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.
![Hamerkop Diving For Plattana [rcb] (26)](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/10105855/Hamerkop-Diving-for-Plattana-RCB-26-280x178.jpg)
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