Wildlife Filmmaking With Olly Pemberton

In the heart of Africa’s Okavango Delta, adventure filmmaker Olly Pemberton faced a bull hippo head-on, its towering jaws snapping just feet away.

That raw moment, breathing in the musky breath of one of nature’s most formidable creatures, embodied the electric wildness that has fueled Olly’s filmmaking journey across the world’s most remote locations.

Growing up on the rugged shores of the Isle of Man, Olly’s love for the natural world was nurtured among windswept coastlines, Viking legends, and wild marine life.

That passion propelled him into a career few dare to dream—filming snow leopards in frozen mountains, traversing crocodile-laced waters in makoro canoes, and capturing human-wildlife challenges in places like Kenya’s Tsavo region.

Through acclaimed projects like Polars of the Okavango with Aldo Kane and Beneath the Baobab with Gordon Buchanan, Olly brings to life not just the awe of the wild, but the deep connections between people and the landscapes they call home. His filmmaking honors local knowledge, resilience, and the intricate dance of coexistence.

Settle in for an unforgettable episode where we journey through adrenaline-charged moments in the Amazon, breathtaking encounters with elephants, and the timeless wisdom of the Bayei people navigating the shifting waterways of the Okavango Delta—without a map, only memory.

Stories that will ignite your spirit for exploration and deepen your appreciation for the wild and those who live within it.

Watch To The Episode With Olly Pemberton

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Listen To The Episode With Olly Pemberton

Key Episode Takeaways

• Local knowledge saves lives – Whether navigating the Okavango or the Amazon, listening to local guides is crucial.
• Expedition filmmaking is unpredictable – Storyboards matter, but the wild often rewrites the script.
• Conservation starts with community – Highlighting how solutions like the 10% Fence Plan uplift both people and wildlife.
• Wild spaces demand respect – Understanding the delicate balance between nature and human survival.
• Adventure is found both far and near – From foraging local coastlines to confronting hippos in Africa.

Memorable Quotes

• “I could smell the hippo’s breath. It was like something out of a theme park—only this time, it was real.”
• “If you can learn to tell a story with minimal tools, you’re already ahead.”
• “Local knowledge isn’t just helpful—it’s vital.”
• “Wildlife documentaries often paint a world without humans. But we are here—and we must learn to coexist.”
• “There’s a raw magic to standing somewhere no human may have trodden before.”

Facts

• The Okavango Delta – A UNESCO World Heritage site, spanning over 15,000 square kilometers.
• Makoro canoes – Traditionally carved from sausage trees, now often fiberglass to preserve forests.
• 10% Fence Plan – A conservation method successfully reducing human-wildlife conflict in Tsavo, Kenya.
• Wings for Life – A charity dedicated to spinal cord injury research, supported by Darren Edwards’ record-breaking sit-ski attempts.

Ideas

• Embrace local guides as mentors – Their wisdom can make or break an expedition.
• Slow down at home – Adventure doesn’t have to mean far-off lands; foraging your coastlines can be just as rewarding.
• Tell overlooked stories – Shine a light on those working quietly behind the scenes.
• Face fear with respect – Whether it’s a bull hippo or altitude sickness, honor nature’s power.

Call to Adventure

Inspired by Olly’s personal commitment, your call to adventure: spend more time connecting with your local coastlines, hills, and forests. Forage, observe, slow down—and discover the hidden magic close to home.

Pay It Forward

Support incredible causes: Savo Trust and Tafauti Foundation for conservation in Kenya, and Wings for Life supporting spinal injury research through incredible adventurers like Darren Edwards.

References & Recommendations

• Okavango Delta
• Aldo Kane
• Gordon Buchanan
• Four Horn productions

Before You Go

Thanks for adventuring with us today. If you loved this episode, follow Adventure Diaries to keep the spirit of exploration alive—and remember, sometimes all it takes is a small step into the unknown to change everything.