In the eyes of content creator Kierran Allen, there is something really special about being amidst nature’s landscapes. Something the lens, in the deepest sense, doesn’t see. And it makes him feel good to be alive.
From the Great Migration to the Jurassic shores of the wild coast and everything in-between, renowned Durban photographer and videographer Kierran Allen has been living life through a camera, something he believes has taught him much about how everything in this world is connected one way or the other. Away from the lens though, he believes his purpose is to create synergy between people and nature.
In spite of having worked with some of the world’s most recognised brands – BBC, Paramount, HBO – Kierran’s heart lies here. Those who really know him, speak of a fiercely passionate South African who thrives on using his creativity, especially when there is an issue in the country, to showcase the truth … to tell both sides of every story. From the empty streets and cities abandoned during lockdown, to the sad and shocking realities of the looting in KZN and the floods that left him in tears, scrambling to help as many people as he could … he says it is not about the accolades or awards. It’s about the stories that need to be shared.
“Creativity runs through my veins! The past 17 years has been the most phenomenal ride ever,” says the 32-year-old who started as a photographer in the early days of his career and then slowly moved across to video.
“Life has been a movie, with many ups and downs but, I have created a life for myself that entails the most amazing journey, one that starts off with my wife, Jessica. We grew up together, and right from day one we had a passion for the outdoors, nature and an unbreakable bond!”
Kierran brings this up because he says it’s a direct reflection of his love affair with South Africa, and his passion for creating and sharing that love with the world.
“I started my career as a photographer back in school. My passion for the craft consumed me, and it became an extension of who I was. I don’t think there was ever a time I didn’t have a camera on me.”
Although he’s progressed from photography and shoots mainly video now because of the direction the industry has taken, Kierran says he still wakes up most mornings to capture stills of the sunrise and remember the good old days where that’s all he had.
“I’ve always focused my energy on creating things that mean something to me rather than chasing a pay check. This has led me down a phenomenal path and I have been fortunate to witness some amazing things around the world, from the great migration in Kenya to the secluded Corona Island off the coast of Colombia. Rather than talking about my accomplishments I prefer to come up with ideas and tell stories, share moments with people and really connect. I wear my heart on my sleeve!”
From travelling all over the world for career-related adventures (he’s off to Yemen for a month) to exploring some of the most epic locations around SA (take Wolfberg Arch, Cathedral Rock in the Eastern Cape and walking the entire length of the Drakensberg), Kierran really has seen more than most. But, it’s never been enough for him – and occasionally Jess – to just experience the thrill of it all alone. His vision has been far greater.
“I’m an avid outdoorsman. I grew up a farm down the South Coast so the outdoors is all we had! Because of this, I found a special kind of love for camping, wildlife, waterfalls, mountains and especially, hiking. Even nowadays when I travel for work, I always make time to go around whatever country I’m in, to hike, explore and experience as much as I can!”
For Kierran, hiking is about the destination and the journey to that destination is where the story lies.
“I guess the reason I enjoy hiking so much is that it combines a load of positive benefits for me, which are unlike no other hobby.”
And we all know what it’s like! You start a hike, energetic and pumped, then you start feeling the burn and then you reach your first obstacle.
“It might be a chain ladder or steep incline, but while you think your body wants to give up, the real battle is in your mind. For me, it’s the idea of reaching the destination that keeps me going.
“That impressive gorge with magnificent views; those amazing rock formations, caves and wildlife that await you; the stunning panorama at the highest peak of the landscape you are scaling; that gloriously jaw-dropping waterfall … we may not have the Himalayas on our doorstep, but we do have our own paradise. If you truly love and respect nature, you will find beauty and miracles all around you.”
It was with this vision of sharing what he experiences with others that Kierran took to Instagram recently to announce he would be hiking to an incredible waterfall at Giba Gorge on the upcoming Sunday. It was an open invitation.
“One hundred and sixteen people rocked up! People were amped to experience this with me, can you believe it!”
The first hike was a great success and a can of worms was opened. Kierran’s social media was flooded with people asking when the next one would be. Two weeks later he’d planned the second hike, but this time posted an Instagram reel. He also collaborated with the venue who agreed to offer a lunch special for those who attended.
“The next Saturday came and over 400 people showed up. People from India, Germany, Richards Bay, Cape Town and Pietermaritzburg even! I mean the smile I had on my face! It was a movement and something so powerful. To be able to share my passion with so many people was epic. This was a moment I will remember forever.”
Kierran says all of this aside, there were people who came alone and left with new friends.
“How beautiful is that! This is why I do what I do, to connect people and share in the beautiful places we have right on our doorstep.”
The next hike Kierran will host will take place in May when he is back from his travels and he’ll be sharing those details on his Instagram feed, so be sure to keep an eye out. There’s a list of lovely local spots he would like to include on this year’s hiking agenda as there are a number of hidden gems scattered across the Upper Highway – Giba Gorge has a choice of incredible hikes; there’s Kloof and Everton Conservancies and so many other reserves to explore.
The hikes, that cater for ages 10 and up (if your kiddies are younger and fit enough and can keep up, they’re welcome to join) and any fitness level, are about two hours long. Dress code is a good pair of worn hiking shoes or takkies and comfortable clothing, and a backpack with some food, water and sunscreen is worth taking along.
For those who are keen, a trip to the Wolfberg Arch in the Cederberg Mountains is also on the cards, and Kierran would eventually like to enjoy a few slightly more advanced hikes in the Eastern Cape where the terrain is unforgiving, but the destinations are unforgettable.
“My be all and end all hike is to walk the entire length of the Great Wall of China. It’s iconic, and I’ll get there one day, but for now I want to be the catalyst for people of all walks of life to experience the local treasures we have with all their wildlife, birdlife, swimming, waterfalls and all-round adventurous offerings.”
Details: IG : @Kierranallen
FB: @KierranAllenPhotography
