The Rangers and Trackers were randomly divided into two teams; these teams would compete against each other in the inaugural ‘Boerewors Week‘. A week set aside in the busy calendar year to strengthen partnerships, morale, improve skills, increase banter and have great fun amongst work colleagues. All done to shape this already superb field guiding team into a exceptional unit.
The reward of each days hard work was getting to eat boerewors rolls out in the bush
Over the duration of a week the teams competed for points in a variety of exercises. Points were awarded for an event victory and team-mate participation. Activities included: Rifle practice, birding, branch cutting, first aid training, walking scenarios, photography, scavenger hunts and of course no week at Londolozi is complete without a Touch Rugby game…an explosion of colour and speed.
Refreshing the skills and techniques required for CPR in the First Aid program
Armed with machetes, cutting overhanging branches off the roads - boys will be boys
Rifle training for the Trackers
Solly Mhlongo ready to start his rapid firing task
Ranger Jess Boon showed the boys how its done
Jerry Hambana takes aim with Byron looking on. If Jerry ever misses a shot he has 3 knives on his belt to finish off the job.
Vivid colours and outfits graced the touch rugby field. A shot of the two teams before battle. Please take special notice our Head Ranger, Chris Goodman who is lying in the front!
The highlight of each day however was that as the sun started setting the two teams would head out and link up at a random spot in the bush armed with a braai grid, a cooler box of drinks, rolls and lots of boerewors. Around a campfire each night we would tell stories, make fun of each other, laugh, discuss strategies, techniques and opinions. A sharing of knowledge. Years of experience combined under starry African skies…It’s a tough job that someone has to do!
Day 1: Our first braai of 'Boerewors Week' was had in the beautiful Tugwaan Drainage
A hard day spent at the rifle range
Day 2: Team shot in the Maxabeni riverbed
Yet another superb way to end the day. A Boerewors Braai on the top of Ximpalapala Koppie
The reward after the last afternoon of cutting branches...ice cold beers
As for which of the two teams walked away with the title…well there is still a little bit of debate on the matter! It was a huge success; grounding everyone, putting us all out in the bush, getting us dirty and on a level playing field…clearing the mind for the very busy festive season ahead.
The Londolozi Field Team would like to thank Marius from Vleisland in Hazeyview for very kindly donating the greatest boerewors in the lowveld. Your generosity was much appreciated!
Written and photographed by Adam Bannister
Your Londolozi team has got to be the best out there. With some winning smiles – with much thank to beer and boerie no doubt 🙂 One can only hope to experience this, or be a part of it.
Dear Londolozi Family,
We just looked through the photos and have such wonderful memories of our time there a year ago this past summer! Please say hello to Tom (our ranger) and Jerry (our tracker) and pass along our e-mail address to them both.
It was great to see them in the pictures on the website. Our kids miss them too (Sam and Jessie Shapiro).
Best regards,
Marci and Andy Shapiro