To appropriately bring in the new year, we returned to our roots and to the place where it all began. To a place long before the birth of the safari industry. A time prior to Land Rovers and leopards. A period preceding lodges and luxury. An era nearly a hundred years ahead of what has become the great economy of wildlife and a place in time where sharing a Gin & Tonic, with a knowledgeable safari guide, was something of the imagination.
Instead, a time when the remote parts of eastern South Africa were largely untrammelled. A time sandwiched between the two great World Wars. A time when South Africa’s raining Prime Minister, Paul Kruger, showed his vision by proclaiming the countries first national park. And a time where tennis parties in Johannesburg were simply all the rage.
It was around this time, in 1926, when two friends, Charles Boyd Varty and Frank Unger, attended a tennis match. No doubt the combination of tennis and gin resulted in the purchasing of the property that would later become the story that is Londolozi.
This year we bring you the Original Tennis Party at the Londolozi Tennis Club.
“It seems that many great decisions in life begin with Gin & Tennis” – Dave Varty
Simply sophisticated tables with hanging lights and candles set the mood for a perfect twilight evening.
On New Year’s Eve we celebrated not only that fateful tennis game but bold strokes, a pioneering spirit, adventure and a few gin and tonics! We re-created the “Original” Londolozi Tennis Club with summer nights, craft gin, tennis whites and lemon…
So, without further ado, here are some images from yesterday’s splendid evening, along with 9 resolutions for 2019:
1. Knocking For Service
Exploring: Take time this year to travel, be more spontaneous, discover new places and get out of your comfort zone.
Beetroot hummus, pea and edamame mouse, pistachio and topped with charcoal soil: The Magical Garden, one of the five courses.
2. First Set
Positivity: View things in a new light, see the best in people and promote what you love.
No tennis match is complete without the ball girls, Tally Smith, Christy Jordan and Sam Burnell, wore their whites with pride.
Greg Minter-Brown, Mark Webster and Ben Delport holding the fort at the Deuce Bar.
3. Centre Court
Love: Cherish friendships, reconnect, reach out, remember fond memories and make new ones. Have an open heart, do what you love, embrace people and experiences and show appreciation for them.
Tennis Ritz: Avocado with butter poached lobster, tempura prawns and homemade aioli, finished with a squeeze of lime. Our tennis party main spread consisted of platters of Sparta lamb sosaties, Londolozi signature chicken skewers with sticky ginger sauce, wood-fired pineapple braised pork ribs and chipotle and honey marinaded salmon were served. In addition char-grilled corn ribs, masala rubbed sweet potatoes and fresh asparagus accompanied the spread.
We stuck with our tradition of embracing theatrics on New Year’s Eve, and Duncan organised a skit and recruited all the Rangers as actors. Here Duncan introduces the play: “It’s no secret that Londolozi and its position in the heart of the Sabi Sand game reserve enjoys some of the best game viewing in South Africa. So it’s no surprise that there is a fair degree of expectation around quality sightings that are well interpreted. As much as our rangers and trackers believe in showcasing all facets of this wilderness there’s no escaping the thrill of a high profile predator sighting or being amongst a herd of elephants as they pass by the vehicle. They’re not called the Big Five for nothing! And although the roots of this term stem from the early hunting era there is no doubt that the Big Five are also quite easy on the eye. Okay a buffalo is sort of on the edge but they’re still formidable beasts. But what about those who never get the lime light? Surely, they should also have their day in the sun. So without further ado we give you this year’s New Year’s production – The Ugly Five!”
Rangers Bruce Arnott and Paul Danckwerts play the role of the wildebeest, one of The Ugly 5.
4. Tramlines
Writing: Embrace your creativity, make time for it and keep track of phrases that resonate with you. Keep a journal, send more letters and experiment with words.
After dessert the dance floor took to life.
5. Deuce
Reflection:Evaluate your progress, celebrate positives, learn from experience and move forward.
General Manager Duncan “McEnroe” MacLarty and his team of tennis players ready to run the court.
Ranger Sean Zeederberg takes up the racket to a whole new level!
6. Volley
Skills: Learn a new skill or hobby, and make more time for what you love. Take a class, further a skill, take risks, make mistakes, get better, practice and remember to have fun.
No gin is quite complete without additions of grapefruit, cucumber and blueberries.
Match Point was decadently laden with gold-specked brownies, homemade macarons, pistachio and cranberry nougat and Londolozi fudge.
7. Ace
Reading: Make time for this, read often, find new meaning, try a new genre and share what you learn.
The Deuce Bar…
Duncan MacLarty “John McEnroe”, Michael Ryan, Toby Ryan and Alex Jordan in their tennis attire.
8. Double Fault
Health: Move, try new classes, eat cleaner, attempt yoga, and push yourself.
9. Break Point
Giving: Volunteer, share wealth, be open minded, remember the effectiveness of small acts of kindness, be selfless, be creative with your giving, give of your time and do it with passion.
As the sun went down on the last day of 2018, we looked forward to the new dawn of 2019.
Ranger Greg Pingo shows his moves on the tennis court.
We wish you all a wonderful 2019, with love from the Londolozi Family.
Stunning Anna. Each year just get better. Food looked amazing. Decor fantastic. Love the advice for the new year.
Looks like a crazy night!! Great words to live by there too.
Beautiful! Was loads of fun.
Another spectacular New Year’s Eve Londolozi gathering with many wise words for us to remember. Wishing you all good luck, health, joy and great adventures in 2019.
A happy & Fantastic 2019 to all @ Londolozi!
What a way to enter a new year! Food photos induced a mouth watering sensation, especially the tempura/lobster appetizer!
Thought provoking blog………
Anna and Londoz team, what a beautiful event! You always make NYE at Londoz a very special time and the food, decorations and all the lodoz staff looked looked like the 5 stars Londoz is always! I know our friends Leonard and Mary Lee Haas had the most amazing time!!! We’ll be joining you next year. Congrats and Happy 2019 to all!