We speak of Lions, we photograph Leopards, we talk and write about the Big 5. We immortalise these great creatures in our words and pictures. We hold them up to the light and gaze at them as if they are other worldly. It is an extraordinary thing to have the ability to view such amazing creatures, to get close, hear them breathe, to hear the sound of their tongues across their fur as they groom their magnificent coats. The soft tap of an Elephants ear as it cools its body down from the heat. The squeal of a young Rhino calf as it begs its mother to nurse. We live in this fantasy world, where such incredible creatures roam and for this reason, we are drawn to them, we want to learn about them and capture each step they take.
But, for one moment, just for a little, I would like to take the time to put the team in the spotlight. Each day, we head out in search of animals, in search of sightings and the perfect opportunity. Trackers work tirelessly on the trail of Leopards, track for track, time and time again. Experience is shared openly, we are taught from the masters in the field. About sounds, smells and signs of such creatures and their movements. It is an experience, one that will possibly change the way you see the world. It somehow has the ability to move you, deep down inside. The wilds of this place trigger some feelings that are stored deep within us, they are awakened, and they burst into light. This is Africa. It is where we come from. It is where our roots lie and where we will always have a bond.
To those of you who have experienced it, I encourage you to leave a comment on your feelings, for me personally, this is just my opinion. It is the way I have been captured. I have been drawn into this wild land and I am so grateful each day for the chance.
This is for the Team.
Rich and his guests.
The avid Photographer, Life Sibuye.
Some close encounters with the Marthly Male.
Greg and the Tutlwa female.
Rich Burman during a photographic training drive.
Tom and Jerry in the Leadwood forest.
Baba Siwela. Number 1.
Dean and Elmon and the Sparta Pride.
Dan and Attie spend time with some Lions.
Byron and Judas and their guests.
Mr. JT.
Mark and Eucie, and some crazy headwear.
Mike and Life after some great rain.
James T and Mike Sithole, with Mashaba and her cub.
Jess and Jeff, Elephant, sunset.
Some of the Tacker Academy students, with us on a training drive at the beginning of the year.
Dan and Rich Siwela after a Wild Dog kill.
Ntsako and Life watching a large herd of Buffalo.
Talley on a photograhpic safari.
Greg with the Cheetah family.
Dan and Attie encounter a Majingilane Male.
Rich Burman at Gerts Pan.
Melvin and Mashaba.
Lucien and the Tamboti female.
Again, Greg and Jerry with the Tamboti female.
Mark teaches his guest how to use the side holes.
Byron, Judas, Rich and Rich a few weeks ago with the new Wild Dog puppies.
Rich and his passion, photography.
Tom and Jerry with the Mhangeni Pride.
Milton Khoza and a big Elephant bull.
Trevor and Rob H.
Mike and the Rich’s.
Written by: Mike Sutherland
Photographed by: Mike Sutherland and Rich Burman
Epic post Mike!
That one shot makes me kick myself though; #14. I was filming instead of taking pics, and missed that amazing moment (which you have captured there) when the cub wrapped her tail around her mother’s neck.
A great collection of photos!!!
Jamo
Beautiful, well written blog. It is nice to hear about the people behind it all.
From the moment I first stepped foot on the African continent (July 2001), I felt at home and at peace. Even though that first trip was supposed to be my “trip of a lifetime”, I knew I would always come back. I’m an American who has been fortunate to visit 6 countries in Africa and I’m always working towards my next trip. Africa has touched me in a way I can’t describe. I sit at my corporate desk job and read your blog every day. Sometimes crying because I miss it so much. I often brainstorm ways in which I can live there someday to be closer to that special energy the people and animals give to me. Thank you for transporting me each and every day back to my beloved Africa!
You young Humans make each moment with the animals of Londolozi a truly wonderful experience. I have been honored to share the vehicle with some of your best–yes, you, Mike & Life & Freddy & all of the dedicated men & women who share their world with us. Thank you again. See you in September!
