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Londolozi Founders Camp Sabi Sands is situated in the magnificent Londolozi Game Reserve which is part of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve that, in turn, forms a part of the iconic Kruger National Park in South Africa. Sabi Sands is named after the two large rivers that flows through this wilderness, the Sand River and the Sabi River – the playground for Africa’s elephants, as well as the other members of the Big Five – leopard, lion, buffalo and rhinoceros. This stellar reserve is renowned for its exceptional African wildlife and leopard sightings.
Founders Camp Kruger forms part of the Londolozi portfolio which also includes Varty Camp, Private Granite Suites, Pioneer Camp and Tree Camp.
This camp was built in honour of past role-players, guests and staff who have all contributed to making Londolozi what it is today.
About Londolozi Private Game Reserve Kruger
“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. There I saw a living lion in the wild. Londolozi represents a model of the dream I cherish for the future of nature preservation in our country.” – Nelson Mandela
The pristine Londolozi Private Game Reserve is an exclusive luxury Kruger safari destination situated in the heart of the famous Sabi Sands Game Reserve on the western border of the Kruger National Park in South Africa.
Londolozi (meaning “protector of all living things” in the indigenous Zulu language) is renowned for its stellar eco-tourism practices. It is also the first game reserve to receive Relais & Châteaux status. The latter is only bestowed on exclusive establishments that are committed to luxurious accommodation, fine cuisine and exceptional service. This global family of hoteliers’ standalone properties are united by their individuality and uniqueness. It is a shared spirit of excellence and a common vision of offering superb hospitality, sharing with them the true essence of the region they are visiting.
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 has brought the reserve fame. Londolozi is an original premier Big Five photographic safari destination in South Africa and has always been a model for social upliftment, conservation and land restoration in the country. This model continues to evolve from its origins as a for-profit conservation development model in the mid-1970s and a blueprint for conservation in the Mandela government of the 1990s, to where it is today, representing a modern-day social enterprise. Its values of caring for the land, the people and the wildlife remain steadfast.
Today, Bronwyn Varty and her brother Boyd, are the fourth-generation custodians of this magnificent property.
It’s a truly unique environment in which naturalists, musicians, artists and rogues find a place and a space to merge their eclectic skills into a symphony of style and experience.
The values of the Varty family – owners and custodians of Londolozi – infuse every aspect of Londolozi’s service ethos: the personal approach, commitment to conservation, the ambience of simplicity and elegance, and the warm welcome guests receive upon arrival.
The chefs cater for a wide variety of dietary preferences, such as vegetarian, gluten-free and even Banting. Should you have specific dietary requirements, please advise management prior to your arrival.
This luxurious lodge’s “bushveld Bohemia” style and decor create an ambience of simplistic luxury and laid-back hospitality, where weary travellers can rejuvenate and renew the spirit. The lodge is considered one of the most exclusive and luxurious safari destinations in South Africa. Natural elements in their most raw form, such as wood and thatch, have been utilized in its construction so as to blend effortlessly with the natural bush surroundings.
Founders Camp’s main lounge boasts deep leather couches, handmade cushions, compass safari lamps, and a cosy fireplace. Earthy tones – in cream and black – and rich textures accentuate its intimate and contemporary safari feel. The lounge and dining area spill out onto an expansive deck with beautiful views of the Sand River and the wilderness beyond. The riverside sala creates an inviting space for complete relaxation.
An elevated wooden walkway connects the guest areas to a game-viewing deck, swimming pool and dining deck.
Founders Camp Lodge Facilities:
• Lounge
• Dining room
• Deck with sala
• Yoga deck
• Boma
• Bar
• Fireplace
• Library
• Gym (nearby)
• Spa
• Boutique
• Internet access (designated areas).
Superior chalets
This small camp offers luxury accommodation to guests in only 10 superior thatched chalets, set under a canopy of ancient ebony and matumi trees along the riverbank.
Two of these chalets (no 6 &7) are connected by a skywalk, which make them the perfect choice for families of 4 or 3 members.
Five chalets are stand-alone options, perfect for honeymooners or two persons sharing. In response to the ever-growing need for family travel, three of the suites have two bedrooms – both with en-suite bathrooms – which make them perfect for families of four (parents travelling with 2 children younger than 16 years.) These rooms all have private decks, salas and plunge pools.
