Working as a ranger out in the middle of the African bush is somewhat unique. Sometimes I wonder why I chose to be in this position, rather than the standard nine-to-five. I put some thought into it and realised that there are at least seven reasons why working as a guide at Londolozi is a questionable profession. I suppose it’s all a matter of perception though.
See what you think of some of the challenges (or perks?) we face…
1. Having to wake up in the dark every morning
Getting up early is all made worthwhile when you can watch the sunrise over the meandering Sand River like this. This is quite arguably one of the most exciting parts of the day out here.
2. Having to watch animals sleep and play while we work
Life is tough having to watch leopards sleep comfortably while we slog away at work. The Nkoveni female does a good job of making us rather jealous…
Elephants play in a waterhole on a hot summer’s day. Oh, the envy being felt in that vehicle, as the ranger and tracker are hard at work watching the elephants having a good time.
More playtime being observed, while we are hard at work behind the wheel.
3. Eating dinner with no roof over our heads
Friends sit around a fire under an endless, starry sky to share stories from the day’s adventures.
4. Making conversation with people from all walks of life and every corner of the globe
Being able to meet people that one would never normally cross paths with is a unique and fulfilling experience. Sitting around a table over a meal is a fantastic way to connect with people from different cultures and create memories and friendships.
5. Sitting in slow moving traffic during my morning commute
Not your standard morning traffic! Animals will regularly use roads as a pathway, therefore often delaying us from getting from A to B…
6. Remembering to keep my windows and doors shut when I go out, to ensure the ‘thieves’ don’t get in
It’s always important to be on the lookout for those monkey thieves out here! Luckily it’s only the fruit and the muffins that the vervet monkeys are after though… Money and expensive jewellery is fortunately of no value to the ‘thieves’ out here!
7. Looking straight into my neighbour’s home from my window
Although not me in the bath, this lady is faced with the same view – one of the neighbours walking along in their garden while she has an outside bath one afternoon… The view from one of Granite Private Suites.
As can be seen, there are some rather unique situations that we as rangers have to deal with on a daily basis out here. They say that working in Africa is not for the feint hearted, which I would have to agree with. Wouldn’t you also become angered if you had to have dinner under a starlit sky, just after watching lion cubs playing as part of your job…?
Didn’t take me long to realize the guides and trackers of southern Africa have the best jobs in the world. Maybe guides aboard expedition cruise ships could launch an argument.
Oh, to be in the bush 24 hours a day, everyday.
Sounds like the good life!! Victoria
Yes, it’s a tough job but someone has to do it 😘. I laughed over your slow-going morning commute, thinking about how I would love to be in that position, rather than being surrounded by frustrated commute drivers, all trying to get someplace on time! From my first safari in 1986, I’ve always believed that trackers/rangers enjoy the best of a work environment from the sunrises to sunsets and all the adventures in between. Hang in there Pete!! 😊📷📷
Somehow I’m having a hard time feeling badly for you rangers! Privileged and lucky are just a couple of words that come to mind. I’d gladly trade in all my years in an office for your daily encounters with Mother Nature!
Pete, wonderful photos, and great story🤗
OK, you all have wonderful blog posts and I must say this one was brilliant. I have worked with animals of every species all of my life but have never been on a safari. It truly did make me realize how much I want to experience this for myself. Thank you!
you are quite right , life can be so unfair !!!!
Anjoy every moment of it !
sorry I had the intention of saying ENJOY!
Awww…that morning traffic jam looks much more enjoyable than my morning commute!!
You’ll get no pity from me! You DO have an exceptional job and I’m glad you appreciate these “drawbacks.” A little tongue and cheek….
Waaawaaawaaaa! I can’t begin to feel your intense pain Pete!!! We’ll be back in September and I’ll offer some counseling. Cheers!!
It’s a hard life, but ….
Love this, Pete; well done. One more…being woken up all night by roaring lions…ugh! 😊
We’re shedding no tears for you, Pete. The tears are for us wishing we could be there! Sam and Mary Jane
Oooh… This job could be a dream for those who love to work with nature. You are very fortunate to have chance to interact with people around the world who has saved their earning for months maybe a years to have chance to see the animals in their wild. I wish I could be in your position for a single day ha ha.. Sorry for my bad English( its not my mother tongue). Regard from Indonesia.
Poor baby, our hearts reach out to you … but mostly in envy!!!!
I’d trade my commute with yours any day! 😂
@Chelsea Allard, LOL
@Chelsea Allard, where am I ?
@Chelsea Allard, Me too, me too )))
WEeeeee
nice
I’ll take your place any day! Counting days.
Hi Pete. I have tried and tried to squeeze out some sympathy for you – but failed dismally. Wonder why??
Wendy M
Pete,.. I love your sense of humor about how you ponder and rectify the daily life of your career. It might be “evaluating,” but at the same time a pure expression of ecstatic joy in all that you see and do.
More so though, what comes to mind, is, that through out the context of your photo blog, and your descriptive thoughts about being a Ranger in the Bush is, .. that, while everyone in the world is talking about “Global warming and climage change,” You folks at Londolozi create your own “Global Warming,” by warming mine, and many other hearts every week by generously sharing your photos and stories about the animals and the beauty of South Africa.
The Londolozi Blog is a true retreat.
Pete,
If I hadn’t met you this week, I might have thought your topic was just for fun!
Now I know it was! Well done!
Pete? Common on Man 🙂 . Pictures are wonderful, oh your work you do is vital and inspiring.
Well if you have guests that demand that you find the impossible, yes it’s a tough life, but sit beside a waterhole or river with a thermos of a fav beverage & wait to see what comes to drink is balm to the sole!! Wild animal roadblocks are the best in the world!!! 😁😁 Thanks Pete that was a good chuckle.
Sounds absolutely awful (probably the most sarcastic three words I’ve ever typed)!!!
We are fairly certain that the grin never left your face Pete as you penned this blog, just surprised that you didn’t put quote marks around the word WORK. But seriously, someday you should tell us about the training you fellows received to perform your magic! I’ve heard you have to walk every road in the reserve alone before you finish your training!