The East Africa Travel Podcast by Diary of a Muzungu

Episoade

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  Ep. 32 To Mombasa – a journey in sustainability & Swahili style 29.07.2026 43min

  The all-night bus trip across the Kenyan border passes in a blink of an eye knowing that I'll soon be gazing out of the train window at Tsavo's elephants! From midnight border checks to a spice-scented market in Mombasa's Old Town, the muzungu's making her sustainable travel visions a reality (or at least trying to) in this sometimes-gruelling cross-border journey by bus and train. In Episode 32 of the award-winning East Africa Travel Podcast, I complete my multi-leg journey from Uganda to the Kenyan coast for a sustainable tourism summit at Serena Beach Resort & Spa. Recorded on location - just for you - you'll hear: How did I travel all the way from Kampala to Mombasa using public transport (and what is my top tip for bypassing downtown Nairobi)? Why do you need to swot up on the strict security rules before riding Kenya's SGR train down to the coast? Which wildlife highlights can you spot on a 'free safari on rails' across Tsavo National Park  (with or without binoculars?) The kindness of strangers. How does travelling solo open the door to the most memorable travel moments? How does a major coastal resort run on 90% solar power, eliminate single-use plastics, and protect nesting sea turtles? I chat with Serena's Alphaxad Chege. What is it really like to cross the legendary Likoni Ferry alongside thousands of foot passengers on the way to Diani? (And would you do it?) Join me, Charlotte Beauvoisin, author of Diary of a Muzungu, as I board the train to the coast, hop on a tuk tuk, and explore Swahili cuisine in Mombasa. Welcome to my world! Tune in to the award-winning East Africa Travel Podcast by Charlotte Beauvoisin, author of Diary of a Muzungu, for the dawn chorus of a tropical rainforest, gorilla tracking adventures and the sound of waves lapping on an Indian Ocean beach. Join me on my morning nature walks (mind we don't slip in an elephant pothole!) and listen to illuminating chats with conservationists and intrepid travellers in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. Sign up to sign up to my occasional newsletter. Visit www.eastafricatravelpodcast.com for detailed transcripts.
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  Ep. 31 Kampala to Mombasa via Jinja, Source of the Nile 18.07.2026 27min

  the award-winning East Africa Travel Podcast Sitting on a wooden bench next to the River Nile, I drink my morning cappuccino while watching sunbirds and monkeys. The chill vibes of Jinja on Lake Victoria are a welcome respite after escaping Kampala's hot, congested streets. In Episode 31 of the award-winning East Africa Travel Podcast, I map out my cross-border route by public transport from Uganda into Kenya en route to Mombasa. From a glamping yurt to a five-star beach resort - the surprising range of places I sleep in along the way. "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" well, almost! How to travel across East Africa - by car, bus, train, boda boda motorbike, ferry, and even a tuk-tuk. The nerve-wracking reality of applying for tourist visas over a weekend. My tips for navigating the confusing "one-stop-shop" land borders in the middle of the night (and how I nearly left my luggage behind at customs). Why is Jinja called the adrenaline capital of East Africa? Historical reasons to visit Jinja (there's so much more to Uganda than gorillas!) Essential tips for independent travellers (and recommendations for those who prefer travelling with a tour operator who organises everything for you). Join me, Charlotte Beauvoisin, author of Diary of a Muzungu, as I pull up a sun lounger next to the Nile and sketch out my travel plans (and wait nervously to see whether my immigration documents reach me in time to board the bus!) Welcome to my world! Tune in to the award-winning East Africa Travel Podcast by Charlotte Beauvoisin, author of Diary of a Muzungu, for the dawn chorus of a tropical rainforest, gorilla tracking adventures and the sound of waves lapping on an Indian Ocean beach. Join me on my morning nature walks (mind we don't slip in an elephant pothole!) and listen to illuminating chats with conservationists and intrepid travellers in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. Sign up to sign up to my occasional newsletter. Visit www.eastafricatravelpodcast.com for detailed transcripts.
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  Ep. 30 Flippers & full moon tracks with Kenya's Diani Turtle Watch 10.07.2026 37min

