Londolozi Life

A Magical Experience

April 6, 2011
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I did not know what to expect, I was nervous, I was shaken from the trip (literally). These feelings all vanished the instant I saw the security guard, Mr Humphrey Thiledi, armed with a big wave and a warm smile (not to mention other slightly more intimidating weapons). He greeted, signed me in, opened the boom gate and let me through. This was Londolozi…

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NOW LIVE: The Leopards of Londolozi

March 14, 2011
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The Londolozi Leopard dynasty has been chronicled over the past 31 years by the many guides and trackers, past and present, who have worked here. From this documentation we are proud to announce an online platform entitled ‘The Leopards of Londolozi’. It is a documentation that is the result of their combined efforts and of yours, the reader. It is a record of the family lineages, identities, photographs, videos and stories of the various offspring and independent leopards that have been part of Londolozi over the past three decades…

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The Grand Lady – Varty Camp Refurbished

March 8, 2011
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Varty Camp is the heart and home of Londolozi, the crucible from which the campfire has burned for over four generations and eighty five years. Fusing family, tradition and specialist photographic safaris, the newly refurbished Varty Camp offers one of the best value for money safari experiences in South Africa…

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A True Wilderness Experience

March 4, 2011
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The lions had just finished roaring when we began walking. In the soft light of dawn, a chorus of birds marched along with us as we began the epic journey up the artery of the Sabi Sands Wildtuin. Our destination was the western fenceline of the reserve, the exact point where the Sand River would enter the reserve before beginning its mighty charge down into the untamed wilderness below. It was 45 kilometers away and as the dust settled in the wake of each new track, the Sand River hummed softly to our right. This river was to be our guide, our teacher and the lifeblood of a true wilderness experience…

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The Art of Tracking

February 19, 2011
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“The Art of Tracking may well be the origin of science. After hundreds of thousands of years, traditional tracking skills may soon be lost. Yet tracking can be developed into a new science with far-reaching implications for nature conservation.” – Louis Liebenberg (The Art of Tracking)…

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The Valentines Rush

February 9, 2011
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In Italy, Valentines Day was once celebrated as a Spring Festival, held in the open air, where young people would gather in tree arbors to listen to music and the reading of poetry. However, over the years, this custom has consistently failed to infiltrate the Londolozi ranging team and as such the lead up to [...]

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A Combined Quest for TASTE

January 23, 2011
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“I want 2011 to be about creating excitement in the kitchen! Food is exciting and it unites and brings joy to many people. That is what my kitchen is about.” So says Craig Paterson, Londolozi’s brand new Head Chef. Flanked by his Executive Sous Chef, Petrus Morapedi, the dynamic duo are now leading the charge in electrifying the Londolozi kitchen to new levels.

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New Years in 2 Minutes

January 10, 2011
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An evening in the bush inspired by the eccentric imagery of Madame Zingara. A world of deep and rich colour, where anything is possible and your wildest and most intimate dreams take form. This was the stage for New Year’s Eve at Londolozi. Fresh from the Photo Booth here is the evening (all 590 photographs of it) squeezed into 2 minutes…

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Where The Wild Things Are…

December 28, 2010
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The Sabi Sands Ecologists recently released a census of the densities of herbivores moving through the Sabi Sands Wildtuin (Game Reserve). We are proud to report that many of the large densities of animals occur within the Londolozi property as seen on the maps below…

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Plastikos

December 7, 2010
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Simon Max Bannister is one of Londolozi’s favorite artists. Having spent time in residence, he designed and built the Intention Circle in 2009 and is set to create the Madiba’s Way artworks when next at Londolozi in 2011. Currently, Max is holding an exhibition at the Two Ocean’s Aquarium entitled ‘Plastikos’

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Londolozi Christmas 2010

November 30, 2010
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IN APPRECIATION OF YOUR EFFORTS AND IN THE TRADITION OF OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS VIDEO: WE PRESENT………FROM THE BUSHVELD FILM STUDIOS OF LONDOLOZI, SOUTH AFRICA ……. TO OUR FRIENDS ACROSS THE WORLD……..THE LONG AWAITED, THE INCREDIBLE, THE UNFORGETTABLE, THE UPLIFTING…….NEVER BEFORE SEEN ON SCREEN —– “ LONDOLOZI…CHRISTMAS VIDEO 2010”

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Wild Bushfires: Behind the Scenes

November 2, 2010
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The fire ripped through the dry grasslands.  Fueled by a steady breeze and the heat of a scorching Monday morning; what began as the result of a lightning bolt was now a treacherous inferno.  The smoke on the horizon was ominous enough and so the lodges of the central Sabi Sands mobilized to fight the rampant bushfire.  Habitat teams, game rangers, Landrovers and water trailers raced towards the blaze, determined to contain the wild fire…

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Nine Lives – Memories of a Maverick Conservationist

