It is with great sadness that we bid a fond farewell to the man and legend known as Brent Leo-Smith. Brent has been with WildEarth for almost four years and what an incredible four years it has been. From trekking gorillas in Rwanda to cruising the vast plains of the Maasai Mara, searching for gorillas in the Congo and to tracking down the leopards of the Lowveld, there is no part of Africa that will not miss his lion-like presence with safariLIVE.

His time at WildEarth has bestowed a few affectionate nicknames on him with ‘Big Loud-Sound’ being by far the most popular. His vociferous and booming chatter can be heard across the plains and was always a warning to the crew that Brent was on his way into camp. Most would smile and shake their heads knowing that BLS was sure to stride in, mane flowing and finger wagging at whoever left his favourite vehicle, Rusty, with a flat tyre. Of course Brent was never to blame for any flat tyre at safariLIVE, ever. Nor did Brent willingly join the Marshmallow Club of the Maasai Mara until leaked video footage, of unknown origins, showed him using a high lift jack to pry Kito from a dire, muddy rut. But still, Brent has never been stuck, ever.

Brent was, born, raised and educated in the wilds. This has given him an in depth and intimate knowledge of the wilderness and all her animals. His vast experience shows in his appreciation  and sensitivity towards the animals, trees, flowers, birds and insects. His keen eyes have found the most delicate and intricate of small things while almost no lion or leopard can give him the slip for long. His deep understanding of elephants, their behaviour and their mysterious calls has allowed us to spend intimate moments with these gentle giants.

Brent has been a truly incredible part of the safariLIVE team.

But it is now time for Brent to take his knowledge and skill onto new adventures and dreams. Brent, you have been an outstanding colleague, friend and annoying ‘big brother’ to the safariLIVE crew. Your rambunctious nature is infectious and your spirit embodies the true wilderness of Africa. Needless to say you are going to be sorely missed by all of us in Djuma, the Mara and Johannesburg. Your booming tones will no longer be heard over the radios or the air-waves but they are quite unforgettable, like that time you fell out of the torchwood tree.

We wish you all the best for your future adventures and look forward to hearing your stories and keeping up with you on social media. We hope to see you again in the future soon. Join us for Brent’s last drive during the Sunset Safari on 15 December.