  Standing on the sun-bleached white coral sands of Kenya's famous Diani Beach with a crowd of excited holidaymakers, I watch tiny turtles emerge from their sandy egg chamber for their maiden scramble into the sea. In Episode 30 of the award-winning East Africa Travel Podcast, I explore the fascinating world of marine conservation with the passionate Diani Turtle Watch team. Recorded as-it-happened on the beach, you'll hear: How a chance meeting at Diani's Sea Turtle Festival turned into an exclusive invitation to witness a live beach hatching (and the five rules I had to follow). Why Diani Turtle Watch volunteers – and the occasional visitor – move turtle eggs from one beach to another How the temperature of the sand dictates a turtle's sex (and why it takes up to 30 years to find out the results) Where do they go? The mystery of the baby turtles "20 lost years" at sea. Plastic pollution: the deadly threat to turtles from "ghost nets" and plastic bags that mimic the jellyfish that turtles love to eat. How local hotels are becoming more sustainable, from building walls out of recycled bottles to composting organic waste for their vegetable farm. How tourists can get actively involved in marine conservation - even on holiday.   Welcome to my world! Tune in to the award-winning East Africa Travel Podcast for the dawn chorus of a tropical rainforest, gorilla tracking adventures and the sound of waves lapping on an Indian Ocean beach. Join me on my morning nature walks (mind we don't slip in an elephant pothole!) and listen in to illuminating chats with conservationists and intrepid travellers in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. Sign up to my occasional newsletter. Visit www.eastafricatravelpodcast.com for detailed transcripts. Follow Charlotte Beauvoisin, Diary of a Muzungu on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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  Ep. 29 Raging buffalo - run or roll over? With Silver, the poacher turned ranger 02.07.2026 48min

  The air resonates with the sound of tree frogs as I chat with a Ugandan legend. In this special, longer episode, we celebrate the life of the late Mzee Silver Kyamukama - and the life-saving survival tricks of our beloved poacher turned ranger! In Episode 29 of the award-winning East Africa Travel Podcast, Mzee traces his extraordinary transformation from being a prolific poacher to a lead ranger with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Jane Goodall Institute, from hunting with nets and dogs to tracking chimpanzees and mastering the study of butterflies. Join us outside the Forest House at Sunbird Hill on the boundary of Kibale National Park, as Mzee recalls:  The honour of hunting for the King of Toro. The heart-wrenching story of the baby baboon that followed him home one day (and how this moment completely changed his life). How saving a single tree from being chopped down sparked an entire 43-acre rewilding project.  The gruelling daily 12-hour routine for habituating chimpanzees - the background story on which the success of chimp tracking tourism depends. Do you run? Or do you play dead? How to outsmart an angry buffalo. Join me, Charlotte Beauvoisin, author of Diary of a Muzungu, as we discuss tricks for finding your way out of a dense forest if you get lost - and how you can learn the forest's secrets with the young team that Mzee shared his knowledge with.   Welcome to my world! Tune in to the award-winning East Africa Travel Podcast for the dawn chorus of a tropical rainforest, gorilla tracking adventures and the sound of waves lapping on an Indian Ocean beach. Join me on my morning nature walks (mind we don't slip in an elephant pothole!) and listen in to illuminating chats with conservationists and intrepid travellers in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. Sign up to my occasional newsletter. Visit www.eastafricatravelpodcast.com for detailed transcripts. Follow Charlotte Beauvoisin, Diary of a Muzungu on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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  Ep. 28 Temptations across time zones - Tanzania travel tips 25.06.2026 36min

