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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
  • 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
  • Guided by Nature - How Singita Unearths Local Talent and Turns them into Guiding Experts

    Guided by Nature - How Singita Unearths Local Talent and Turns them into Guiding Experts
    May 1 2024
    Ever wonder how Singita transforms Tanzanian nature lovers into the polished, knowledgeable guides leading their exceptional game drives?

    Ross Couper (Singita's resident photographer and former guide), sits down with Grant Telfer, the (Head of Singita's Guide Training in Tanzania), to get the recipe. From a Singita field guide in South Africa, Grant’s compass pointed him north to become a lodge manager in Grumeti in 2013. A 6-month stint helping out with guide training led to a 10-year career managing guide training.

    When Singita puts out a call for new recruits, they're flooded with hundreds of eager applicants. But it takes more than knowledge to make the cut - Singita's looking for natural communicators with a passion for the wilderness. These lucky locals then embark on an 18-month training programme covering tracking, driving, interpretation and communication.

    The result? A team of phenomenal, confident guides who bring the Serengeti to life in a way that enchants Singita's guests - whether it's their first safari or the twentieth. Grant, who's developed over 150 guides in his 10 years, is clearly passionate about providing life-changing opportunities and creating the best guided experiences possible.

    Ross and Grant also share their most memorable sightings in this incredible 350,000-acre reserve (protected by the NGO, Grumeti Fund) from dazzling herds of zebra to mongoose ambushing cheetah.

    Looks like Singita knows how to spot safari superstars, along with lions, leopards, and Mara River crossings!

    Tune in to this fascinating conversation about ranger training. Read more Wildlife Reports from Singita Grumeti · Read more: Bernard Hosea's 20 years as a guide · Singita Grumeti region · Singita Conservation brochure - Tanzania · The Great Migration · Singita website
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    33 mins
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