Nella's Tin Trunk Podcast
Riding horses across the landscape of Kenya in 2004 led me from an academic life in Italy, making my own olive oil and teaching Italian literature, to living on the edge of Kenya's Great Rift Valley, running my boutique safari business and flying myself around in an old Cessna 185. This podcast explores the multi-faceted life here in Africa. We will sift through the greatness of safaris, conservation efforts, community projects across the continent and meet an inspiring variety of people who are committed and passionate about what they do. Welcome to the adventure!
Episodes
A Dream Realised in Victoria Falls - Nella with Sara Gardiner
If Victoria Falls has crossed your mind. Good. It is one of the more spectacular waterfalls on Earth. At high season one of the largest curtains of water falls over the edge, about over 500 million litres per minute. It's more than that though and this talk with Sara Gardiner explains why. Sara and her family have created a private haven for wildlife at their lodge on the river. It's a f
A Day in Nella's Life on Safari in Botswana
In this episode you accompany me virtually as I go through a typical day on safari in Botswana. From getting there, to the sundowners around the fire, to watching cheetah run, the day is full. And the best part - no two days are ever the same! Enjoy! www.tintrunksafari.com Instagram: @tintrunksafari
From Kenya to Chanel: Nella with Waridi Wardah-Probst
I met Waridi on a flying safari in Namibia. As we explored the most dramatic parts of Namibia's Skeleton Coast, sat side by side in the Cessna 210, on the roof of the landrover, chatted over sundowners in the red sand and oysters on the deserted beach (except for fur seals), we became friends. Her story of growing up in Kenya, leaving for Abu Dhabi, getting discovered and becoming a successfu
An African Animal Quiz for Kids, and Fun Adults!
I love kids on safari. This episode is for them! A fun quiz to learn about African animals - for the whole family! Enjoy.www.tintrunksafari.com Instagram: @tintrunksafari
The Most Extraordinary Adventure in Namibia: Nella with André Schoeman
"But the desert is a bit boring, no? All that sand?". Far from it! Namibia is no pile of sand. The landscape changes every 10 minutes when you fly over it. Ancient plants, desert-adapted animals like Rhino and Elephant, fascinating geology, long history of hunter-gatherers, five-star night sky. If you are lucky enough to see it from the air with one of the Schoeman family, you will yea
What should I wear on safari?! Nella discusses the dos and don'ts of safari style.
Khaki not your thing? You're like me. Pale greys, dusky pinks, light blue... these colours are fine on safari. You just need to be aware of the colours you wear when on walking safari. In this episode, I give some guidelines as well as my personal preferences. Happy packing for your trip of a lifetime! www.tintrunksafari.com Instagram: @tintrunksafari
The Freest Rhinos in the World - Nella with Bons Bernardo Hillary Roman
It's true. The desert-adapted rhinos of this vast area of Namibia are the freest rhinos in the world. This is a frank and open conversation about a topic that always causes heightened emotions... How to save this iconic African flagship species... Where Bons comes from, where he still lives and works, there is great commitment, knowledge, caring and, as you will hear, success. Enjoy this inf
Tin Trunk's Wonderful 2025 in Review
If an African safari is on your radar, your bucket list, your "must return" list, my overstory of our safaris in 2025 may help pull the trigger. No safari is ever the same and even if you come every single year, as some definitely do, you experience different and wonderful places, animals and cultures each time. It's wild here. You can drive the same road in a reserve, conservation
See You in Lamu. Nella with Abdulla Juma on the Island's History and Popularity
If you are up on trendy spots to go to the beach, you will have heard of Lamu. If you haven’t, and you like trendy spots to go to the beach, you will want to know about Lamu. For better or worse, this tiny island just off the coast of Kenya is on the international radar of eclectic and vibey beach spots. It’s a scene and it captivates. Arty and quiet, party fiend, and all in between fall prety to
Nella on Christmas On Safari
Every family I have had on safari over Christmas says it was one of the best Christmas's ever. Sharing this special time of year with one another in the majesty of the African wilderness is joyful ,and soulful. In this episode, I talk a bit about Christmas history and traditions across the continent as well as what to expect on safari and the best places to be on safari at this time of year.