  I thought I was seeing things when my airline ticket showed we were landing in Kigali Rwanda ten minutes before we even took off from Entebbe in Uganda! Breaking my own wellness rules for Sunday morning champagne was just one of the many temptations in transit to Tanzania for the annual Karibu KiliFair, a media trip to three National Parks and a week in Arusha. In Episode 28 of the award-winning East Africa Travel Podcast, I share observations from Tanzania: Uganda vs. Tanzania safaris - what's the difference? (And how can I help you plan a trip?) Why ticking safari highlights off a bucket list can leave you exhausted (and what you may miss) Behind the scenes of a media trip (and the 4:15 AM wake-up calls!) How the vast VIP Karibu Lounge at Entebbe Airport is sizing up to host football fans for AFCON 2027 Practical tips for all travellers (and why printed guidebooks are still as useful as ever)   Welcome to my world! Tune in to the award-winning East Africa Travel Podcast for the dawn chorus of a tropical rainforest, gorilla tracking adventures and the sound of waves lapping on an Indian Ocean beach. Join me on my morning nature walks (mind we don't slip in an elephant pothole!) and listen in to illuminating chats with conservationists and intrepid travellers in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. Sign up to my occasional newsletter. Visit www.eastafricatravelpodcast.com for detailed transcripts. Follow Charlotte Beauvoisin, Diary of a Muzungu on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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  Ep. 27 Whistles & squawks with World Parrot Trust's Dr Rowan Martin 17.06.2026 32min

  What a thrill to be chatting about parrots in the birdhide. At one point, they even fly overhead! Kibale Forest edge is the location for my conversation with Dr. Rowan Martin, Director of Africa Region Programmes at the World Parrot Trust. In Episode 27 of the award-winning East Africa Travel Podcast, we chuckle over the cheeky whistles and squawks of our favourite avian residents. First, we look at local monitoring on the ground: How do the World Parrot Trust and the passionate young team at Sunbird Hill monitor African grey parrots that have been rescued from traffickers and released into the wild? Next, we discuss the complex realities of the global pet trade: What is Rowan's advice for people who want parrots as pets? How do cute-looking social media clips drive illegal bird and wildlife trafficking? What is the science behind the conservation work and why is it illegal to catch and sell wild caught grey parrots Finally, we explore family travel in Uganda. Hippos and fireflies were some of his family's Lake Mburo safari highlights, so what else makes Uganda a great destination for kids? Join me, Charlotte Beauvoisin, author of Diary of a Muzungu, as we discuss cute pets, the challenges of wildlife trafficking and parrot conservation, and celebrate the joy of camping with a young family.   Welcome to my world! Tune in to the award-winning East Africa Travel Podcast for the dawn chorus of a tropical rainforest, gorilla tracking adventures and the sound of waves lapping on an Indian Ocean beach. Join me on my morning nature walks (mind we don't slip in an elephant pothole!) and listen in to illuminating chats with conservationists and intrepid travellers in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. Sign up to my occasional newsletter. Visit www.eastafricatravelpodcast.com for detailed transcripts. Follow Charlotte Beauvoisin, Diary of a Muzungu on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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  Ep. 26 Arguing with an ibis (and a Tanzanian teaser) 11.06.2026 27min

  This week, the foothills of misty Mount Meru in Arusha are the location for a conversation that bridges a whistle-stop safari tour of Tanzania's Northern Circuit with young African Gen Zs, a tourism trade fair, and a final twist to the dramatic night sounds from western Uganda. In Episode 26, I have a front row seat to the intense reality of human-wildlife conflict, not forgetting an aerial view of Africa's big cats! How does the busy safari circuit of Northern Tanzania compare to Uganda's "same but different" safari itineraries? What animals did our pilot spot beneath us on our hot air balloon safari over Tarangire National Park? Why are local farmers like John "German" and Concorde beating their drums in their fields at one o'clock in the morning? How does a parrot monitoring project on the edge of Kibale Forest tie into our upcoming conversation with the World Parrot Trust? Join me, Charlotte Beauvoisin, author of Diary of a Muzungu, as I get into an argument with the hadada ibis and recount the fun of working with an international team of influencers at the Karibu KiliFair trade show. And the debate continues: was episode 25's forest trespasser really innocent (or was he up to no good?)    Welcome to my world! Tune in to the award-winning East Africa Travel Podcast for the dawn chorus of a tropical rainforest, gorilla tracking adventures and the sound of waves lapping on an Indian Ocean beach. Join me on my morning nature walks (mind we don't slip in an elephant pothole!) and listen in to illuminating chats with conservationists and intrepid travellers in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. Sign up to my occasional newsletter. Visit www.eastafricatravelpodcast.com for detailed transcripts. Follow Charlotte Beauvoisin, Diary of a Muzungu on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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  Ep. 25 Crossing the line - An unexpected visitor. Kibale Forest, Uganda 28.05.2026 27min

