Russ, Author at Nikela: Helping People Saving Wildlife

5 Years Traveling Africa in a Land Rover TD5

Apr 9, 2019 · by Russ · In: News, Nikela, Nikela Blog, South African wildlife tour Tagged: #NikelaAfrica, wildlife conservation

How did we fall into traveling Africa in a Land Rover TD5? My head hits the pillow for the 1196th time in our ‘Land Rover Retirement Estate’. I still can’t believe we live on top of a 4×4. Definitely not in our master plan… Yet every morning starts with a big sigh and “I love our life and my wife!!” In The Beginning It all started with our 2014 wildlife tour. Stuffing a tiny red Figo full of camping gear we headed out. In only 10 weeks we discovered 32 projects, talked with well over 150 wildlife heroes, saw hundreds of wild…

I Love Our Life and My Wife

Feb 10, 2019 · by Russ · In: Nikela Blog Tagged: #NikelaAfrica, Africa, Land Rover Defender, love, love life, roof top tent, Valentines, wife

How can I love our life and my wife after sleeping more than 1200 nights in a roof top tent in Africa? The feeling usually washes over me just after breakfast. I sit full of our fruity muesli smoothie stuff looking out on whatever wild place we are at. It’s then an unmatched peace and tranquility starts to build. Maybe it’s the sugar rush from the fruit or the songs from the birds or the vistas or wildlife. I’m not sure. But at that moment the joy of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is the sweetest. As the…

A Journey With Marnus Who Loves Wild Lions – The Present

Jan 9, 2019 · by Russ · In: Human Wildlife Conflict, lion, Marnus, Nikela Blog, wildlife conservation Tagged: Africa's lions, endangered species, human-wildlife conflict, wild lions, wildlife conservation

We all love wild Lions, right? Maybe even up close and personal like the farmers in Botswana? Fortunately, Marnus loves them enough to face all the challenges needed to protect and help wild lions. Definitely one of our favorite heroes. His four years in the Botswana bush were raw and commendable. In that crucible he learned what works and what doesn’t. (See Marnus Loves Wild Lions Part 1) Presently he is involved in a new ambitious project in Namibia. Spending a grueling 2017, he worked to determine if rewilding the Nyae Nyae Conservancy was feasible. He initially assessed the Lion…

Rewild Yourself to Enjoy a Whole Bush Experience

Jan 6, 2019 · by Russ · In: Nikela Blog, wildlife lovers Tagged: Africa Safari, big 5, game drive

Why Your Rewilding is Vital to Enjoy a WHOLE Bush Experience The shock of the African bush can drop you hard out of your busy complicated life, allowing miracles to happen. That said, you usually go through three rewilding phases to enjoy a whole bush experience to its deepest levels. First there is Panic, then Patient, and finally if you work it right Peaceful. Phase One: Panic Anxiously, I board the game drive vehicle ready to punch another bucket list item. The ‘Big 5’, is brilliant marketing. In my viewfinder I will find Lion, Elephant, Water Buffalo, Leopard, AND that…

A Journey With Marnus Who Loves Wild Lions – The Beginnings

Dec 5, 2018 · by Russ · In: Human Wildlife Conflict, lion, Marnus, Nikela Blog Tagged: Botswana, human-wildlife conflict, Marnus Roodbol, Namibia, saving lions

Tell me? Who has the will or courage to single-handedly protect 60 wild lions from poachers and irate farmers in the bush of Africa? Well, Marnus loves wild lions so he did for over 3 years. Now if you connections to heavy pockets it could be a bit easier. Some conservation projects start with high level connections to government and lots of caring people. Thus they find tons of funding, have new kitted Land Cruisers and other cool stuff. Then they hire lots of staff and get to work. It would still be a tough job though. What if you…