Nella with Grant Parker on What It Takes to Make Great Food on Safari
Following the news of the Michelin Guidebooks launching in South Africa, I thought you would enjoy this chat with Grant Parker, a safari camp manager and passionate chef. Learn about safari cuisine, how they get such great ingredients into the remote bush and the talented teams making it all happen. Enjoy our chat!www.tintrunksafari.com Instagram: @tintrunksafari
Nella on the film and notion of "Out of Africa", in honour of Robert Redford
The passing of the gorgeous and talented Robert Redford got me thinking about Out of Africa. Redford stars with Meryl Streep in Sydney Pollack's film adaptation of Karen Blixen's memoir of the same name. It's about Blixen's life in Kenya and her love affair with Denys Finch-Hatton. Today, this term evokes romance and elegance on safari. In this podcast, I give a bit of history
Nella with Mbunga Boetie on The Traditions of African Hunter-Gatherers
This was a very fun interview to do. It followed a very fun walk through the Namibian desert with Boetie in which we learned a lot - and got tested! One of the oldest cultures on Earth, the San or Bushmen of Southern Africa have ancestry dating back thousands of years, with cave paintings dotted around the continent. And they are proud to share their customs and traditions with us, as you will hea
Animal Etiquette on Safari - Nella on The Importance of Good Safari Guiding
What does it mean to be a good safari guide? What is okay and not okay to do around the animals in the bush? In this episode, I elaborate on safari guiding and how vital it is that safari visitors support the right places and guides if we want the African wilderness to thrive. This is the only research you need to do before deciding which safari to go on! www.tintrunksafari.com Instagram: @tintrun
African Wilderness in YOUR Hands! Nella with Brian Bode on Safari Guide Training.
It's true. If you plan to come on safari in Africa, who plans for you and chooses where you are going is paramount to the quality of guiding you will experience. And that is the difference between respect for the animals, communities and an ethical approach to it all and the very opposite. Brian and I discuss what it means to be a good safari guide. The more you know about this, the more wi
Nella with Kyle Simpson on The Best Fishing in the Seychelles
It's all about Permit. Or GTs. Or Bone Fish, (but they are easy). Kyle Simpson is head guide at Alphonse, the idyllic tropical paradise in the Seychelles that attracts passionate fishers the world over. It attracts people wanting to dive and snorkel and swim with mantas too, but that is covered on my previous podcasts. Kyle and I talk about why this place is such a world-class destination. If
Nella on The Soulfulness of Safari
It's a topic dear to my heart. What is it about a safari that is so personally transformative? Why do people - even those who were 7 years old at the time - say, over and over, it's the best trip they have ever done? I keep attempting to answer those questions, using my own experiences and that of our clients. In this short episode, I talk about the hierarchy of man on the planet and how
Nella with John Barclay on Safari Legacy and Growing-Up in the Wilds of Botswana
John Barclay is a fountain of knowledge about the bush. His safari genealogy goes back generations. He is the grandson of the famous Jack Bousfield of Botswana, an explorer whose collection at Jack’s Camp is considered part of the national treasures of the country. His uncle, Ralph, is a mentor and avant-guarde thinker on all things safari and conservation. John has used his childhood in the bush
Nella with Elle Brighton on Mantas and Marine Conservation in the Seychelles
Did you know that no one has ever seen a Manta Ray give birth? Their babies are over a meter wide when they are born. Or that the Seychelles may be one of the only Manta nurseries on Earth? Elle Brighton is a devoted marine conservartionist working in the Seychelles Outer Islands. Based on the inimitable Alphonse Island, she oversees everything from the health of the fishing (it's a world cla
Nella with Wendy Panaino on Conservation in Africa's Largest Private Nature Reserve
Wendy Panaino is the head of conservation at Tswalu in South Africa’s Kalahari. If you listened to my podcast about the Deserts of Africa, you will remember the Kalahari. It is an exceptionally rich ecological area and Tswalu is a success story of rehabilitation and conservation. Wendy and I sat down while I was there and chatted about what it means to be a custodian of Africa’s largest private na
Nella on How To Test-Drive A Safari Camp
