Our Adventure with Ranger Raymond Simmons
Our unforgettable 3-day adventure at Shamwari Game Reserve, guided by the wonderful Raymond Simmons.
The BEST Safari Ranger
This webpage is dedicated to Raymond Simmons, the extraordinary safari ranger who made our three-day adventure at Shamwari Game Reserve an unforgettable experience. With his passion for wildlife, unmatched knowledge, infectious enthusiasm, and genuine warmth, Raymond transformed every game drive into a captivating journey filled with excitement and discovery. His ability to educate, entertain, and inspire left our family not only amazed by the animals we encountered but deeply appreciative of his remarkable skills as a guide and friend.
Building Anticipation
Raymond brilliantly built our excitement from the very first moment. Our initial safaris started by encountering common mammals such as the Blesbok, Kudu, and Impala, affectionately known as the "McDonald's of the bush". Raymond humorously explained how all the ostriches had disappeared, eaten by lions, leading us to shout "Ostrich!" as a running joke whenever we went on safari.
We encountered beautiful birds, including the vibrant Kingfisher, majestic Eagle Owl, curious Thickney, and the elegant Secretary Bird. Our excitement only grew when we spotted reptiles like the dangerously intriguing Puff Adder.
Early Mornings and Friendly Breaks
We especially loved our early morning breakfasts at 5 am, always enhanced by Raymond’s warm company as he chatted with the boys over tasty South African treats. The short comfort stops during our game drives were delightful breaks, where Raymond served us refreshing drinks and delicious snacks like biltong, giving us energy for the adventures ahead.
A Ranger’s Expertise
Raymond’s impressive knowledge about wildlife was captivating. He easily identified animals, explained fascinating facts, and even assigned himself homework if we asked questions he didn’t immediately know the answers to, always returning the next day with thorough explanations. He also didn't mind literally getting his hands dirty to teach us about animal tracks and even dung identification!
The Giants of Shamwari
Among the most remarkable encounters were the beautiful, elegant giraffes. These graceful animals appeared curious and friendly, observing us just as much as we admired them.
We also saw several rhinos, including a funny yet intimidating black rhino who attempted a bold charge toward our vehicle. Raymond calmly assured us, using his extensive experience, that the rhino would only approach so far before retreating.
He also educated us deeply about the tragic poaching crisis driven by the illegal rhino horn trade.
One unforgettable moment was when Raymond drove us over an hour north in search of elephants. Suddenly, we found ourselves among an awe-inspiring herd of over 40 elephants. Our minds struggled to process the stunning sight. On our return journey, another magical encounter occurred when a huge male elephant unexpectedly emerged from the bushes, giving us an incredible up-close experience.
The Big Cats: Unforgettable Moments
We had thrilling encounters with big cats as well. Our youngest son Dylan brilliantly spotted beautiful cheetahs hidden near a bush.
Later, our eldest son Leo astoundingly spotted a lion high on the side of a mountain, which even Raymond initially dismissed as just a rock due to its unusual location. To our amazement, it was indeed a lioness, separated temporarily from her Southern pride.
Shortly afterward, we found the rest of the Southern pride eyeing a herd of buffalo, creating a dramatic, heart-pounding scenario. The buffalo stood strong, eventually scaring off the lions, leaving us exhilarated by the encounter.
Only minutes later, we encountered a stunning male lion, whom Raymond called "the Nomadic." Raymond explained that he was gaining confidence around the pride. We watched in awe as he roared powerfully toward the Southern pride, his mighty roars echoing throughout the valley. The next day, we were fortunate to see him again, this time even closer. The lion’s deep, resonant roars literally vibrated within us, leaving us speechless. Raymond’s visible excitement matched ours; he shared with great enthusiasm that it was his first time witnessing the Nomadic male assert himself so boldly.
A Lasting Impression
In just three magical days, we managed to spot four of the Big Five animals, including the elusive black rhino. This extraordinary experience was made truly special by Raymond's exceptional warmth, professionalism, and immense knowledge. Raymond, thank you for guiding us through an adventure that will leave footprints in our hearts forever. Your kindness and passion made our family feel welcomed and connected deeply with the extraordinary wildlife at Shamwari Game Reserve. We hope to return one day to complete our Big Five by spotting the elusive leopard!