Thanks Mike! Great photo’s!
Oooh – where’s Melvin & Milton?? We had some great adventures with them in May!
I’m glad to see Milton’s gorgeous smile but where is Melvin??? I miss him too!! And sadly, none of these pictures captured Byron’s pink pouch. . .
Great job to all of you. Counting the days until our return.
xxxooo
Lovely shots. The pic of Milton and the elephant bull is pretty awesome!
Great to meet you all! Thank you!
I was sad to not see Alfie, Usea or Benett. Are they no longer with Londolozi or were they missed?
You’ve got it. What IT is. Thanks for the post.
Africa…people, places, spaces, wildlife; life, death, beauty — unfiltered. Ubuntu, as I’ve recently learned. Yes, it stirs something within I find difficult to explain, akin to my faith and it never stops giving.
I have also learned that Rangers and Trackers provide the keys to the kingdom. My first visit was to Kenya and Tanzania. We had guides that I now assume were Rangers and Trackers rolled into one. We saw beautiful animals and vistas, but not with the intimacy we experienced at Londolozi.
At Londolozi, we met the trail blazing Don (no pictures of Don…did he fall in a ditch?) and the powerfully diligent and subdued Judas. Don saw the rovers going in one direction and he would go in the opposite. No risk, no reward! Don was always pointing out, picking up (poop in particular), and sharing his love of the bush. We had four sensory-packed days on the path less traveled.
Judas fascinates me. He conjured a cheetah out of nowhere — I saw it with my own eyes. Grassy nothingness…more grass….others gave up, and it was just us…and the endless grass. Perseverance, sixth sense and a wave of his hand – a Cheetah appeared, nestled in, alongside our rover. How did he do that; how did he know? To be that connected to nature and its movements is an accomplishment I’m thinking, much like the road to nirvana – you must empty yourself in order to see.
Africa take me away – literally, figuratively, spiritually and I’m hooked. I’ll be back in February: )
I return to Londolozi hoping to put my heart back together of pieces left there on earlier visits. I find I leave a little more of my heart each time. 12 nights with Talley and Freddy recently were the best of any visits so far (and they began in the 80s)….I too sometimes shed tears when reading the blog and wishing I were still there with all of you. Mahalo for enriching my life ten-fold.
Thank you Mike, for the great pictures and for being able to put into words, your thoughts and feelings on the very incredible life you get to live every day. We were very fortunate to get to spend 5 days at Tree Camp in September and to have Mark and Lucky as our Ranger and Tracker. Their love and passion for all the animals and for Africa was very apparent. They didn’t need to be told how lucky they were to be able to live every day, surrounded by such beauty. Africa absolutely brings out the very best in each person and leaves you with a feeling of inner peace and happiness such as you will never experience any where else. It draws you back and puts life in perspective. It is a very magical place and we can’t wait to return.
Thank you Mike & Rich for giving us a glimpse of the “guys & girls” behind the wheel that show it all to the guests & us bloggers! Hats off to you for doing that! I do feel that all Reserves should show us outsiders the real people behind the excellent sightings the Guests see. Thanks again & I guess Milton is not afraid to be that close to a bull ellie!!!!! Eish not me 🙁
Just a quick note, for all those wondering where certain Rangers and Trackers are, this blog will be updated as we can get pictures of everyone! But the love is much appreciated!! Thank you all for the comments and the support of our great team! Mike
Is that Dereck Joubert in the picture of Lucien and the Tamboti female?
Yes it is Shema!
Nice one Mike! Well done.
From 2012 with Jules and Richard to 2013 with Alfie and Euce – I am forever changed. My tribute to you is the work hanging on my walls at home and the 4,000+ pictures I have on some hard drives that teach me each time I look at them that you are masters at your craft. I will always think of you when I think of Londolozi. Until next year…
Great Blog Mike….. not surprising to see so many smiles…… that’s what the team does for us!