For those that have visited us or been following us on the blog, you will know that we are a big family. It is one of the most special things about working at Londolozi – that inevitably your colleagues will become your family. No matter your age, gender, or background we all operate as one unified team willing to work together towards a common goal and at the same time support each other in a personal capacity. I have the fortunate position of being a Camp Manager, which has allowed be to create special bonds with those that work with me the camp. While working at Varty Camp I got to get to know each member of the team well and made the most wonderful friends.
Since then I have moved to Pioneer Camp, which has given me another opportunity to get to know the Londolozi Family and to introduce them to you (I’m sure many of you will recognise some of them). I was immediately welcomed to the Pioneer Camp team with open arms and big smiles.
Pioneer Camp’s three luxury suites and generous bush homestead makes this the most secluded and flexible of the Londolozi Camps.
Due to the fact that Pioneer is a smaller camp compared to Varty, it has three rooms opposed to the ten at Varty Camp, and therefore the team is smaller. The two butlers you will find at Pioneer Camp are Caven and Trevor.
The Camp can easily be converted into a bush homestead for private multi-generational family groups of between 6 and 12 people, with the option of connecting two of the suites.
Caven has deep family roots at Londolozi with his father being one of the oldest trackers still employed. Cavan has a booming voice and even brighter smile. His infectious energy is such a joy for all staff and guests to experience as they step foot onto the Pioneer Deck. He is someone who is genuinely interested in how your day is going and is always ready with a clever rebuttal just to make you smile.
Trevor, or Chiefie as he is affectionately known, has to be one of the kindest people I have come to meet. Chiefie has a heart of gold and is always around to lend a helping hand wherever he can. Pioneer Camp is his home he says and so he takes immense pride in making sure everything is done perfectly and held to his incredibly high standard. He is someone who you can sit with with a cup of coffee and chat to for hours, something we do regularly.
Chiefie and I stand behind the Pioneer Camp bar
Now onto the food.
The chefs who work at Pioneer camp are, in my unbiased opinion, some of the most talented people at Londolozi. Pertunia, Virginia and Mandla take the utmost pride in their food and it is obvious to see as it is placed in front of you in all of its glory. They take their time to make sure every element is prepared to perfection, all while with big smiles on their faces.
Virginia creating a delicious breakfast for those who are just. back from game drive.
Big smiles from Petunia
Pioneer Camp has a beautiful open kitchen which resembles a private homestead and so you are able to interact with the chefs and see them preparing your meals. At Pioneer Camp we see a lot of families with young children and so the chefs often have hot, fresh pancakes with all sorts of toppings ready for them once they return from the morning game drive. It’s the small details that they think of which makes them such assets to the Pioneer Team.
I cannot wrap up this blog without mentioning three members of the team who you may not see as often but are of utmost importance. Charity, December and Dudu.
Charity is the sweetest person around and someone who makes sure your suite is in pristine condition.
December is in charge of all the maintenance at Pioneer Camp and due to the size of the camp I’m sure you can imagine that he is a very busy man.
Dudu works in the scullery and makes sure all of our cutlery and crockery is sparkling and ready ahead of time.
This team has a special magic to them which is something I cannot name but can definitely feel. Everyone has worked together for such a long time now that they have become a family and so coming to work everyday feels like you are coming home. They have welcomed me to the team with nothing but love and kindness and I cannot wait for this next chapter in my Londolozi journey with them right by my side. Have you met any of the Pioneer Team, let me know in the comments section below…
Jordan, thanks for the look into the pioneer camp and it’s staff.
Grate time in Londolozi!!
Each moment is in our hearts. We hope to return soon.
Thanks to send these mails.
This is where i brought my children for their first visit. They loved it! As did I!
Sounds like a magical place to work! One day we must visit!
Everything at the Pioneer Camp looks so perfect and cozy. The staff you can see have pride in their work, dedication with much enthusiasm they carry out their daily duties with big smiles on their faces. I am sure you were welcomed with open arms Jordan and the bond you all have together makes a beautiful family.
I stayed in Pioneer Camp in 2010 with Trish and Witness. I was placed there by And Beyond agent after a Botswana trip. Absolute magic but way more than one person (I was alone) needed. I was spoiled by Trish and Witness. There was only one other unit in use so it was somewhat surreal. I have been back many times since 2010 but opt (usually) for Founders. ALL camps are magnificent. My heart rests at Londolozi.
Glad to see Caven and Petunia are still there. They were wonderful during our 2018 stay at Pioneer Camp.
Thank you Jordan-Lee for introducing us to your world at Pioneer Camp. It obvious from your blog that you are so happy and have settled into your niche in Londolozi. Whilst I’ll never have the opportunity to stay in your little paradise, it is nice to see how it’s set up.
Jordan-Lee, Thanks for the reminder of how special Pioneer Camp is! We stayed there in 2013 for Terri’s birthday! It was fabulous and special in every way. We are usually in Founders now, but we will visit you on our next visit. You do have a special team and we love the way you all work together with passion and love for each other – it shows in every area of Londolozi!