Algoa FM Frontier Land with Dr Dean Allen

John Varty - Maverick Conservationist

Loading player...
The title of John Varty’s memoirs is ‘Nine Lives’ and there is little doubt that he has led a charmed life.

This legendary South African filmmaker, activist, and game reserve owner has swam across crocodile-infested rivers, been charged by angry hippos, and has been mauled and almost killed by a tiger he helped rescue.

His incredible story and views on conservation are well worth a listen.
18 Nov 2023 English South Africa Society & Culture · History

Other recent episodes

Rhian Berning - Corridors Of Life

A teacher by trade, Rhian Berning now has a new mission in life. The CEO of the Eden to Addo Corridor Initiative, Rhian heads up this funding-dependent NGO that is working to establish a protected 100,000-hectare biodiversity corridor spanning the Western and Eastern Cape. Given the increased focus on biodiversity…
27 Jan 2024 20 min

John O’Brien & Johan Joubert – Stars Of Shamwari

For ecologist John O’Brien and vet Johan Joubert, Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape has been a major part of their lives. These close friends and colleagues have worked together at Shamwari since the early days to create one of the world’s most highly regarded ‘Big 5’ wildlife…
13 Jan 2024 19 min

Craig Sholto-Douglas - Managing The Natural World

Do you know what an ecologist does? No, neither did I. Listen here as Craig Sholto-Douglas, the Environmental Manager at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa explains the importance of his job and how the future of our natural world is literally in our hands…
30 Dec 2023 23 min

Angus Sholto-Douglas - Leading The Way In Eco-Tourism

When Angus Sholto-Douglas, then a game ranger at Mala Mala in Mpumalanga, was offered the incredible opportunity to start his own game reserve back home in the Eastern Cape, he didn’t think twice. Today he is the Managing Director of the magnificent Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, home to the Big…
16 Dec 2023 21 min

Joel Stransky - Kicking For Glory

It is no surprise that the Springboks’ World Cup victories were largely achieved through the prowess of their kickers Today we marvel at the skills of Handré Pollard, one of the highest-paid players in professional rugby. Back in the day, however, it was Joel Stransky who, in the 1995 final,…
2 Dec 2023 48 min
All episodes