Have you ever taken the time to just stop?
To listen to bird song, the rivers flow or the wind as it dances between the Autumn leaves? Has there ever been a time when you simply slow your pace and look? But not just look, see. See the colours in the living landscape that surround you or follow the clouds as they float through a pastel blue sky. Do you ever breath in the crisp air, the scent of aniseed and wild basil that erupts from below the Land Rover tyres on a game drive? When was the last time that you felt the cool breeze against your skin, and the misty rain as it clings to your face?
We live in a world of hustle and bustle, coffee on the go, taxis and deadlines. We rarely take the time to connect to the world around us, her beauty, genius and magic. There is a deep, deep connection that many of us have lost within this vast, diverse world. The rich cultures that surround us, the wildlife, the landscapes, the colours and the feeling. There is so much to be discovered and there is so much to explore. To learn and to teach. We are ambassadors for this incredible place and we are here to tell our stories and tell of the stories of those that were once here. To teach future generations about what has passed, and guide the future.
Each day, here at Londolozi, we explore this wilderness. We search for lions and leopards to sit in awe and experience their beauty and stories. Yet how often do you look around and digest where you are? There is so much to this place that I feel we sometimes tend to overlook. We become so focussed on the big animals that we lose sight of the real goal out here. We are here to connect. To connect not only with the people but with the place. This is my message.
Feel. Come to Londolozi and feel this place. Open your mind and your heart to her beauty and make a conscious decision to allow this place to take you in. Let her pick you up and carry you on her journey. For the brief time you are here, live it. With every sense you have been given. If you are a past guest you may know this feeling and if you are coming to visit us soon, then read this message. Come with an open mind to explore and to learn. It is about adventure and it is about a feeling. This is how I see this place and this is the way it makes me feel.
If this draws you, then I encourage you to go and read through a blog I wrote last year about The Londolozi Spirit. Come and explore with us, to learn with us, and to teach us. Come to feel alive, to live and to feel. To reconnect and to love.
A slow growing jacket plum gives depth to the scene.
The iconic landscape with rocky outcrops.
The beauty of a sunset in the African bushveld.
Look at things other than the big animals. Spend time admiring nature’s other beauties.
A giraffe is certainly a symbol of Africa.
There is an inspirational feeling you get when you spend time with a big elephant bull.
The scenic Manyelethi river.
What feelings of Londolozi resonate with you? Share your feelings in the comment section, we’d love to hear them.
Written and Photographed by: Mike Sutherland
Miike, I agree with you 100%. This is why the first time we were in Londolozi I was making plans to return. And we did. And I was making plans to return for the 3rd time. And I will by myself this time so I can immerse myself in a piece of heaven on earth for at least a week!! Looking forward to seeing you again.
They call it Africa. We call it Home! So beautifully written Suth…
Be still my heart.
These pieces are my favorites…..and sitting in West Hollywood, something I desperately need.
Thanks so much!
Thank you Mike that was an outstanding blog! As with most of them, I go back, recall the words, pictures & especially because of the “feeling” that you show in each one you post. I’ve re-read the Londolozi Spirit & would like to compliment you on your pictures in this one as they have “matured” as you I guess you have over the past months, I mean that in a good way! Thank you & long may you capture the senses for us homebodies who long for these posts & maybe I will get there to feel it myself!
In the midst of my daily routine, with travel, traffic, technology and urban life — I always know that the African bush and Londolozi exist simultaneously to the world I spend more time in. It’s the strangest form of yin and yang, and it calms and makes me smile a knowing smile.
I visualize an elephant making its rapid yet fluid way along, a dung beetle furiously working at its very particular work. The cats, when they look you in the eye (a privilege) — and keep on keepin’ on. It is poetry in motion and nature at its finest; an antedote to the digital world I work in.
I love knowing about Londolozi’s world, albeit in brief bursts. I am thankful for your blog, digital as it is, as it lets me visit often.
What lovely photos !!Thanks Mike for showing us again the wonders of the bush.Nothing more precious than being in the bush just taking it all in
Mike, your article today is just wonderful!!!!! Your images and the sentiments expressed, encapsulate “that special feeling” for those of us who have been fortunate enough to experience it at Londolozi. I can identify strongly with your message in every aspect. Being ambassadors and guiding the future are undoubtedly significant elements in a ranger’s role description. Rangers and trackers at Londolozi undertake this teaching role and share the story so well!!!! Can’t wait to “be” there again come September!
I would like to live in Londolozi!
HI MIKE,
THANKS AGAIN FOR SUCH A WELL WRITTEN BLOG AND FOR THE WONDERFUL PHOTOGRAPHS.
THE CONNECTION I MAKE WITH MY CREATOR WHEN I AM AT LONDOLOZI MAKES ME FEEL SO CONNECTED WITH ALL OF HIS WONDERFUL CREATIONS, WHICH I REFER TO AS “THE BUSH”.
MIKE WHEN I RECEIVED THE EMAIL FROM YOU YESTERDAY, I DID NOT QUITE KNOW WHAT YOU MEANT WHEN YOU SAID THAT “YOU WERE DEEPLY CONNECTED TO LONDOLOZI”.
I NOW UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU MEANT!
I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO SPENDING MANY HOURS WITH YOU LATER THIS YEAR EXPLORING AND ONCE AGAIN CONNECTING WITH THE WILDERNESS WE ARE SO PRIVELEDGED TO BE PART OF.
KIND REGARDS,
TED.
Beautiful blog and photos. Can you tell me what lens you used for the river shot? Love it…
Thanks
Leslie
Leslie, I used a Canon 10-22mm 3.5-5.6 lens! Great addition to my kit!
Most magical place anyone could ever visit and if you have been lucky enough to work here………WOW the Londolozi family is etched in my heart forever!
From now on, I’m going to start my day with this video. The sounds and wonder of the bushveld just right things somehow….thank you Mike!