We have very little in common. Elmon is an elderly, wise, shangaan man who was born and bred on the land. As a young boy he was taught to track by his father while herding cattle amongst lions. I am half his age and have spent a lot of my life in cities. Yet, as different as we are, we choose to spend at least 8 hours of every day in each others company. The common denominator you may wonder? A profound love of the bush.
Despite not having being schooled in the traditional sense, Elmon is an educated man. ‘The bush is my classroom and the animals, my teachers.’ he said with his stern, yet friendly expression. Throughout his lifetime he has undergone a ‘schooling’ which very few humans have ever been fortunate enough to have, and even fewer will in time to come. On watching a lioness pawing at a male to wake him from his slumber to mate yet again, Elmon turns to me, chuckles and says “It’s the 1st time I’ve seen that. In the bush, I will learn until I die!”
James and Elmon out on Game Drive
Animals are an example to us, he explains. Despite not talking our language they’ll warn us if we come too close or intrude. How come humans don’t always warn us? “What’s the most frightening experience you’ve had in the bush?” a guest enquires from the back row. “Wild animals aren’t dangerous”, he goes on to elaborate. “Humans are the most dangerous creatures. The world is turned upside down. Living in the city makes you weak; Computers are bad for your eyes and you don’t get the exercise you should. You need to eat natural things like Marula nuts, fresh fruit and meat from the bush, not Macdonalds with hormones in it.”
He is a true naturalist.
Chasing after a pack of Wild Dogs
My best time in the bush have been walking alongside him, hot on the trail of a leopard and seeing the merriment in his eyes as we finally catch a glimpse of the beautiful cat. After 40 years as a tracker and hundreds if not thousands of leopard encounters, his excitement is as obvious as it must have been those 30 years ago when he and John Varty found the 1st leopard to be seen at Londolozi – The Mother Leopard.
This special man has seen and done it all. He’s chased lions away from a kill as a child to ‘share’ some of their quarry; cutting off a piece of meat so man and beast could share the spoils. He’s raised a lion cub, Shingalane, starred in a movie called Running Wild alongside big names like Brooke Shields and Martin Sheen. He’s had a documentary, The Tracker, made about his life. And yet he still takes the time to teach a stranger he has nothing in common with and is also as excited about every game drive as the last.
Elmon Mlhongo in his early days as a tracker and filmmaker with John Varty
Those that have sat in the game drive seats behind him know that he cuts a dignified, regal image on the front of the vehicle. There’s never any doubt as to who is in control of our game drives. Although he doesn’t say too much, his presence is tangible.
It’s been such a privilege to work with Elmon for the last 2 years and have him pass on his knowledge to me. A debt I’ll never settle and struggle to thank him enough for.
Elmon Mhlongo - 'Mjonzize'
Initially I called him Nduna, the big chief. Once we got to know each other a little better and I realised what an impact he was having on me and I started calling him Mjonzize, teacher. Our bond has strengthened yet again and I’m proud to now be able to call this incredible man, Mfo. My friend.
Written by: James Hobson
Photographed by: Rich Laburn & Chris Goodman
What an incredible piece- touching and so true
James, beautifully written, thank you. What a legend of a man, it seems like has has the perfect partner. I remember the first time I found myself tracking a leopard with one of my childhood heroes, it was quite surreal.
Quite right James, he is a legend! Incredible to be working with someone who I used to watch on television and admire as a child.
Brilliantly written Hobbo! A really wonderful piece! Did Chris take the photo of you driving towards the camera? Nice passenger underneath there…
Such a touching and inspired post!
James.
A very well written piece, I thorougly enjoyed it.
I remember watching Elmon in John Varty’s documentairies when I was a youngseter. It must be quite something to work with him. If I remember correctly, he once demonstrated how to test the age of elephant dung by inserting his middle finger into it. I believe that this was a method that was patented to him.
Cheers & best of luck.
Scott.
Scott.
Thanks for your comment Scott. I’ve learnt many such bush skill from Elmon. Sometimes my guests take a little convincing that that is the best way to check the freshness of elephant dung!
Really nice piece, James. You guys do such a wonderful job with this blog!
Incredible! It is such a privilege to work with you guys. He is an amazing man.
A great tribute to two really amazing souls…love the pics!
James……what a beautiful expression of admiration and friendship for a truly wonderful man. It brought back such great memories of our time spent together last summer and we are eternally grateful to have met and to know both you and Elmon. Best wishes…. John, Anne, Max and Neve
John, thanks for your wishes. Elmon and I look forward to seeing you and your family back at Londdolozi some time!
Truly inspiring story — Thanks to both of you
Now Elmon you have to write a book and share your wisdom with the rest of us …
Awesome! A great privelege, and well written James.
An excellent piece of writing about an amazing man! Thank-you for sharing.
wonderful post ! thank you for being open and sharing your profound admiration for a quiet man
What a legend!
Wow Hobbo – sounds amazing! What an inspiring story. Sounds like you are having an incredible time there. Will have to come visit!
Wonderful post, nice to put a face to the man that my daughter calls her grandfather. Her stories tell me how great a teacher he is. Thanks for sharing
Fantastic James.
James – what a beautiful tribute. You and Elmon are amazing people and we have much to learn from both of you. …Feeling lucky to have met such a pair and looking forward to the next time!
Hi Joleen. Thanks for your comment and kind words. We look forward to seeing you back at Londo’s sometime. Not sure Elmon and I can guarantee that we’ll see a buffalo kill on your 1st drive again!
Incredible tribute to an amazing man… Awesome James…
What a great read. Thank you for sharing your story of Elmon.
“Big Chief, Teacher, Friend…..” Elmon is the KING! Someone who has touched our lives and whom Karim, Aamer, Zeyd and I will never forget. We yearn for Londolozi and to be with Elmon again. As for you, ditched us haven’t you!!! On a serious note, our gratitude always for all your kindness and for those three magical days in July 2010, which would not have been so without Elmon and you. The “A” Team!!
Thanks for the wonderful comment Faryal, I will be sure to pass them onto James and Elmon. rich
Dear Elmon,
Saw you on the facebook of Londolozi and just had to say how wonderful you look after all these years
Do you remember me you used to pick me up from Skukuza airport when you were not working for John but it was your brother that usually picked me up I have forgotton his name. but I believed he died.
The Shangaans used to call me Mburru Magogga (beautiful grandmother) we had some magical times in those days at Londolozi, 1985 -1995 I remember when we sent you to the Amazon, you had not been on a plane before and also when I had to go and get the dollars for you, you came to the Johannesburg office and you were quite scared to go, but once again I applaud you you did it and we were all so proud of you, and to you remember th Xmas party at the lodge when I danced with the Sangoma you were laughing so hard. Any way Elmon I hop you remember me I always loved my Shangaans and the soul of Londolozi, one day I will come and see you all.
Lots of Love
June
Beautiful inspiring story.
This is such a beautiful and meaningful post about an incredible person.