  What happens when the tranquility of Kibale Forest is broken by the boisterous screams of chimpanzees? In Episode 25, a routine afternoon walk along the elephant trench at Sunbird Hill takes an unusual turn when I uncover an unexpected visitor. This week I ask: Are you allowed to enter the National Parks on your own? Why is wearing a face mask non-negotiable around wild chimpanzees (and gorillas)? Which are the latest primates to embrace the rewilding? How many bats were living in my house before I called time on them? (You may laugh!) Pull on your gum boots and join me, Charlotte Beauvoisin, author of Diary of a Muzungu, as we reconnect with nature.   Welcome to my world! Tune in to the award-winning East Africa Travel Podcast for the dawn chorus of a tropical rainforest, gorilla tracking adventures and the sound of waves lapping on an Indian Ocean beach. Join me on my morning nature walks (mind we don't slip in an elephant pothole!) and listen into illuminating chats with conservationists and intrepid travellers in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. Sign up to my occassional newsletter Visit www.eastafricatravelpodcast.com for detailed transcripts. Follow Charlotte Beauvoisin, Diary of a Muzungu on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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  Ep. 24 Pepper soup West African swagger with Nigerian tourism guru Ikechi Uko 20.05.2026 27min

  This week, the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo in Kampala is the location for a conversation with our favourite Nigerian: tourism guru Ikechi Uko, a development expert who has done so much to showcase West Africa's energy and appeal. In Episode 24 I catch up with Ikechi after his emotional tour of Kampala's Namugongo Martyrs Trail. We discuss religious and intra-African tourism, the must-try African foods, and West African swagger!  You'll be intrigued to hear: What is the surprising link between Nigerians and Ugandan saints on the emotional Namugongo Martyrs Trail?  How do you compare the different tourism appeals of West versus East Africa?  How did a competition between Nigerian and Ghanaian chefs become a global phenomenon?  How do you speak up for yourself in Lagos? The muzungu can't wait to visit Nigeria (but does she have the attitude required?) Join me, Charlotte Beauvoisin, author of Diary of a Muzungu, as we talk about West Africa's colourful multi-day festivals, and must-try African delicacies like luwombo, jollof rice, Uganda's rolex (and the hot pepper soup that nearly knocked my head off!) Welcome to my world! Tune in to the award-winning East Africa Travel Podcast for the dawn chorus of a tropical rainforest, gorilla tracking adventures and the sound of waves lapping on an Indian Ocean beach. Join me on my morning nature walks and illuminating chats with conservationists and intrepid travellers. Sign up to My Newsletter Visit East Africa Travel Podcast for detailed transcripts. Follow Charlotte Beauvoisin, Diary of a Muzungu on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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  Ep. 23 Local voices, glamour & grind with Kenyan travel journalist Harriet Owalla 13.05.2026 27min

  What's the reality behind the glamorous-looking life of a travel writer? This week the Serena Beach Resort & Spa on the white sands of Shanzu Beach in Mombasa Kenya is the location for a conversation with award-winning travel journalist Harriet Owalla. From 4AM wake-up calls to the urgent need for more local African voices in travel writing, Harriet pulls back the curtain on the "glamour and grind" of the travel media industry. In Episode 23, the writers discuss: The "glamour vs. reality" of media trips. Harriet's top three recommendations for things to do in her hometown of Nairobi. How the pandemic changed the way Kenyans and Ugandans view local and domestic travel. How invasive crows and thieving monkeys create human-wildlife conflict in coastal Mombasa. Join me, Charlotte Beauvoisin, author of Diary of a Muzungu, as we debate whether ditching the single-use plastic bottle makes one sustainable and whether a career in travel writing is viable or strictly a "side hustle." It took Charlotte two days to travel from Kampala to Mombasa by bus, train, and the famous Likoni Ferry (listen in to hear how she did it!) Welcome to my world! Tune in to the award-winning East Africa Travel Podcast for the dawn chorus of a tropical rainforest, gorilla tracking adventures and the sound of waves lapping on an Indian Ocean beach. Join me on my morning nature walks (mind we don't slip in an elephant pothole!) and listen in to illuminating chats with conservationists and intrepid travellers in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. Sign up to my occasional newsletter. Visit www.eastafricatravelpodcast.com for detailed transcripts. Follow Charlotte Beauvoisin, Diary of a Muzungu on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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  Ep. 22 Behind the scenes with the award-winning podcast team 06.05.2026 23min