Founders Camp Superior Chalets Amenities:
• Air-conditioning
• Fan and heater
• En-suite bathroom with bathtub and in-and outdoor showers
• Deck with sala
• Private pool
• Mosquito nets
• Pure cotton linen
• Dressing gowns
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Tea/coffee making facility
• Fridge
• Electrical outlets
• Safe
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Complimentary laundry service.
CUISINE
At Londolozi superb cuisine not only compliments, but also enhances your unique African safari experience. Every meal at Founders Camp is a culinary adventure.
A wide variety of scrumptious dishes with a distinct African flavour can be enjoyed at guests’ locations of choice, such as the stylish dining room, on the deck with its breathtaking views, in the boma around the fire, or even in the privacy of your suite. Not forgetting the delectable bush picnics and decadent High Teas, of course!
The passionate chefs only use the freshest locally sourced ingredients, and unique Londolozi recipes which have been passed down through generations will surprise all palates.The Londolozi seafood collection subscribes to the standards and requirements of the South African Sustainable Seafood Initiative and imported ingredients are kept to a minimum.
From the delicious breakfasts and light dinners to three-course suppers in the boma under the African sky, the cuisine at Founders Camp is out of this world. A wide variety of fine vintages from the cellar compliments each dish to perfection.
Home-baked delicacies will tantalise the taste buds and the lodge cater for a wide range of dietary preferences.
We invite you to become part of our global online tribe.
STAR Retreat
Self-Transformation Adventure Retreat
Each year, Londolozi hosts the African Self-Transformation Adventure Retreat (STAR) with best-selling author and life coach, Martha Beck. The retreat aims to show participants that, as Martha puts it, nature herself has been conspiring all along to lead you to peace, purpose and to deep connection.
Download the FREE Londolozi App
The Londolozi app has been exclusively designed to enrich your Londolozi experience. Free to download on both iOS and Android devices, the app contains a wilderness checklist, 350+ HD wildlife videos and host of other features to enhance your stay. Download the app from iOS App Store or Google Play Store for Android devices.
What to pack?
The golden rule of a safari is comfort above style – although you can do both! To help make your safari experience as enjoyable as possible, we’ve put together a small list of essentials to pack.
When is the best time of year to visit?
This is a frequent question by guests with no specific answer. Every month of the year offers something unique for visitors and it’s for this reason that we’ve compiled a calendar that includes the very best aspects of each month and season.
What makes each Londolozi camp unique?
The camps at Londolozi are situated within walking distance of one another, over a distance of one kilometre on the banks of the lush Sand River.
The Londolozi eBook collection
Those with Apple devices can explore our eBook catalogue for a range of digital books which complements your Londolozi experience. Our eBook titles are educational and entertaining, and will give you an overview of a safari at Londolozi, which expert rangers will deepen and enhance during your stay.
These books are only available for download with eBooks on your Mac or iPad, and with iTunes on your computer.
Londolozi Living
Londolozi Living is a boutique safari shop offering guests a unique collection of genuine African artefacts. Revenue generated from the shop supports a number of successful community-based projects. The shop also has a unique collection of art and wildlife reference books, and stocks a range of basic safari essentials.
Stay connected
The Londolozi Blog is a platform for past, present and future guests to stay in tune with the frequency of Londolozi, no matter where they are in the world. It provides you with a ranger’s-eye view of the happenings in the bush, as well as the best of our wildlife photography. Follow the blog and bring the rhythm of the wilderness into your everyday life.
Daily activities include – but are not limited to – twice-daily game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles, guided nature walks, birdwatching, stargazing and Shangaan cultural excursions.
Game drives
Early morning and late-afternoon/early evening game drives in open safari vehicles bring guests op close to Africa’s magnificent wildlife. Experienced Londolozi rangers and trackers share their knowledge of the bush in an informative manner. You are bound to uncover surprising secrets of the wilderness on these drives. With such a huge and diverse terrain to traverse, sightings of the Big Five – elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard, are everyday occurrences at Londolozi. Encountering and elusive leopard lazing high up in a tree, is an experience that will leave an indelible mark on the memory.
