Many of you, as long-time viewers of safariLIVE on the internet and TV will have noted how the storytelling on TV has evolved. Something we’ve learned over the years is that TV and internet remain very different ‘beasts’ which people watch in different ways and with different intent and intensity.
To adapt to this safariLIVE on TV has evolved from what was basically a LIVE internet game drive to the more polished narration of recent series which combined LIVE with recorded content to share and tell the animals’ stories in the best possible way for TV. safariLIVE: The Gauntlet will continue to build on this and will combine captivating LIVE with engaging backstories in the form of both edited and ‘as-live’ sequences to capture the TV audiences attention right off the bat and throughout the full hour of the show. ‘As-live’ sequences are a special form of recorded content where the guide speaks to camera in one take without edited cuts.
The second hour, following the TV shows, will be digital-only and revert to the 100% LIVE format you will be more used to. For those of you watching on-line this different ‘language’ during TV broadcasts might take some getting used to, but bear with us as we try to navigate this gauntlet of our own in trying to make safariLIVE the best it can be for each audience in turn.
We’re excited to once again be able to bring the best of Africa into the homes of viewers in the US and around the world. It’s an experience like no other.
See you on Safari!
I think people forget that we are watching a free fantastic safari , twice a day if you have the time. The amount of time and effort that must go into producing and presenting these shows is incredible. My daughter used to work in TV and I know the very long hours involved. The presenters who have incredible knowledge , more than most usual safari guides have to drive, speak to camera, answer questions and listen to the hat from F.C. and game radio, is like to see most people try and do that so effortlessly!
Carry on , I’m learning so much , watching from the Mara during migration is a real privilege. I do enjoy the presenters that are out in the Mara, Brent, Taylaand Scott and hope they will return to Djuma. Many thanks for an amazing experience. From UK fan
I too feel so very grateful for what is on offer from Safari Live. It seems to me extraordinarily generous.
I love the new TV format. If the point of broadcasting TV shows is to increase the number of WildEarth viewers, this format is sure to do the trick. The previous formats were great for the current SL viewers, but may have been a bit slow for newcomers. The Gauntlet provides a real story that draws people in. You want to know which male leopard will reign over the Djuma territory, and then you want a glimpse of that leopard live.
I started watching SL for the sole purpose of educating myself in preparation for a trip to Africa. And educate me it did. The knowledge I gained from watching SL for the past year certainly enhanced my trip last month. I had a baseline of knowledge that I could build upon. You even helped me find the perfect private guide in Byron!
My one suggestion would be to have all of your guides interact on social media in the same manner as Tristan and Tayla. What draws many of us into the SL drives are the characters, both animal and human. Both Tristan and Tayla answer many questions that don’t make it on the live show. It’s what makes so many viewers feel like part of the SL family.
I can’t watch as much as I’d like to, but you can continue to count on me for support for expansions. Best of luck on your future endeavors!
I love and support Wild Earth and all its ventures. I understand the Mara situation, the economics of traverse rights, the reality of staffing, and the necessity of generating income to keep the whole thing afloat. The charm of Safari Live for me is the familiarity with and the interplay of the guides and crew as they take us along on the daily jaunts. For me, that is as real a story as that of the wildlife. If I just want to see animals and hear facts about them, I can watch documentaries or live cams. Don’t get me wrong, I love learning about the flora and fauna of the bush and following the lives of the critters we have come to know and care about. But, what I see as extra special about SL is also getting to know the people and their joys, trials, and tribulations of living and working together in the bush. I know you need to present a polished program for TV, but I hope we never lose the closeness we feel with you all when you allow us to share the backstory in the live online segments. Sending all good thoughts your way for continued sucess.
My comment should read WANING not WAITING
When I discovered SafariLIVE I was enchanted. I’m sorry that my enthusiasm is waiting a bit. I agree that excellent guides are sitting in Mara, somehow the Djuma drive has lost a bit of that feel (for me) that the presenter is speaking to me and that I am on a drive with him. Sometimes it’s still like that, but it depends who is doing the drive. The new guides are very knowledgeable, it’s a fine line between chatting with the viewers or lecturing. My enjoyment was not how many animals one sees but just being with the presenter and the feeling you don’t know what’s going to be around the next corner and just being back in the bushveld. I still watch every drive. Thank you for all your hard work.
So disappointed that there are not live drives from the Mara in Kenya anymore!! Such beautiful animals there TOO and great guide presenters. What is the issue? I love the leopards in Djuma and I love the lions and cheetah in the Mara as well. Bring back live drives from the Masai Mara!!
Very disappointed that there are not live drives including the Mara like we have had before. Just as many incredible animals in Kenya too! I really want to see the Mara live! What is going on? Why can’t we see drives from both places?
I personally am grateful for anything available and Enjoying it all. not wanting to Add the expense of nat geo wild to my. Cable bill, I depend on everything I can find on the internet. BYW, II am 77 years old and much more savvy than a lot of my peers.😻
I love the way you do the TV version and totally understand the story telling so veiwers can get to know the animals. But I’m totally bored with Djuma. Miss all the presenters that are always in the Mara now. Too many come and go. My questions never ever get addressed. Same people get responses. I stopped watching about 3 months ago. Just bored.
After watching since 2010, I quit after seeing & feeling how differently the format I love is from the TV version. That format seems to be veering closer to an edited nature documentary. I was excited at first knowing the television shows would build viewership, but now have become disgusted with the changes. I quit watching earlier this year (2018), an have not been tempted to return. TV and what was full-time Mara plus other changes have left me flat and highly disappointed.
Since the discontinuation of the Mara feeds the safari experience for me hasn’t been the same. Whats the point of having Jamie, Brent, Tayla et al there if nothing is being shown? I suppose it has turned into a research facility after spending all that money on a camp that isn’t being used as intended. The Djuma safaris are getting so boring especially with all of the turnover. Just my opinion but after 4 years I won’t be watching.