The Dudley Riverbank 5:5 Male jumps down past the Howard Mackie plaques at Plaque Rock. HOWARD MACKIE described as “the good companion” was in 1971, together with John Varty, the first ever ranger/manager and guide of an embryonic dream of a safari company. John and Howard were lifelong friends and as students at Wits University set off in the April of 1971, on a holiday semester, to seek fame and fortune on the Varty family farm called Sparta in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Their dream was to start a Safari Business which would ultimately become known as Londolozi.
The Dudley Riverbank 5:5 Male stands next to the plaque commemorating the life of Howard Mackie - Talley Smith
The “Howard Mackie” plaque, seen in this picture, is in memory of Howard and the great contribution he made to the start up of Londolozi and also as a Founder Pioneer in creation of “Helicapture” – the original and first ever game capture company in South Africa. Howard became a leading expert in the capture and after care of wild animals. This poignant photograph demonstrates the timelessness and enduring renewable cycle of nature as yet another generation of the Leopards of Londolozi visit at “plaque rock” in the heart of Londolozi.
The Dudley Riverbank 5:5 Male walks in front of the plaque in memory of Howard Mackie - Talley Smith
In Howard’s time Leopards were shy, elusive and seldom seen. Today the leopards have become the iconic cat which causes guests from across the globe to travel to Londolozi to see these beautiful spotted cats free, wild and safe as they go about their daily lives in the heartlands of Londolozi Game Reserve.
The view at Plaque Rock - Francesca Grima
We were emotionally overwhelmed with our stop at Plaque Rock. Our guide Adam Bannister knew that our group was reading the Varty books and that we were all so impressed with the history and passion of the family. We will look forward to another visit there and understand why the leopards enjoy their connection to this special place.
I believe it is the stories from Londolozi that play a huge role in making this such a magical place. Plaque rock is just one example of the many thousands of stories that have taken place here and people who have in some way or another played a part in contributing to the success of Londolozi. Thanks for your comments Michael.
This spot has such very special memories for me. The ashes of my darling Auntie Eleanor – my African mother – were scattered here, alongside her son Howard’s plaque. I shall visit this special place again next year and remember all the wonderful past times here………
i came over from the uk and worked with my cousin howard mackie for about 6 months at the game relocation company Helicapture.It was one of the most memorable things i have ever done in my life.From catching impala to giraffe howard was the fountain of all knowledge.getting chased by a herd of zebra,tick bite fever,spiders galore were some of my great memories.
Having worked in the bush for the last five years I can completely relate to the wonderful, exciting adventure of being out here and the different experiences that each new day brings. Thanks for your comments, Rich