Londolozi

Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

Overview

With its remarkable heritage as one of South Africa’s original safari lodges, Londolozi – its name derived from the Zulu word meaning “Protector Of All Living Things” – offers luxury and adventure in abundance, pioneering a world-class safari experience since 1926.

Key Features

  • Five different camps dotted along the river, each with a unique style and design, ranging in size from ten suites at the family-friendly Varty Camp, to three luxury suites at the exclusive Private Granite Camp
  • Enjoy daily morning and afternoon game drives, guided bush walks, specialist wellness treatments at the Healing House, yoga classes and photographic editing sessions as part of your stay
  • Renowned for incredible leopard viewing, whilst also home to all of the Big Five and over 450 species of birds
  • Meet the Londolozi community through an interactive Village Walk, follow in Nelson Mandela’s footsteps along ‘Freedom’s Way’ and learn about the conservation ethos and development model that has inspired others around the world

Situated on the banks of the Sand River, in the heart of the renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve, is one of the world’s most premier safari lodges – Londolozi. Founded in 1926, the lodge remains owned and run by the Varty family, and occupies an area of 34,000 acres of African wilderness, offering some of the continent’s best Big Five game viewing opportunities. With an abundance of wildlife and an incredible array of species, no two sightings are the same and the excellent guiding team of professional, passionate and knowledgeable rangers and trackers are extraordinarily skilled at bringing every game drive to life. 

Design

With five intimate camps to choose from, each with their own unique look and feel, there is something perfectly suited to everyone. The original Varty camp has a welcoming and comfortable ambiance, with a strong emphasis on family heritage, inviting guests into the heart of the lodge. Founder’s Camp pays tribute to the founding guides, trackers, chefs and naturalists who were part of the family from the very beginning, with a contemporary and spacious feel and a celebration of natural elements and tones throughout.

Tree Camp is an exquisitely designed celebration of the stunning Ebony trees that surround it, and was the first camp in all of Africa to be awarded Relais & Chateaux status, whilst Pioneer Camp is an intimate and private homestead, perfect for a family to stay in exclusively.

The most coveted of all, the Private Granite Suites, are flanked by an extrusion of granite rocks and are the perfect place to unwind and sit just above the river bank, watching as families of elephants wander past. Throughout all of the camps, each room comes complete with a private plunge pool, for a quick dip to escape the heat of the day.

Activities

The opportunities for adventure here are endless. Trackers sit up at the front of the Land Rover looking for fresh animal tracks, while rangers drive with astonishing skill into ravines and through thickets in pursuit of elusive animals, sharing their outstanding knowledge and unforgettable stories whilst out looking for game. Over the course of more than four decades, a unique relationship has developed between these guides and generations of wild leopards, dating as far back as the early 1970’s. Intimate leopard sightings are frequent, an experience that all guests agree is a pinnacle life experience.

Beyond the game drives, walking safaris and specialized birding and photographic safaris are also on offer, with an image editing and printing studio on site. Yoga sessions take place daily, and the award-winning Healing House has an extensive array of wellness treatments available – from sound therapy to deep tissue massage. Or, why not spend some time reflecting in the Himalayan salt sauna, truly taking the time to rest and soak in the beauty that surrounds you.

Cuisine

Londolozi considers superb African cuisine to be an essential part of the experience it offers. Start your morning off with home-made treats and delicious coffees on the game drive, followed by an indulgent breakfast or a lazy alfresco lunch. Spend your evenings enjoying an intimate dinner or a traditional fireside banquet, sharing stories around the campfire as the day comes to close.

Sustainability

Londolozi developed one of the first Conservation Development Models that is now used elsewhere in Africa, working towards a goal of people and wildlife living and working together in harmony to the mutual benefit of all, whilst attracting meaningful impact investment.

In addition, for each night that guests stay at Londolozi, there is a contribution to the employment and welfare of five employees, eight dependents, and the protection of six rhinos. Furthermore, on average eight children and one adult receive access to digital world-class education as a result of each stay.

Why we love it

On game drives, your safari guide and tracker will show you wildlife dynamics like never before – brought to life through stories, teamwork and their incredible shared knowledge. Return to your room and step out onto your private deck overlooking the river, where families of elephants are drinking and playing – a truly joyous experience. Perfectly blending luxury with warm hospitality throughout, the welcoming feeling that permeates throughout Londolozi will have you feeling like one of the family.

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