Londolozi Game Reserve
Property Overview
Nestled along the serene Sand River in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Londolozi Game Reserve offers an unparalleled safari experience. Londolozi is truly one of a kind and Crafted Escapes founder, Annie Chambers, and travel advisor Hannah Stanco agreed it was one of the most special place they’ve ever stayed.
The game viewing was incredible and for some of those on the trip who have been on safari before, including we saw some of the most unique and insane sightings during our game drives.
Beyond the incredible game viewing, what truly makes Londolozi special is the staff. Everyone they met during their stay was amazing, welcoming, friendly, and genuinely happy to work there. Londolozi is family-owned, and it shows. Dave Varty started it at 16 after his grandfather bought the land. With a rich history and as one of the first lodges in the area, Londolozi boasts a deep legacy, with the fifth generation of the family living on the property. Not affiliated with any other lodges or a parent corporation, this independence is evident in the way Londolozi is run and the unique atmosphere it offers.
Best Seasons to Visit
The best time to visit South Africa for wildlife viewing is during the dry winter months, from May to September. The sparse vegetation and animals gathering around water sources make spotting wildlife much easier. If you’re eager to see newborn animals, plan your safari for the end of November through December to witness the adorable “bush babies,” – this is when we visited. January and February offer warm weather and lush, green landscapes, making it an excellent escape from the North American winter blues.
Crafted Escapes Perks
Accomodations
They were lucky enough to stay at the newly renovated founders lodge which is only 10 chalets that have all recently been totally renovated. Their rooms were all incredibly spacious with massive decks overlooking the dry river bed, private plunge pools and outdoor showers.
It’s helpful to understand the layout of Londolozi – there are 5 different camps, each of which have completely different looks and feels and operate completely separate from each other in the sense that they have their own staff and general managers, however the camps are all relatively close to each other, in that you can walk from one to the other on a paved pathway.
The only camp you can’t just walk into is the Private Granite Suites, otherwise you can walk around the others, but guests will dine at their respective camp. Three of the camps are Relais and Chateaux properties with a heavy emphasis on gourmet dining. Varty Camp is the heart of the property and is where the spa, photo studio, boutique and Gym is located. If you are into exercising they also offer Bush runs but there is a full fledged gym.
We’ll help you find the right fit for your group.
Dining
African cuisine is a cornerstone of the Londolozi experience. The lodge’s culinary philosophy emphasizes homegrown organic produce, free-range game, and herbs from the on-site kitchen garden. Each meal is crafted to be irresistibly delicious and healthful, ensuring a gastronomic adventure that complements your safari experience.
All of their meals were incredible – fresh, gourmet food with different options to choose from on the menu. We kept wondering how we were experiencing one of the best meals of our lives in the middle of the bush! They have full wine menus and delicious cocktails.
During our final game drive the team set up a remarkable sundowner in the bush for us complete with drinks, gourmet snacks and our guide serenading us on his guitar while our tracker regaled us with tales of wildlife encounters under the most beautiful sunset.
Wellness
For the past 12 years, Londolozi has been at the forefront of wellness safari retreats. At the Londolozi Healing House, you’ll find an extraordinary range of wellness professionals, all in the heart of the African wilderness. Their team includes bodywork specialists, aromatherapy technicians, Martha Beck master life coaches, sound healers, enneagram practitioners, and reiki masters. They have Hot and cold plunging, meditation and breath-work. Massages – hot stone and cold stone, etc. A must do!
Agent Insights
1. Pack Appropriately
The key to enjoying your safari is preparation, especially when it comes to what you pack. Bring clothing that can be layered, as mornings and evenings can be cool, but it can get quite warm by midday. Opt for neutral colors that blend with the natural environment. Don’t forget essentials like a hat, bug spray, and sunscreen. Check with your advisors before departure as your safari lodge may have on-site binoculars and some now offer a camera-lending program where you can try out their a zoom lenses to capture distant wildlife.
2. Respect Wildlife
Safaris offer the extraordinary opportunity to see wild animals in their natural habitat. It’s vital to maintain a respectful distance and observe animals quietly without disturbing them. Always listen to your guide’s instructions and stay inside the vehicle during game drives, unless told otherwise.
3. Photography Studio
As a guest, you can spend time in the on-site photography studio with your guide, culling, editing, and printing your safari photos. The guide can also assist you with camera settings during game drives, providing invaluable tips and tricks on angles, subjects, and camera use. This personalized support ensures you capture and cherish every unforgettable moment of your safari adventure.
4. Enjoy Yoga
Between your game drives, unwind and rejuvenate on the Londolozi Yoga Deck. Nestled high in the branches of a 500-year-old ebony tree near Founders Camp, this sanctuary offers classes suitable for beginner and intermediate levels. Inclusive daily sessions are held amidst the presence of nyala, bushbuck, and monkeys, with the occasional sighting of elephants. This unique setting makes every yoga practice a serene and memorable experience.
5. Visit their Village
It was insightful to see where the staff reside. The village is complete with a solar farm, dining area, gym, clinic, food gardens, and daycare center. Guests are warmly encouraged to take a guided walk or tour of the village, providing a wonderful opportunity to understand the lodge, meet the team, and witness the dedication that goes into running these lodges and caring for their staff.
6. Cubs Den, also known as the kids club
There are two family-friendly camps: Varty and Tree. Although Pioneer allows children, this is only under exclusive use. At these camps, kids join for game drives and meals, and then engage in activities like archery, pizza making, rock climbing, and movie nights, giving parents a chance to relax.
7. Enjoy Sundowners
You may feel tired after that early wake up call for the first morning game drive, but don’t skip sundowners. The game will change completely from day to night. There is nothing better than a Gin & Tonic under the huge African sky! On our last night, the Londolozi team set up a private special sundowner for us complete with special treats, cocktails, and our guide even pulled out his guitar. We all sang by the campfire as the sunset. Life, a man of few words, regaled us with a few tales from his time as a tracker at Londolozi and his many close animal encounters. A few of us may have been a bit misty eyed looking out at the great expansive planes. If summer camp for adults feels up your alley, safari needs to be on your list!
Interesting Tidbits & Must-Knows
