The Grounded Safari: When Walking through Singita Kruger Changes Everything
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In this heartwarming episode, former Head Guide, Solomon Ndlovu, talks to Jonathan Lachowitz, a devoted regular guest who keeps returning to the wild magic of Singita Kruger Park (South Africa) to walk all day without a schedule. On his visits Jonathan walks with Solomon and Tracker, Sunday Ndhlovu. After 70 days walking together, the trio has an easy friendship built on trust, shared memories, and inside jokes.
Jonathan shares what pulls him back time after time – from the therapeutic power of switching off from his busy life, to the perspective only walking safaris provide. It highlights the special bond that's formed while they explore the region, complete with portable espresso machine and a three-legged stool. There's no boredom, as the bush changes with every season, every day and hour.
It takes an immense amount of trust between Jonathan, Sunday, and Solomon – the guide and tracker who navigate the bush with vast tracking experience, using their senses (hearing the wind, noticing when a giraffe stops chewing, and more!) The adventures have taught each man valuable life lessons. Walking in the Lebombo concession has become something of a soul journey that has helped Jonathan understand his place in the grand scheme of things.
Join us as two friends chat about the magic of observing nature on foot, conservation, and finding precious moments of stillness in the African wilderness. The perfect reminder of how small we are, nature's wisdom, and why places like Singita matter for generations to come. Nature talks to you. Just listen.
Jonathan shares what pulls him back time after time – from the therapeutic power of switching off from his busy life, to the perspective only walking safaris provide. It highlights the special bond that's formed while they explore the region, complete with portable espresso machine and a three-legged stool. There's no boredom, as the bush changes with every season, every day and hour.
It takes an immense amount of trust between Jonathan, Sunday, and Solomon – the guide and tracker who navigate the bush with vast tracking experience, using their senses (hearing the wind, noticing when a giraffe stops chewing, and more!) The adventures have taught each man valuable life lessons. Walking in the Lebombo concession has become something of a soul journey that has helped Jonathan understand his place in the grand scheme of things.
Join us as two friends chat about the magic of observing nature on foot, conservation, and finding precious moments of stillness in the African wilderness. The perfect reminder of how small we are, nature's wisdom, and why places like Singita matter for generations to come. Nature talks to you. Just listen.
Chapters
- 00:47 Welcoming Jonathan and Reflecting on Shared Experiences
- 01:38 Jonathan's Background and Introduction to Singita
- 04:01 Memorable Experiences during the Pandemic
- 05:36 Lessons from Nature and the Fascination of Small Details
- 06:35 Why Jonathan Keeps Returning to Singita Kruger
- 09:18 Enhancing the Walking Safari Experience
- 12:41 Encountering the Sheesh Pride Up Close
- 16:40 Trust and Professionalism of Singita's Guides
- 20:27 The Value of Unscheduled Exploration
- 22:25 Teamwork and Camaraderie in the Bush
- 24:12 Experiencing Guide Training and Unique Encounters
- 25:34 Life Lessons Learned from Safari Trips
- 27:47 Advice for Guests interested in Longer Walks
- 30:46 The Importance of Conservation
- 32:47 Appreciating both Lebombo and Sweni
- 34:14 Memorable Moments and Closing Remarks