  This week a tropical garden in suburban Makindye, Kampala, Uganda is the location for a conversation with my sound recordist Bryan Kisembo Delon. In Episode 22, Bryan swaps his headphones for a mic to share his experiences on the award-winning East Africa Travel Podcast: What are the challenges of recording in the wild? Who were his favourite guests from season one? Why we are venturing beyond borders to Mombasa and Diani in Kenya. What it means to have won the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) Media for Action Award. Join me, Charlotte Beauvoisin, author of Diary of a Muzungu, as we giggle over season one blips - not forgetting the squirrel that jumped out of the toilet! Stay tuned for upcoming episodes where we swap notes with Kenyan travel writer Harriet Owalla; explore religious tourism with Nigerian Ikechi Uko, and hear how social media inadvertently promotes the illicit wildlife trade with the World Parrot Trust. Welcome to my world! Tune in to the award-winning East Africa Travel Podcast for the dawn chorus of a tropical rainforest, gorilla tracking adventures and the sound of waves lapping on an Indian Ocean beach. Join me on my morning nature walks and illuminating chats with conservationists and intrepid travellers. Sign up to My Newsletter Visit East Africa Travel Podcast for detailed transcripts. Follow Charlotte Beauvoisin, Diary of a Muzungu on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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  Ep. 21 The soundtrack of Uganda - from my jungle to your world 28.04.2026 17min

  "Kuli kayo!" As we say in Luganda. "Welcome back!" In episode 21, I'm at Sunbird Hill on the edge of Kibale National Park, recording trumpeting elephants and reflecting on how the sounds of the Ugandan jungle have traveled from my home to yours - from the streets of Paris to the trains of Lisbon. In this episode: How Kibale's giants outsmart the "elephant trench" and the local community where I live. Season one rewind: What listeners are saying about the East Africa Travel Podcast by Diary of a Muzungu. (Did you hear we won an award for season one? Highlights from my chats with Her Royal Highness the Nnaabagareka of Buganda Kingdom, anthropologist Professor Richard Wrangham, "self-confessed gorillaholic" Ian Redmond OBE and more inspiring guests. What's coming up in Season Two: travel writers, tourism gurus, gorillas - and more travel advice than you can throw a stick at! Welcome to my world! Tune in to the award-winning East Africa Travel Podcast for the dawn chorus of a tropical rainforest, gorilla tracking adventures and the sound of waves lapping on an Indian Ocean beach. Join me on my morning nature walks and illuminating chats with conservationists and intrepid travellers. Sign up to my occasional newsletter. Visit www.eastafricatravelpodcast.com for detailed transcripts. Follow Charlotte Beauvoisin, Diary of a Muzungu on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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  Ep. 20 Monkey magic in Diani, Kenya with Pam Cunneyworth 03.09.2024 53min

  We're back in the bird hide talking about monkeys with Dr Pam Cunneyworth, Director of Colobus Conservation in Diani on the Kenyan coast. It was at the young age of 7 that a teacher planted the lifelong love of Africa in her. At university, a lecture by Birutė Galdikas, a *trimate (one of Dr. Louis Leakey's famous primatologists) inspired Pam to take "the road less travelled," a journey that led her to leave Canada for a life in East Africa. In our conversation, Pam offers us a glimpse into a fascinating world of primates: The impact of "Colobridges," aerial structures that help monkeys cross roads safely. Why you shouldn't ignore the 'eyebrow flash' of a baboon (hint: it's an important signal!)   How studying a small population of monkeys on the Kenyan coast ties in with global projects to protect ecosystems. Practical steps hotels can take to minimise monkey and baboon encounters. Lastly, we list some of the many tourist attractions in Diani on Kenya's stunning Indian Ocean coast.  Join me Charlotte Beauvoisin, author of Diary of a Muzungu | East Africa Travel Blog, in the birdhide at Sunbird Hill for a conversation about monkeys, tourism, future plans for the podcast - and some thank yous! *Known as  "the "trimates," Louis Leakey was the first to commission the three female primatologists: Dame Jane Goodall (who specialises in chimpanzees) and Dian Fossey (mountain gorillas) and Birutė Galdikas (orangutans). Together, their research has rewritten our understanding of great apes. Welcome to my world!  Tune in every week to The East Africa Travel Podcast for the dawn chorus, travel advice, chats with award-winning conservationists, safari guides, birders, lodge owners (and wacky guidebook writers). Sign up to my weekly newsletter. Follow Charlotte Beauvoisin, Diary of a Muzungu on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X.  
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  Ep. 19 Olympics scorecard - East Africa, home of champions 27.08.2024 13min

