Shosholoza Londolozi

A fresh faced ‘English Rose’,  I clearly remember arriving at the Londolozi Airstrip with my BA Degree in Hotel and Catering Management  under my arm ready to conquer Africa. I was employed as the Tree Camp Hostess.  The power suit, pearls, first hand knowledge of Harpers & Queens and the ability to know that Tomato Ketchup should be taken to the table in a Ramakin rather than in a 750ml bottle, obviously made me the ideal candidate!

I thought was coming to Africa to teach them something….the reality was that the experience, and more importantly the staff at Londolozi, have helped shape me into the person I am today. My experiences of working in the safari lodges has given me the knowledge I have today of the safari industry throughout Africa.

It was an absolute treat to return to Londolozi Game Reserve in April of this year and see so many familiar faces.

Lynette Mhlongo was one of the housekeeping  ladies who worked with me at Londolozi Tree Camp. Her brother is Elmon Mhlongo, who is most well known for being John Varty’s tracker. With my inability to speak Shangaan, it was Lynette who proudly taught me to say in Shangaan “We need to clean up all the mess the monkey’s have made on the veranda” . She also taught me how to sing Shosholoza, a traditional South African Folk Song !

Shosholoza Shosholoza
Ku lezontaba
Stimela siphum' eSouth Africa
Wen' uyabaleka
Wen' uyabaleka
Ku lezontaba
Stimela siphum' eSouth Africa

Picture : Lynette and Katherine at Londolozi April 2007

Another familiar face was Milton. When I worked at Londolozi, Milton was one of the Porters and a Gardener. He sang in the choir, so with my first had knowledge of Shosholoza, we had a mutual respect for each other. Milton’s English was as shaky as my Shangaan, but I clearly remember his broad smile and friendly nature.

Imagine my absolute delight when I returned to Londolozi to discover that Milton was not only still there, but he was now a Tracker. His English was exceptional and his knowledge second to none.

Picture :Milton and Katherine at Londolozi Varty Camp April 2007

Londolozi really do upskill their staff and to see Milton now being one of the most their most respected trackers, not only made me feel old - but very proud !

You can read more about our recent visit to Londolozi in David’s Blog about : Londolozi Private Game Reserve