Sixteen months ago, I began a journey at Londolozi that has shaped me in ways I could not have anticipated. For the first six months, I worked as a camp manager, ensuring that guests experienced the beauty of the wilderness from the comfort of camp. I immersed myself in the great community that is Londolozi, and before I knew it, I started to call this magical place my home.

With the intention of becoming a ranger from the moment I arrived, I was motivated to pursue all aspects of life at Londolozi. As the weeks went by, my wonder and love for the African bush only grew. The more I connected with the landscape and wildlife, the more I felt drawn to the untold stories that unfolded each day in the bush. Come along as I share some of the stories and incredible moments that have defined my journey to Londolozi and unpack some of the adventures that have already transpired in my time here as a ranger.

Where it all began

Growing up, my family has always been bush over beach people. From the age of two, we would visit the Greater Kruger National Park, spending days observing animals in their natural habitat and soaking in the serenity that only the bush can offer. These experiences shaped my understanding of the natural world and sparked a lifelong fascination with wildlife. My grandparents were a guiding force behind this passion, instilling in me a reverence for the land from a very young age. From being offered R100 to find a Violet-eared Waxbill for my grandfather to sitting in the presence of a pride of lions, they never failed to point out the smaller details that captured my attention. These very trips cemented my desire to protect the wilderness and planted the seed of my childhood dream to one day be a ranger.

A 6-year-old me and my sister sit on the deck as a bull elephant drinks in the dry river bed behind us.

My return to the bush

After completing my studies at the University of Stellenbosch, much of which I spent at home due to pandemic restrictions, I felt the urge to explore the world. Travelling through North America taught me a great deal about myself. I met incredible people from all walks of life, and I was captivated by the stories shared and the connections made. It was during this time that I realized my true passion was working with people, and there is no place that combines a love for conservation and human connection quite like Londolozi. When the opportunity to join the Londolozi family came, I didn’t hesitate to pack my bags. My time as a camp manager allowed me to live out my dream of engaging with people from around the world, but I was eager to add the element of conservation and the adventure of the wild by joining the guiding team.

Since becoming a ranger at Londolozi, I’ve experienced the bush in profound and unexpected ways. Each day brings new adventures, from tracking elusive wildlife to sharing unforgettable moments with guests. While I’ve talked about the reasons that brought me to Londolozi, I want to touch on one morning experience that fully encompassed what guiding is to me.

Leopards, Lions and Cubs

One early August morning, tracker Trevor Makukule and I set off with a vehicle full of guests for our first-morning drive. It didn’t take long for Trevor to find fresh male leopard tracks indented in the cold sand, leading towards the Sand River. Following the tracks, Trevor hopped out to investigate, and soon we heard the distant sounds of mating leopards. We crossed the river, waited, and just as we thought we’d missed them, the growls of leopards echoed nearby. Rounding a corner, we spotted the Maxims Male and Ngungwe Female, tangled in the typical aftermath of mating. A vehicle full of excited guests high-fiving and sharing this special moment is a memory and a feeling I will never forget.

But the morning didn’t end there. After the incredible leopard sighting, we stopped for coffee and Amarula by the river to celebrate. As we packed up, impala alarm calls erupted nearby. We quickly jumped back into the vehicle, tracking the sound through a drainage line to find a Ntsevu Lioness with her three cubs. In awe, we followed the full-bellied lions as they crossed the river and disappeared into the thicket. Gobsmacked at our second discovery of the morning, we sat in silence as each person savoured this unforgettable experience.

Two of the Ntsevu Cubs bound towards their litter mate with their mother following behind.

Watching the excitement on guests’ faces, feeling the passion Trevor brings to each moment, and experiencing the thrill of tracking leopards and lions—only to be followed by the calmness of the flowing Sand River as we sit in silence, reflecting on the morning’s events—this is exactly why I dreamed of becoming a guide. I look forward to experiencing these moments and sharing more stories with you when you next visit Londolozi.