Ep13: I Got Chased By A Lion!!

OK, before I get to how I just got chased by a lion...I've gotta say, I was so angry and sad when I saw some footage online recently. Dozens of tourists had gotten out of their vehicles at the Mara River crossing on the Serengeti side, some standing on the roofs of their cars, others sitting right on the riverbank. This is completely illegal and incredibly dangerous, and it was all happening as a huge herd of wildebeest were attempting one of the most stressful moments of their lives.In this episode, I talk you through the chaos that unfolded and what I think needs to be done to protect these animals from this kind of tourist pressure. I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming these crossings are for the wildebeest (I’ve cried while taking photos of calves being forced over cliffs), and we really need to talk about how to manage these sightings better, from permits and fines to the responsibilities of the guides.But it's not all frustration out here! I also share one of the most wholesome and beautiful sightings I've had in a long time. By sitting patiently and giving them space, I was rewarded with an intimate view into the world of a black-backed jackal family and their tiny, brand-new puppies. It’s a perfect reminder that when you sit back and respect the animal's space, you get to witness the most incredible natural behaviour. Plus, I’ll tell you about the hippo I spotted doing a hilarious ‘walk of shame’ and I finish with the story of how I just got chased by a lion!!!I'd love to connect with you via social media!Instagram: @bobbyjosafarisFacebook: Bobby-Jo SafarisAnd if you'd like to explore my upcoming safaris: Bobby-Jo SafarisIf you love these stories, please leave a review, and share the podcast with your fellow safari lovers!This is a Podvan Media production.