Over the 21 years I have been bringing guests to Africa with my business, Tin Trunk Safari, I have held to the principle that I do not send guests anywhere that I have not been personally. This has kept Tin Trunk “slower and closer” and is also essential in making sure I match the clients to the right experiences. In today’s episode, I talk about the vetting process. What am I thinking about and l
Nella with Luke Van Der Merwe on Island Farming for Foodies
It's the end of February and in case the Winter cold lingers, I thought you would enjoy going to a tropical island - to talk about food. Luke Van Der Merwe is the head gardener on Alphonse Island in the Seychelles and, as you will hear, he is passionate about what he does. Our chat covers everything from how come the food is so delicious here, in the middle of nowhere in the Indian Ocean, to
Nella on The Sands of Africa
The names conjure romantic images: The Sahara. The Namib. The Kalahari. Africa is home to three of the largest and most diverse deserts on our planet. Safaris that include the Namib and the Kalahari in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa reveal not only unbelievable formations, landscapes and flora, but also unique animal sightings, like the desert-adapted Elephant; the Cheetah (Namibia has the lar
Nella with Kes Hillman-Smith - Part Two of Conservation in a Conflict Zone
Our conversation continues and after learning about Kes's arrival in Africa, her elephant research, frog heart muscle research and raising a family in the Democratic Republic of Congo on the border of war-torn South Sudan, we now hear more about that as well as what she is doing to stop the total extinction of the Northern White Rhino species. Enjoy Part 2 and be sure to listen to Part 1 firs
Nella with Kes Hillman Smith on Conservation in a Conflict Zone
Kes Hillman Smith is an unsung hero in African conservation. She arrived in Africa in a Land Rover through the Sahara and stayed to become a dedicated conservationist. Her research and hands-on involvement in Garamba National Park in the northern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo on the border with South Sudan, protecting elephants and rhino from savage poaching, flying her own plane for an
Nella on Fear on Safari - What is Scary and Should it be?
How Scared Should You Be about Africa? It depends to a large degree on into whose hands you are entrusted. Good guides. Travel planners who understand that Africa can be daunting and are willing – and knowledgeable enough – to help you through to the other side. This is something I enjoy and whether we are talking about planes, animals, illness or just how different Africa is from every other trip
Nella with Jack Coupland on Sharks, Turtles, Birds And All Things Conservation on Alponse Island
Jack Coupland walks the talk. He oversees the fascinating – and incredibly important – conservation projects on Alphonse Island in the remote Outer Island area of the Seychelles. In our chat, we talk about sharks, turtles, birds, fish and coral and how they are all intricately, crucially, linked to form this pristine and thriving marine environment. It’s not often one can say that about the condit
Nella on The Best Beach Destination in Africa
Listen to hear why this is my favourite tropical paradise in Africa. Whether you are looking to lie on white sands until sundowner time with a good book or want to get out and do some world-class fishing and diving and snorkeling and hiking and biking and and and... this is it. Happy listening! www.tintrunksafari.com Instagram: @tintrunksafari
Nella with Tony Church - Tales of a Life and of a Land
Tony Church is a man whose life has spanned fascinating moments in Kenya's history. To some he is the father of horse safaris in Kenya, to others the man who helped organise the horses for Robert Redford and Meryl Streep while they filmed Out of Africa, to other, precious ones, he's the grandfather who puts them on horses when they come to visit. Listening to Tony talk of zebra rustling
Nella on Mountain Gorillas - Everything You Need To Know
In this episode, I talk about the endangered Mountain Gorillas and take you on a virtual trek. I have done this 8 times now, in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It's often called an experience of a lifetime - and it truly is. If you have done it, you will have a lovely walk down memory lane. And if you haven't, you will want to! Enjoy! www.tintrunksafari.com Instagra
Nella with Lorna Buchanan-Jardine on Her Experiences as a Safari Camp Manager
I am back chatting with my good friend, Lorna Buchanan-Jardine, and as with our previous conversation, we cover lots of topics. This one delves into Lorna's experience as a safari camp manager. We talk about the kinds of cultural exchanges that occur between guests and the locals here and how this is often one of the highlights of a safari. You must hear her story of a New York City family d
Nella on The Great Migration!
