experience
“you get to see
a lot of interesting behaviour
when you really stop
and observe”
SOLOMON NDLOVU
Over time Jonathan: The experience that you’ve had, not just training to be a guide, but the day-to-day experience, the hundreds of hours being out in the bush, for me, that is displayed so much when we’re on foot. I don’t think that as a guest, we get that full appreciation right away of how experienced our guides and trackers are. It takes coming back two or three or four times to notice the nuances. So having now been on foot probably 60 or 70 days or more out in the bush, I think I have a pretty good appreciation for just how experienced and professional everybody is. For me, it’s the people who really make such a big difference, and they bring out the best of what nature has to offer. Solomon: We set out without a schedule every day. And it’s completely unusual, because many people will come in and want to get to that, or see that. Tick the boxes. And off we go with no checklist, which is very unusual, but works for us. But what is a box you would like to tick? Jonathan: Oh, for me, it has to be eland and sable. The guides have told me it’s rare to see eland. I’ve seen them half the times I’ve walked with you. But I think a lot of this really is about the time spent, too. If you spend only two or three days, you’re going to have maybe 12 or 18 hours out in the bush. But if you’re like me, who’s coming back year after year, you’re getting this accumulation of experiences, and not just my own, but everyone there has interesting stories and experiences to share.
Mutual trust Jonathan: I’d like to share my recollection of one of our most memorable experiences – seeing the Shish pride up close. It was early morning, and all of a sudden, we took a step and lions jumped up, which caused us all to stop in the position that we were in. This is really where your experience led to my 100% belief that I’m with the right people. We were standing in a forward position, as you had always taught me. Do you remember? Solomon: You know, even though I’ve done it for so many years, that’s not an experience that you get every day. With Sunday, I have to trust him – his senses, his skills, his knowledge of being out there for so many years. But it was incredible to see you stand your ground, Jonathan, and remember the protocol, and just embrace the moment. We have developed a very mutual trust, you know. I think I can give you a qualification as a guide now. Click here to listen to the Safari Conversations podcast, in conversation with Jonathan and Solomon.
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