We believe in safari as a journey that immerses the senses and awakens the spirit. To have an encounter with wild animals in the African bush is to discover an essential truth about ourselves and our world. For all of us who live the Londolozi feeling, our deepest wish is to give you the chance to experience this for yourself.
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting with Klara Glowczewska, the Executive Travel editor of Town and Country magazine. Not only does she know a thing or two about travel but she was hugely inspiring to talk to. Like a comfortable couch, we sunk into a discussion about how in the past, everyone seemed to be obsessed with the next new thing or the hottest trend, particularly when it came to travel destinations. If the hotel, spa, or property had not made some sort of huge advancement – a new building upgrade, full renovation within the last 12 months, or the introduction of a revolutionary new concept, many tended to look elsewhere.
But Klara made an important point. With all that we have been through in the last year, she believes that instead of exhausting ourselves by chasing after the very latest of trends, we should rather be looking to a return to the Era of the Classics. To the joy of the known. To the tried and tested. To a place where history and experience still counts. And I couldn’t agree more!
Here’s the thing about classics… they always make a comeback. They are ageless and beloved for a reason. They are returned to for a reason.
While Londolozi prides itself on being pioneers, innovators, and change agents, we value, equally, the fact that we have been at this for nearly 100 years.
Established in 1926, we have had our fair share of successes and failures when it comes to developing new offerings. But, just like a classic vanilla ice cream or a vintage Ralph Lauren shirt, we find that it’s our original ideas – the old faithfuls if you will – that truly bring us, and our guests, back to joy. The Classics of safari are about living close to the wild, the changing seasons, sunlight, and the power of animals (just to scratch the surface). I believe this is why Londolozi has been described as a forever favourite for so many years by so many guests.
From the early days…
… to now, the combination of fun, firelight, music, and friends has always been high up on our list of priorities
While we offer a wide variety of progressive safari offerings – from Wellness retreats to tailored photographic experiences with highly trained professionals – there is something to be said for revisiting the Grand Dame of Londolozi in her classic safari capacity.
Here are three reasons why I believe that returning to The Londolozi Classics will be one of the best travel decisions you could make right now…
Reason #1: “Location, Location, Location”
Wide-open spaces – absolutely nothing beats the expansive landscapes of Africa. The lodge is situated on the Sand River in the very heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. This reserve forms part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a growing area that currently covers six million acres and incorporates the famous Kruger National Park. Wild animals move freely across this vast space, offering spectacular game viewing and a true wilderness experience.
Wordless experiences with animals in their natural habitat. Enough said.
An unmatched experience with the big five of Africa. 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 make us world-famous for wildlife and lie at the heart of the Londolozi feeling. Over the course of more than four decades, a unique relationship has developed between our rangers and trackers and generations of wild leopards. Intimate leopard sightings are frequent here, an experience that our guests agree is a pinnacle life experience.
Experience the joy of nature photography. Incredible light, diverse scenery, and a plethora of African wildlife set the stage for unsurpassed photographic theatre.
Reason #2: Better Health in nature (a classic truth)
Leading the way with the Psychology of safari – where ancient wisdom, modern technology, and nature all intersect to bring your body, mind, and soul back into balance
Prioritising rest and relaxation and grounding you deeply in nature
Resetting the patterns of stimuli – taking you from the hyperstimulation of day-to-day life and facilitating your own reunion with nature
Return to bodywork and the ancient wisdom of healing
Reason #3: Returning to what really matters!
Sitting around a fire under the stars with a good glass of wine and conversation
Beginning and ending your day with African sunrises and sunsets
Good food and good friendship
Laughter, fun, and family
Experiencing the art of the sundowner in Africa – the classic gin and tonic
Learning about new cultures, new creatures, and new worlds
Being part of a living model
When your passports have all been stamped and you are ready to take to the skies again, come and join us and sink into that old feeling…. surrounded by animals, under a blanket of stars. Come and enjoy the simple pleasures of wide-open spaces and warm hospitality. There will always be something new and exciting to chase in the world but, just because we consider ourselves a classic doesn’t mean we’ve lost touch with the essence of safari… quite the opposite. All the simple things that you love about Africa and about getting into nature are right at your fingertips here. And so, returning to Londolozi for one of our trusted classic safaris might just be exactly what you need right now.
An elephant never goes out of style ~ African proverb
You have captured it all. The mixed feelings of serenity and anticipation happen at the first step off the plane,
Being outdoors all day creates an unbelievable experience.
Very nice!
Well said, Amanda. I can’t believe anyone could come to Londolozi and not fall in love with it totally and utterly. It’s my expensive addiction!
Excellent!!!
Thank you Amanda! Returning to travel is certainly the antidote to the pandemic and doldrums felt by us over the past year and I’m so looking forward to my return to the Classic Londolozi safari. My passport is dusted, my vaccinations completed, bookings confirmed, so all I need is the giant silver capsule to fly me half way around the world. See you all in April.
Indeed, animals, animals, animals and African nature, the great pleasures of the bush as such, walks and the wonderfully big sky during the day and the stars at night, sitting around a fire and making new friends – those are the best things in the world.
I am soooo looking forward to it….
I couldn’t agree more Amanda and it’s not because I am of the vintage age 😉It’s more the fact that I fondly remember the Londolozi that I visited so many years ago in all its simplicity. This is what ‘coming home’ means to me and even though you have moved into a different world of what people expect I will truely be happy just to be there and enjoy what comes my way. Simply being with nature and enjoying every sound, smell and sight will be the icing on my cake 🙏🏻💕
I have photos from 1982/3 of Londolozi that I treasure as much as I love those from the 2000s
i am. it sure there is much if anything one could do to BBC Londolozi to make it « better ». we have visited it 6 times and each time was fabulous and different!! waiting for the time when we can again come and visit!! Victoria
Beautiful video and so many wonderful images!! Dying to get there!!
What more could a person want more than the serenity, open fresh air, animals in their own habitat and wonderful hospitality that you get at Londolozi. Wonderfully said Amanda.
Amanda, it’s always great to see a post from you, because somehow you always end up touching our hearts and inspiring us! There is no doubt in our minds that Londolozi is a classic and it feels like coming home every time we pull in the front gate. Each time we return there are upgrades and additions that are thoughtfully added to the experience. All of our senses are engaged and there is always something new that enhances our stay. The special touches that the Londolozi family provides for the guests our carefully integrated into each guests’ time with you. We still use the Lightroom shortcut template that you gave us when we were training together in the photo lab. There are reminders of our time at Londolozi in our home every day! Cheers to a true “classic” and we look forward to our return and a sundowner with a Gin & Tonic (Inverroche please!). Best regards to all!
Oh my, I would love to be there right now!
Can’t wait to get back!