There aren’t that many people working at lodges in the lowveld who grew up in Cape Town. The exposure to the bush is limited as one must travel long distances, especially to places like Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The lowveld itself is at the completely opposite end of South Africa.
For some people though, that first taste of the bush is enough to get them hooked for life. That sweet, crisp air in the mornings, that early chill with the francolins calling, the distant roar of the lions in the night as the flames crackle on an open fire and the smell of the braai (barbecue) wafts through the camp.
Kate Neill, our current online media co-ordinator, is one of those from Cape Town for whom the bug bit, and hard! Kate’s parents are originally from Zimbabwe, and during her upbringing she went on many family holidays to visit relatives there, and from those early trips into the interior, her love of the bush grew.
After studying at Stellenbosch University where she enjoyed many a fine wine and gained a degree in graphic design and photography, Kate arrived at Londolozi on April 1st 2009.
She excelled early on as a camp manager, managing each of the 5 Londolozi camps at one time or another. Running the Private Granite Suites until mid-2012, Kate decided to move to behind-the-scenes operations as her passion for media and photography grew, and early this year she joined the media/blog team as chief co-ordinator, helping oversee the online sites (Facebook, blog etc) by sourcing content, linking, researching and generally keeping the rest of us in check!
Although her job responsibilities require a number of hours working on a computer each day, Kate never misses an opportunity to get out into the bush, and her photography portfolio is growing rapidly.
Look out for more of Kate’s work on the Londolozi blog…!
One of the Ximpalapala cubs climbing trees yet again!
The same cub posing on a different day
Mana Pools – one of Kate’s favourite places to visit
Sausage Tree Flower
Sundowners on the Zambezi river
Sunbird
Young Male Lion
Hyena
Kate and Dave Dampier discuss the finer aspects of photography on the banks of the Zambezi River during a recent trip to Mana Pools
Written by James Tyrrell
Hey Kate, nice to meet you and thank you for the great work you do on this blog. It’s my weekly inspiration as I miss Londolozi so much.
So nice to put a face with a name! So enjoy reading and looking at your work Kate. One can tell how much you love it!
All the best,
Billie
Great pics Kate!
Beautiful photos Katie! You are an incredible asset to Londolozi and the blog. Thank you for letting us share your passion for the bush from such long distances.
Love your work, Kate! Thanks for keeping us connected to the magic of Londolozi. Hope to see you again very soon.
-Curtis and Ryan
Exquisite sundowner pic Kate.
Great photos, Kate! Thanks for sharing – I hope I’ve learned enough from reading and watching the blog for years that I can grab a few great shots myself next week!
Surely there are better profile pics than that one Katie! You not doing yourself justice you little cracker you!
Changed the pic just for you Holley, love your honesty! Hope this one is to your liking!
Oh, Kate, what beautiful images! You have found your home.
Thank you Jo Lynne! It has been so wonderful to see you again! Cannot wait for your posts!!! Xxx
Katie your pictures are really beautiful thanks for the magical one you sent me of the nyala and new
born baby. You really are a girl of many talents.
Shanny V
Kate, thanks for your help during my recent visit, sorry I crashed the system with the amount of pics taken! Have a few I would love to share, can you guide me on how I can send?
The bush has changed me! Loved everything about it and especially all of you!
In joy, Kim
Hi Kim!
Still trying to fix that computer…;) haha! Would love to post some of your pics, please send me an email on katen@londolozi.co.za and we can chat about size and all that jazz!
Was so wonderful meeting you and look forward to keeping in touch until your next visit.
Kate