Rich Laburn

We are thrilled to bring you the very first Izimvo video interview with founder of North Pride Male consulting, Wildlife Filmmaker and Writer, Rich Laburn.

Rich, online marketer at Londolozi, has not only taken the time to answer our questions but has also produced a breathtakingly beautiful video giving us an insight into what life is like at one of South Africa’s most treasured game reserves.

With Londolozi as the back-drop, Rich answers our questions and shares footage of some of the more memorable moments at the reserve. Be sure to watch the video at the end of the interview.

Website: http://www.northpridemale.co.za
Blog: http://blog.londolozi.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/northpridemale
Location: Londolozi

Rich was kind enough to answer the following questions for us:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: Rich Laburn, Founder of North Pride Male consulting, Wildlife Filmmaker and Writer.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I once harbored huge ambitions to play lead guitar in a rock band….just like Slash from Guns n Roses.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: I enjoy living out in the bush which is pretty away from it all in the first place, however walking in the bush and surfing are the two things that I enjoy the most.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South Africa would you like it to be?

A: My dream home would be in the middle of the bush with a beautiful view, some river frontage and the interior design you see in the Conde Naste magazines.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property

Conservation in South Africa

Q: Can you tell us about an average day at Londolozi?

A: There is no average day at Londolozi, the lodge environment is constantly changing and presents different challenges everyday. However there are definitely elements of fun, innovation and empowerment that occur on any average day.

Q: When did Londolozi first start using social media to promote itself and has it been successful?

A: Londolozi has had a long time tribe of past guests and alumni and so our shift this year to the online world has been a successful start. We have created a virtual space with our blog (http://blog.londolozi.com) where everyone has the opportunity to feel like they are at Londolozi despite being elsewhere in the world. So far we have had a great response, but we are really going to kick things up a notch in 2010.

Q: You must have witnessed some amazing things during your time in the bush. Can you tell us about some of your most memorable experiences?

A: The three things that I love most in the bush are sunsets, big cats such as lions and leopards as well as elephants. This footage of this leopard cubs and this elephant bull swimming was also pretty special.

Q: Do you think our government is doing enough to protect our parks and wildlife for future generations?

A: I think that the government have shown a huge amount of foresight in their conservation achievements so far. Londolozi is part of a greater peace park that is a little of 6 million acres in size and will continue to grow. The emphasis and value that has been placed on these wild areas is priceless. I hope that an attitude of care and conservation will continue to be a primary point of focus for the government in years to come.

Q: What advice would you give those wanting a career in conservation?

A: My advice would be to start looking at doing things dynamically and differently. Conservation can sometimes get stuck in an old world mindset when in fact it has the potential to be completely original. All it needs is more people to bring contemporary ideas to the table. My other piece of advice would be to remember the importance and value that the internet and technology offers, despite living and working in wild isolated areas.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: No fortunately not.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: I have not, however I am very keen to travel nonetheless.

Q: If you were South African president for just one day, what would you change?

A: I think that President gets so much advice anyway, that I would rather engage in a dialogue rather than try to impress upon him my opinions and advice. I would offer him encouragement and support more than anything else.

Q: To which three attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: At Londolozi I would take them to watch a leopard cubs in the North, visit a Grade 1 Graduation ceremony in the surrounding community and then take in the sunset in the evening. In the broader sense of South Africa I would visit the bush, the Apartheid museum and Cape Town.

Life at Londolozi

Q: Can you give us an insight into the logistics needed to run a private game reserve such as Londolozi?

A: The logistic of running a Private Game Reserve are huge and constantly shifting. It requires and agile and flexible approach and most important to not take yourself too seriously.

Q: When not working, what do you enjoy doing in or around Londolozi?

A: Filming wildlife and writing.

Q: Living in a city is synonymous with traffic, crime, busy malls etc. What are issues that concern you while living in the bush?

A: Large and Venomous snakes, bumping into elephants late at night and the occasional bout of malaria.

Q: The 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup is said to being 500 000 visitors to our shores. Have you seen an increase in demand for destinations such as Londolozi?

A: Without a doubt there has been a major increase in all lodge bookings, both at Londolozi and for the hospitality industry as a whole. If the travel forecasts are true then South African tourism in general is heading in a great period for the next three years as a result of the Soccer World Cup.

General

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: Right here in the middle of the bush.

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: Synchronicity – Joseph Jaworski. The sooner people learn the benefit of being of service to life the better for themselves and for the world.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?

A: I would like to read about people who are blazing their own trail in life and who are doing things in a unique way.

Not only was Rich kind enough to answer our questions, but he took the time to produce an amazing video answering the questions above. It is nothing short of brilliant and gives a great insight into what life is like at Londolozi. Many thanks to Rich and the team at Londolozi.

Direct link to video on YouTube