Watching an African sunset with a refreshing cocktail in hand during the afternoon drive, will fill you with renewed appreciation for the wonders of the universe. After sunset your ranger will search for those nocturnal beasts by spotlight. The thrill of predators feasting on a kill under the cover of darkness will leave you breathless. With such a rich diversity of wildlife, a surprise awaits around every corner, and each safari is a truly unique experience.
Guided bushwalks
For those who prefer a more active and challenging encounter in the bush, guided walks in the company of an armed ranger offer a whole new perspective on the wilderness. Walks are usually conducted in the early morning during winter, before the heat of the day sets in. This experience involves all the senses and delivers a thrill a minute. Comfortable walking shoes and nerves of steel required!
Birdwatching
The wealth of bird species at Londolozi is truly astounding. Rangers are fully trained to give avid birdwatchers an experience of a lifetime. From a wide variety of raptors and bigger species, such as the martial eagle and African harrier hawk, to the smallest – the lilac-breasted roller and the lesser masked weaver – they are all here.
Stargazing
The majestic African sky at night lends itself perfectly to stargazing and astronomy, fields in which the rangers are fully trained. Evenings are spent, sitting around the campfire, while learning about the secrets of the universe.
Rangers will even take guests on a mystical late-night excursion during which they will share the mysteries of the magnificent Milky Way.
The adventure at Londolozi literally reaches up to the universe!
Shangaan cultural excursions
Guests can also visit the local Shangaan staff villages, where they will have the opportunity to interact with the people to learn more about local customs and traditions. The deep-rooted wisdom of this ancient culture will delight and surprise.
Yoga deck
Londolozi Founders Camp yoga deck is a tranquil sanctuary suspended in the arms of a 500-year-old ebony tree where classes are conducted daily. Here you can greet the new day with a morning of relaxing yoga to rejuvenate the spirit.
The natural energy of Londolozi’s pristine location combined with tailor-made Asanas, create a yoga form suitable for all both novice and intermediate practitioners. Postures include Lyengar, Ashtanga, Jivamukti and Tripsichore.
You are free to schedule a private yoga session in your room or in the shade of your private deck. Alternatively, daily classes are held on the yoga deck beside the pool at Varty Camp.
Tracking
At Londolozi Kruger the ancient art of tracking is still very much alive, and the combined wisdom of the expert tracking team totals more than 200 years. During winter guests can join these masters of their craft on foot in search of the big cats, as well as rhino, buffalo and a host of other species.
Not moving a muscle whilst slowly approaching a wild beast downwind, demands the utmost dedication and evokes all the senses. This safari experience is as good as it gets in the bush and not for the faint-hearted!
Well-being and rejuvenation
“To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour.”
– William Blake
“Londolozi Life”, as it is affectionately known, is designed to reflect and harmonise with the rhythms and cycles of nature. Londolozi Life offers the chance to create balance – in body, mind and soul – through the fundamental concept that living in harmony with nature promotes healing. Londolozi falls squarely within the base area of the Nilotic Meridian, a line running north-south from pole to pole at 31 degrees, east longitude – known as “the line of first time”. This makes Londolozi a superb venue for healing and energy.
Londolozi Healing House
Bringing wildness back to wellness…
The magical Londolozi Healing House, situated at Varty Camp, embraces the ancient rhythms of nature that create an enduring space for – and is a source of – wellness. Here guests can rediscover their essence and access their deepest natural intelligence.
Londolozi Healing House Kruger combines the core safari experience with artful resting, curated bodywork and yoga, for complete rejuvenation and transformation.
Expert wellness practitioners and therapists will guide you on this path of complete restoration of body, mind and soul.
The healing house also offers those in search of complete rejuvenation a 5-day Londolozi Healing House Retreat, which is a curated experienced grounded in Londolozi’s wellness ethos. It incorporates spending reflective time in the wilderness through vision-guesting on game drives, guided meditation, intensive bodywork, customized meal planning, yoga and immersing yourself in the silence of nature.
Massage has been practiced as a healing therapy for centuries, providing release from stress and promoting increased blood flow and healing. Therapies on offer at Londolozi Life include Swedish massage, aromatherapy and reiki. All therapies are also offered in the privacy of your room or deck.
