Everyone has a happy place—a sanctuary that evokes a sense of peace and joy. For me, I found mine at Londolozi. My passion for wildlife has been an intrinsic part of my life from an early age. Growing up, family vacations were synonymous with safaris, primarily exploring the vast landscapes of the Kruger National Park, accompanied by both family and friends. I was fortunate enough to expand these experiences across Southern Africa, visiting wilderness areas in Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Mozambique. Missing a game drive was out of the question for me; I believed that the most extraordinary sightings always seemed to occur on the very drives you chose to skip.
Throughout the training process, as tough as it was, it’s incredibly difficult to not smile when surrounded by nature!
My journey with Londolozi began in 2014. My first visit was as a guest, accompanied by my father. We stayed at Varty Camp, and I vividly recall turning to my dad and saying, “This is where I want to work.” My father, ever pragmatic, gently reminded me to finish my education and gain more experience before considering it as a career option. With his advice in mind, I returned to my studies, but the dream of working at Londolozi stayed firmly planted in my heart.
After completing my schooling at St Andrew’s College in Grahamstown, I followed my love for wildlife and conservation by pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Conservation Ecology, later complementing it with an Honours degree from Stellenbosch University. Eager to deepen my understanding of wildlife management and diseases further, I enrolled for a Master of Science (MSc) in Wildlife Health, Ecology, and Management at the University of Pretoria. Those six years allowed me to deepen my wildlife knowledge in a scientific manner, immersing myself fully in the world I was so passionate about.
As I neared the end of my academic journey, my focus remained clear: becoming a guide at Londolozi. Through perseverance, dedication, and perhaps a little bit of luck, I eventually found myself on the prestigious Ranger training course. What struck me most during training was the feeling of being treated with the same respect and camaraderie as a staff member, just as I had been welcomed as a guest. That experience solidified my belief that Londolozi was where I belonged, and I was ready to devote myself to its mission of conservation and sharing the wonders of the wilderness with others. Since then, every day has been an opportunity to connect people to the land, its wildlife, and the magic that makes Londolozi so special.
There’s a saying in the safari world that the drives you decide to miss are the ones where extraordinary sightings occur, and I learned the truth of that firsthand. One afternoon, I opted to stay back and catch up on some work while my fellow trainees headed out on a drive. When they returned, they brought back tales of an encounter I could hardly believe: the renowned Plaque Rock Female leopard had stalked, pounced, and taken down a bushbuck right in front of them. Hearing this, my heart swelled with a mix of excitement and envy. I was thrilled for them but couldn’t help feeling I’d missed a once-in-a-lifetime moment—one of those magical events that every guide dreams of witnessing.
A pretty young playful female found along the river to the east of camp
Everyone’s journey has a starting point, but for me, Londolozi feels like a place where all paths converge—a destination that transforms passion into purpose. Being part of this exceptional reserve has allowed me to pursue my lifelong dream, and each day, I’m reminded of how special it is to share these unforgettable experiences with guests. Together, we foster a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world. As I continue to grow in my role, I’m eager to deepen my knowledge, forge lasting connections, and inspire others to cherish and protect these wild spaces. Londolozi is more than just a place; it’s a community, a way of life, and a testament to what can be achieved when people come together with a shared vision for conservation.
Welcome by readers Dan! Thank you for choosing the Plaque Rock female. I eagerly followed her, her last views with her cub were magical. It seems that the Nkoveni Female s offspring is destined to become lions’ victims. Her mother is still alive instead… I found her one of the most, if not the most gorgeous female at Londolozi, and the Plaque Rock female was alike her, the last young female her spitting image. I do hope from the bottom of heart that she will survive to lions along with her son. It’s disturbing how many adult and young leopards have been killed by lions and youngsters by hyenas. In spite of that, I’m happy that both lions and leopards thrive. They are too often persecuted in other areas….
Welcome, Dean! Your story is a good reminder that focus and perseverance are necessary for us to manifest our dreams. I’m sure Londolozi is thrilled to have you.
Congrats Dean! It’s been a few years since visiting Londolozi, and I’ve been trying to figure out how to return and work there ever since! Glad to hear you made it a reality, enjoy. Thankful to have Sean’s videos to keep us there. 🙂
Welcome to Londolozi Dean. May your journey continue here for years to come and may you enjoy nature with a passion forever more.
Good for you! Not everyone can say they reached their dreams in such a big way!
Dear Dean-wish you the best for such a job others dream of. a lot of success and fun.
Congratulations, Dean, on having become a ranger at Londolozi. I wish you lots of wonderful encounters with animals and lots of pleasant game drives with guests.
Welcome Dean to the wonders of nature and to the paradise called Londolozi. Your studies and degrees will stand you in good stead with your training as a Ranger. May everyday bring you closer and closer to nature and it’s surroundings with the most amazing wild life ever. Well done you have accomplished your dream.
We have something in common, Dean – Londolozi is my happy place too! Looking forward to meeting you and, meanwhile, happy guiding!
Welcome to the Londolozi family Dean! Your passion for the wilderness and desire to become a member of the Londolozi family is evident by your time spent in Uni, ultimately achieving a Masters in Science in areas all related to working in the bush. Further to completing your education, you were wise to travel throughout Southern Africa, exploring other national parks and private reserves prior to applying for a guide position at Londolozi. Continue enjoying guiding and teaching guests about the wonders of nature and I agree with you that often the best drives are the ones you miss, as I experienced this last visit. Never again!!
Hi Dean. I am thrilled that you are now a Ranger at Londolozi. You drove my husband and I to Skukuza last June.
Congratulations and welcome Dean. Wishing you many wonderful game drives and awesome experiences as you live out your life’s passion!