  Whether you're a fan of the Olympics, a runner - or just someone like me who loves Africa - episode 19 is for you. First off, a massive congratulations to everyone who participated in Paris 2024 - what an event it's been! Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of East African athletes and give a special shout-out to the 12 African countries that brought home medals, with Kenya leading the way in athletics, and Uganda making its mark with two well-deserved medals.  What are the unique factors that make Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda "the home of champions"? Behind the medals: I discuss the challenges faced by East African athletes. The lack of financial support makes their achievements even more inspiring. I've run all over Africa. And if - like me - the Olympics have inspired you, listen closely: I have some fantastic marathon and high altitude running ideas in East Africa that you won't want to miss. Join me, Charlotte Beauvoisin, author of Diary of a Muzungu, as I lace up my running shoes for a short loop around East Africa. Welcome to my world!  Tune in every week to The East Africa Travel Podcast for the dawn chorus, travel advice, chats with award-winning conservationists, safari guides, birders, lodge owners (and wacky guidebook writers). Sign up to my weekly newsletter. Follow Charlotte Beauvoisin, Diary of a Muzungu on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X. [Graphic of Uganda's gold medallist Joshua Cheptegai courtesy of Nile Breweries].  
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  Ep. 18 Eavesdropping on Elephants (night sounds of Kibale Forest) 20.08.2024 11min

  An elephant rumble or an earth tremor – can the Muzungu tell the difference? In episode 18, we're back in my wooden house on the edge of Kibale National Park in western Uganda, alert to the night sounds from the forest. Join me as I listen to the sounds of elephants – one of the many incredible experiences that inspired this podcast. Can you hear them breathing?  In this episode, you'll discover: How to tell when an elephant is nearby – by the splintering of wood or the shape of fresh dung. What happens when elephants cross the park boundary onto community land. Come with me – Charlotte Beauvoisin, author of *Diary of a Muzungu* – as I wrap up in a Maasai blanket to sit in the dark, listening for night sounds at Sunbird Hill, Nature Monitoring and Rewilding Site, Kibale Forest, Uganda. It's a short episode, packed with atmosphere. Welcome to my world!  Tune in every week to The East Africa Travel Podcast for the dawn chorus, travel advice, chats with award-winning conservationists, safari guides, birders, lodge owners (and wacky guidebook writers). Sign up my weekly newsletter. Follow Charlotte Beauvoisin, Diary of a Muzungu on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X.
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  Ep. 17 Elephant potholes (the one where I lost my welly!) 06.08.2024 25min

  This week, we are slowing down to reconnect with nature on the edge of the tropical rainforest. Come with me as we navigate waterlogged "elephant potholes," the lockdown playground I shared with my 10-year-old nephew, Dillon. It's a delightfully squelchy episode! Put on your gumboots and find out: What will I see from the bird hide? Who might need rescuing from the elephant trench? Why is life so difficult for farmers living on the edge of Kibale National Park? The joys of a muddy walk! Join me, Charlotte Beauvoisin, author of Diary of a Muzungu, as we splosh about on the edge of the forest. This episode is dedicated to Mzee, the late Silver Kyamukama, an expert tracker, reformed poacher, and long-term friend of Sunbird Hill, Nature Monitoring and Rewilding Site, Kibale Forest, Uganda on the edge of Kibale Forest, western Uganda. Welcome to my world!  Tune in every week to The East Africa Travel Podcast for the dawn chorus, travel advice, chats with award-winning conservationists, safari guides, birders, lodge owners (and wacky guidebook writers). Sign up my weekly newsletter. Follow Charlotte Beauvoisin, Diary of a Muzungu on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X.
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  Ep. 16 Lost Birds, Beards and Bonobos. Ian Redmond OBE in conversation - part 2/2 30.07.2024 25min

