Londolozi Game Reserve

The root of the word Londolozi is the Zulu word for protect and means protector of all living things an ambitious conservation ethic that Londolozi embraces in its sensitivity to the natural world. The reserve is internationally recognised for its far-sighted and progressive management of land and wildlife rehabilitation as well as productive community involvement.

World renowned as one of Africas finest game lodges, Londolozi Game Reserve was the first game reserve in the world to be accorded Relais & Chteaux status, reinforcing its commitment to luxurious accommodation, fine cuisine and exceptional service.

Londolozi Game Reserve was recognized as the #1 Hotel in the World with the Conde Nast Travelers 2014 Readers Choice Award.

When is the best time of the year to visit
This is a question we often get asked by guests but theres no one answer or time that is better than another. We love that every month of the year offers something unique for visitors and its for this reason that weve compiled a calendar that includes the very best of each month.

On Safari with Londolozi Game Reserve
No two days are the same at Londolozi and every experience is tailor-made to suit individual preferences and expectations. However, there is a certain rhythm and pace to the experience that stirs a sense of homecoming on repeat visits and a pleasant sense of order for first time bushveld visitors.

Life at Londolozi is set by the seasons; the vegetation and the animal behaviour changing with the rains of summer and the chill of winter. What is unchanging is the warmth of your welcome by your camp manager and the opportunity to experience a deep and authentic connection with nature, something as rare as the land itself.

So, if youre looking for a true journey, as the Swahili word Safari suggests, something extraordinary and of your own making, then our winter and summer calendars are tailor-made just for you.

Summer Schedule
- 5:00 Rise and shine
- 5:30 Sunrise Game drive
- 9:30 Breakfast
- 10:30 Bush Walk
- 12:00 Yoga
- 1:30 Lunch
- 16:00 Afternoon Tea
- 16:15 Sunset Game Drive
- 19:30 Dinner

The first step is to get into swing with the rhythm of nature. Rising with the dawn is a richly rewarding experience. Witnessing the start of the day in the African bush is like being invited to partake in a daily miracle. A dawn chorus of birdsong and the haunting calls of fish eagles, the air rich with the night flowers perfume and delightfully cool. By 07h30 that is all gone, the magic hours have flown and soon the animals will sink into the torpor brought on by the midday heat. So join that ever eventful early morning game drive at 05h30 fortified by our excellent private blend coffee.

On returning from the drive and restoring yourself with breakfast you can either retire to the cool sanctuary of your chalet or indulge a myriad of bushveld fancies. Visit Londolozi Activities for a complete selection.

In spring and summer the early evening air along the Sand River is often permeated with the scent of baked potato. Rather than emanating from the camp kitchen this comes from the tiny pinkish flowers clustered along the branches of a scrambling scrub called the Potato Bush. Breathe deep as this is the most distinctive of bushveld smells and will forever be associated with the delicious anticipation of your evening game drive.

Winter Schedule
- 5:30 Rise and shine
- 6:00 Sunrise Game drive
- 10:00 Breakfast/Brunch
- 11:00 Bush Walk
- 12:00 Yoga
- 5:00 High Tea
- 15:30 Sunset Game Drive
- 19:00 Dinner

For centuries it has been common wisdom that the best time to explore the bushveld is in the cool, dry, winter months from April to September. The days are balmy and warm, the mornings crisp and clear and the bushveld a miracle of changing colours and unobstructed game viewing.

We encourage you to rise with the winter sun and join the early game drive. Your every sense will be rewarded. In the early dawn, you will hear the booming snorts of hippo and the lions who know better than any the riches of the night will still be afoot and vocal.

On returning from the drives and restoring yourself with breakfast you can either retire to the sanctuary of your chalet or indulge a myriad of bushveld fancies. Visit Londolozi Activities for a complete selection.

In the evening, your eyes are in for a feast as well. Drink in the winter skyline; looking out for those postcard images the bare thorn tree standing stark against the shimmering red of the sinking sun as the black of night approaches from behind you.

Activities available at Londolozi Game Reserve:
At Londolozi the Varty family has refined the menu of activities to include a unique blend of senses and soul, creating an offering of sophisticated style and adventure that has recaptured the subtle essence of the Swahili word for journey Safari.

At Londolozi we offer spectacular Big 5 game drives in our extensive wildlife area with unsurpassed leopard viewing but this is just the beginning of what really constitutes the Londolozi experience. Londolozi is the ideal space to escape from the rigours of everyday existence, to shift into a full appreciation of the moment and awaken the senses. With this in mind we have created tailor-made activities to help recuperate mind, body and spirit.

Take your pick, the list is virtually endless; silent wilderness immersions, interpretation and learning, spiritual journeying, adventure & adrenalin, massage, yoga, clay pigeon shooting, all day wilderness trekking, poetry, theatre, friendship and wide open spaces.

