five - lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo - or exploring the more hidden gems of the wild, there's so much to uncover. And what better way to do it than with one of the world’s top wildlife filmmakers, making his return to the podcast - it’s Gordon Buchanan.

A safari is more than just a holiday—it’s a journey into nature, where you can see some of the planet’s most awe-inspiring animals up close, in their natural habitats. When we think of safaris, some of the most iconic destinations immediately come to mind.

There's Kenya’s Maasai Mara, famous for its open savannahs and incredible amount of wildlife. It’s in Kenya that you can witness one of nature’s most jaw-dropping spectacles—the Great Migration, when every year typically between July and October, over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles make a perilous journey from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Mara in Kenya, searching for fresh grazing lands. It’s the perfect time to witness dramatic river crossings and heart-stopping predator-prey interactions.

In Tanzania, the Serengeti offers a similar view, with endless plains stretching to the horizon, while Botswana’s Okavango Delta gives you a different kind of safari experience, with its winding waterways and lush landscapes where you can spot animals like hippos and crocodiles.

But as Gordon and I discuss on the episode today, you don’t need to go to Africa to enjoy an incredible safari. Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park is a fantastic place to see leopards, elephants, and even sloth bears—Gordon has had some great encounters there. In India, you can track the majestic Bengal tiger through dense jungles, and in Madagascar, you’ll find unique species like lemurs and chameleons. And don’t forget other African countries like Namibia, Zambia, and even beyond to South America’s Pantanal in Brazil, where jaguars are the stars of the show.

The great thing about safaris is that they can be tailored to all kinds of budgets. In South Africa, for instance, Kruger National Park has everything from luxury lodges to more affordable self-drive options, where you can explore at your own pace. In Kenya, you can choose between high-end tented camps or simpler, yet comfortable lodges. So, whether you’re after a five-star experience or a more back-to-nature adventure, there’s something out there for everyone.

Gordon’s here to share his expert tips on where to go and what to see on safari, as well as some unforgettable moments from his travels. Plus, I’m really excited because he’s also going to tell us all about his latest project, the fantastic BBC show Big Cats 24-7.

Destination Recap:

• Serengeti
• Okavango Delta, Botswana
• Maun, Botswana
• Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
• Colombo, Sri Lanka
• Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Sri Lanka
• Ellesmere Island, Canadian Arctic

Big Cats 24-7 is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.

With thanks to Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club for their support of today’s episode.

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