Kalahari Diaries

Greetings! I'm Val from the expansive Kalahari Desert in Botswana. For over a decade, I've dedicated myself to conservation and tourism. Among my most cherished experiences is raising Sirga, a lioness I rescued as a mere ten-day-old cub. Through our countless journeys together, she's mastered the art of hunting, and today, we wander freely across the vast stretches of the Kalahari we proudly call home. Join me in this podcast series as I bring the captivating tales of the African bush directly to you!

Kalahari Diaries

Latest episodes

Is Sirga a free lioness?

Is Sirga a free lioness?

49m 12s

Hello Everyone!

We're thrilled to announce that our podcast the "Kalahari Diaries" is making a comeback after a break of over a year. Due to various commitments and priorities, the podcast took a backseat, but we're now back!
In this episode, which you're getting a sneak peek of before its public release, we delve into the world of the Sirgas reserve.

- What's Inside This Episode?
- The inspiration and thought process that led to the creation of Sirgas reserve.
- A detailed look at the diverse wildlife that calls the reserve home.
- Insights into how predators such as...

Can Carbon Offset Save the Kalahari?

Can Carbon Offset Save the Kalahari?

40m 30s

Sorry for the long break, we are finally back in track with the Kalahari Diaries!

In this episode I talk to the three Co-founders of the Gazelle, an award-winning team behind a new app, that accommodates carbon offset in the Kalahari Desert. Find out where your carbon tax goes and how it can help preserve our ecosystem.

Become a supporter today and gain access to exclusive content like bonus podcast episodes, video and audio material as well as regular Q&As: https://www.patreon.com/sirga

Thank you for listening to this episode of the Kalahari Diaries. Did you enjoy this Podcast? Great! You can...

Walking with Sirga

Walking with Sirga

50m 14s

Sirga and I have been roaming the Kalahari since she was a small cub. Now, ten years later, she's a grown lioness. In this episode, I'll take you with me on a walk. I have been lucky enough to witness how she hunts and observe her behavior close up. If you ever wanted to know how an apex predator like Sirga finds her way through the bush and finds her prey.

Become a supporter today and gain access to exclusive content like bonus podcast episodes, video and audio material as well as regular Q&As: https://www.patreon.com/sirga
Thank you for listening to...

Talking Bushfires with Dr. Thoralf Meyer

Talking Bushfires with Dr. Thoralf Meyer

53m 2s

We recently had some of the worst bushfires in my time here in Botswana. Millions of hectars of Kalahari burnt down in the last months. Although we were working relentlessly to keep the fires out of our reserve, one fateful night it jumped our firebreaks and steamrolled through our place.

In this episode I have invited Dr. Thoralf Meyer. He's not only a long time friend of mine but also a professor at the University of Texas. Nobody knows more about bush fires in Botswana than he does, so naturally, I had a ton of questions for him.

Become a...