About the Author

Adam Bannister

Alumni

Londolozi Alumni

View Adam's profile

18 Comments

on Goodbye to the Sycamore Fig

Join the conversationJoin the conversation

David Dampier
Guest

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.

Judy
Guest

An eloquent eulogy to a magnificent tree, thanks Adam!

Louise Leger
Guest

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.

Trevor & Colleen Patrick
Guest

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!

Kimberly Guy Fairbank
Guest

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!

Caryl
Guest

Completely heartfelt!

Syl
Guest

Thank you for paying tribute to a beautiful tree. I couldn’t help but think of enya’s ‘in memory of trees’ while reading.

Paul Laing
Guest

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

Joe and Kathy Propersi
Guest

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.

Mike Paredes
Guest

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.

Mike reynolds
Guest

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 .

Penny Parker
Guest

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 🙂

Sanjana
Guest

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.

Connect with Londolozi

Follow Us

One moment...
Anonymous
Be the first to this photo
You and 1 others this photo
q

Filed under
Anonymous
10 April, 2798
+
Add Profile