October 25, 2010
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He’s swum across crocodile-infested rivers. He’s hunted silently through dense bush alongside wild leopards. He’s been attacked by charging hippo bulls and hungry lionesses. He’s taught an orphaned lion cub how to hunt. He’s watched helplessly as the Mother Leopard, whose life he shared for twelve years, died after being mauled by lions. Nine Lives chronicles the adventures, trials, mishaps and triumphs of John Varty’s astonishing life, tracing his progression from hunter to film maker to environmentalist…

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Here is a Quick Way to Forget your Worries

October 18, 2010
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A stone’s throw from where the landrovers leave for game drive ( Varty Camp car park): a Green Backed Heron sits on her nest. Here on the north eastern corner of Camp Dam she has begun the annual spring ritual of rearing young. This time, however, it’s different because she’s let us in on the [...]

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The Difference: 1990 and 2010

September 23, 2010
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The 24th of September is South Africa’s National Heritage Day. It is a day which encourages South Africans across the spectrum to celebrate the rich and diverse heritage on which our country exists. There are many things to celebrate from the cultural traditions and historical buildings to the unspoiled wilderness making this day a significant event in every South African’s calender. But the bigger question that I am usually asked by my guests is what South Africa is really like at the moment….

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Vote for Us in the SA Blog Awards

September 1, 2010
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We made it into the finals thanks to you! To find out how to vote for us in the SA Blog Awards click on the heading above.

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Win a Trip to Londolozi!

August 31, 2010
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Win a Trip to Londolozi Game Reserve. To find out more about winning this African Safari as well as a stay at Mannabay Boutique Hotel in Cape Town read the full post…

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Simon Mathebula

August 30, 2010
Simon Mathebula Londolozi Tracker on African Safari

Simon Mathebula retires this month after an inspiring innings at Londolozi.

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Contemplating the Bees

August 26, 2010
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It’s supposed to be a theoretical impossibility that bees are capable of flight. I was in a deep and profound state of relaxation when this aerodynamic absurdity entered the lounge and started zipping around my head as I slumbered on the couch. Peace is a precious commodity at home and I can’t explain the sense [...]

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Outstanding South African Women

August 12, 2010

On Monday the 9th of August the South African nation celebrated National Women’s Day. A day which remembers and celebrates not just the role which women played in the struggle against the apartheid regime, but the critical role that women play in our current society as well.

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The Challenge4aCause 2010 Movie

August 8, 2010

‘Never forget that a small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.’ – Margerat Mead. True to this motto, the 2010 Challenge4aCause incorporated not just the riders but every single person who so generously donated and believed in the idea. So here it is…the 2010

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The Epic 2010 Challenge4aCause

August 2, 2010

For those of you who have not been following the build up to this years Challenge4aCause, it is a 360 km mountain bike ride through the Damaraland Wilderness (think Namibian Desert with lots of rock) to raise awareness and money for the Save the Rhino Trust in Damaraland as well as the Good Work Foundation in South Africa.

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A Ranger Remembers – Part 5

July 29, 2010

Part 5 of our series featuring former Londolozi Game Ranger Peter Pyburn. Peter arrived in the early 1980′s and began work as a ranger. These are some of the stories that he remembers with fondness. To view the full post click on the heading above.

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The New Londolozi Pioneer Camp – 1926

July 22, 2010

A few weeks ago, the New Londolozi Pioneer Camp – 1926 was opened to guests. Having been planned, built and decorated over the course of the last year, we are so excited to be able present to you with the first photos of the new camp recently taken by Elsa Young. This camp has been an absolute joy to create and the Londolozi family is very proud of Yvonne O’Brien, Shan and Dave Varty. Enjoy…

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Market Day at Londolozi

July 1, 2010

Rory and Megan Kane Berman have grown up at Londolozi. The children of our General Manager, Chris Kane Berman, these two share a similar interest in business. This was demonstrated to all the staff at Londolozi when Rory and Megan held their second ever Market Day. They were kind enough to give us a moment of their time along with their teacher, Charlotte Hoogenhout, to spill the beans about how the Market Day went as well as what they have decided to do with the profits generated. To view the full post and video click on the heading above.

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A Ranger Remembers – Part 4

June 20, 2010

Part 4 of our series featuring former Londolozi Game Ranger Peter Pyburn. Peter arrived in the early 1980′s and began work as a ranger. These are some of the stories that he remembers with fondness. To view the full post click on the heading above.

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Netherlands vs Denmark

June 15, 2010

NETHERLANDS VS DENMARK Soccer City (14 June 2010) Result 2-0 The Orange Army was out in force this afternoon. They arrived wearing all shades of shocking orange, from tip-to-toe they showed exactly where their alliances lay. A handful of supporters contrasted the orange and wore the red and white of Denmark. I had always dreamed [...]

