The concept of wilderness is something that every man and woman should grapple with. It is in wild places that the soul finds its wings and one can gain perspective on life. Many wild places are diminishing as the footprint of man grows larger. Rockwood is a secluded haven where many people have experienced an aspect of wilderness. As the stewards of Rockwood, we strive to not only enjoy this incredible wild place, but to actively promote the conservation and restoration of the land and its inhabitants.

In keeping with this ethos, Rockwood staff recently attended a screening of “Sisters of the Wilderness”, a documentary that follows five young Zulu women as they embark on a Wilderness Trail in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and discover the healing and transformation that this experience offers. The event was held with the aim of raising funds for a group of local Karkloof women to experience the same journey. Our staff were all touched and stirred by the movie and the concept of wilderness. “It was really great. I wish to be able to do something like that,” said Sboniso Madondo, who maintains all Rockwood’s trails. Our housekeeping ladies were all very intrigued by the big game depicted in the documentary and all of them would love to learn more about these “big and hairy’s” that do not occur at Rockwood. Zanele did admit that whilst she would love to do a wilderness trail, she is afraid of lions!