Even if you’ve never been, Londolozi exists in the imagination. Its sprawling cluster of five thatched roof safari camps, in varying sizes and shades of taupe and beige and built in an ancient riverine forest around waterfalls and tangled vines, is the blueprint of every Ralph Lauren-meets-Out of Africa bush camp fantasy.
Londolozi Private Game Reserve is a large game reserve, with 150 km2 (58 sq mi) of land in northeastern South Africa. This means 1 bed per 167 hectares of land. The reserve is part of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, situated on the western border of Kruger National Park, which together with some other parks make up the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.
Map of Kruger National Park and adjacent reserves, including Sabi Sand Reserve where Londolozi is located.
A Legacy of Conservation
Londolozi is one of South Africa’s original private game reserves. The word Londolozi comes from the Zulu language and means “protector of all living things”. The name reflects the ambitious conservation ethic in its relationship with the natural world.
Established in 1926, Londolozi has been owned and run by the Varty family for nearly 100 years. The reserve was established in 1926 by Frank Unger and Charles Boyd Varty. The land, named Sparta Farm, was bought from Transvaal Consolidated Investments (TCI). Sparta was used as a hunting farm until 1971 when Charles Varty's two sons, Dave Varty and John Varty, shifted the focus of the property to ecotourism and photographic safaris instead of hunting.
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A pioneer of the ‘luxury eco-lodge’, proving that profit from wildlife can aid its conservation, it created (and sold) the ‘Conservation Corporation Africa’, successfully exporting the ‘Londolozi’ model to over 45 other lodges. As the original safari lodge in South Africa, Londolozi Game Reserve by 1990 had demonstrated through its Conservation Development Model that people and wildlife could live and work together in harmony to the mutual benefit of all.
Taking its impact seriously, it has created a ‘Futuristic African Village’ that includes a plant nursery, vegetable gardens, wastewater recycling treatment plant and solar farm. Beyond just a game lodge, Londolozi sees itself as a platform to restore and heal the land.
Endorsed by Nelson Mandela, who recovered from Robben Island at the family camp, he described it as “a dream I cherish for a model of nature preservation in our country,”. “During my long walk to freedom, I had the rare privilege to visit Londolozi. There I saw people of all races living in harmony amidst the beauty that Mother Nature offers. As such, it was these guiding principles that went on to inspire hundreds of other enduring nature-based tourism operations, which have since been established and flourished across Africa.
Today a thriving industry exists which supports, in growing employment opportunities, social upliftment and commercial owner-operated supply chain enterprises. The primary emphasis on conservation and a village ethos stands alongside a commitment to luxurious accommodation, fine cuisine and exceptional service.
Londolozi Tree Camp Deck
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Wildlife Encounters
On the outskirts of the Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Reserve is a vast and protected park known for the Big Five and huge leopard population. This means that you’re pretty much guaranteed to see the waddle of big beasts and furry creatures. The lodge is situated on the Sand River in the very heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
Breeding herds of elephant and buffalo roam throughout Londolozi, while white rhino and lion concentrations are among the highest recorded on the African continent. Yet it’s the leopards of Londolozi that make it world famous for wildlife, and lie at the heart of the Londolozi safari. Over the course of more than four decades, a unique relationship has developed between the Londolozi guides, trackers and generations of wild leopards.
During my 90-minute transfer from Skukuza airport, before even checking in, I spot flashes of zebras, warthogs and springbok, and even a cuddle puddle of lions between the wispy blades of blue buffalo grass. From there on, it was a non-stop parade of wildlife, from grazing elephants and giraffes to multiple encounters with sinewy leopards.
Londolozi Rangers are not bound by Kruger Park rules and can therefore drive off-road on safari and conduct comprehensive bush walks into the wilderness. The Londolozi safari is a journey that immerses the senses and awakens the spirit. To have an encounter with wild animals in the African bush is to discover an essential truth about ourselves and our world.
Trackers Finding A Leopard and Cubs- Londolozi TV
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Luxurious Accommodation and Amenities
Londolozi is more like a village. Each of the camps-Founders, Pioneer, Private Granite Suites, Varty and Tree camps-have their own communal open-air lobbies, plunge pools and various rooms and suites attached, and feel like deeply stylish African homes layered in natural clay, khaki and sand-coloured linens. Londolozi operates five exquisite camps which offer blissful accommodation, profound vistas, and authentic African cuisine. Each Londolozi safari camp varies in price according to the exclusivity of the accommodation.
All have wide views across the bush or river; some are wrapped around ancient trees, others flanked by granite rocks, but all have the same contemporary yet earthy vibe, with soft-sand tones and natural materials like dolerite rock walls, thatched pitched ceilings, and scatterings of beautiful African beadwork, baskets and artwork.
Camp Options:
- Varty Camp: Few campfires in Africa - or indeed anywhere - have had so much history stem from their flames as the one that still burns in Londolozi Varty Camp, over 90 years after it was first lit. Children over the age of six are welcome at Varty Camp and with some of the chalets inter-leading, Varty Camp is perfect for families wishing to enjoy a multi-generational safari.
- Tree Camp: Nestled in the canopy of a Leadwood and Ebony riverine forest, Londolozi Tree Camp is a sanctuary of serenity, style and simplicity. Throughout Tree Camp, the Ralph Lauren inspired decor offers a matchless showcase of excellence in celebration of Leopards, Leadwoods and Lanterns. Guests spend lazy afternoons on the Tree Camp deck, as hippos, giraffe and elephants pass in the river below. In the evenings, the camp glows with countless lanterns and rings with laughter and conversation.