In this episode I talk about one of Nature’s unmatched wildlife events: The Great Migration. Millions of wildebbeest, with zebra and gazelle, move around the Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystems following the rains for the freshest grass. This is the second largest mammal migration on our planet. (The first is bats.) The zebras and wildebeest cross the rivers, full of crocodiles, and these “cross
Nella with Virginia Sinteyian on Being A Woman Ranger in Anti-Poaching
As I say in the introduction, there is something about this conversation with Virginia that leaves me feeling raw, open and hopeful. Virginia is as real a deal as they come and hearing her talk about her upbringing in a home full of brothers and how a mixture of courage and hope led her to become one of the few - and elite - female anti-poaching rangers is beyond inspiring. Happy Listening.www.tin
Nella with Jamie Roberts of Tropic Air on Life, Luck and Africa From Above
This is an iconic one. Jamie Roberts is a larger-than-life character. He owns one of the most successful aviation businesses in Africa, Tropic Air, and takes guests, including those of Tin Trunk, in his airplanes and helicopters from lodge to lodge and on amazing journeys around the continent. In this conversation we chat about his family, how he ended up with his business and his favourite dest
Nella with Nicole Church on An African Odyssey: From London to Nairobi in a Land Rover
Nicole Church travelled with 4 other friends from England to Kenya. 50 years ago and in a Land Rover. They crossed the Sahara. They cooked and navigated and dug themselves out of sand traps. They visited - and felt safe in - countries most would not drive through today and they had more than a few extraordinary encounters with people they met along the way. Grab a map of Africa and enjoy our con
Nella on Fear about Africa
Part of my travel planning job at Tin Trunk involves talking to people about the daunting aspects of a trip to Africa. It's far. It's in the news for the wrong reasons much of the time. There are animals here much bigger than us and others who can catch and eat prey much bigger than us. In this podcast, I discuss all of this and why much of it can be avoided or is often misrepresented.
Nella with Joy Juma on the Zeitz Foundation and Protecting Kenya's Rhinos
Joy Juma loved camping and being in the African wilderness when she was a young girl. Early on, she decided to work in conservation and has been involved with many different projects over her career. Today, Joy is a key member of the Zeitz Foundation, founded by Jochen Zeitz in 2008 and headquartered at his stunning retreat, Segera, in Kenya. Joy manages many projects for the Foundation, includin
Nella with General Sir Mike Jackson on His Love of Africa
Mike Jackson and his wife Sarah are beloved members of our family. Mike has been travelling in Africa since the 1980s - before, during and after his distinguished career in the British Army as Chief of the General Staff. There is hardly an area he hasn't visited and our conversation here at home in Kenya touches on where he has been, what he loves and why, as well as his thoughts on how Afric
Nella with Robert Lochiam on Charging Rhinos and Super Tusker Elephants
Robert Lochiam is one of those guides who I know I need to interview after just a few hours together. I was excited to visit a new lodge in an important area for conservation in Kenya and Robert, who goes by his surname, Lochiam, showed us just how vital the area is to the "Super Tuskers": the elephants around Amboseli National Park at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro whose tusks often drag o
Nella on Becoming a Bush Pilot in Africa
This is the first of a series of podcasts centered on the theme of bush pilots flying around Africa. I begin with my own story of becoming a pilot and hope this is inspirational for anyone tempted to take to the skies. Africa from the air is a journey in itself. Whether you are in command or a passenger on safari, being up there, looking down on elephants, bamboo forests, waterfalls or pastoralis
Nella with Fabien Munyaribanje on Wild Rides in Rwanda
Imagine steep hillside roads, narrow such that cars often have to give way for the oncoming traffic. People everywhere on both sides of the road: lorries, cars, safari landcruisers. We are talking about a crowded scenario on the Rwandan roads in the area where the Mountain Gorillas dwell. Now imagine a bicycle. No gears, and - I think but am not at all sure - brakes. The men riding the bikes fr
Nella on Christmas on Safari and A Samburu Christmas Tale
Christmas on Safari is the perfect way to make the holiday about time together, about sharing beauty and awe and magic with those you love. In this short episode, I speak about what it is like to be on safari over Christmas, and tell a Samburu story about the creation of the stars. Happy Christmas Everyone! www.tintrunksafari.com Instagram: @tintrunksafari
Nella with Diana Sutter on her many trips to Africa and the power of "Slow Safari"
When Diana Sutter is not in Northern California, you are safe to bet she is in Africa. Diana has seen more of Africa than most - including safari guides. She has visited the kinds of off-the-beaten places many of us who live here full-time still dream of visiting. She is passionate about the continent, the animals, and the people - evident not only in her stunning photography but also in her sup
Nella on Sifting Through The Greatness of Rwanda