Yoga
The yoga deck is situated between Founders Camp and the Private Granite Suites, and can be accessed from the camp pathway.
The natural energy of Londolozi’s pristine location, combined with tailor-made Asanas, create a yoga form suitable for all both novice and intermediate practitioners. Postures include Lyengar, Ashtanga, Jivamukti and Tripsichore.
Please consult your camp manager about class schedules.
You are free to schedule a private yoga session in your room or in the shade of your private deck. Alternatively, daily classes are held on the yoga deck beside the pool at Varty Camp.
Massage therapy
Available therapies include Swedish massage, aromatherapy and reiki. These massages have been practised as a healing therapy for centuries. They provide stress release and promote blood circulation and healing. Guest can enjoy any of these therapies on their private deck.
Fitness
Londolozi’s fully equipped gym offers running, cycling and rowing machines for those who need to burn some extra energy. The gym is situated at Varty Camp, overlooking the pool, and is open to all Londolozi guests, 24 hours a day.
Bush breakfasts & adventure picnics
In the tradition of the Hunter’s breakfast, enjoyed by the early wilderness pioneers after hours of walking through the wilderness, guests to Londolozi can indulge in a scrumptious breakfast on the riverbank, comprising of scrumptious dishes, such as gourmet salmon and scrambled eggs.
Visitors can also opt for an adventure picnic to be enjoyed in the heart of the bush. It is a truly unique way of tantalising the taste buds!
Star-gazing
At Londolozi Private Game Reserve Sabi Sands you can immerse yourself in the wonders of the universe. You can accompany highly trained rangers on a mystical late-night excursion, during which they will share the mysteries of space and the secrets of the magnificent Milky Way with you in a manner that will literally leave you star-struck.
Looking at the millions of stars, whilst enjoying a hot mug of chocolate on a clear winter’s night, will fill you with a renewed sense of appreciation for our magnificent universe!
Stories around the campfire
As Londolozi’s history is steeped in tradition, magical stories about the land abound. Here, if you listen carefully, you can still hear the whispers of the ancestors of this ancient land.
There is no better place to share these myths and mysteries of adventure safaris, than around the campfire. Just add a fine red wine and good company, and you have all the ingredients for a once-in-a-lifetime winter safari.
Each of the Londolozi camps have its own signature spirit and campfire where strangers become lifelong friends through sharing tales of the African wilderness.
Honeymoon Safari
At Londolozi newly-weds have the freedom to create their own magical story…
Apart from unsurpassed luxury and discreet personalized service, Londolozi does not leave a stone unturned to create an intimate and pristine getaway for the couple in the African wilderness.
Here the wilderness finds away into your heart and sets the tone for the rest of your life together.
A Londolozi honeymoon is not simply a holiday. It is a pinnacle life moment, an experience that lives on in you forever.
The newly-weds are transported in their own “chariot” – a shortwheel-base safari vehicle fitted with a comfy couch for two. It has its own dedicated ranger, which affords the couple the freedom to design their own safari experience, whether day or night. This small vehicle easily transverses hidden pockets and secret places in the bush.
The couple can enhance their experience by indulging in private massages, bush yoga, meditative walks, champagne sunsets and full-moon bush dinners – the possibilities are endless
Photographic Safari
A fusion of ancient wisdom, modern technology and nature
Londolozi is renowned as a pristine location for wildlife photography, with special emphasis on the big cats. It is a unsurpassed photographic theatre where avid photographers can choose from a number of options to enhance their skills:
• A private vehicle
A private safari vehicle can be reserved for individuals and families. A dedicated ranger- and tracker team will focus on tailoring the safari experience around guests’ specific needs and interests (e.g. birding, botany, big cats, photography etc.). This is ideal for experienced safari-enthusiasts or those who prefer a little more privacy. It comprises of one morning and one afternoon game drive per day in the company of a dedicated ranger and tracker.
• The Londolozi Wildlife Photographic Workshop
Perfect for novice and enthusiast photographers who wants to capture that perfect image on their safari. A photographic tutor who will assist you in both post-processing and editing.
