The last few New Year’s celebrations at Londolozi have been very festive affairs, with “1920’s Prohibition”, “Mardi Gras” and “The Great Gatsby” raising the bar over the last three years.
The 2015 theme “A Day at the Races” was no exception, with all the Londolozi guests from across the 5 camps assembling on Varty Camp deck for an evening of glamour mixed with good fun. And some horse racing.
The deck was rendolent of a true derby, and the Grand National or J&B Met had nothing on Londolozi last night!
Superb food prepared under Anna Ridgewell, Londolozi’s executive chef, set the tone for the night, and champagne flowed freely. The five courses were interspersed with hilarious skits put on by rangers and camp staff. Romeo and Juliet: In Ethnic Tongue was the first act, with the grand finale of the evening’s entertainment being the horse-race, with rangers playing both horses and jockeys.
After a close start, competitors began falling off the wagon, being tempted by lucerne, eaten by lions, or braking legs on the course. Just when it looked like Spirit of Londolozi was about to waltz home, they were ambushed by the Mother Leopard, who teamed up with Big Black the Lion to come romping home the clear winners. This was definitely one of the most enertaining skits ever witnessed on Londolozi soil.
Dessert followed, and afterwards the dance floor was opened to all. Step Up: Varty Camp may well be the next blockbuster in that dance-film series!
Master of Ceremonies Duncan MacLarty was in fine humorous form, carrying the evening as the year closed and the clock drew closer to midnight.
The revelry went on into the small hours, but rangers, trackers and guests were still out on drive first thing this morning to experience the magic of the bush. Weary maybe, but happy after a great night!
Enjoy some of the photo highlights of last night, we wish everyone all the best for 2016!
A stunning view and beautiful table settings…
Welcome drinks.
Jeremy Whitfield, Varty Camp Manager… no slouch behind the bar either…
The Zebra butlers; From left; Trevor, Innocent, Robbie, Vusi, Sersant, Tresta, Stanic, Phindile
Best Dressed Family: the Ryans. From left: Mike, Nikki, ranger Sean D’Araujo, Toby, Harry.
Rangers Andrea Campbell and Dave Strachan count the take at the bookie’s office prior to the horse race…
Alice Brewer running the drinks station.
Camp Managers Will Ford, Phil Selwyn-Smith and Rob Crankshaw.
James Tyrrell delivers a convincing portrayal of Juliet in Shangaan, as Duncan MacLarty translates.
Lucien Beaumont, Boyd Varty and Dave Varty.
Ranger Andrea Sithole and Jessica MacLarty, Head of Village
The Contenders…
Valiant Varty on their introductory lap…
Competition was fierce, and mid-race the pack was still tightly bunched…
Founders Keeper leading the field through the jump as Valiant Varty closes in…
Fierce determination from the jockeys…
Tree Camp Trotter and Founders Keeper go rogue…
Big Black and The Mother leopard, both back from the dead it seems, stole the show and claimed the victory…
Post-race victory celebrations.
Wow, it looks like everyone had a great time at Londolozi last night!! I wish I’d been there! Happy New Year and all the very best in 2016!
Happy New Year to all at Londolozi may 2016 be peaceful, happy, blessed , successful, full of love , and full of hope. You are all part of a wonderful family. Lots of love to the dear Varty family. From Di, Rotorua, New Zealand.
Magic xx
You guys have rolled up the old year in grand style…. a tribute to the Duncan and his team.
I so enjoyed the Gin Blog series… but only two cocktails…have I missed any?
Wishing all at Londolozi an exciting and peaceful 2016.
A happy new year to you too Trevor and Marina! Thank you for your support. Have no fear- the final of the Gin Blog trilogy will be airing later this month. We’d love to hear your thoughts once it’s aired. All the best for 2016. Best regards, Amy
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL YOU FABULOUS PEOPLE. Fun to SEE you ANDREA, PHIL, HI TOO TO Greg.
Susie, & Andrew from Oz
Looks like you all had a fabulous night ringing in the new year.. So happy the Mother Leopard and Big Black won!
Hope you all have an amazing 2016 filled with new adventures and many many surprises! Thank you all for the Videos and Blogs of the past year.. I look forward to seeing them!