Beyond the Game Drive
Beyond the Game Drive is a podcast about wildlife, safari guiding, ethics, conservation, and life in the African bush. Host Kiarie Mathaga shares stories, lessons, and conversations that go beyond what visitors typically see on safari. The show explores the realities of guiding and the decisions that shape Africa's wild places. It offers a grounded look at the people, animals, and challenges involved in conservation.
Episodes
Don’t Become the Photographer’s Problem
A great wildlife photograph can depend on seconds, positioning, light, animal behaviour—and sometimes the decisions made from the driver’s seat.But what does a photographer actually need from a safari guide?And what does a guide need from a photographer?In this episode of Beyond the Game Drive, Kiarie explores the relationship between safari guides and wildlife photographers from both sides.We loo
What Makes a Great Safari Guide?
What actually makes a professional safari guide?Is it knowing every animal in the park? Knowing every road? Finding the Big Five? Or is great guiding about something much deeper?In this first episode of Beyond the Game Drive, Kiarie explores the three levels of professional safari guiding:Foundation — Can you guide safely and professionally?Excellence — Can you create an exceptional safari?Mastery
When the Hill Says No: A Safari Guide’s Lesson in 4x4 Driving
A steep climb, a Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Series, a guest on board, and a lesson from more than 14 years ago that suddenly became very relevant.In this short field episode of Beyond the Game Drive, Kiarie shares what happened while driving towards Lentorre after taking a detour around Lake Magadi in Kenya.The detour delivered beautiful views of smaller soda lakes and an unexpected flamingo sighting.
When Safari Becomes a Race
A river crossing begins. A predator makes a kill. Suddenly, vehicles start moving, and what should be a wildlife observation can become a race for position.In this episode of Beyond the Game Drive, we look at the growing pressure around wildlife sightings in the Maasai Mara, particularly during wildebeest river crossings and predator kills.Why do experienced guides sometimes rush towards sightings
When a Sighting Becomes a Disturbance
It should have been one of those unforgettable Amboseli National Park wildlife encounters.Instead, it became an uncomfortable lesson about wildlife disturbance, safari vehicle behaviour, photography, and professional safari guiding.In this episode of Beyond the Game Drive, I take you into a real encounter from Amboseli, Kenya, where a lioness appeared to be trying to move her cubs and an aardvark