On Safari in Rwanda! Following my special interview with the three men who worked with Dian Fossey to help save the Mountain Gorillas (previous episode), I am talking about Rwanda in general now: the country, the people, the history - sad and yet inspiring - and of course what to do and see on safari there, which goes beyond trekking to see the endangered Mountain Gorillas, but of course includes
Nella with Fidel, Bosco and Ngarambe on working with Dian Fossey to save Mountain Gorillas
This interview still gives me goose bumps. I have honoured Dian Fossey's work - exposing to the world the plight of the Mountain Gorilla and learning more and more about our wise and wonderful cousins - since forever. Getting to meet three men who worked with her and hear their stories was not only interesting, but important. She opened our eyes and hearts to these wonderful and endangered an
Nella with Chief Kelebogile on Riding Horses in Africa
My African story begins with a horse safari in 2004. It's why I fell in love with this place and riding across Africa is still one of my favourite ways to experience the wilderness. Horse safaris are a thing, and for those who ride, an incredible way to feel the power of Africa's Nature. A recent ride in Botswana introduced me to Chief - one of the best horse safari guides I have met an
Nella Sifting through the Greatness of Botswana!
It’s BotswanAAAH. This is Africa’s most private and pristine safari destination. Stunning tented camps, watching animals on your own...the water...the light...the luxury! (The price tag to match most of the time too.) Safaris here visit the world’s largest inland delta, the Okavango Delta, as well as the vast salt pans of the ancient super lakes and some other special places too. This is my Sifti
Nella with Katie Bastard On A Fantastic Community Project For Samburu Women - and More!
Everyone, meet Katie, otherwise known (by me!) as Dr. Doolittle. She is an animal whisperer in many ways and has devoted her life, with her husband Jeremy and three small children, to living in the African bush and helping ensure the success of orphaned baby elephants being reintroduced back into the wild of Northern Kenya. ...The best part, she has done this together with the Samburu community
Nella with Jen Murphy on her journalism about travel in Africa
Jen Murphy is a real-deal kind of journalist. I admire her approach to writing about Africa and the stories she chooses to tell. She writes what she loves and she certainly gets around enough to know what that is. What I enjoyed about this conversation with Jen is that it was exactly as it would have been if we were just having a glass of wine at a conservation conference talking about travel in
Nella on Safari Guides and with Brad Siyawareva on the marvels that are Termites!
I preface this chat with Brad about the fascinating world of termites with my thoughts on safari guides and the trends I see shaping the future of African guiding. More and more, the support of local guides is leading to engaging, well-trained men - and increasingly women although still far fewer - who can look to this as a fulfilling and rewarding career. Making sure we support the camps and lod
Nella with Jonhson Ratsimanadino on Magical Madagascar
Jonhson explained the unique spelling of his name before we began recording - one of those hospital spellings that stuck. That is not the only unique thing about him either. Jonhson is a curious and highly educated man with a mind for science who is busy sharing his knowledge with clients at the wonderful island paradise of Miavana in Madagascar. This talk was born of an evening exploring the Cab
Nella on Madagascar: A true hotspot in every way!
This is an apperitivo to Madagascar. At the least, it will make you excited to hear my interview with Jonhson (who tells the funny story of the spelling of his name) coming soon. And at the most, you will get a trip to Madagascar onto your calendar. The beauty and unique ecosystems here make it a must journey for any world adventurer and it's the perfect finale to an African safari. Have a
Roles Reversed - Nella Nencini-Hutchings Interviewed!
The roles are reversed today. When my very dear friend, Gina Clifford, returned to Africa for her third visit, I planned to interview her about trekking for gorillas in Uganda. Many Tin Trunk clients do it there and in Rwanda and I think it’s time we hear from them on just what makes this one of the most sought-after and soul-altering journeys on our planet. Alas, for another time. For Gina convin
Nella with Francis Kiwanuka on Safari in Uganda
From his first curious moments as a boy, watching tourists stop along the road in his native town in southern Uganda, to becoming a senior safari guide, Francis has cultivated a love of Uganda's wilderness - not just where the gorillas live, but also the open savannahs and riverine systems. In our conversation, he shares thoughts on the future of tourism for Uganda, her difficult past and ho
Nella with Roddy Hutchings on Carbon and Africa
I'm speaking here with our son, Roddy Hutchings. He lives and works in Amsterdam following a childhood in Kenya and education in both South Africa and the U.K. Roddy and I talk about his field: carbon - the markets, the realities, the challenges, and the optimistic view he has for how this can help Africa specifically. You will probably be able to tell that I know nothing! Luckily, that is no
Nella with Orlando's Friends on What IS it about Africa?!
