About the Author

Paul Danckwerts

Alumni Ranger

Zambian-born, Paul grew up a fisherman, a birder and a lover of all things outdoors. Following his passion for wildlife he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Rhodes University before heading for the lowveld. Paul boasts a number of years guiding ...

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18 Comments

on Why Londolozi Guests Leave for Home With a Full Spiritual Suitcase

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Marinda Drake
Master Tracker

Paul, Africa is in my heart, my blood. I will never leave it. It is magical to spend time in the bush. I can not imagine what it will be like not to experience the sunrises, sunsets. The people. The sounds and smells. The animals. Everyday in Africa is a Champange moment.

Dave Mills
Senior Digital Ranger

Paul, absolutely wonderful. “Champagne moment” describes Londolozi well. I had one such moment as I stood on the deck at Londolozi and watched in the far distance a lone giraffe strolling right to left, silhouetted against the sky. I told guide Jessie, “My mind tells me I’m home.” “No,” she said, “Your heart tells you that.” Indeed. Africa. Home to us all. Nkosi Sikelel’iAfrika.

Paul Danckwerts
Alumni Ranger

It is indeed home to us all! Thank you for sharing Dave!

Karin Braby
Explorer

So beautifully and succinctly articulated Paul. There are many champagne moments in the bush, however we are not always ready to see and feel them! Thank you for sharing these special moments with us! Africa is in my soul!

Paul Danckwerts
Alumni Ranger

Thank you Karin! If we can protect her and her wildlife, Africa will be around for many generations to come!

Darlene Knott
Master Tracker

I could not have said it better myself! Excellent post, Paul!

Paul Danckwerts
Alumni Ranger

Thank you Darlene!

Dawn Phillips
Explorer

I completely understand this feeling. I too, left my trip to Africa and safaris with an overflowing spiritual suitcase. A little over a year later, when I need to calm my life – I take out that suitcase and my memory touches and feels and remembers
the things that found a home in my heart and soul. That’s my happy place, that’s where I find my balance. I am forever grateful for the month of my life spent not just ‘looking for/at the animals.

Carolyn Whitaker
Senior Digital Ranger

This is a beautiful post, Paul. I felt as though I was back in the bush. The poetry was also moving! Thank you.

Doug Hammerich
Digital Tracker

Just the photo of the Land Rover brought back many cherished memories of my time in Landolozi. I tried to copy and print it, but it wouldn’t take. (Sigh).

Denise Vouri
Guest contributor

My first safari was to Kenya in 1986, and whilst I have very few photos from that trip, I have so much more…… memories, adventures, and the “return to Africa “ disease. Yes, I believe once you’ve experienced time in the wild, whether gazing at or photographing animals, sitting/standing quietly at a sundowner savoring the final rays of the sun, one is forever changed. The feelings are difficult to explain to others- a safari is something to be experienced in first person. How can the smell of the bush at 5:00am be put into words?! I understand champagne moments and fortunately have enjoyed many, most have which have occurred throughout Southern Africa.

Keep up the great work and special moments you provide to guests.

Paul Danckwerts
Alumni Ranger

Thank you for sharing Denise!

Chelsea Allard
Master Tracker

Could not agree more. I am not a religious person, but when I visited Londolozi for the first time last April, I felt like I saw God. I hope to return many, many times over the course of my life. It was life changing.

Paul Danckwerts
Alumni Ranger

Thank you for commenting Chelsea! The amazing thing is that if you tap into the energy, it’ll happen again and again.

Joanne Wadsworth Kelley
Master Tracker

Lovely blog. Wishing everyone a full Londolozi suitcase.

Vin Beni
Guest contributor

“Champagne Moments”==unparalleled experiences. So hard to describe to those who have not experienced the moments of insignificance.

Johanna Browne
Senior Digital Ranger

So eloquently stated. You did bring us into that state of magical being and created the desire for more 🙂 Thank you!

Paul Danckwerts
Alumni Ranger

You are most welcome Johanna!

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