I Heart Africa Project Podcast

Ivan Carter has been guiding safaris all over Africa for the past 30 years. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, the importance of conservation and wildlife was instilled in Ivan from a very young age as he was able to enjoy the wild places on his doorstep. He was the youngest person ever to receive his professional guiding in Zimbabwe.

The host of the Carters War, which is the untold story of Ivan’s quest to save Africa, the worlds most wild continent.

He is a renowned wildlife expert; conservationist; television show host; wildlife photographer; among many other hats he wears. He was rated as one of Africa’s top 10 guides by Conde Nast.

Ivan is a hunter who is now a full-time conservationist. Ivan now spends his time exploring new approaches and finding sustainable solutions to help bring about healthy and balanced ecosystems.

He once said, “Africa is not a place of darkness, and while the internet and news revel in tales of doom and despair; I see many rays of light and hope, and it is upon those that, I am betting.”

It is an absolute honor to connect with Ivan. He is truly a man of Africa, and is elbows deep, right in there, in the thick of it, doing the hard work in the field for conserving Africa’s wild places and all those that live within it, the entire and vast array of ecosystems.

For more information about Ivan:

Busting Myths and Misconceptions of traveling in Southern and East Africa, with Shane Ross.

Shane Ross is an avid African traveler, who first stepped foot on the continent with a one-way ticket in 2015. He spent time outside of Cape Town where he underwent guide training, then took to traveling solo around Africa for two years, for the most part, in little red, a bright red, Suzuki Samurai.

It was during this time he began building a formidable wildlife photography portfolio, as well as undergoing guide training near Cape Town, in South Africa. Combining his love of the outdoors, his ecological and environmental management background, an extensive travel history, an adventurous spirit, and love of Africa and all it encompasses – to found Raw World Wide, he began guiding small groups of people from all over the world on safari adventures in Southern & East Africa.

But Shane actually grew up in Cape York, in the far northern part of Queensland, Australia. This is where his love of the outdoors, and exploration began. And this is what makes this podcast episode very special, because you have a Kiwi and an Aussie, talking about the myths and misconceptions around travelling in Africa, or what is referred to as the dark continent, due to the media’s portrayal of Africa.

Shane is such an incredible person, with a vibrant and inspiring energy.

For those who have traveled to Africa, you will know how life changing the experience can be. But for those that haven’t been, it can be hard to understand what it is really like, thanks to the many misconceptions filtered, in great thanks mostly to the media’s portrayal of the dark continent.

There is a rawness to Africa, and that to me, is what makes it the most incredible continent on Earth.

Follow us as we share the love of Africa through the stories and experiences of those people who love Africa.

Ivan Carter has been guiding safaris all over Africa for the past 30 years. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, the importance of conservation and wildlife was instilled in Ivan from a very young age as he was able to enjoy the wild places on his doorstep. He was the youngest person ever to receive his professional guiding in Zimbabwe.

The host of the Carters War, which is the untold story of Ivan’s quest to save Africa, the worlds most wild continent.

He is a renowned wildlife expert; conservationist; television show host; wildlife photographer; among many other hats he wears. He was rated as one of Africa’s top 10 guides by Conde Nast.

Ivan is a hunter who is now a full-time conservationist. Ivan now spends his time exploring new approaches and finding sustainable solutions to help bring about healthy and balanced ecosystems.

He once said, “Africa is not a place of darkness, and while the internet and news revel in tales of doom and despair; I see many rays of light and hope, and it is upon those that, I am betting.”

It is an absolute honor to connect with Ivan. He is truly a man of Africa, and is elbows deep, right in there, in the thick of it, doing the hard work in the field for conserving Africa’s wild places and all those that live within it, the entire and vast array of ecosystems.

Donald Schultz is a renowned snake expert, herpetologist, animal expert, writer, South African filmmaker, and adrenaline junkie. Along with starting Snake Pharm ZA, a not-for-profit research organisation, to continue his research in anti-venom, he has also traveled extensively either filming or conducting research. Combine his knowledge, and experience with his love for Africa, and that makes him a truly fascinating individual.

Follow us as we share the love of Africa through the stories and experiences of those people who love Africa.

Gerry Van Der Walt is the Co-Founder of Wild Eye, a private & photographic safari company based in South Africa. He has more than 15 years experience as a field guide and lodge manager, and is an expert wildlife photographer. Combine all this, plus his love of Africa; his expertise and knowledge of Africa: its landscapes, weather, wildlife, and people; expertise and knowledge in photography; and his sense of humor, that makes him a truly incredible individual. 

Follow us as we share the love of Africa through the stories and experiences by those people who love Africa.