- Yoga
- Massage
- The African Fitness Room
- Day walking expeditions
- Animal tracking adventures
- Fishing
- Shangaan cultural village & learning centre
- 4 Pillars of Hope Communities Visit
- John Varty Cinematography Centre
- Londolozi Creative Hub
- YOGA

Postures practiced at Londolozi include Iyenger, Ashtanga, Jivamukti and Tripsichore. Pilates lessons are also given on the yoga deck.

MASSAGE
Treat yourself to a selection of massage treatments at Londolozi Life.

THE AFRICAN FITNESS ROOM
The well equipped fitness room overlooks an expansive swimming pool and contains weights, a rowing machine, treadmill and spinning bike.

JOHN VARTY CINEMATOGRAPHY CENTRE
At the John Varty cinematography centre we encourage you to peruse the wide selection of films related to the environment and emerging global trends as well as the latest Londolozi videos.

TRACKING ADVENTURES
Join our Shangaan master trackers and discover the age-old practice of animal tracking in the bush.

ALL DAY WALKING EXPEDITIONS
Exploring on foot (in the company of a ranger) is really encouraged at Londolozi as a means of truly engaging in the natural environment.

FISHING
The reserves river systems offer wonderful fishing. Bream, catfish, tilapia and occasionally tigerfish are commonly caught.

THE SHANGAAN CULTURAL VILLAGE & LEARNING CENTRE
We encourage you to explore our staff village. You are invited to visit, learn and contemplate the sustainability of our modern civilization against the wisdom and sustainability of ancient cultures.

DAY TRIPS INTO THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES
Visiting the communities that surround the Sabi Sand Reserve makes for a wonderful cultural experience.

Lodges situated in the Londolozi Game Reserve:
Londolozi Pioneer Camp
Londolozi Pioneer Camp is the most secluded of Londolozis Luxury camps. Set amongst the dappled shade of 500 year old ebony trees, the three luxury suites and generous bush home central area is the culmination of four decades of design experience in the safari industry. The three private suites have superb river views and are perfect for honeymoons and private getaways. Focused on multi-generational family travel, this adaptable camp can also be converted into a private bush home for family groups of 6 12 people through linking glass sky walkways into interconnected family units. The spacious entrance-halls, are decorated with a Ralph Lauren feel. Clean lines, modern and sophisticated with floor to ceiling glass sliding panels which frame the wilderness views beyond.

The bathrooms are classic Victorian with modern accents in the marble, chrome and mahogany finishes. Throughout the camp there is a pervading sense of history thanks to faithfully restored memorabilia of photographs, old suitcases, silver, crystal glass and gramophones. Everything about Pioneer Camp is deeply personal and provides a romantic backdrop to the adventures of a new generation of sophisticated travellers.

Londolozi Founders Camp
Londolozi Founders Camp honours past Guests and staff who have contributed to building Londolozi. It is their efforts which have distilled the legacy of the past 30 years into a common mission.

Enchanting, intimate and child friendly, Founders Camp is ideally situated to provide an insiders view of the secrets of river life. Ten idyllic superior chalets, repose in the shade of ancient ebony and matumi trees along the banks of the Sand River.

This is safari in the classic style, replete with classic black and cream ticking fabric and original mahogany beds. Deep leather couches, military chests, compass safari lamps and a riverside lounge sala, create a mood of easy luxury and laid back welcome for discerning families and travelers.

Londolozi Varty Camp
The campfire has burned here for over 86 years making Londolozi Varty Camp the symbolic heart and soul of Londolozi.

The dcor echoes the same tones of the owners private homes and their continuing love affair with the earth.

All rooms have private swimming pools framed by timber decks that overlook the riverine bush. The living spaces are raised off the ground and shaded under a cathedral of trees. The camp has a pleasingly down-to-earth quality and the emphasis on family heritage means that children always have a place at Varty Camp.

Londolozi Varty Camp is also home to the original Sparta Hunting Camp, our boutique, the Cardio Vascular Room, Massage Treatment Room and our Wine Cellar. Guests from all Camps are invited to make use of these facilities.

Londolozi Tree Camp
Londolozi Tree Camp embodies the very essence of Londolozis continuous striving to transcend and redefine the journey to the wilderness.

This is a place of connoisseurship, leopards, orchids, lanterns and lead wood trees. Guests spend lazy afternoons on their decks, champagne in hand as they survey the ancient landscape, elephants feeding below in the river.

Elegance and simplicity are the hallmarks of the Tree Camp sanctuaries. In every detail and feature, from the private swimming pools and contemplation decks (salas) to the Ralph Lauren wallpaper and chocolate plaited leather beds, this exclusive camp provides a matchless showcase of African excellence.

Tree Camp does not accommodate children under the age of 16, unless guests book the camp exclusively.