The great floods of January 2012 will forever be remembered and spoken about at Londolozi Game Reserve. The sheer volume of water that poured down the Sand River was staggering. Leaving a wake of change in it’s path, this river showed us that humans will never be able to control Mother Nature! I use the word ‘change’ rather then ‘destruction’ because this cycle is natural…a cleansing process and a form of transformation. But change is sometimes hard to take.
The ancient and magnificent Sycamore Fig found on the northern banks of the Sand River, opposite to Londolozi’s Pioneer Camp, is no more. Swept away in the floods there is no evidence that this tree ever existed in the first place. But her memories will live on forever captured in the minds and photographs of the many guests, rangers and trackers who shared wonderful moments under this iconic tree.
The view upstream from the gorgeous Sycamore Fig on Marthly River Road - photo taken just prior to the floods of January 2012
The Sycamore Fig will forever be remembered for the magnificent yellow colour of it's trunk. An ideal backdrop to any photograph - Ryan Graham
Considered a favourite tree by many who visited Londolozi, especially kids who used to love trying to clamber up its massive trunk - Adam Bannister
Looking up into the branches of this iconic tree of Londolozi. Fully laden with fig fruit this tree would provide ample food for numerous birds.
Up close and personal - Rich Laburn
The shot used by Londolozi for the 2008 brochure
The tree truly was a symbol of beauty. I really wish that there was some way to have aged this giant accurately. What a phenomenal story it could tell.
A classic shot by David Dampier - the Vomba Female walks beneath the fig's canopy.
but all of that has now changed…
Tracker Solly Mhlongo looks out onto the enlarged Sand River at the site where the Sycamore Fig used to stand
We will all miss this tree but realise that there was nothing we could do to change the outcome. It played a massive role and even featured on the brochure for Londolozi Game Reserve. It takes with it memories of great times but leaves in its space a place for opportunity and regrowth. We are excited to see how the river changes over the seasons and what trees, possibly once hidden in the undergrowth, emerge as icons of beauty and hope.
Written by Adam Bannister
Nice one Ad, agree it is a little sad because we have gotten attached to it, but it is a natural cycle of change, and many sycamores have come and gone before it and hopefully many more will follow long after we are gone.
An eloquent eulogy to a magnificent tree, thanks Adam!
What an absolutely beautiful tree it was! Such a shame to lose it and yes, what a story it could tell.
Your comment, “Leaving a wake of change in it’s path, this river showed us that humans will never be able to control Mother Nature!” is so true but it’s not for lack of trying. Man has been trying to manipulate and control her for decades…sadly.
Thanks for posting these beautiful photos of a once beautiful icon of Londolozi.
OH NO OH NO!!!!
We will cherish the fond memories of our many times under that mighty tree! Oxide was showing me the roots that stretched 100 meters away from the trunk in December 2011 now that mighty beauty is gone! The picnic with Rich and Oxy in 2010 that was interrupted by a Daga Boy (old Buffalo) in a really bad mood! That was an adreline rush we won’t forget in a hurry nor the serenity next to the Sand River celebrating with Champagne in hand the wedding of our guests Nick and Karen from Whistler Canada, with ranger Greg and master tracker Richard and so much more……..
Change is sometimes inevitable and hard. Luckily, you’ve captured the majestic tree’s glory in many MARVELOUS images for posterity. THANK YOU! And, one can only hope that it is now gracing another ‘landscape’ and casting long, cooling shadows for all of God’s creatures who once walked under her canopy at Londolozi!
This was so sad to hear! We remember having having tea with 95 year old Jean from Demark under the gorgeous tree! Change is the only constant!
Completely heartfelt!
Thank you for paying tribute to a beautiful tree. I couldn’t help but think of enya’s ‘in memory of trees’ while reading.
I understand that nature is forever changing but I am very sad that an incredible tree is no more. I have the most vivid memories of drink stops (including the evening when 9/11 occurred-massive dust storm forced us to head back to camp straight away only to see the towers falling), picnics and walks where the sycamore played a truly magical role.
This was a piece that I just had to write when I saw that the tree was no longer in it’s place. The sad realisation that a true icon had left us. Im loving reading all the comments about memories from this tree. Please keep the memories rolling in…this tree deserves a final lap of honour.
Oh no! I’m very sad. Thank you for posting this Adam. I am sure you are all sad as well. We just spent time this last trip enjoying the shade and coolness of this beautiful tree – and laughing at the Baboons! Thankfully we have our own family pictures to remind us of her majesty….
I so enjoy your blog posts and Tally’s week in pictures, so even when it’s sad news, all your words and pictures are always greatly appreciated to us Londolozi lovers….
Best, Jen
That was a magnificent tree Adam…change is difficult but, for all of us who know and love Londolozi, she will live in our hearts forever.
Wonderful post…
but it is arguable that the cycle is “natural” at this point, with humans influencing the climate as we do.
Thanks for your tribute to the sycamore, regardless of the cause for its demise.
As a rnager atp mala mala 15 years ago, we used to fish in the river nearby the tree and have personally seen a vast array of game under and near the tree.
Very sad .
Some fantastic writing and captioning. I could really feel the story and emotions behind that special tree. reminds me of the “Mother Tree” in Pocahontas 🙂
We had a beautiful bush breakfast under this tree, and almost followed a Honey-guide’s call, with Mike and Jerry. And we followed Tyson and Vomba while they were mating, walking past the tree before they crossed over on those gorgeous white rocks. So sad to hear that it’s gone!!
Us to Sanjana, many special moments have been had beneath this tree.
News fresh off the press is that the Sycamore Fig tree has been found! Talley and Freddy found it this morning while tracking the Tutlwa Female. It’s a few hundred meters downstream from its original position.