About the Author

Barry Bath

Guest contributor

Barry grew up in Johannesburg and knew from a young age that he had a true love for the African bush yet it was only after spending several years in the corporate world in Europe, followed by a two year sabbatical of traveling ...

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20 Comments

on A Silent Drive to Remember

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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.

Master Tracker

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.

Digital Tracker

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!

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