EcoTrainings Pridelands camp was an aqua paradise. What was usually a terrestrial space commissioned for lecture tents, ablutions, campfires, and the likes was held captive by the expanse that is Ndlovu dam.
The tents of Pridelands were scattered haphazardly up the gentle slope, as though they grew legs and ran as far from the spilling dam as they could… Of course, this was not the case but the enchanting nature of this camp manages to make beautiful sense out of chaos.
Photographs © Victoria Craddock
When I cast my mind back to August, the Pridelands I recall is vastly different from the one I was visiting. The challenges that we faced then were those associated with drought: elephants masticating the camp’s central area and digging up our water pipes. Two symptoms of the large mammals’ instinctual desire to survive the waterless bout. Not anymore.
Whether it’s the harsh nature of a drought or the necessity for gumboots during the rains, one this is certain, Pridelands was not scared to deliver an authentic and rustic bush experience. For this, it is well-loved and fondly esteemed among those who have called it home.
Photographs © Victoria Craddock
While there is much to be said for the luxury safari experience, there is just as much to be said for bringing it back to basics. The earthiness and connectedness that one experiences at Pridelands are intangible attributes that no creature comforts can manufacture. Within reason, of course, the decadent meals and hot showers under the African skies are two luxuries that only serve to enhance the majesty of a camp like Pridelands, while instilling a sense of appreciation in those it houses.
Photographs © Victoria Craddock
What Pridelands does so well is it distils the focus and dwarfs the peripherals. Life at Pridelands is life in the wild. There is no boundary, no illusion of entering or leaving the bush. Whether on activity, pottering about the camp, or resting in a dome tent, one is acutely aware that the bush is dynamic, vibrant, and ever unfolding.
To conclude, it seems fitting to reiterate a famous sentiment that is shared with each group of EcoTraining students by Anton, the EcoTrainings owner;
“A bit of rain and discomfort are not a negative thing when living in the bush. They are the ingredients that build character. I do hope your tent leaks and or your shower is cold at least once during your stay at EcoTraining.”
The Pridelands Experience
Here is just an example of some of the sightings you could experience whilst visiting Pridelands and living out your passion in the wilds of the African bush!
𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑐ℎ 𝐿𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑜𝑛:
𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤: @𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚
𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫: @𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐓𝐮𝐛𝐞: 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐓𝐕
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑠: 𝟎𝟔:𝟑𝟎 – 𝟎𝟗:𝟑𝟎 (𝐂𝐀𝐓) and 𝟏𝟓:𝟎𝟎 – 𝟏𝟖:𝟎𝟎 (𝐂𝐀𝐓)
About the Author:
Victoria Craddock a past apprentice Field Guide student of EcoTraining and freelance Blogger.
Instagram: vicvic_craddock2.0