In my attempt to put the magic of Africa into words, I had the great pleasure to interview seven friends of our son, Orlando Hutchings, during a recent safari. Each speaks of their experience here with insight and understanding, not to mention awe and respect. I was inspired and impressed by their thoughts and think you will be too! Enjoy! www.tintrunksafari.com Instagram: @tintrunksafari
Nella on What is it about Africa?
There is something about this place that leaves you changed. Every visitor on safari leaves feeling different, awed, hugely lucky to have seen the wilderness, the animals and to have met the extraordinary people. I invite you not only to listen but also to contribute ... Let's try to put this magic into words! www.tintrunksafari.com Instagram: @tintrunksafari
Nella with Darrell Isaac on the incredible Bird Island, Seychelles
When I am in ecosystems and landscapes (and in this case also seascapes) that are so pure and wild and in which I am not the predominant species, I feel connected to Nature in an indelible way and this feeds my soul deeply. Bird Island is such a place and meeting a man like Darrel Isaac while there made that feeling even stronger. Not only does he live within this special world of birds, tortoise
Nella with Shelan Rodger on Living Authentically with Nature, Art and a good dose of Adventure!
Shelan Rodger is a published author, a graduate of Oxford, a multi-lingual drama therapist and a woman who fully embraces adventure and living authentically. She is also one of my closest friends. Enjoy this wide-ranging conversation full of adventurous tales and lots of laughter. www.tintrunksafari.com Instagram: @tintrunksafari
Nella on Extraordinary Safaris and the Rivers that run through them, Part 2
Hopefully you had a chance to listen to Part 1 of this homage to the great rivers in Africa - well some of them at least! Here, I present 3 more. Two well known and very important to the magnificent safari destinations we often cross the world to experience. One less well-known yet equally important to the vital ecosystems that support people and wildlife on the continent. I hope you enjoy! www.t
Nella with Garrit Pieters on his Amazing African Rescue Menagerie
If you love animals, you will love the devotion of Garrit Pieters. Not only does Garrit have a passion for his dogs - many of us can relate. He has a passion for his mongoose, his meerkats, his parrots. And his passion has translated into the most unlikely friendships. His mongoose curls up with the miniature doberman, the cat and the terrier. Sometimes the parrot joins. All of the animals - inclu
A Love Letter to Africa
It's always hard to put the feelings of experiencing Africa into words. A lovely client from this past summer has done just that in a beautiful and poetic way. If you just travelled to Africa, you will get it. If Africa remains on your list of places to visit, it will likely jump to the top. Enjoy! www.tintrunksafari.com Instagram: @tintrunksafari
Nella with Abraham Banda on the Secret Safari that is Zambia
While visiting clients on safari in Zambia this past June, I was taken by the understated and elegant guiding style of Abraham Banda. He has many years of experience in the very same area in which he grew up, mentored by one of the most iconic characters in the world of African safaris. His passion for this land and its preservation has inspired his children in their careers and after walking Zamb
Nella with Lorna Buchanan-Jardine on Creating Space on Safari for the Magic to Happen
Time to get soulful on safari. This discussion with my good friend, Lorna Buchanan-Jardine, is just that. A professional photographer, Lorna shares thoughts on how to maximise your photography on safari while remaining wholly present to what you are witnessing and the balance needed to minimise life's distractions. We also talk about her intrepid and adventurous life - from Kenya to Indonesia
Nella on Summer Safaris and the Rivers that run through them
I hope you are all having a wonderful summer. I sure am - even though it's technically winter down here in Africa. Since June I have been on safari quite a lot - mostly popping around to spend time with clients in places like Egypt, Zambia, Namibia and Kenya. As I sat beside the Kunene River on the border of Northern Namibia and Southern Angola, I realised that a common theme this summer has
Nella with HJ Esterhuizen on Safari Guiding as a Passion
