Embracing a New Safari: My Journey From Camp Management to Guiding – Londolozi Blog

Over the past two years, I have had the extraordinary privilege of being able to call Londolozi my home. This iconic African wilderness has been the backdrop to my journey of growth, discovery and transformation. Initially embarking on an adventure into the world of hospitality by joining the Camp Management team, I immersed myself in the unique rhythm of life within this sensational community and simultaneously nurtured my passion and respect for the African bushveld. However, as time unfolded, I felt a feeling within – a yearning to engage with this magical wilderness on an even more intimate level. Join me as I reflect on the moments that led me to this incredible adventure at Londolozi and unpack the very reasons that shaped my transition on this rewarding path from camp management to ranger.

The Greater Kruger has been my happy place for as long as I can remember. From the age of four, my family and I would travel on annual holidays to the captivating wilderness, where its unique diversity became an intrinsic part of my upbringing. These trips set the foundation of countless cherished memories and exhilarating adventures. Each experience deepened my connection to the African bushveld and instilled in me a profound love for conservation. Understandably so, my childhood dream was to become a game ranger when I grew up, however, I had no clue how I would ever achieve this. Growing up in the fast-paced environment of Johannesburg, life often got in the way of this childhood dream however, one thing would remain true – the bush was and always would be my ‘escape’.

After completing my studies at Stellenbosch University through the backend of the global pandemic, I knew that I needed to ‘escape’ and return to my happy place. I’ve always known that I wanted to work with people and after learning more about life at Londolozi through friends who had already found a home here, I leapt at the opportunity to become a Camp Manager. A position that enabled me to connect with a diverse array of people – not only overseas guests but also some of the most incredible local Shangaan staff members. Although I worked in most of our five camps, Varty Camp became my home, where I witnessed first-hand how the Londolozi Effect positively enriches our guests. After spending a little over a year in the role, I came to the realization that I had a deep yearning to marry my passion for curating these memorable experiences for our guests with a desire for an even more intimate connection with this incredibly unique wilderness.

After taking the time to fully immerse myself in the next chapter of my career at Londolozi, I have reflected on the reasons that made me want to become a guide and how they have ultimately become the best aspects of being a guide at Londolozi.

The Rich Legacy of Guiding at Londolozi

As previously mentioned in the Alchemy of Safari, there is no denying the rich history of the Londolozi guides and trackers that has spanned over generations. It goes without saying that it’s a pretty special feeling that I now share a connection with those who have come before me and those who will follow. As I revel in this new journey, I am incredibly privileged to be able to etch my own mark in this timeless legacy.

“There is an incredible beauty in being connected to people you have never met. The moment you qualify as a Londolozi Ranger or Tracker, without even realizing it, you become tied to those who came before you. Even though decades may separate your respective times in the team, you now share a connection that I believe is born from reverence.”- Head Ranger, James Souchon

Access to Inspiring Mentors and a Wealth of Knowledge

At the core of this is the incredible team of rangers and trackers with over 350 years of experience between them, however, it is not just the current team that contributes to this feeling. Throughout the Ranger Training course and further into my guiding career I’ve had the privilege of interacting with past alumni, senior management (who were once in my shoes, looking to begin their own careers), external experts, Legends of Londolozi – the likes of John Varty, Ian Thomas, Rennias Mhlongo, Alex van den Heever, the list is endless. Hearing these influential people’s stories of adventure, discovery and unbelievable wisdom, sparked a fire within me and has inspired me to never let that fire die so that one day I can hopefully fulfil the same role for someone else. These mentors are a precious and irreplaceable treasure that I will forever carry with me throughout my own journey.

The Ability to Feel Truly Present

The sheer excitement of driving around searching for a diverse variety of wildlife within timeless landscapes becomes an escape – where the hustle and bustle of everyday life fade into the background, and one could simply just be in the moment. In my opinion, there are very few places left on this planet where one can be truly present. The experience of immersing yourself in Londolozi’s wilderness is unparalleled. It has a unique ability to keep you locked into the present moment where all distractions disappear – it reminds you of the simple joy of feeling alive and disconnecting to reconnect. Being able to do so every day provides respite from the chaos of modern life and it is a testament to the beauty of the natural environment I get to call home.

A Deeper Connection to The World Around Us

Being in this fortunate position of having front-row seats to witness how each creature plays a vital role in this intricate and complex ecosystem allows me to feel a part of something so much bigger. Exploring this diverse wilderness each day awakens my senses and connects me to something primal and ancient and reminds me of my place in the natural order of things. This strong connection to the rhythm of the land, its creatures and its people can be achieved through many mediums however, it is Londolozi’s love affair with walking safaris that best encapsulates this feeling. Embracing this feeling provides a stark reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting the wild spaces that continue to captivate and inspire us.

No Moment Ever Repeats Itself

Ranger Barry Bath says it best, every single day that we have the opportunity to explore this magical place, we are provided with a treasure map with clues given to us by the bush. It is up to us to decide which clues we would like to utilise and follow on our quest to decipher what the hidden treasures might be. This is what makes each and every day so unique and exhilarating. In the bush, no moment is ever the same, every day, sighting, quiet moment, sunrise and sunset is a new chapter in the timeless story of life in the wild, a story that continues to inspire me and captivate all those who are fortunate to witness the magic that’s on offer.

Shared Experiences

I feel so incredibly privileged to be able to play witness to the wonders of this awe-inspiring wilderness each day. However, being able to share these experiences with others may just be the most rewarding feeling of them all. Whether it is with other members of the Londolozi family, guests who have previous safari experience or guests who are coming to experience the magic of being on safari for the first time, each experience is equally as wholesome. Being able to share these experiences with like-minded people continuously reminds me of why I fell in love with the bush in the first place. It is a privilege to see the profound impact that these experiences can have on people who leave Londolozi feeling richer with unforgettable lifelong memories.

Continuous knowledge acquisition

As rangers, we often refer to Aristotle’s famous quote-

“The more you know, the more you realize how much you don’t know.”

Being in this environment it is humbling to know that we will never have all the answers and that is okay however, it does ignite a desire to never stop learning in this ever-changing and kaleidoscopic classroom that is the African wilderness. Although we strive to constantly question, learn and grow our knowledge base there is also an extreme beauty in making peace with the fact that some things are better left unknown as we appreciate the mystery that the bush has to offer.

I find myself incredibly grateful knowing that my younger self is feeling extremely proud as he smiles at the fact that I am now living out my childhood dream, being able to share it with people from all around the world and loving every second of it. I look forward to being able to share these feelings and the magical experience of safari with you when you next visit Londolozi.