A Day in the Life of a Sabi Sabi Ranger
on May 16, 2023From sunrise to sunset, we live with the birds and have the honour of waking up to the sounds of the African bush every day. We all love what we do and will do whatever it takes to protect what we have here and conserve the place we call home so that future generations will be able to come and see the beauty that Africa has to offer. A lot of people don't have a full understanding of the life that a ranger must take on and don't realise that it is more a way of living than a job. This will give a little bit more off an insight to the life that us as rangers live every day.
We wake up before first light with the calls of insects and the Fiery-necked nightjar still echoing through the bush. Quickly and with a big smile on our faces we jump through a shower to freshen up after our nightly slumber. Out of the shower we grab our khaki shirts and shorts and start by putting our Sabi Sabi epaulets on our shoulders with pride and add our name tag to our chest. Next, we grab our socks and boots to protect our feet but still be as comfortable as a Land Cruiser in low range. Out the door we go with a hop in our step to go and wake up our guests for morning coffee and tea and maybe a little snack to fill the hole in their stomachs before game drive.
On safari we try and give you, our guests, the ultimate bush experience with knowledge and sightings that you have never seen before. We want to teach and educate you about everything, from the smallest little flower to the biggest elephant and everything in between. We love answering questions and even if we don't know the answer, we will go out of our way to find you the correct answer to every question. After the morning safari we have a range of options for you as our guests to do, from walking safaris to look at the little things, to a relaxing spa treatment at the Amani Spa that we have on site at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge and Earth Lodge. For the guests staying at Selati Camp and Little Bush Camp, do not fear because we will make sure that you get there and back in comfort in the back of one of our safari vehicles. For those wanting to visit the local community, we can also arrange a tour for you.
When we know that all your needs have been met, we have some down time to do what we want. Some prefer to relax and read a book others prefer to go to the gym and get some physical exercise, but it is completely up to each person to do what they feel is necessary for them. Coming to the afternoon safari we once again do what we can to give you the best experience possible.
Dinner time is a magical time that we use to get to know you as our guests and connect on a different level. We strive to build friendships and make you feel at home; we want you to eat and drink with a smile on your face and enjoy great company. We want to teach you more about our backgrounds and where we are from and what a better way to do it than to sit around a fire with a glass of wine talking and sharing stories from all around the world. After dinner we will walk you to your suite and make sure you get home safe and sound. We head back to our rooms to reminisce on the day that has now come to an end.
The following morning the whole process restarts, and we do it all again but it will never get old as we do it for the love of nature and people. Even though our process of the day stays the same, every day is a new day with new adventures.
Written by Coenraad Stapelberg (Selati Camp Ranger)
