About the Author

James Tyrrell

Alumni

James had hardly touched a camera when he came to Londolozi, but his writing skills that complemented his Honours degree in Zoology meant that he was quickly snapped up by the Londolozi blog team. An environment rich in photographers helped him develop the ...

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8 Comments

on Should One Ever Leave the Bush?

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Lovely blog James. Even when the time come to leave the bush your heart will always be in it. It is a special place.

Definitely food for thought, thank you for posting this.

I have been dreaming about living and working in the bush since I officially moved back to South Africa from England when I was 9. The lowveld has always been a part of pysche long before my first (and so far only) visit to Kruger when I was 14. Despite my lack of visits there, I have read so much about it and seen so many photographs from there that my love of the bush has only increased exponeintially. My brain is screaming at me to get out of Cape Town, away from the city and all of the pitfalls and temptations of a capitalist/consumerist society. I feel like it’s slowly suffocating me (though I can’t leave until I finish my degree). Whenever I got hiking in the Cape mountains, birding in the Garden Route and go on a roadtrip through Botswana, that’s when I feel like I’m the best version of myself. I want to do what I love in a place that I love, plus living with leopards (my favourite animal) is also another key driving factor.

Senior Digital Ranger

James, I work an office job, but it is not my passion. My passion is travel and rarely a day passes that my mind doesn’t drift to my next destination or some destination past. I think I was in my mid-30s when I really understood this about myself. Had I realized it at a younger age, I have little doubt that I would’ve sought a profession much like yours. Even now sometimes I consider the possibility of changing careers at 50 applying fo a job as a guide on an expedition cruise or dare I say safari guide either of which would fall into the category of finding a job that you love. I’d be the first to agree that doing anything for an extended period of time dulls the luster of even the most seemingly perfect occupations, but as someone who thinks he understands the draw to all things wild and wonderful, I think you have the perfect job

1981-1985……BUSH CAMP. Lex and Lyn ran the whole show. Wonderful memories of that small camp!

When it becomes a “job” and no longer feeds your passion for learning, sharing and teaching, you will make a decision as to your future. I’m hoping you’ll still be there when I visit your special kingdom.

Senior Digital Ranger

I hope the day for your departure is still many years in the future!
Thank you for the wonderful Blog

What a wonderful blog James. I am fortunate to have experienced your passion for what you do first hand. I heard it in your voice, the way you captured photos and the way you related to me as a guest when you guided me on drive. I have seen it continue over the years when I see you during my visits. Your storytelling through your photos and your words gives me chills. I particularly love this one. Your heartfelt sentiments are truly conveyed. I hope it is never-ending.

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