Included in the photographic workshop:
– the camera and best settings
– vehicle positioning
– the utilization of light (specifically in low-light conditions)
– post processing and image organization
• The Photographic Studio
The Photographic Studio – on location at Londolozi- is very popular with guests, as it enables them to direct and produce their own creative work. With tuition from a qualified light-room instructor, you can spend time in-between game drives editing and printing your best safari shots on wide-format canvas or high-quality photo paper, and save the final edited shots on a memory stick.
Guests can also rent a variety of professional-level photographic bodies, lenses and accessories which eliminate the need for carrying your own heavy camera gear. Now it’s as simple as pre-booking your gear and finding it ready for use upon your arrival at the lodge.
Londolozi Photographic Studio at a glance:
• Open daily (booking required)
• Edit your images using Lightroom CC on the latest wide-screen retina-display iMacs – an incredible process that would enhance any wildlife photo
• Print your personal images onto wide-format canvas or photo paper
• Take your edited shots with you on a memory stick.
Children on Safari
“Teaching children about the natural world should be seen as one of the most important events in their lives – Thomas Berry
Family matters at Londolozi. Over the past century, four generations have adventured, dreamed and discovered here. This land is a child’s dream come true, and we delight in being able to share its secrets with the next generation.
The Londolozi Cubs Programme fills each day with fun and fascination, and our “young rangers” will gain far more than just an understanding of their role in managing and conserving Africa’s incredible biodiversity. At Londolozi, children learn about themselves, bush survival and other cultures, and about building friendships and trust. As it is the case for all cubs, the bush adventure begins in the safety of the den. The Cubs Den is designed for pure delight: it has fish ponds to splash around in, Land Rovers to “drive”, camping tents, and an educational centre where wildlife takes centre-stage.
A designated cub coach, who is an expert naturalist overseeing all the kids’ activities, will keep the young ones entertained with a wide variety of activities:
Activities include:
* Children of six years and older welcome at Varty, Founders and Pioneer Camps, but no children under the age of 16 are allowed at Private Granite and Tree Camps, except when camps are booked for exclusive use.
The Londolozi Village Walk
In the footsteps of Nelson Mandela…
“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.” – Nelson Mandela
The Londolozi Freedom’s Way art installation has been specifically designed to focus attention on the values which the biggest statesman of all times, the iconic Nelson Mandela, held close to his heart. Guests are invited to participate in the Londolozi village walk, which is a short walk starting at Varty Camp. It allows the walkers to interact with families and staff members who have been part of Londolozi for more than 30 years,as a symbolic way of creating and fostering human bonds.
The walk gives guests an intimate insight into the history and values upheld at Londolozi, by traversing a range of interesting sites, such as the Elders Village, the Learning Centre and the Freedom’s Way art installation by Simon Max Banister, to name but a few. You will also have the opportunity to plant a tree in aid of the Good Work Foundation. It is a symbolic activity to honour and promote the values which this great statesman stood for.
Londolozi Private Game Reserve Kruger
Activities on-site (some activities may be seasonal)
Activities Nearby
Londolozi is situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, bordering the Kruger National Park in the Mpumalanga (Lowveld) province, South Africa. There are many ways to get to Londolozi, a few of which we have detailed below for your convenience:
By road:
• Two-and-a-half-hour transfer from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Mbombela (Nelspruit) to Londolozi, available upon request.
• A an easy six-hour drive on national roads from Johannesburg (500km).
• The Sabi Sand Game Reserve levies a vehicle entrance fee of ZAR280.00 per vehicle and ZAR120.00 per occupant, as well as any individual arriving by air (subject to change).
• Access by road through Newington Gate only.
By air:
Scheduled flights
Federal Air operates a daily flight from OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) in Johannesburg to the Londolozi Airstrip, which is a five-minute drive from the camp.
Flights from Skukuza
Get to into the heart of the African bush with daily direct flights with Airlink from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Nelspruit KMIA and Skukuza Airport, the gateway to the Kruger National Park and the private game lodges. A short, small-aircraft transfer takes you to Londolozi’s doorstep on Airlink’s Lodge Link Service to the Londolozi Airstrip.
Charter flights
• Private charters are available upon request
• Helicopter transfers upon request
• Privately owned aircraft.
Copyright © MoAfrika Tours 2024
MoAfrika tours and the Kruger Safari Co. are destination management companies (DMC) and are not entities of the South African National Parks Board (SANparks).