From Desk Job to Dusty Trails: A Leap Into the Wild – Londolozi Blog

Having arrived at Londolozi almost ten months ago to the day, it feels surreal to now be writing for the very blog I’ve spent hours reading. With that in mind, I thought it might be fitting to kick things off by sharing a snapshot of how I ended up guiding at this incredible lodge, following a lifelong passion for the bushveld.

Having resigned from my previous role towards the backend of 2023, there was plenty of uncertainty playing on my mind. At the age of 27/28, I finally decided to follow my dream of working in the bush. Due to the nature of this decision, I spent a few months weighing up my options for training as a guide. I know I’m biased now, but I can say, after some deep research into programs across Southern Africa, nothing quite stood out like the Londolozi guiding program. It truly was the ‘gold standard.’ Unsurprisingly what I’ve found here far surpasses any preconceived notions I had of bush life!

Connecting the Past to the Present

I’ve been lucky enough to have had some incredible moments at Londolozi so far but one in particular stands out! It was a crisp and clear Tuesday morning when we were fortunate enough to find the beautiful Nkoveni female with her two cubs. They were honing in on their skills, chasing each other around their mum who occasionally was included in the game. As I watched them, a wave of introspection hit me. What would I have been doing at this moment in my previous life? Likely driving to work, preparing for a meeting… Instead, I was here, totally immersed in this spectacle between a female leopard and her two cubs.

The Seeds of Passion

Growing up in Johannesburg, I was fortunate to spend a lot of time outdoors, especially at our family’s reserve/farm and visiting other wildlife areas. As my mum put it, “While most young boys were playing with toys like Lego, robots, bat and ball Nic was at the bottom of the garden building a game reserve in the flower beds with his impressive collection of small wild animal figurines.”

My father, a guide in his younger years, shared with me a deep love for the bush through captivating stories and camping trips. His knowledge of the wild and stories of his time in that space were infectious. My grandmother, a passionate conservationist, was thrilled that I enjoyed a similar passion. Her dedication to wildlife and natural spaces instilled a strong sense of responsibility in me. My mother also played her part, always baking animal-themed birthday cakes and redoing the garden after I built my famous garden game reserves. Between my father’s stories, my grandmother’s conservation passion, and my mom’s support, my childhood dream of becoming a guide was firmly rooted.

From Business to Bush

After boarding school in KwaZulu-Natal and completing my studies at Stellenbosch and UCT, I found myself working in the technology or app development space. For four years, I thrived in that environment. The company I worked for had an inclusive, vibrant culture that I loved. I grew both professionally and personally, but as much as I enjoyed my time there, something was missing. The bushveld still called me. In 2023, I listened, resigned, and began pursuing my lifelong dream leading me to Londolozi!

Learning and Growth at Londolozi. The past ten months have been a period of tremendous learning and growth. Each day presents new opportunities to deepen my knowledge of the bushveld. I’ve been lucky to learn from experienced guides, and the mentorship here has been incredible. But what has truly amazed me is the sense of community at Londolozi. Much like the warm culture at my previous job, Londolozi has its own unique environment, one where everyone shares a passion for nature and conservation. It’s a place where you feel welcomed and supported, and that sense of camaraderie is something I value deeply.

The Team of 2023, which we have now joined, shares a strong sense of camaraderie and we are thrilled to now be a part of it.

Full Circle

Looking back, I realize how rare it is these days for people to stick to one job or career for life. More and more, we’re seeing individuals explore multiple careers, trying different paths before finding their true calling. In my case, moving from the world of business development to guiding at Londolozi has been a complete shift but one that has brought me closer to my original passion.

A gorgeous female who is found to the east of camp. Easily recognised by her 2:2 spot pattern she is often to be found in Marula trees.

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In conclusion, I’ll once again draw your attention back to that beautiful Tuesday morning with the Nkoveni Female and her two cubs who reminded me of the beauty in those simple, timeless moments when nature takes its course and everything else falls away. As I sat there, watching them play, I felt very grateful to be part of this incredible ecosystem. It’s a world where every sunrise and sunset reminds me of the simple, profound joys in life. Moments I now have the privilege of witnessing every single day.