Born in South Africa in 1979, John immigrated to Perth in Western Australia with his family at the age of 5. He had already been introduced to the wonders of the bush however and memories of family camping trips in South Africa's coastal and wildlife reserves, combined with expeditions to Australia's wild areas and return trips to Africa, drove him to register for a Biological Science degree in Sydney, taking subjects such as biology, microbiology, ecology and geology. On finishing university, John decided on the spur of the moment to join a game ranging course run by EcoTraining in the South Africa lowveld and within three weeks he had packed up and returned to South Africa. A month of intensive training in guest relations, birds, plants, animals, insects, geology, ecology, weapons handling and walking followed, with John's performance earning him a position as an instructor on the course after completion. Having gained experience in this position John went on to work as a guide and then head guide at a lodge in the lowveld, where he also worked with a research organization called K.E.R.I. on a study of leopard and cheetah.

Surrounded by the tranquil Blyde River and the majestic Drakensberg mountains, this thatched lodge is set in a Private reserve, in an area famous for its panoramic scenery, birdlife, fauna and flora. Nestled on the banks of the Blyde River, it offers travelers a unique bush experience whilst soaking up the beauty of the natural surroundings. The lodge is situated along the famous Panoramic Route of Mpumalanga/Limpopo Province near Hoedspruit and is just a 50-minute drive to the Kruger National Park - Orpen Gate. Places of water are places of life. Not only are the water courses of the Blyde River Wilderness Lodge well populated with Hippo and Crocodiles, the reserve is home to Giraffe, Nyala, Impala, Wildebeest, Zebra, Bushbuck, Duiker, Steenbuck, Waterbuck, Bushpig and Warthog.The towering Northern Drakensberg escarpment provides a canvas for nature to capture a masterpiece with each sunrise… This is your opportunity to escape and invest in peace. PLEASE NOTE: We are a private establishment and our main gate is situated 6km from the reception area. We therefore kindly request that guests advise us on an estimated time of arrival to ensure that the gate has been unlcoked upon your arrival. Latest check-in is 18h00 unless prior arrangements have been made. Please contact us to advise on the time of your arrival.

The following activities are available in the area: Beautiful Scenery Panorama Route Incorporating: The Three Rondawels Gods Window, Bourkes Luck Potholes Berlin Falls Pinnacle Lisbon Falls Graskop Pilgrims Rest Kruger National Park Moholoholo Wildlife Rehab Centre Boat Cruise On The Blyde Dam Game Drives Elephant Encounters Endangered Species Centre Rafting & Tubing Blyde Dam Khamai Reptile Park The Cotton Club Cafe Quad Biking Hot Air Ballooning Walking with the Wild Hlokomela Hat Tours (Community Project) Jessica the Hippo