Inspired by the African bush and a strong love of travel, I started Herd of Ubuntu to both keep me connected with the continent I love as well as allow me to create gorgeous products to help you and I have the best African travel experiences we can.
Initially Herd of Ubuntu was solely about introducing Australia to the incredibly patterned Nguni cowhide rugs that can be found in Southern Africa.
These cowskin rugs are of incomparable quality being strong, soft and smooth. Their unique and inimitable natural designs are quintessentially South African. A family of cattle from the same herd can each have a completely different coat from its family members.
The cowskin is a biproduct of the beef industry and whole industries are benefiting from keeping the hides from the compost patch.
When sourcing my Nguni cowhide rugs I came well connected with a supplier in the beautiful town of Howick in the hinterlands of the east coast of South Africa, in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
To my absolute luck my supplier was also a highly skilled leather works factory, so it didn't take me long to start expanding my lines beyond cowhide rugs.
With the African bush constantly calling my name it was only natural for me to begin designing products with a strong safari slant to them.
I'll be the first to admit that I made my products to solve my own problems.
Need to store your binoculars, bird book and sunglasses somewhere handy while on a game drive? Then the safari satchel is for you!
Keep losing your headphones and lipbalm at the bottom of your bag? Look no further than the travel purse.
Want to gift the feeling of the African bush to your nearest and dearest? Check out the toiletry bags.
If you trawl through the Herd of Ubuntu products and you'll find a collection of safari gear made for your time in and out of the African bush. And if you can't find what you want, we'll make it.
One of the greatest things about working with South Africans is that I've never had my designs turned down. My motto is 'don't be afraid to ask for what you want' and I want my customers to think the same.
So what does Ubuntu mean? Ubuntu (/ʊˈbuːntuː/ or uu-BOON-too) is a philosophy of Southern African origin meaning 'I am because you are'. It's the simple understanding and respect of others that centers around togetherness and humanity. If my motto is 'don't be afraid to ask for what you want', Ubuntu is my way of life.
In keeping with my way of life I like to work with people and organisations that support others. Recently, Herd of Ubuntu dedicated to committing a portion of profits from all online sales to rhino conservation efforts in South Africa. In 2018, through Herd of Ubuntu's sales we raised funds to sponsor the safe dehorning of a rhino at the Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa. It was an incredible experience, and although I wish we never had to go through the process I would recommend the experience to everyone. It's very humbling. Nowadays portions of sales are directed to the group Stop Rhino Poaching, an organisation who work with game rangers and trackers across South Africa in the fight against poaching.
If you want to find out more about Herd of Ubuntu send me a message, [email protected]
I'd love to hear from you!
xxoo Camilla
Sydney's Northern Beaches, Australia