  In this episode, I resume my conversation with Ian Redmond, OBE, "a self-confessed gorillaholic who's been hooked for 40 years!" Ian is also known as Mandevu "the bearded one," one of his African names. In episode 15, we talked about the interconnectedness of life: how the elephant, chimpanzee and gorilla 'gardeners of the forests' of the Congo Basin are connected with a loaf of bread in England and - importantly - how local people can benefit financially from the ecosystem services of animals that are often regarded as a nuisance when wildlife tramples or eats their crops, or endangers human life. We also talked about Ian's role in the mountain gorilla story, working with his mentor Dr. Dian Fossey in Rwanda. In part two, we discuss: The birth of a gorilla in captivity. What does its future look like? Western lowland gorillas and bonobos. What's the difference? Frustrating travel advisories! How safe is it to travel to Kahuzi Biega National Park in the DR Congo? Is there any conservation model as successful as gorilla tracking? "Primatologist's neck" - which phenomenon is Ian referring to here? And finally, will he reveal which great ape is his favourite?  Welcome to my world!  Tune in every week to The East Africa Travel Podcast for the dawn chorus, travel advice, chats with award-winning conservationists, safari guides, birders, lodge owners, and wacky guidebook writers. Sign up my weekly newsletter. Follow Charlotte Beauvoisin, Diary of a Muzungu on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X. Some of the organisations Ian represents, include: Chair of Trustees, The Gorilla Organization Co-Founder, Rebalance Earth, which is developing a global ecosystems platform for valuing and funding a living nature to combat climate change, protect biodiversity and lift communities out of poverty Head of Conservation, Ecoflix the first not for profit global streaming platform dedicated to saving animals and the planet Senior Wildlife Consultant and Policy Adviser, Born Free Foundation Ambassador for the UN's  Convention on Migratory Species 2010-2024 Co-founder and former Envoy, UN-GRASP.org Founder and Chairman, Ape Alliance (linking 95 organisations) Fellow, Linnean Society, Royal Geographical Society and previously Zoological Society of London Ambassador and consultant, www.vEcotourism.org Connecting and empowering conservation projects by integrating state-of-the-art immersive digital technologies with traditional storytelling You can follow Ian Redmond OBE on YouTube, Facebook, Ian Redmond on X For inspiration from the natural world, follow #BrightenYourDay (on all social media)
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  Ep. 15 Grunting with the gorilla gardeners. Ian Redmond OBE in conversation - part 1/2 23.07.2024 30min

