Interview: ReWild TV

On 2 November 2017, Google Street View launched Google Trek – a collection of 360-degree imagery of 170 new trails in some of South Africa’s most pristine wild areas, captured by more than 200 South African volunteers from across the country.

Discover South Africa's National Parks with Google Street View.

These new trails extend the already existing ‘street view’ Google imagery of the country, to include 19 national parks, 17 nature reserves and many significant sites across the nine provinces of South Africa.

ReWild TV was contracted by Discover Africa Group to join a core team of six on the #TrekSouthAfrica project. Hiking South Africa caught up with the duo from ReWild TV, Alistair Daynes and Samuel Chevallier, who were at the forefront of capturing South Africa’s wild regions for Google Trek. Alistair’s role was the Lead Google Trekker, while Sam’s role was to present short films which captured the diversity of South Africa.

Madikwe River Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve – Fortune Bogatsu, Alistair Daynes and Samuel Chevallier. Going on safari with Fortune to showcase Madikwe’s wildlife. Photo: Rudolph de Girardier.

Please tell us a little bit about ReWild TV and explain your involvement with Google Trek?

Alistair: My primary tasks involved ensuring ‘Gary’, the 15-eyed Google Trekker camera and backpack, recorded every trail. I was also responsible for briefing and helping volunteer trekkers, organizing hikes and discussing the mapping. My secondary role was as videographer and photographer, capturing the diversity of South Africa, usually with Sam presenting.

Sam: My core role was to assist lead trekker, Alistair, on the hikes around South Africa. Having come from a background in conservation and guiding, I assisted as a back-up trails guide and helped facilitate conversations regarding conservation efforts. Having also been a presenter on SafariLive, I acted as a wildlife presenter on some of the unique biological diversity found on the trails.

Wild Coast Meander, Transkei, Eastern Cape – Samuel Chevallier. The first day of a four-day hike on the Wild Coast. River crossings, beach cows, untouched sand stretching for kilometres and the music of the ocean – a recipe for a great beginning. Photo: Rudolph de Girardier.

How did you first become involved with Google Trek?

Whilst hiking on Table Mountain, Sam and I joined our good friends Liam and Justin – who at the time were introducing ‘Gary’ to Cape Town’s iconic hiking trails and creating a film around the project. After summiting Devil’s Peak together on a still day, we all knew that this could be our lives for the next six months or more.

How long did Google Trek take?

Eight months, involving two bakkies travelling to every corner of South Africa – including Crooks Corner, the Richtersveld, iSimangaliso Wetlands and Cape Agulhas.

Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, Agulhas National Park, Western Cape – Sam Chevallier. Aiding early explorers on their passage of the rough seas off Cape Agulhas, the lighthouse beams from evening to morning. Sam walks along to the southernmost tip of Africa. Photo: Rudolph de Girardier.

How did you find people to partake in Google Trek and to carry the (22kg!) camera?

Carte Blanche covered the beginning of the story, which attracted many curious hikers eager to showcase their local trails and landscapes to the world.

Madikwe Safari Drive, Madikwe Game Reserve, North West Province – Alistair Daynes with Fortune Bogatsu, Boitumelo Maltlapeng and Nelson Magakwe. Alistair explaining how the trekker works and how to carry it. Photo: Rudolph de Girardier.

What was one of the most difficult things you faced while hiking through South Africa’s national parks?

As we were often trekking through SANParks areas, one of the challenges was deciding whether to show rhinos on Google, as we came across both black and white rhino on occasion. We decided not to release any footage of these critically endangered species. Though rhinos would not typically remain in the same place months later, we felt the risk was too great.

Madikwe River Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve – Samuel Chevallier. Going on safari with the trekker. Photo: Rudolph de Girardier.

What was one of the highlights of the Trek?

Finishing an eight-month adventure around the country and finally parking the bakkie at Liam’s place – one of our oldest friends who had invited us to carry Gary – and walking down his driveway together as a team, smiling at what we’d accomplished. That was a significant moment.

What is the vision of Google Trek?

The Google Trekker offers people in South Africa and around the world the opportunity to become more aware of the country’s diverse landscapes. Conservation depends on local communities finding sustainable economic support. By giving these wild places visibility online, the project promotes eco-tourism and in turn helps fund conservation and local livelihoods.

Mapungubwe Hill, Mapungubwe National Park – Alistair Daynes. The heritage trail revealed the cultural mysteries of the land, guided by a passionate local who shared stories of how our ancestors survived and thrived here. Photo: Rudolph de Girardier.

Where to from here for ReWild TV?

ReWild TV continues on expeditions and projects such as this one, understanding that the first step to growing conservation in South Africa is to know it exists, to show how important it is, and to tell stories.

ReWild’s deepest intention is to help facilitate a future that lives in symbiosis with the natural world. Through effective communication and storytelling, they aim to highlight regenerative efforts for ecosystems while supporting local economies.

Hettema Trail, |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park – Sam Chevallier. Sam and the Google Trekker on the Hettema Trail – rocky, remote, and breathtaking. Photo: Rudolph de Girardier.

Quick facts:

• 170 new trails
• 900km trekked on foot
• 50,000km travelled over 12 months
• 232 points of interest recorded
• 206 South African volunteers
• 9 provinces of South Africa
• All 19 national parks, 17 nature reserves, and numerous tourist attractions
• Encounters with lion, cheetah, elephant and other wildlife (guided by rangers)
• 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• First time Google partnered with a third-party in South Africa via the Street View Camera Loan Program

Find out more about ReWild TV at www.rewildtv.com.