Safari Conversations - the Singita podcast

By: Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard
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  • Summary

  • Welcome to ‘Safari Conversations’ – the Singita Podcast. 30 years ago, our Founder, Luke Bailes, had a dream of creating a pioneering ecotourism brand that could help save pristine wilderness areas in Africa for future generations. The first chapter of this story started when we built Singita Ebony Lodge, in the Sabi Sand, in 1993. But truly, it began long before that, on a piece of land his grandfather owned and where they spent holidays as a family at Castleton. So much has happened in the last 30 years, to where we find ourselves now – owning and managing award-winning lodges across four countries in Africa. And, we are looking to expand our conservation footprint even further. As a brand we’ve always been devoted to conservation and working alongside NGO partners and guests who share our vision. But at the heart of it all, you’ll find the many incredible people who work at Singita. Welcome to our Podcast – where you’ll meet some of the very talented people who make our life-changing safaris a reality.
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Episodes
  • Saving a Species: Pangolin - Teaming Up with Pangolin Africa

    Saving a Species: Pangolin - Teaming Up with Pangolin Africa
    Jul 22 2024
    A pangolin is poached from the wild every five minutes. It's reached a tipping point and if we don’t act now, they could disappear in our lifetime. So little is known about this enchanting, solitary mammal covered in scales, yet they’ve quickly become the world’s most trafficked mammal.

    The IUCN lists the four Asian species as critically endangered, while the four African species, endangered. All face extinction because of the illegal trade – poached for their scales for Asian medicine; or bush meat in Africa; or a delicacy in Asia. Electrocution (fences) and habitat loss also contribute to the decline.

    Not many people have seen a pangolin in the wild (let alone spent 365 days with one, like our guest has).

    Singita Sabi Sand Field Guide, Lucy Stofberg, chats to Donald Davis (Programme Coordinator at Pangolin.Africa) about a species in crisis. What makes pangolins special, why they're facing extinction, and how we can help? Donald's work is crucial. From rehabilitating pangolins in their natural habitat, to a swift return to the wild. He also deals with pangolins rescued from poachers. The NGO is working to create a pangolin-safe fence, and runs a telephone alert system (Pangolert).

    Singita, and other ecotourism operators, have teamed up with Pangolin.Africa to make the 15-minute Pangolin Guardian course available to any staff. Whether you’re a blogger, lodge owner, ranger, teacher, or CEO there are many ways you can get involved. Educating young children is key to saving pangolins.

    When you donate you help rescue and rehab efforts, ensuring that pangolins are treated, and released. That’s what “teaming up to save a species’’ means.
    https://www.pangolin.africa/donate

    Lucy and Donald share stories of their memorable sightings from South Africa to the Congo Basin. Tune in to this fascinating discussion about pangolin conservation. About Pangolin.Africa and its work · Become a Pangolin Guardian (15-minute course suitable for all ages) · Singita Sabi Sand · Watch Eye of the Pangolin Film. This groundbreaking documentary follows two men on a mission to capture the four species of African pangolins on camera. Fall in love with Pangolin. · Help track sightings of pangolins in the wild or report crime. Pangolert Hotline +27(0)72 726 4654 · See the new Singita Ebony · Wildlife reports from Singita Sabi Sand · Singita website
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    30 mins
  • Women Running Wild for Women - The Grumeti Fund's Women's Empowerment Project Changing Lives in Tanzania

    Women Running Wild for Women - The Grumeti Fund's Women's Empowerment Project Changing Lives in Tanzania
    Jun 11 2024
    Get ready to be inspired! In this episode, we're joined by two amazing women from the Grumeti Fund (GF), Singita's conservation partner in Tanzania, Skyler Nuelle (Head - Partnerships & Impact Analysis) and Frida Mollel (Head of Community Outreach Programme).

    Frida shares her inspirational story of overcoming cultural barriers to get an education in her Maasai community. Now she's paying it forward, leading programs to transform girls' lives through education in communities surrounding Singita Grumeti, in the western Serengeti.

    We're diving into the tough challenges girls here face - from poverty and gender biases favouring boys', to early pregnancy and a lack of mentors. Frida chats about the Grumeti Fund's scholarship program (a game-changer) keeping many more girls in classrooms. They lead empowerment sessions for girls and boys – programs that are completely transforming gender equality in the next generation. The Grumeti Fund also invests in teacher training to improve education.

    You'll hear about the epic annual Serengeti Girls Run, where women run through the wilderness to show solidarity and raise funds for women's empowerment.

    Join us for an inspiring look at creating change. From Frida's calm grace, to the innovative programs creating opportunities for countless girls in rural Tanzania. This is the power of ecotourism. Follow the Grumeti Fund on Instagram · Read about the GF's community projects in Tanzania supported by Singita · About the Serengeti Girls Run · To support women's empowerment projects, guests can donate here · Singita website
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    33 mins
  • The Pride of Tanzania - Singita Lodge Leaders Shattering Glass Ceilings for Women in Ecotourism

    The Pride of Tanzania - Singita Lodge Leaders Shattering Glass Ceilings for Women in Ecotourism
    May 20 2024
    We meet two dynamic women in senior management at Singita Grumeti, Tanzania. Bronwyn Laing (GM at Singita Serengeti) chats to Joyce Moikangoe (Lodge Manager at Singita Sasakwa Lodge) about female leadership and how they lift others as they climb.

    Joyce was born in Tanzania, studied in South Africa, then returned home to give back and be a part of something bigger. She joined Singita ten years ago and became the first Tanzanian female lodge manager. Bronwyn started in pharmaceuticals but fell in love with East Africa on a trip. She also studied rhino conservation and a three-month contract turned into six years and a home-from-home.

    Tanzania is led by a female president, and the younger girls at Singita believe they can run the world! The narrative here is changing with female leaders everywhere. Here, Singita now employs 220 women in hospitality, 50/50 split of men and women in management. With the right attitude and hard work, staff can progress, and they take great joy in all promotions.

    Hear inspiring stories. Like Joyce helping a banakeli (waitress) get a passport so she can start traveling the world. Hear Gekuli's story - from a scholarship recipient to a senior manager, or Dorine - the first Tanzanian yoga instructor. Both managers demonstrate a graceful, humble leadership style true to the Singita family values. They feel a responsibility to set an example, showing women new possibilities. They touch on the importance of work-life balance, and the sense of family and purpose that is at the heart of Singita’s culture. Given the demands of a 24/7 role, self-care practices like yoga, and CrossFit classes with the anti-poaching team help them recharge.

    They feel it's a privilege to work in such a setting and don't forget it for a second. From a wasteland 20 years ago, to one of the greatest conservation success stories, thanks to the work of the Grumeti Fund. They are based at Singita Sasakwa Lodge · Grumeti Fund · Conservation at Singita Serengeti · Grumeti region · Lamai region · Dorine Khambi's journey · Singita Sasakwa Lodge · Singita website
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    37 mins
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