Categories: TechnologyWildlife

Virtual safaris show animals emboldened by lockdown in S.African game parks

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 02:56 pm

WildEarth, an innovative daily live stream, provides viewers with an interactive view of an African game reserve experience in the comfort of one’s home.

Hosted by experienced guides, viewers get the chance to ask questions about what is happening on screen. A vehicle stands in the background, live streaming the scene for thousands of people watching the animals from the comfort of their homes.

“Since the lockdown occurred we’ve seen an amazing explosion in our audiences. Across the board we’ve seen a tripling of our audiences per safari. So literally overnight, somewhere around the end of March it went three times bigger.

But more specifically we’ve seen a massive rise in the South African audience,” said Graham Wallington, CEO of WildEarth. As the number of viewers tripled over the last days of March, Wallington noted that the audience typically Americans were increasing from South Africa.

The orange nation is almost two weeks into a 21-day lockdown meant to halt the spread of COVID-19. The country is the worst-affected in Africa, with more than 1,700 infections recorded so far including 13 deaths. “We have two vehicles out n Djuma Game Reserve and one vehicle out at Ngala Private Reserve.

And on each of these vehicles we have one expert qualified experienced guide that’s driving the vehicle, answering the questions and finding us the animals. And then at the same time, behind the guy we have a camera operator,” Wallington added.

WildEarth operates from two vehicles in two private game reserves bordering the internationally famous Kruger National Park. Guides take viewers along for a virtual game drive finding wildlife and sharing facts about animals “We’ve noticed for example, we’ve had hunting dogs coming into our area, wild dogs coming in and hunting, almost every day, which is unheard of.

And it’s because there’s no one else there and they’ve got the run of the place for themselves,” Wallington said. The cameras are positioned at the back of the vehicles, where passengers would usually be seated, in order to create a real-life experience.

Albert Echetah

Recent Posts

At least 7 members of the Nigerian security forces are missing after insurgentsambushed their convoy

A team of 80 security agents tasked with protecting the electricity grid was ambushed onMonday in Shiroro, Niger State, by…

November 21, 2024

Cryptocurrency Gains Momentum inAfrica Amid Global Shifts in Trump’sElection

Cryptocurrency becomes the new thing in Africa. People shift for stable alternatives aftertheir unstable local currencies. Many people believe Donald…

November 21, 2024

UAE Delivers Lifeline: 30,000 Food BasketsBring Hope to Sudanese Refugees in Uganda

UAE has also distributed 30,000 food baskets to Sudanese refugees in Kiryandongo refugeecamp Uganda to benefit nearly 100,000 affected people.Aid…

November 21, 2024

Turkey wants to increase its trade with Africa to 50 billion dollars

The trade volume between Türkiye and 54 African countries has grown sevenfold, reaching $37 billion from 2003 to 2023, Yılmaz…

November 20, 2024

Tanzania, Botswana, and Mozambique Secure Spots in 2025 Africa Cup of Nations

The final round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches was held this week with Tanzania, Botswana and…

November 20, 2024

Lucas Moripe: The Masterpiece of SA Football Leaves a Legacy

'Masterpieces' Lucas Moripe passed away at his Atteridgeville home on Tuesday at his senior year of 71. His style of…

November 20, 2024

This website uses cookies.