Rassie Jacobs, Kapama River Lodge ranger, believes that choosing to be a ranger as a profession is not just about driving around and showing guests South Africa’s wildlife, but rather more about providing a fun filled, exciting and educational experience.
Kapama welcomes guests from all over the world with different cultures and languages, because of this, it is sometimes difficult to interpret the South African bushveld to guests with a language barrier. It is therefore very important for a guide to use different forms of communication – from talking English to drawing pictures in the sand. For Rassie being a guide is a calling: “Many may see the footprint. Some may identify it. But for a select few it is an amazing story with a past, a present and a future. A ranger is not just a person with a weapon walking in the African bushveld. We as guides don’t only see a tree, animal or a mark in the sand…we see a story unfolding.”
On a game drive, guests may see a beautiful Marula tree, but their guides may well be thinking:
– How old is this tree?
– How many elephants have eaten the fruit from this tree?
– How many leopards have used this tree as a resting place?
– How many sunsets and sunrises have passed over this tree?
– How many insects, snakes, and birds or even ants and termites have called this tree home?
Rassie believes a ranger is a special kind of person. One with honour, compassion and knowledge gained over time through mentoring and experience gained. A humble and brave custodian of Africa’s last wild places.
For Kapama their guides are the link between nature and the guests. A guide needs to know what the little flower is on the side of the road to why the rhino’s tail curls up. It is this passion for their craft which Kapama rangers have, which ensures incredible animal sightings for our guests. Kapama is very fortunate to have many dedicated rangers who continue to share their knowledge and experience with guests who visit Kapama. What the rangers do is not a job and has no job title attached to it. It is a passion and a fire within all of them. They strive to give every guest that climbs on board our vehicle, memories and stories that will last a lifetime.
Written by: Rassie Jacobs
Kapama River Lodge
I just want to say to each and everyone that’s working at Kapama, your service is excellent and your hospitality is so overwhelming for all your guests! I’d like to give a compliment for Voster at Buffalo Camp and Ruan that make a game drive so fun and interesting! I my regards!
What is the name of that lion. I think I saw him in 2013 saw his father also who was with only I non fertile female. What lion did he fight to lose eye. I was also there in 2016. And saw quite a few lions including the 3 mails that fought with Makulu. Just trying to find out who Makulu is. The story of Makulu death has sadden me and I’m trying to find out if he was one of the lions I saw.
Dear Victor,
Thank you for the message. The lion in this post “Call of the Wild” is one of our big males who lost an eye. He is still with us. The lion that past was our oldest male. If you visit our blog “King of Kapama” you will notice on the images the scars across his nose and between his eyes. As well as his tremendous mane. I hope that helps you identify which male lion has sadly passed on.
Kind regards
Nicole