As part of the journey to becoming a Londolozi ranger we were taken out on our very first game drive at Londolozi a week after arriving. Our Head Ranger, James Souchon, wanted us to remember the feeling of seeing this incredible reserve for the first time. It is something that would help us in our time here as rangers to see things through the eyes of the guests. Silence is an incredible tool to allow the mind to engage all other senses without the distraction of conversation and so we set off to the northern stretches of our reserve, Marthly.
One of my favourite spots on Londolozi has always been Marthly Pools, and to see it full of water
It is a drive I will remember forever and I have tried to sum it up into words.
Marthly the destination,
Silence the inspiration,Head ranger and his trainees,
Some still with battered and bruised knees,Off we go,
With all the excitement checked in tow,Our very first drive,
What a time to be alive,Not a word is said,
A powerful experience lies ahead,A time for reflection,
For a group with zero circumspection,A grueling week was had,
But just think of the character add,Birds chirp at the causeway,
Let’s cross without further delay,We drive road after road,
Even where the river once flowed,With no expectations,
Comes no limitations,The beauty of the reserve,
No wonder the effort to conserve,As we come atop the crest,
There she was laying up to the west,Lying right abreast a little shrub,
We halt to find it’s Tsalala and her cub,The excitement now tangible,
But the rule of silence remains infrangible,An impala alarm call,
Brings our sighting to a stall,More impala start to bark,
Signalling it’s time to embark,We put foot with feverish haste,
Predators on the move – means no time to waste,Anticipation abound,
There she is close to a termite mound,The leopardess walks through the long grass,
The impala cautiously let her pass,For she, was on the hunt,
But alas! A new herd she will have to confront,We try to follow,
But hot days call for the Wallow,One day when I have more greys,
I will reminisce fondly on my Londolozi days,I will cherish these moments,
As one of the most significant components,Of a life I try to lead,
A life, where nothing is ever guaranteed,Do not dwindle on the past,
Just live every day as if it were your last!
Barry, your poem was absolutely brilliant and I’m so impressed by your rhyming. To take a drive through Londolozi or any other reserve without speaking is difficult as one’s excitement pushes so many words into your brain, enticing you to want to share, but silence allows us to listen, focus and absorb. Sharing can be reserved for around the campfire. As a guest it’s difficult to remain silent for an entire drive as there’s so much to see and questions arise. Perhaps I should challenge myself to attempt a silent drive next visit.
Hi Denise, it is certainly a very different experience but one that I highly recommend. Glad you enjoyed the poem too.
What a beautiful poem to remember a magical spot and two legendary ladies, Tsalala and a leopardess… do you remember who she was?
This would be the best sight I could ever wish for, not hunt and movement but stillness, peace, nature and motherhood
Hi Francesca, stillness is one of the most important aspects of a trip to the bush. Reconnecting with nature and through that, yourself. It was the Makomsava 4:4 Female.
Perhaps sometimes, just sitting enjoying the silence – you start to feel absorbed by the scene
Magic
I totally agree, Ian!
Quiet is one of the many wonderful things you find at Londolozi. No TV, and in the cars we are often quiet looking at so many things and hearing the noises of the bush. We listen to our guide and our tracker and we learn! We thank you all for such a great experience, highlighted by getting g to know you all and r joying dinner in the boma to discuss the days events! Thank you! Victoria
Hi Victoria, to be able to disconnect out here in the bush is a crucial part of a safari and happy to hear that you enjoy that part of the bush experience as much as I do.
Barry, What a wonderful poem – so creatively written – seems like you are totally smitten! 😉
Welcome to the Londolozi family!
Hi Michael & Terri, smitten is certainly the feeling!
Barry your poem is very inspiring and love the words that rime. I’m sure you Rangers that day could not believe the beauty of Londolozi and seeing these magnificent animals. Being silent through a drive can only be a blessing , your senses then take over and you appreciate the beauty of the bush in a different level.
Hi Valmai, we were totally blown away by the experience!
A beautiful poem, Barry. And indeed sitting silently in a vehicle (at least for some time) just to listen to all the sounds nature offers, smelling the smells of the bush and watching the marvelous surroundings, is such a wonderful thing to do. I love it.
Glad you enjoyed it, Christa. The smells of the bush, especially now with summer coming, are amazing!
Barry this is such a thoughtful blog. Your peom is so descriptive and enjoyable. There is peace in silence and sometimes we need to occasionally stop and be at one with our surroundings. I know you will fit right in with the Londolozi family – a really great bunch of people. Thanks for sharing and I wish you goodluck.
Thank you, Leonie. Londolozi truly is a special place.
Silence is truly golden. Thank you Barry for the poem created in silence.
Happy you enjoyed it, William.
Wow, just wonderful!! I love your poem, really captures the experience! The last two paragraphs were my favourite, “Of a life I try to lead, a life where nothing is ever guaranteed;
Do not dwindle on the past,
Just live everyday as if it were your last!”
You’ve put it perfectly!! Well done!! Hope you’re enjoying your time as a ranger at Londolozi, it’s my dream to do that! You are truly doing the best job in the world!
Hi Carly, it is 100% the best job in the world!