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A Game Ranger Lives for the World Cup

June 14, 2010

One of Londolozi’s Rangers Adam Bannister is so passionate about football that when he started working at Londolozi at the beginning of 2009 he applied for leave one and a half years in advance…the reason…the wanted to be in the Johannesburg area to watch as many games of the World Cup as possible and get engrossed in the spirit and vibe. “This is the moment I have been dreaming about my entire life, and it is right here on our doorstep, I have to be there. I want to be in the traffic, surrounded by people and noise, I want to eat, sleep and breathe World Cup”.

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A Ranger Remembers – Part 3

June 7, 2010

Part 3 of our series featuring former Londolozi Game Ranger Peter Pyburn. Peter arrived in the early 1980′s and began work as a ranger. These are some of the stories that he remembers with fondness. To view the full post click on the heading above.

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Shosholoza – It’s Here

May 31, 2010

There is less than a fortnight to go until the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup begins in South Africa.  For many people across the country, there is a festivity and a buzz which is accompanying this event.  For the Londolozi family it is no different and the last few days has seen the staff village [...]

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A Ranger Remembers – Part 2

May 27, 2010

Part 2 of our series featuring former Londolozi Game Ranger Peter Pyburn. Peter arrived in the early 1980′s and began work as a ranger. These are some of the stories that he remembers with fondness. To view the full post click on the heading above.

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A Ranger Remembers – Part 1

May 13, 2010

Peter Pyburn, a former Londolozi Ranger in the early 80’s recently spent some time at Varty Camp. He was kind enough to be interviewed and tell us a few stories from almost his time at Londolozi almost 30 years ago. More stories from Peter will be featured over the next few months. To view the full post and video click on the heading above.

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Bennet the Carpenter

May 4, 2010

Bennet Mantonsi is both an outstanding tracker and carpenter. I recently discovered this latter fact when I chanced upon him working on his latest creation: new signboards for the Londolozi camps. Bennet had setup his work bench outside his house and was reeling through an array of tools, devices and sandpaper to put the finishing touches on the wooden posts. To view the full post and video click on the heading above.

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Reel Gardening

April 29, 2010

Part of our big drive towards sustainability throughout Londolozi has been the development of a nursery and vegetable gardens in the Londolozi village. These hotspots are the foundations of a greater goal to decrease our carbon footprint whilst increasing the sustainability of organic foods and local champions’ income. The vegetables grown by the individuals at Londolozi are bought by the kitchen to ensure that fresh, organic produce is always being served to our guests. To view the full post and video click on the heading above.

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World Cup Soccer Anthem

April 27, 2010

The 2010 Soccer World Cup is almost here. Today the Official Fifa World Cup song was released featuring Shakira and South Africa’s own Freshly Ground. Enjoy the video and we can’t wait to see you for the World Cup here in South Africa. To view the video click on the link above.

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What Children Do at Easter

April 1, 2010

The Londolozi Easter holiday program for staff’s children is rocking and rolling. 25 little bunnies arrive bright eyed and bushy tailed at 9 every morning (most are waiting patiently long before the teachers arrives) with great anticipation for their day’s schedule. To view the full post and video click on the heading above.

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Ximpalapala (shim-parlour-parlour)

March 22, 2010

It’s not quite “Chomolungma”, goddess of the earth or Everest. It’s a koppie or small hill that lies in the north western corner of Marthly. But even small koppies have geological histories that can be impressive. “Chomolungma” and the other peaks and buttresses of the Himalaya have their origin in India’s migration from the eastern half of the great dark continent Africa , finally crashing into Asia. Ximpalapala was already here – waiting to be uncovered by time and erosion and I’m sure if India ever decide to make her journey a round trip she would probably still be here; she’s that eternal. To view the full post and video click on the heading above.

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Ensuring Sustainability

March 15, 2010

Robert Sithole, Londolozi Habitat manager, is pioneering local industry and a lighter footprint through the initiation of his nursery and vegetable garden. Situated at the back of the Londolozi village, the nursery and vegetable garden have recently been restored and given a fresh outlook as a result of the planting and potting that has taken place over the last few weeks. To view the full post and video click on the heading above.

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A Lesson in Scorpions

March 2, 2010

It is with great fortune that the Londolozi rangers have had the privilege of learning from South Africa’s scorpion expert: Jonathan Leeming. Jonathan is one of South Africa’s foremost experts of scorpions and spiders and has recently written the book on this particular subject: ‘Scorpions of South Africa’. To view the full post and video click on the heading above.

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Londolozi Life

February 25, 2010

The Solgar range fits perfectly with the ethos at our wellness hub, Londolozi Life. Londolozi Life is designed to reflect and harmonise you with the rhythms and cycles of nature. It offers the means to create balance in body, mind and soul, through the understanding that living in harmony with nature promotes healing and harmony in life. Londolozi life is integral to facilitating a deep engagement with nature and providing the tools for wider exploration of yourself and the environment during a stay here. With the wilderness providing substance for healing the soul and mind, Solgar works well with Yoga to increase the health of the body. To view the full post and video click on the heading above.

