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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21 Comments

on The Londolozi Grey Cap: a Badge of Office

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Marinda Drake
Master Tracker

My Londolozi caps are not black or grey. It is white and kakhi. The white cap I wear almost every morning when I go for a walk and the kakhi cap is packed in for camping in the bush. And of course when we visit Londolozi. My camps are not realy “clean” anymore. Full of stains. I feel proud to wear it. It does give you a sense of belonging.

James Tyrrell
Alumni

Hi Marinda,
Sounds like you need to get a black one and start fading it in!!

Victoria Auchincloss
Master Tracker

In the 5 visits we have made to Londolozi we have never had any Ranger or Tracker team that was not wonderful. We always learn so much and so admire the x ray vision of the trackers. Victoria

Joanne Wadsworth Kelley
Master Tracker

Never thought “caps” could tell such a interesting story, James. And when I come to Londolozi I’ll take a silent look at the caps and grin inwardly. Which leads me to another important question that has gone unanswered, although asked. How can I purchase caps and a coffee mug from Londolozi? I begin my day with Londolozi, so it would be only fitting to have my necessary morning coffee from one of your mugs. Just the idea makes me smile!

James Tyrrell
Alumni

Hi Joanne,
We ship items from our shop, so I’m sure we can arrange a mug and cap for you. If you mail the shop on living@londolozi.co.za they will be able to help you out.
Best regards.

Darlene Knott
Master Tracker

Funny posting! Everybody has his favorite cap and hates to give them up! Thanks for sharing, James!

James Tyrrell
Alumni

Darlene I was once at a lodge where I spilled something one one of my original Grey Caps and the laundry service there scrubbed it too hard (I think they were hand-washing) and put holes right through it. Broke my heart!

Andrew and Daniel Bolnick
Digital Tracker

I purchased a black cap in November 2017. Wear it while fishing, sometimes while playing golf. Glad to hear this fading is normal. On my next visit I may look like I have been there before. Thanks James

James Tyrrell
Alumni

Good stuff!
The fade is what makes it authentic and grows your attachment to it!!

Gloria Brislin
Explorer

Thanks for a delightfully different blog.

James Tyrrell
Alumni

Thanks Gloria,
We’ve got a few more in the pipeline… 😉

Jeff Rodgers
Digital Tracker

This is on the short list for one of the all-time best Londolozi blog posts. While I always love the images and wildlife information . . . this is a GREAT peek inside the ‘fun’ tent that also makes Londolozi so special.

James Tyrrell
Alumni

Haha thanks Jeff.
Glad you liked it!

Denise Vouri
Guest contributor

Alas, I left not only my heart at Londolozi, but my cap as well……. hopefully I’ll return and claim the prized possession!!???

James Tyrrell
Alumni

Hi Denise,
Woops, you’re going to have to start from scratch by the sounds of things then!!

Stuart Manford
Explorer

I think sales in Black caps might spike after this! Love this blog! Thanks for sharing.

James Tyrrell
Alumni

Thanks Stuart. Glad you liked it!

Allow me a disgression James…. Wouldn’t it be fun to start a sort of “Londolozi museum” collecting not only caps but other items with logos (wine bottles, shirts, etc.) produced over the last 2 or 3 decades? I am sure there would be lots of contributors….

Dustin Reid
Explorer

James, what a great and funny article! When we were at Londolozi 5 years ago, my partner Bobby and I were in awe of our ranger, Kate. She was a total BAMF! And we wanted to be just like her!! We will still occasionally impersonate her and put our hand to our ear and say, “Bushbuck calling!” in our poor South African accent. Anyway, her cap was very gray and Bobby has been on a mission to make his hat look like Kate’s over the last 5 years…wearing it to the barn, riding in it, etc. Always with the goal of the gray, worn cap that we saw at Londolozi.
Who knew it was a thing?! The good news is that we’re returning this year, and he’s gonna look like a total stud with that gray hat! Thanks for the fun blog! PS: whatever happened to head-ranger Kate?

James Tyrrell
Alumni

Hi Dustin.
Haha Grey Cap status is a real thing!
Head-ranger BAMF Kate left Londolozi a few years ago with her husband Tom and their two kids and are living not far away. Kate is doing a lot of consulting and guide training and still loving the bush! And still as hardcore as ever 😉

Dustin Reid
Explorer

Great news. Thanks for the follow up. See you in July!

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