- Private Granite Suites: Londolozi’s Private Granite Suites are a celebration of elegance and elephants in a remarkable river setting, flanked by an extrusion of ancient granite rocks. This highly exclusive camp conveys Africa’s raw essence with a contemporary flavour. The Private Granite Suites offer a unique safari experience by blending the boundaries between inside and outside, creating a seamless integration with nature with large doors and windows opening directly onto the Sand River. The suites can be booked individually or as a private camp for six guests, making it ideal for couples on a honeymoon safari or small groups celebrating special occasions.
- Founders Camp: Londolozi Founders Camp honours past guests and staff who have contributed to building Londolozi. It is their efforts that have distilled the legacy of the past 40 years into a common mission. Enchanting and intimate, Founders Camp is a bushveld bohemia ideally situated to provide guests with an insider’s view of the Londolozi families rich and warm history. The Founders Family Suites with their interconnecting skywalks, give this camp a young and vibrant energy that appeals to discerning individuals and modern day families. Also in Founders Camp, one can find the yoga deck, a sanctuary for quiet contemplation, beneath the shade of a 500-year-old ebony tree.
- Pioneer Camp: Londolozi Pioneer Camp’s three interconnected luxury suites and generous bush homestead makes this the most secluded and flexible of the Londolozi Camps. The private suites have superb river views and are perfect for honeymoons and secluded getaways. Londolozi re-uses, re-engineers and restores the original feeling of an African Safari Camp.
The Founders Camp, fresh from a refurb, has been specially designed to accommodate families with 10 rooms, including a convertible children’s room, while others like the Tree Camp, a more secluded treetop hideaway with six suites is better for honeymooners.
Some of the camps welcome children ages six and up, with interconnecting suites and rooms that can be converted into kids’ rooms. There’s a kids’ ‘cubs den’ with full time supervision both day and in the evenings and kid-friendly meals.
For photographers, both professional and beginners, Londolozi has a high-tech photographic studio, with top-notch cameras and equipment. Plus, specific photographic safaris for anyone that wants to learn the art of wildlife photography.
Culinary Delights
Excellent. Like most top-notch safaris, you are fed well. From the sunrise treats at early morning pre-game drives and big breakfasts (think breakfast burritos and bagels and all manner of pastries) to three-course lunches of zingy salads and homemade pasta. We had hearty dinners of slow-braised beef brisket, and tamarind braised duck legs, with ingredients bought from either local suppliers or plucked from the impressive on-site vegetable garden. It’s not just about what’s on your plate, but rather the experiences that stick with you-cocktails at sunset under a giant fever tree, dinner with your toes in the sand over candlelight in the ‘boma’ and fire-side banquets.
Wellness and Spa
Beyond their conservation credentials, the Varty family have spearheaded the emotional wellness trend in Africa. Brother-and-sister team Boyd and Bronwyn Varty, who trained under Oprah Winfrey’s life coach Martha Beck, have cultivated a program that takes lessons from the bush (tracking, instincts, and silence) and develops them into programs for personal transformation. This can look like multi-day wildlife wellness retreats, which involve silent treks and life-coaching sessions, or sessions at the Healing House spa, led by their aunt BeJay Watson, an energy healer, yogi and reiki master.
Here, on a deck overlooking the bush, rounds of yoga and deep breathwork take you into a meditative zone, the sound baths and deep tissue massages bliss you out, and the ice bath and Himalayan sauna sessions jolt you back to life. While most safari spas are an afterthought, this feels like a destination in its own right.
Important Information
Londolozi is part of the Greater Kruger National Park, which is located in a malaria area. The most important thing we should stress is that we are not doctors and it is therefore vital that you speak to your doctor about Malaria prevention before travelling to a malaria area. The following information is not intended to replace that issued by your doctor. Lots of travellers who travel to Africa every year and with careful use of prophylactic drugs are able to enjoy a great holiday.
Rule number one of Malaria prevention is that if you don’t get bitten you won’t get malaria. Unfortunately, the female Anopheles Mosquito that transmits malaria is a silent little mossy and doesn’t buzz to warn you of its presence. Mosquitoes can bite at any time of day but are usually their most active at dawn and dusk. Use repellent sprays and wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers in the mornings and evenings. Most of the lodges have screened windows and doors, mosquito nets, air conditioning and fans.
It should be noted that no Malaria Prophylactic is 100% effective as the Malaria parasites become resistant to the various drugs. It is therefore vital that you speak to your doctor or travel clinic to advise you on the best prophylactic for you.
Malaria Prophylactic Options:
- Mefloquine (Larium): For many years Larium has taken a bit of beating.
- Malarone: This prophylactic has virtually no side effects and with a simple daily dose it is becoming an increasingly more popular choice for travellers. In addition, Malarone has now been launched in the UK in a children's formulation and is the first-ever malaria tablet designed just for kids. It is also licensed in the USA, Denmark and is becoming increasingly available in Europe.
- Doxycycline: This is an antibiotic and for many people, it provides a perfectly good alternative to taking the traditional anti-malaria tablets. However, Doxycycline can make you particularly sensitive to the sun, and the effects of antibiotics on contraception tablets are well documented.
If on your return or during the remainder of your trip, you experience any flu-like symptoms (nausea & vomiting, chills, fever, sweating, headache or muscle pain) you should have a malaria test just to be safe. Malaria responds well to early treatment.
There is a wheelchair friendly room. And each disabled guest that is visiting has a full consultation to ensure that access is possible.
In 2014, Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Londolozi as the best hotel and resort in the world. The reserve has been lauded internationally for its far-sighted and progressive land and wildlife management, as well as its productive community involvement.
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