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The Day Mandela was Released

February 11, 2010

On this day two decades ago, Nelson Mandela walked free from prison. He walked into a nation of possibilities, some good and some bad. The future of the country lay at his feet and along with it the downward pull of negativity and the possibility of failure in finding a resolve to the situations at hand.

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High Tech to High Touch

January 27, 2010

The bush is the furthest place you would expect to find cutting edge technology and innovation, however over the past year Londolozi has been hugely active in creating an environment where high tech meets high touch. Firstly with the development of new safari offerings such as the Zero Emissions Vehicle and the Photographic Safari Experience, then in the creation of an online experience for our friends who cannot be with us here in person. To view the full post, click on the heading above.

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The Magnificent Seven – ‘Out Of Africa’

December 30, 2009

You have to be somewhat of a moviestar to be part of the Londolozi Reservations Team. It is required that you drink champagne high up in the arms of an ebony tree, have dinner with Princess Alice, brave the African bushvled on foot, read poetry by star light, go on game drives with very good looking rangers, eat scrumptious food and of course exfoliate with a dip in a muddy rhino wallow.
For the team of the seven ladies who run the reservations and bookings in Johannesburg, it was all this and more as they came down to celebrate another fantastic year with the Londolozi family in the bush. To view the full post and video click on the heading.

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Why Kingsley Heath Rocks

December 27, 2009

As a girl living deep in the African Bush, my weakness for Vogue, Prada and Ralph Lauren can get the better of me. So under the guise of a well planned ‘sales’ trip I nip off to New York or London to get my fix. Over the years I have met some incredibly stylish women on my travels: Liz Biden, Lizzie Westby-Nunn, Kirsty Ratcliffe and my own wonderful mum have each shown me a few fashion tricks….but the reality is that in the bush it is dust, heat and mud all the way. But that doesn’t that you can’t always look gorgeous. To view the full post and video click on the heading above.

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If you watch one video this Christmas

December 19, 2009

The Londolozi family wishes you all a very merry Christmas and festive season. We hope that Santa finds you as he did us….To view the full post and video click on the heading above.

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Life at Londolozi 2009

December 11, 2009

2009 has been an incredible year of innovation, diversity and fun at Londolozi. From planning pioneering the first zero emissions safari vehicle to bottling our own water to reinventing our delicious menus, Life at Londolozi 2009 is a summary of the events that have taken place. To view the full post click on the heading above.

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The Big Wheel Turns

November 19, 2009

Today, however, the wagon arrived. Walking at its side as we made our way to Pioneer Camp, I could not help but be struck by an overwhelming sense of completion. Watching the wheels go round I saw how things never really have a beginning or an end, rather just a moment. And in these moments what really matters are the people walking beside you. This is a lesson as old as time but the reaffirmation of it was the gift for me today. My Great Grandfather, Charles Boyd Varty, arrived at Londolozi via a wagon such as this in 1926. He had a compass bearing and it took a 5 day round trip to reach his location.

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Days of our Lives

November 6, 2009

One of the unexpected perks of guiding is on the job learning. I’m not talking about observing wild ways and adding that to the repertoire of guide speak – I’m thinking more about what you, the guest, teaches us.

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The Intention Circle

October 16, 2009

“Unlike the cool kids of 20 years ago…who were really obnoxious, hard living and in some cases hung out with hookers…the new cool kids live in a peaceful kingdom where imagination, youthful naiveté and impeccable taste reign supreme. They’re not a Brat pack; they’re a play group. Their art is not about sex, money or violence. Its about mood and whimsy; frogs fall out of sky, a Brazilian guitarist in a sailors suit sporadically singing David Bowie songs in Portuguese; unicorns materialize. Their personal lives have a similar gentleness. They’re about warm and eccentric families working with friends; sojourns in Paris, best new bands, 70’s songs that no one ever heard, the perfect shoe.”
This extract from the Vanity Fair Magazine aptly describes many of the wonderful young people who make up Londolozi’s New Generation Management Team. In particular I think of my young friend Simon Max Bannister who I have watched grow up and who is now an emerging contemporary artist with, in my view, a rare talent for provocative deep and meaningful communication through the medium of art created from litter cleaned up off the land.

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Interested in a Big 10 Safari?

October 14, 2009

Members of the Londolozi family recently travelled to the western Cape where they were hosted by the passionate and extremely energetic owner of Grootbos reserve, Michael Lutzeyer. Michael is the custodian of a pristine and beautifully preserved fynbos refuge located along the coastline overlooking Walker bay and the Kleinberg mountains.

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