Set Your Compass – It’s Londolozi Winter Calender Time

“The best time to explore the Eastern Lowveld of South Africa is in the cool dry months of May to September”
Charles Boyd Varty – April 1926”

Londolozi is excited to announce the Winter Calendar. Now moving into its 6th year, the Winter Calendar is all about offering you extra activities on your safari, allowing you to maximise your bushveld experience at Londolozi and to enjoy the beautiful balmy days during the months of May, June and July.

In addition to the 2012 Winter Calendar, we are offering a special value add for the months of May and June:

Book 3 nights or more at any of the Londolozi lodges in May or June and get two nights free in Cape Town paid for by Londolozi.  In Cape Town you will be staying at some of the finest boutique hotels in Cape Town such as Colona Castle, Welgelegen, Mannabay and Kensington Place.
The offer is subject to availability.  The special ends on 30 June 2012.

As per the tradition of the Winter Calendar, we have a range of Value Add Activities suited for you to enjoy in our Winter wonderland…

Tracking: The ancient art of tracking has been uniquely preserved at Londolozi. The combined wisdom of the Londolozi tracking team spans over 200 years of tracking experience. Our guests, during winter, are privileged to be able to witness and partake in this ancient art and learn the authentic tricks of the trade. On foot in search of the first signs of animals, both big and small,……down wind…..in silence …..not moving a muscle and in very close proximity is an experience which demands all  your attention and which leaves you with indelible memories.  Winter is the perfect time to pursue Africa’s most alluring; whilst in the presence of a master tracker applying an ancient art, miles from any Landrover.  (Value Add: Subject to availability and weather conditions)

Pioneer Breakfasts & Bushveld Picnics: Imagine reclining in a large easy chair surrounded by 6 million acres of African wilderness.  This is the pioneer breakfast and bushveld picnic experience.  Reminiscent of a bygone era when the highlight of any winter morning, after hours of walking, was the “ Hunters breakfast”. On our winter calendar we can find no reason to rush back to your camp for breakfast when you can savour gourmet salmon and scrambled eggs with your feet in the sand on the banks of a river enjoying a balmy winters morning. (Value Add: Subject to availability and weather conditions)

Birding: The bird life at Londolozi represents a magic of effervescence in perpetual motion and offers the visitor an entirely new frontier in wilderness engagement during all times of the day.  On your midday birding walk, a wide array of sunbirds seeking nectar from the flowering aloes is winters gift to the discerning birder, not to mention the other 450 species which abound in these landscapes. Many expert bird guides reside at Londolozi. (Value Add: Subject to availability and weather conditions)

Bushwalks: There is nothing like walking in a winter wilderness.  Drift down a game trail into a dry riverbed. Understand the ancient and medicinal uses of plants and trees with a tracker of nearly two decades.  Feel the crisp morning rhythm of Africa with each step on the winding path as you let nature captivate you in her essence.  There is no vehicle, no noise and no distractions.  This is when nature speaks to you. (Value Add: Subject to availability and weather conditions)

Wine Tasting & Campfire Storytelling: Campfires, storytelling, red wine  and good company are the hallmark of any winter safari.  Coming from a long line of storytellers, Londolozi’s history is steeped in the tradition of campfire yarns told late into the night. In each of the 5 exclusive camps you can hear the whispers of our ancestors and embodied in our history are the legends and myths of the mysteries and adventures of safari.  Each camp has its own spirit and each has its own campfire which awaits you.  (Value Add: Subject to availability and weather conditions)

Londolozi Life: This is about finding the balance of mind, body and soul that reconnects you. On offer are:
1. Inclusive Yoga classes, at 12pm everyday, which teach you how to stretch and enhance your breathing. (Value Add: Subject to availability and weather conditions)

2. Wilderness massages from some of the best wilderness therapists in Africa. On offer are a variety of massages and natural treatments such as Swedish Massage, Aromatherapy and Raiki. (Additional costs apply)

Your journey towards this reconnection with the wild begins with a connection to self.

Stargazing: Have you ever been introduced to the wonderment of the great universe. Latest pictures from the Hubble telescope open up an entirely new world of discovery which tell us of endless space beyond comprehension. At Londolozi the  rangers are trained to take you on a mystical late night journey of reflection and introspection. After dinner on a cold, clear winter night, holding a warm mug of hot chocolate whilst looking at the stars makes for a truly memorable evening. (Value Add: Subject to availability and weather conditions)

Specialised Photographic Safari: Winter offers many fine photographic opportunities  including rich, dusty sunsets and large concentrations of animals at the water holes.  If photography is your passion, you can participate in a private Specialized Photographic Safari, specifically created to enhance your photographic opportunities.  The safari is led by a specialist photo/ranger/tracker team and included in the program, for personal use, is a quality digital camera, night vision and sensitive sound equipment for a  maximum of 4 guests only! This specialist  safari is a one of a kind for South Africa and winter is a perfect time to try it. (Subject to availability. Conditions and costs apply – R8 500 per day, maximum of two guests – http://bit.ly/gCYMf5 )

Sleep Out: Cradled 25m up, in the branches of a 1000 year old Ebony tree, you sleep out on a platform under a clear starlit winter sky in awe of an endlessly vast universe.  In the silence you can enjoy  natures nocturnal orchestra and as the dawn chorus breaks a golden sunrise lights up the  phragmites reeds along the beautiful water course of the Sand River.  The sleep out experience is an essential reconnection to the divinity of nature.  (Subject to availability and weather conditions…Only for the very brave!)

Redefining the Essence of Safari
“Mi amukelekile hinkwenu” (You are most welcome)

For Enquiries and more information about this years Winter Calendar and the Winter Calendar Special for May and June CLICK HERE