About the Author

Werner Breedt

Field Guide

Werner guided at Londolozi from 2014-2016, but misses it so much now that he is based down in the Western Cape, that he begged to be able to continue contributing to the blog. Look out for his posts on a wide range of ...

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22 Comments

on What We Miss Most About the Bush

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Werner this is such a lovely blog and so true. We are fortunate to stay close to Kruger. We are “in the bush” as often as we can. We love camping. The best experience is sitting at the camp fire when all is quiet and peaceful staring into the darkness with the occasional hyena patroling the perimeter, whooping and if you are lucky a lion roaring or a jackal far of in the distance. The call of the scops owl or even a leopard lulls you to sleep. Nowhere are the stars brighter and the sunrise and sunset are just magic. Waking up early. Put your kettle on the gas burner. Coffee and rusks while it is still dark and the camp is quiet. The dawn chorus starting. Toal peace. The bush is definitely the ultimate destresser.

Hi Marinda, thank you for the kind words . Your story rings so true. You definitely got me at coffee though!

Please keep blogging,Werner!

I definitely will!

Obviously we miss the safaris and the “next”surprise we find. We also miss being part of the Londolozi family which welcomes us and makes a part of that family. But I think what I miss most is knowledge that here in the bush the world works correctly, without all the anger and shouting that we seem to have deal with on a daily basis when we leave. There is logic and order, and yes moments of sadness, but still the feeling that here all is tight with the world. Vivtoria

Nature has a magical ability of putting the pieces of the puzzle together without the need of human intervention. This is why we love it as much as we do.

I so agree with your blog about what we miss about the bush. My first trip to Africa was in 1986 and I’ll never forget all of my first sightings – lions, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, elephants,etc in addition to the smells and sounds. I was hooked. I returned 10 years later to RSA, once apartheid was lifted, and continued to experience that which cannot be explained. I’ve returned three more times but have included Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe.

Once someone has experienced the essence of Africa, the game of course, but the beauty of its different countries and the warmth of all of those individuals you encounter who want to make your trip the best you’ve ever had, it is embedded into your DNA to return. I’m counting the days until I can finally experience the Londolozi ethos.

Hopefully the next visit will be sooner rather than later. I am glad the blog has reignited some of your passionate thoughts and feelings towards the bush.

Beautifully written.

Thank you Jeff.

Senior Digital Ranger

Werner, it’s been 12 years since my last visit to the Bush. Since I discovered the Londolozi blog, my heart looks forward to being transported back and remembering. And, my heart aches to return once more. You have described the incredible experience so very well. Thank you.

Thank you Lucie. Hopefully the blogs will continue to tickle your enthusiasm until your next visit.

Well said, Thank you!

Thank you Laura.

Very well said, Werner! And it’s why we’re coming back to Londolozi in June for the 5th time…

Thank you Mary Beth, I am sure the next visit will be extraordinary.

Being in the bush is the most wonderful feeling in the world, I have experienced. Everything is just amazing and enchanting.If I only think of going to the bush, I feel already relaxed. The sounds, the smells, the nature, the animal kingdom, it’s just perfect, or nearly considering the fact that one being has to kill another being to survive (including us)

I can not agree more Christa.

Thank you Werner for so accurately describing the feelings that have stayed with me since my husband and I had our first safari experience in two private game reserves in Kruger this past September. My heart fills with memories and my soul has a sweet yearnings for the bushveld and the remarkable animals that presented themselves to us while there. We keep these heartfelt memories alive by reading Londolozi’s blogs each day back here in wintery Toronto and we know that returning to Africa and being back in the bush is a soul healing goal that we will achieve.

Hi Kim. Your appreciation for nature is admirable. hope the next visit to the bush is sooner rather than later.

Digital Tracker

What wonderful blog. The feel of the wild, no matter what continent you are on is one of the most invigorating experiences in ones life. Each time I visit the wildness of nature it brings tears of joy and sometimes sorrow for those who see it as nothing more than another asset with to use to line their pockets. Thank you for doing your part in conserving our wild world.

This blog post really speaks to me! I feel that longing for the bush every hour of every day, even down here in Cape Town! The summer trilling of the woodland kingfisher or the bubbling call of the coucal, a hyena whooping at night, watching an elephant rip up trunkfuls of grass, looking into the eyes of an impala, stargazing, watching the sunrise or the adrenaline rush of a lion sight: all of those are just a handful of the things I miss most about the bush. But perhaps most of all I miss the excitement, the awareness I feel, and how I always feel awake and alive. I miss that feeling, the sense that I’m actually part of a landscape and a greater connection.

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