The Safari Guide

Frank
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Let's go on safari together in Africa: not just to see animals, but to understand them. I'll show you how tracks in the sand, the sounds of the savanna, and the behavior of the animals suddenly make sense – then the safari truly begins. Support me! Thank you! https://www.patreon.com/15820042/join

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    #6 - The Sicamore Fig & The Fig Wasp

    A single tree can support countless animal species. It attracts birds, monkeys, bats—and sometimes even fish and crocodiles. The sycamore fig (Ficus sycomorus) is one of Africa's most important trees. It bears fruit almost year-round and is a central element of many river landscapes in southern and eastern Africa. But inside each individual fig, an invisible drama unfolds. A tiny species of wasp pollinates the flowers inside the fig. Without it, there would be no ripe seeds. And without seeds, no new trees. Tree and wasp are completely interdependent—a so-called obligate mutualism. But inside each individual fig, an invisible drama is taking place. In this episode you will learn: • why figs are not "normal" fruits • how wasps and seeds develop simultaneously inside • why the mother wasp dies inside – yet no remains are found in the ripe fig • why the fig tree is indispensable for entire ecosystems An episode about time, patience – and a partnership that has worked for millions of years. .............................................................................. Become my patron on Patreon! [https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheSafariGuide/membership](https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheSafariGuide/membership) Thank you! ..............................................................................

    13 min

  2. May 27

    #5 - The Warthog

    It looks like a caricature of nature: a massive head, thin legs, four curved tusks – and a tail like a small antenna in the grass. But the warthog is anything but ridiculous. It's fast, resilient, adaptable – and perfectly built for life on the African savanna. In this episode, you'll learn: - why warthogs eat on their knees - how their tusks sharpen themselves - why they dash out of their burrows at full speed in the morning - how they cooperate with mongooses - and why their sense of smell saves their lives An episode about an animal that is often ridiculed – but deserves great respect. .............................................................................. Become my patron on Patreon! [https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheSafariGuide/membership](https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheSafariGuide/membership) Thank you! ..............................................................................

    17 min

  3. May 20

    #4 - The Puff Adder

    She lies there like a patch of ground—and that’s exactly what makes the puff adder so dangerous. In this episode, I take you along to meet one of Africa’s best-known and best-camouflaged venomous snakes. We talk about its appearance and key identification features, its habitat and daily rhythm—and why puff adders can turn up in camps, along tracks, and even on warm asphalt roads. We also explore its hunting strategy as an ambush predator, its remarkable “scent camouflage,” reproduction and young—and the ecological role of this often misunderstood snake. Plus: three personal encounters from the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South Africa & Botsuana) and Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. .............................................................................. Become my patron on Patreon! [https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheSafariGuide/membership](https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheSafariGuide/membership) Thank you! ..............................................................................

    24 min

  4. May 13

    #3 - The Zebra

    Zebras are among Africa’s best-known animals – and yet they are often underestimated on safari. In this episode, it is about far more than just black-and-white stripes: Why are zebras striped? How do they live in their family groups? How do they defend themselves against lions and crocodiles? And what can their mane, belly, and behavior reveal about their state of health? I talk about social structure, digestion, vocalizations, reproduction, and the remarkable strategies zebras use to survive in the savanna. The episode also explores tsetse flies, dust baths, allogrooming, and the question of why zebras may be seen often on safari – but are anything but boring. An episode for everyone who wants not just to look on safari, but to understand. .............................................................................. Become my patron on Patreon! [https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheSafariGuide/membership](https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheSafariGuide/membership) Thank you! ..............................................................................

    18 min

  5. May 6

    #2 - The Southern Ground Hornbill

    The Southern Ground Hornbill is one of Africa’s most impressive – and least understood – birds. With its deep, far-carrying call, it shapes the soundscape of the savanna. But behind this striking voice lies much more: a highly social life in family groups, an exceptionally slow reproductive cycle, and an impressive hunting strategy – even when dealing with venomous snakes. In this episode, I explain why ground hornbills can live up to 60 years, why usually only one chick survives, and what crucial role this bird plays in the savanna ecosystem. An episode about an animal that is both powerful and vulnerable – and whose protection goes far beyond a single species. .............................................................................. Become my patron on Patreon! [https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheSafariGuide/membership](https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheSafariGuide/membership) Thank you! ..............................................................................

    15 min

  6. Apr 29

    #1 - The Nile Crocodile

    Nile crocodiles are among Africa’s most fascinating animals: ancient, perfectly adapted, and often invisible at waterholes—until they strike with lightning speed. In this episode, I explain how Nile crocodiles hunt (including the infamous death roll), why their teeth “keep growing back” throughout their lives, how they see underwater, and why they must swallow their prey above the surface. We also talk about reproduction, nest temperatures, and their remarkable parental care—and explore the role Nile crocodiles play in the ecological balance of river ecosystems. .............................................................................. Become my patron on Patreon! [https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheSafariGuide/membership](https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheSafariGuide/membership) Thank you! ..............................................................................

    19 min

  7. Apr 24

    #0 - Trailer - The Safari Guide

    There are safaris where, in the end, only your camera’s memory card is full. And there are safaris that stay with you. In this podcast, I take you into the fascinating world of Africa’s animals and plants. Those goosebump moments begin when you start to understand. When sounds, tracks, and behavior suddenly make sense — and what once seemed simply “beautiful” becomes truly “exciting.” I am Frank - The Safari Guide. My life moves between the vastness of Africa and everyday life in Vienna. Out there in the bush. Back here in the city. And if you’re curious, if you enjoy learning, and if you’re ready to embrace those small moments of wonder — then you’re in exactly the right place. .............................................................................. Become my patron on Patreon! [https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheSafariGuide/membership](https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheSafariGuide/membership) Thank you! ..............................................................................

    1 min

Trailer

About

Let's go on safari together in Africa: not just to see animals, but to understand them. I'll show you how tracks in the sand, the sounds of the savanna, and the behavior of the animals suddenly make sense – then the safari truly begins. Support me! Thank you! https://www.patreon.com/15820042/join

Information

  • Creator
    Frank
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Frank - The Safari Guide
  • Show Website
    The Safari Guide