I didn't know I was going to interview HJ when we met. After our first drive, however, I recognised something special about his guiding style. He is the real deal. He grew up in the bush and took it upon himself to learn and gain enough experience to become a top level professional field guide and tracker. I learned something new every time he spoke about the bush, whether it be animal behavi
Nella on the legend that was Tony Fitz-John
If you are too young to remember the movies Born Free and To Walk with Lions, all you have to do is search "Christian the lion" on You Tube to get a glimpse of the legacy of Tony Fitz-John. He broke the mold and redefines "one of a kind". This podcast is my story of recent times with Tony; of getting to know him better over the pandemic and of revisiting my own childhood and r
Nella with Robert Lemayian on Samburu Culture and Conservation
I have known Robert since I moved to Kenya. He was a Samburu Warrior when I met him and he is now a Junior Elder. He is a guide and also a senior manager at Sarara. I flew up to the new Reteti private house at Sarara Lodge in 5Y-BAD to sit down on the verandah and chat with Robert. (And guess what, I didn't forget the microphone this time but I did forget an attachment for it! So, welcome t
My story with an amazing elephant
Meet One Up One Down, one of Kenya's amazing elephants from the northern rangelands he called home for his entire life. I met him 18 years ago and he was a "true friend". In this podcast, I honour this great elie and tell stories of my relationship with him over the years. www.tintrunksafari.com Instagram: @tintrunksafari
Nella with Sean Privett of Grootbos on the World's Most Diverse Floral Kingdom
Grab your favourite bouquet and settle down to listen to Sean Privett speak about the Fynbos ecoregion at the bottom of the African continent around Cape Town. You don't need to be a plant expert to enjoy it (just listen to me!) - but if you ARE a botany enthusiast then you will be riveted and will want to get on the next flight. Grootbos Nature Reserve has documented 879 fynbos species; plan
Sifting through the Greatness of South Africa
Let's talk about safari-ing in South Africa! South Africa is #notjustgamedriving, as I like to say on Instagram and the Tin Trunk newsletter. From the Cape to the Sabi Sands to the Kalahari, South Africa delivers unique and highly curated experiences. Listen to learn more about why #tintrunksafarilovesit! www.tintrunksafari.com Instagram: @tintrunksafari
Nella with Salah Sholok on Egypt and his life as an Egyptologist
As promised in my last episode, here is my interview with the lovely and intelligent Salah Sholok. Salah is a professional guide and Egyptologist who hosted my family on a wonderful 12-day trip through Egypt in November 2021. Not only did he enlighten us about all the history, treasures, art, architecture, spirituality and legends of Ancient Egpyt, but he engaged in all kinds of fascinating conver
Nella on Sifting through the Greatness in Egypt
Egypt is Tin Trunk's newest destination and I am HOOKED! Each time I go, I love it more. We have wonderful people supporting us on the ground there who live up to Tin Trunk's motto: "the difference is that nothing's the same". Discovering the wonders of Ancient Egypt - as well as having an authentic, stress-free experience in modern Egypt - is a trip every world trav
Nella with Colin Francombe on his life in Kenya
This gentleman of gentlemen is the first person I got up the courage to tell back in 2004 that I was going to start a safari business. I was apprehensive. He was delighted. Colin has an unstoppable spirit with a highly contagious twinkle in his eye. The Francombe family and their stunning safari lodge, Ol Malo, is a Tin Trunk favourite - especially for active people of all ages who want to enj
Nella's Tin Trunk Podcast - Let's talk about travel in Africa!
This episode is about "sifting through the greatness" of an African safari. You will hear about the plethora of options available on safari, and see that it is #notjustgamedriving out here. What time of year is best? How long should one stay? What about kids? Did you know that choosing your camps and lodges with care helps local communities and conservation efforts and that not doing so
Nella's Tin Trunk Podcast - Sifting through the Greatness
Welcome to our new adventure. After helping clients plan safaris since 2004, I was encouraged - and not a little keen - to explore the many layers of living full-time in Africa, on the edge of Kenya's Great Rift Valley. In this first episode, I outline the essence of the podcast - how it will help you sift through the greatness of the world of safaris as well as meet some of the most fascina
