A tribute to ranger Daniel Mabasa after 25 years at Kruger

[RemiE]

A family member sent this to me last night. I’ve the read the article with a mix of emotions as this man was truly one of the most remarkable and memorable individuals that most of us that frequent Kruger have met. Wising Daniel many more years with his family on his retirement. His presence at Hippo Pools will be sorely missed.

http://africageographic.com/blog/tribute-ranger-daniel-mabasa-kruger/

If you got any memorable stories or photos of Daniel Mabasa please share them here.
(Mods, I hope this is in order?)

Daniel became synonymous with a visit to Kruger since the early 90’s. Our first stop in Kruger upon entering at Crocodile Bridge would be at Hippo Pools, and every year Daniel would lead us to the pools and point out something significant. One particular year, we were standing overlooking the hippo pools and suddenly there was a commotion in the bushes right behind the top of the rocky outcrop. Daniel safely guided all back to their cars and only the next day upon our return informed us that it was two buffaloes that had a tiff.

[Elsa]

A very special part of hippo Pools for sure and someone who will be sorely missed there.

[Meandering Mouse]

RemiE, thanks for the thread.

This was a picture taken in the early morning of Daniel on his way to work.



A man loyal to his calling, he was always obliging, helpful and dignified.

[Philip1]

What a familiar sight when driving towards the Hippo pools. (Taken May 2014)



Will miss you Daniel. for your friendly manner when approached by Kruger Park visitors.

[Grantmissy]

Happy retirement Daniel. Best wishes to you and your family. Thank you for your service and dedication in and to the Kruger National Park.

[RemiE]

Such stunning photo's MM and Philip1. Thank you for sharing

I'm going to scan through all our photos to Kruger and see how many I have to post.

[RayK]

Hi RemiE,
The Hippo Pools with Daniel Mabasa was always on my to do list. I was in awe of the man that rode a bike to work through such a wild and dangerous terrain. Regrettably the timing was never there to meet him. Enjoy your retirement Mr. Mabasa.

[Hugh]

Daniel I hope you have a very Happy retirement
Here is a Photo taken in February with Monty

He asked us advice about some of the words in the crossword he was doing and we had a long chat

[salamanda]

Daniel was a very interesting man, with a fund of amazing stories - some about encounters he had whilst cycling to work, others about his days at the hippo pools. One story he told us was when we had climbed up onto the rocks at the end of our walk across the river, to take in the view. The rocks consist of layers and although you could climb easily to the first layer, there was an iron ladder to help you up to the second layer. Apparently tourist insisted on climbing up the iron ladder (before it was broken away during a flood)when he had warned her that there was a leopard on the next layer up. "She met the leopard" he said dryly. "She came down very fast". "Is the leopard still there?" I asked. He looked at me straight-faced but with a twinkle in his eye and shrugged "Maybe". I later learnt that the leopard (a female) used this are as a den now and then.

When we saw Daniel in 2009, I was shocked by the state of his bicycle saddle - see below.



When she saw the picture in my TR, a certain special mite wanted to buy Daniel a new saddle, but as she came from overseas, she could not easily tote a saddle with her. So I offered my sister's help because she lived in Nelspruit and she (my sister) met the mite at the airport and handed the saddle over to her on her next visit to Kruger.

This was Daniel in 2010




This was Daniel's bicycle in 2010 with the new saddle. Thanks to that special mite



Sadly I don't have many photos. Before 2008 I didn't have a DSLR so I was rather careful about how many photos I took. Then after 2010, we had to cut that area out of our itinerary. But Daniel made our visits very special. I hope that he"s enjoying his well-earned retirement.

[hilda]

Daniel is a very special person, and will always be remembered by all of us!

[Tessa G]

We have heard about Daniel over the years, but as many of you know, the south of the park is not an area that Dave and I have spent time in. This December we will be staying 5 days in that part of the park and I am sorry that we will not get the opportunity to meet this incredible man.

Daniel we wish you all the best in your retirement and many years together with your family.

[carolv]

We have happy memories of talks with Daniel at Hippo Pools and wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement. He will be much missed by a great many people.

[onewithnature]

I met Daniel right near the beginning of his remarkable tenure. He was always the same calm, eagle-eyed, helpful, gentle soul and became a fixture of almost every trip to Kruger.

Daniel, wishing you a fruitful retirement, and know that all the Kruger faithful will remember you with fondness. I cannot help wondering though - HOW does a person raised in the harmony of the bush actually retire from it? It's not as if you can now start watching TV, or madly punching buttons on a computer, or go live in the madness of a city. In effect, I suppose, you're not really retiring from the bush, just moving to another location.

[Merlin11]

Photos of Daniel and his trusted bike, a few days before he retired, how lucky were we to have him keep us safe at this special place

[gmlsmit]

Also see:

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