Between the Baobabs

We kick off with a casual catch-up - cats on rollercoasters, German sauna etiquette, and the surprisingly compelling case for nudity being the hygienic choice. Then we get into it.

Francesca and Joschka got married twice: a civil Standesamt ceremony in Germany (where Francesca signed her birth date instead of her birth name on the marriage contract) and the main event - a bush wedding in Zambia's Luangwa Valley. Anna was there as bridesmaid and lived to tell the tale, including the getting-ready photo that looks like dreamy morning mist but was actually Anna's ear on fire...

In this episode, we turn our attention to the saddle-billed stork - Africa’s tallest stork and one of its most eye-catching wetland residents. From its massive wingspan to its surprisingly precise hunting style, we unpack what makes this bird such a standout.

We get into some impressive fish-handling skills, its long-term pair bonds, and a few behaviours that might be more relatable than you’d expect. Along the way, we also clear up how to tell males and females apart - hint: it’s all in the eyes.

Our “Two Truths and a Lie” segment ta...

This week on Between the Baobabs, we’re joined by a very special guest - Ceska’s husband, Joschka - who finally tells his side of their proposal story. What sounds simple on paper quickly turns into something far more chaotic (and honestly, much more entertaining).

We go back to how they first met, and then get into the proposal itself - set in the middle of the Zambian bush, complicated by the small detail of suddenly not having a vehicle. Add in some serious timekeeping stress, and it’s safe to say things didn’t go exactly...

In this episode of Between the Baobabs, we’re diving into the world of the African Fish Eagle - one of the most iconic sounds of the African wilderness.

We explore why this powerful bird is Zambia’s national symbol, how its unmistakable call is woven into everyday life, and the surprising truth about its diet (hint: it’s not just fish). We also share personal stories from the Luangwa Valley and Lake Malawi, where watching a fish eagle swoop down to catch its prey is nothing short of unforgettable.

Plus, as always, we start with a...

Baobabs are some of the most iconic trees in the African landscape - so familiar that it’s easy to take them for granted. But if you actually stop and look at them, you’ll realise they’re some of the most unusual and fascinating trees on Earth.

In this episode, we talk about the strange and surprising world of baobabs: from why they look like they’re growing upside down, to how they can store massive amounts of water and live for over a thousand years. We also explore how people have used them over time - for fo...

In this episode, we dive into the world of giraffes, with a special focus on the unique Thornicroft giraffe found in Zambia’s South Luangwa Valley.

Along the way, Anna takes on the challenge of mastering some tricky taxonomy names - let’s just say there’s progress (and a few laughs) as we navigate the scientific side of giraffes.

As always, we bring back our favourite segments: “Two Truths and a Lie,” where things may not be quite as they seem, and section on traditional beliefs, where we unpack fascinating cultural beliefs and stories about gira...

Monkeys and baboons are everywhere in the Luangwa Valley - so common that most people barely notice them. But if you actually stop and watch, you’ll realise they’re some of the most entertaining and intelligent animals in the bush.

In this episode, we talk about the clever, chaotic world of vervet monkeys and baboons: why lodges have to manage their interactions with guests, how quickly these animals learn to steal food, and the fine balance between wildlife and tourism. From tap-drinking monkeys to a baboon that made off with an entire bag of chips, we shar...

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Henry Mwape - a carnivore expert and passionate advocate for Zambia’s wildlife and communities. Henry has spent the past 15 years working with the Zambian Carnivore Project (ZCP), building deep knowledge of the carnivore landscape across South Luangwa, with a special love for African wild dogs.

We talk about his journey from joining Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust as a young boy, to studying in the United States, and eventually becoming a leading voice in conservation back home. Henry shares practical and innovative solutions for reducing human-wildlife conflict, and speaks...

In this relaxed catch-up episode, we take a moment to chat about life lately - from the thunderstorm that rolled through Luangwa overnight and knocked out the WiFi (which is why Anna ended up recording from the one spot with signal: someone's bathroom), to the very different ways we experience travelling to work every morning. We also share a bit of excitement about what's coming next as we get ready to welcome our very first guest on the podcast in the upcoming episode.

And as promised, here’s a little shoutout to Anna’s soon-to-be cousin-in-law, who runs...

This episode is all about painted dogs - one of the most exciting and unpredictable animals in the bush. We talk about why South Luangwa is such a special place to see them, what makes their social life so fascinating, and share a few unforgettable sightings (including one very confused hyena in the middle of a pack). We also touch on how their numbers have declined over the years, the work being done to protect them, and why these underdogs of the safari world deserve a lot more love

This episode is all about elephants. We explore what makes them deeply feeling, soulful creatures - how they grieve, recognize the bones of lost companions, and form bonds that run for a lifetime. Anna shares a fascinating African elephant myth, and we recount bush encounters, from baby elephants trailing their mums to herds appearing out of nowhere.

This episode is all about snakes. We talk about why they’re everywhere (and why that’s actually a good thing), unpack some common fears and misconceptions, and share bush encounters and African myths. We also touch on a few key things to know about living alongside snakes, plus shout out two brilliant resources - the Mfuwe Snakebite Prevention Project and the Zambian Snakes and Other Crawlies Facebook group.

This episode is all about snakes. We talk about why snakes are everywhere (and why that’s actually a good thing), and break down some of the fear and misconceptions around them. We touch on African myths, real encounters, and a few things everyone should know about living alongside snakes, then wrap it up with a round of Two Truths and a Lie.

This episode is all about Ceska. We talk about growing up between Malawi and Zambia on a farm, family history, and how the bush has always been part of her story. From childhood memories to life in Frankfurt today, it’s an easy conversation about home, identity, and the places that stay with you.

In this episode of Between the Baobabs, we sit down with Anna and chat about growing up in Zambia, what it's like running a lodge there, and how life in the bush shapes the way you see the world.

We talk wildlife, pothole-filled roads, power cuts, small-world moments, and the realities (and joys) of hosting guests far from city comforts. It's a relaxed, honest conversation between friends - the kind you'd have over a drink as the sun goes down.

We hope you enjoy getting to know Anna a little better!

Welcome to Between the Baobabs, where we share stories about life in and connected to the bush - from everyday moments to the unexpected.

In this first episode, we introduce ourselves, talk about how the podcast came to be, and share what you can expect in the episodes to come. We hope you enjoy, and that you stick around!