Londolozi Game Reserve in the Sabi Sands

Londolozi Game Reserve is one of the original pioneering Private Game Reserves of the ecotourism industry in South Africa. 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.

Varty Camp

“The original” In the center of Varty Camp burns a fire in the very spot where the Varty forefathers set up their tents 80 years ago. This fire has been lit every night on the same spot for generations and embodies the significance of this camp and the continuity of the Varty custodianship. This emphasis on family heritage means that children have always had a place at Londolozi. All the chalets and suites have a plunge pool and wooden decks, with air-conditioning and en suite bathrooms with bath and separate shower.

The focal point of each luxurious bathroom is a magnificent view of the lush green riverine vegetation. The essence of relaxation is to gaze from your bath over uninterrupted views and per-chance to hear the call of a fish eagle.

• Eight chalets two suites

• Air-conditioning

• Plunge pools and leisure decks

• Expansive thatched vaulted guest areas

• African Bush boutique and interpretive centre

• Large swimming pool

• Wine cellar

Varty Camp is characterized by a timeless safari ambience, eight chalets and 2 suites all feature private plunge pools and decks with expansive river views.

Varty Camp is rich inhistory which is preserved and recorded in the original camp built in 1926. Four rondavels, which date back to the original Sparta Hunting Camp, are a special feature. Each have been set dressed to reflect a time gone by, this museum is a tribute to the early Bush veld Pioneers, a well-stocked wine cellar and an library (with Internet access) also have a home at Varty camp but it is Varty Camps main deck offering awe-inspiring views of the Sand River that captures the true essence of Africa.

Historical photographs add to the congenial atmosphere of the spacious deck, which incorporates an ancient Ebony Tree. Varty camp is the heart of Londolozi Game Reserve.

Founders Camp

Founders camp honours past guests and staff who have contributed to building Londolozi and assisting in distilling all the ecotourism learning of the past 30 years into a singular state.

Enchanting and intimate, Founders Camp is ideally situated to provide an insider’s view on the secrets of river life. Five idyllic chalets, reposing in the shade of ancient trees along the banks of the Sand River.

To visit Founder’s Camp is to discover an earthly paradise, where everything is timed to the cycles of nature and its fundamental laws.

The result is an intimate sanctuary filled with unexpected wonders in the warm heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. The air-conditioned chalets with their wooden decks feature a personal bar and en suite bathroom with bath, shower and twin hand basins. The suite has a stone-laid outdoor shower as a refreshing additional feature.

• Seven safari chalets

• All with expansive river views

• Air-conditioning

• Luxurious en suite bathrooms

• Thatched game viewing deck

• Award winning riverside pool

Charming and intimate, Founders Camp comprises five chalets all with private verandas affording magical views of the Sand River.

The dining area at Founders Camp links with a walkway leading to a thatched viewing deck where guests can relax while game and bird viewing.

The boma (reeded enclosure) is adjacent to the camp’s swimming pool. There is a covered sitting area, with a well-stocked drinks cabinet.

Pioneer Camp

Pioneer Camp is steeped in the early history of Londolozi. Over eighty years ago right in the heart of the reserve the Varty ancestors arrived after three days of hard travel by rail, wagon and on foot, pitching their tents in the falling light on the banks of the sand river where it runs crystal clear over vast granite rocks.

They awoke in an illuminated landscape. Unique, beautiful, peaceful and remote, this wild and pristine wilderness is still the defining experience at Pioneer Camp.

The tents are now just part of the family mythology, replaced by expansive private suites hidden deep in a 500-year-old riverine forest of water matumes and ebony trees.

Pioneer Camp is steeped in history Cresting a gentle rise with elevated views of the Sand River, massive granite extrusions stand sentinel over this elegant bushveld camp.

With only six suites, Pioneer Camp offers an intimate experience and is truly a place to indulge the senses. All the suites have a fireplace and personal bar.

The en-suite bathrooms have baths, twin hand basins, w.c, indoor and outdoor shower. Three exclusive suites and three river-view chalets

• Air-conditioning

• Luxurious en suite bathrooms

• Outdoor showers in the African bush

• Intimate guest areas

• Lap pool

• Personalized service

The intimate guest area at Pioneer Camp provides a unique interactive experience with the kitchen, sitting and dining areas all being open plan.

The Camp has a Zen lap pool and boma (starlight dining area) where evening meals are enjoyed around the fire.

Tree Camp

Tree Camp is a double dose of glamour. This magnificent camp embodies the very essence of Londolozi – redefining the safari experience by continually transcending guest expectations. This is a place of connoisseurship, leopards, orchids, lanterns and leadwood. Guests recline in the evening on the sunset decks, champagne in hand as they survey the distant kopies.

Elegance and simplicity are the hallmarks of Tree Camp.

In every detail and feature from the crystal chandeliers to the hand sown linen this camp provides a matchless showcase of African excellence and sets the trend for others to follow.

Tree Camp has always had a tradition of excellence, the establishment of this camp created the benchmark for the safari tourism industry – through an exquisite combination of African heritage and skills – that allowed Africa to compete on the global stage. Champagne, candlelight, princesses and African Pearls – this is the camp to defy every expectation.

Undoubtedly, the most stylish family run camp in South Africa, Tree Camp is invigorated by the youthful energy of the fourth generation of Varty’s who now welcome guests at the front door.

• Six intimate suites

• Air-conditioning

• En suite bathroom and outdoor shower

• Private plunge pool and relaxing sala

• Spectacular game viewing dining deck

• Swimming pool

This romantic camp is small and exclusive; Tree Camp is surrounded by large shady trees and offers wonderful views of the Sand River. There is a gracious living area with a Champagne library and log fire place.

The thatched main sitting area leads out onto a wooden deck, raised on high stilts off the ground into the trees. Elegant starlight and candlelit dinners are enjoyed in the boma (open air dining area). There is a large Granite rock swimming pool set in the camp’s gardens is a wonderful place to unwind and while away the hours of the days.

Granite Suites

The Granite Suites offer an extraordinary experience for no more than six guests.

Bold, inspiring materials mirror the extrusion of granite rocks that flank the camp while conveying the raw essence of Africa. A palette of silver, charcoal and elephant grey, in a range of sumptuous materials, creates an elegant and contemorary setting in each expansive suite.

Granite Suites emphasis is on volume, light and privacy while blurring the barriers between inside and out. A seamless integration with nature is acheived with large doors and windows all opening directly onto the river. Each suite has a private, unique swimming pool.

Granite Suites can be booked individually or as a private camp for six guests, making it ideal for honeymooning couples and intimate family celebrations.

Game Viewing

Twice-daily Big Five game-drives

Experienced rangers and trackers will lead you on morning and afternoon/evening game-drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles. The Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park are of the finest Big Five game (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) destinations in Africa and you stand an excellent chance of spotting the elusive leopard. Londolozi Game Reserve is renowned for its world-class rangers and Shangaan trackers who are regarded as among the best in Africa.

Interpretive bush walks

Explore the Sabi Sand Game Reserve on interpretive wilderness walks led by experienced rangers or expert Shangaan trackers, and learn more about the area’s intriguing fauna and flora. Guided bush walks bring you face-to-face with wild Africa at its best. Londolozi boasts three senior trackers, graded by Louis Liebenberg’s Tracking School.