Photo : Phil Steffny
I first met Phill Steffny when he arrived at Phinda Forest Lodge as a self described ‘ Camp Hand’. Back then, at the young and tender age of about 19 – Phill wasn’t deemed old enough and mature enough to become a fully fledge ranger. So on a grand salary of absolutely nothing, Phill arrived at Phinda Forest Lodge to become a general skivvy, helper outer, fixer, carrier, cleaner, learner, sorter and shlepper. From cleaning out bush dinner store rooms, to doing transfers, to cleaning rifles – Phill did it all. The sun and his fair skin and red hair gave him the nickname ‘ Rouge’ and ‘ Big Red !’
Through friends in the industry I’ve kept up with Phill’s coming and goings and knew that he was still working for CCAfrica. But that was about all I knew.
Therefore imagine my delight this weekend, when I arrived at Kwandwe to discover that Phill was our ranger. About ten years older, much wiser, and now with a great big red beard, a wife, a baby and many years safari experience under his belt, Phill is one of CCAfrica’s most respected and requested rangers.
We had an amazing safari, he made our trip. We ‘bumbled’ around the reserve , simply content not to chase the Big Five, happy to be rewarded with Meerkat, Ardwolf ( a first ), Lions, Blue Cranes, Eland and Hartesbeeste.
Half way through the morning game drive, Phill surprised us with his culinary skills. He’d secretly sneaked a Skottle Braai onto the Game Drive Vehicle and during morning coffee whipped up a few fresh pancakes with fresh chocolate sauce, maple syrup and fresh berries.
Photo : Phill and his famous Pancakes !
The absolute privilege of having a private ranger was unbelievable. We could do things at our own pace. We could ask ‘our’ questions. Laugh at ‘our’ jokes and see what we wanted to see. The fact that it was Phill was just a real bonus. Kwandwe are currently running a special for the months of April, May, June, July, Aug and September. If you stay for 3 nights, you get a private landrover included in your rate. This is only valid for new bookings !
Contact us about booking your Kwandwe safari and speak to your Rhino Africa Consultant about arranging a private ranger, tracker and guide.