  In the first of two conversations, renowned conservationist (and personal conservation hero) Ian Redmond OBE discusses the interconnectedness of life – from the elephant, gorilla, and chimpanzee gardeners in the rainforests of the Congo Basin to a loaf of bread in England! Ian has been in love with East Africa since 1976 when he first travelled to Africa to study and protect the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly known as Zaire). In 1978, he was part of the team that filmed Sir David Attenborough's famous encounter with the mountain gorillas for the BBC's "Life on Earth" series. Such was the impact of that recording that in 1999, British television viewers placed Attenborough's gorilla sequence at number 12 out of 100 in the "Greatest TV Moments," ranking it ahead of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation and the wedding of Charles and Diana. More importantly for the mountain gorillas, this intimate moment with a great ape was one of the catalysts for a turnaround in their (then) critically endangered status. During the past four decades, Ian has advised in the making of more than 100 documentaries for the BBC, Nat Geo, and the Discovery Channel. He even coached actress Sigourney Weaver on how to grunt like a gorilla for the 1988 film "Gorillas in the Mist."  Listen to the first part of our conversation to learn about: Ian's role in the mountain gorilla story His unusual approach to securing a job with Dian Fossey in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda Turning points in his life, such as the murder of his friend Digit, the young silverback gorilla How Fossey might view gorilla conservation now Rebalance Earth and the ecosystem services value of an elephant far beyond its tourism value In part two (episode 16) Ian talks about western lowland gorillas, bonobos and Kahuzi Biega National Park in the DRC, along with more entertaining insights from his amazing career Ian Redmond OBE is a man of many hats! These include: Chair of Trustees, The Gorilla Organization Co-Founder, Rebalance Earth, which is developing a global ecosystems platform for valuing and funding a living nature to combat climate change, protect biodiversity and lift communities out of poverty Head of Conservation, Ecoflix the first not for profit global streaming platform dedicated to saving animals and the planet Senior Wildlife Consultant and Policy Adviser, Born Free Foundation Ambassador for the UN's  Convention on Migratory Species 2010-2024 Co-founder and former Envoy, UN-GRASP.org Founder and Chairman, Ape Alliance (linking 95 organisations) Fellow, Linnean Society, Royal Geographical Society and previously Zoological Society of London Ambassador and consultant, www.vEcotourism.org Connecting and empowering conservation projects by integrating state-of-the-art immersive digital technologies with traditional storytelling Follow Ian Redmond on X Welcome to my world!  Tune in every week to The East Africa Travel Podcast for the dawn chorus, travel advice, chats with award-winning conservationists, safari guides, birders, lodge owners, and wacky guidebook writers. Sign up my weekly newsletter. Follow Charlotte Beauvoisin, Diary of a Muzungu on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X.
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  Ep. 14 Village vibes in rural Uganda - a walking diary 16.07.2024 12min

  In this week's episode, we take a short walk through the village bordering Kibale National Park. It's a lazy Sunday and everyone's in a good mood: drivers wave hellos and boys herd goats.  Do all white 'muzungu' women look the same? I giggle with my neighbour as he mistakes me (for a friend I do not resemble in the least).  Tune in to hear: Friendly greetings on a gentle walk through the village. Birdsong and the joy of being back in the forest at Sunbird Hill. "Novel ways a podcast is promoting Ugandan tourism." The Sunday Monitor newspaper publishes a feature all about the East Africa Travel Podcast. A preview of guests from upcoming episodes: Mzee Silver Kyamukama, a reformed poacher and local legend, and Ian Redmond OBE, renowned for his work with Dian Fossey and Sir David Attenborough. Lastly, what time is elephant o'clock and what does it signal? Welcome to my world!  Tune in every week to The East Africa Travel Podcast for the dawn chorus, travel advice, chats with award-winning conservationists, safari guides, birders, lodge owners, and wacky guidebook writers. Sign up my weekly newsletter. Follow Charlotte Beauvoisin, Diary of a Muzungu on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
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  Ep. 13 Seeing the Light - moths & butterflies revealed. Dr. Michael Ochse in conversation 09.07.2024 29min

  In episode 13, we go niche! When I moved to Uganda, one of my biggest fears was how I would cope with insects! Here at Sunbird Hill, Nature Monitoring and Rewilding Site, Kibale Forest, Uganda, on the edge of Kibale Forest, we see shiny green beetles with purple wings and swallowtail butterflies that are as big as your hand. Look at my social media now, and you'll see me holding a giant goliath beetle. It's clear I've put any phobia behind me for the bigger the creature, the more fascinated I am. In this week's podcast I talk insects and moths with visiting entomologist Dr Michael Ochse of Pollichia, a German environmental organisation. Listen to our conversation as I ask: What makes Kibale Forest such a biodiversity hotspot? How big is Papilio Antimachus - (pictured in my podcast artwork) - Africa's largest butterfly?How easy is it to identify a butterfly? What makes Uganda such a good destination to travel around? And lastly, what am I doing with hundreds of insects buzzing around me in the middle of the night? Welcome to my world!  Tune in every week to The East Africa Travel Podcast for the dawn chorus, travel advice, chats with award-winning conservationists, safari guides, birders, lodge owners, and wacky guidebook writers. Sign up my weekly newsletter. Follow Charlotte Beauvoisin, Diary of a Muzungu on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.