We entered into 2020 in glitter, sequins, gold and feathers and with the beats of Fleetwood Mac being played onto a black and white checkered dance floor. This New Year’s Eve we brought Studio 54 to Londolozi! Studio 54 has a link to Londolozi, and so this story created the theme for the evening and also was the basis of the play narrated by Duncan MacLarty after main course. The story goes as follows:
In the summer of 1979 Dave and John Varty teamed up Fleetwood Mac, Cheryl Tiegs and artist Peter Beard to raise money to relocate elephants in South Africa. They attempted to do this by hosting an event at the hottest nightclub in the world, Studio 54! This was known as the “Buy An Elephant Party”. Although the event didn’t create as much profit as anticipated, the topic of live elephant relocation was exposed to powerful and influential people, which ended up helping the cause. To pay tribute to this event and as well as the excuse to dress up in 70’s gear, we chose Studio 54 as 2019’s theme.
Happy New Year to our extended Londolozi Family, we hope you enjoy the images of our festive evening below:
A ticket stub place cards and shimmering gold menu cards reflected what would have been at the original Studio 54 party.
The drink of that interesting night in 1979: The Freddy Fudd Pucker, freshly squeezed orange juice with a splash of tequila and vanilla.
Disco balls, feathers and lights set the theme for our champagne bar, in Fleetwood Mac style – Rumours!
Our Tusker bar, with a print of the original “Buy The Elephant” invitation, the perfect watering hole.
Londolozi Staff Member, Cry Sithole, gets ready to shake, rattle and roll in the Tusker Bar.
Some of the Ranging Team strutting their best 70’s look, disco surely made them do it.
The Londolozi Kitchen Team, all ready to cook up a storm.
Repeat guests Sean and Richard were the first guests to rock up.
Londolozi Staff Members, Sarah, the DJ of the night: Caroline Wallington, and Jess MacLarty gave the mirror ball some serious competition with all their sparkles.
Bread boards: plaited white bread rolls, rye crisps and olive bread sticks served with our village green gazpacho.
The Camp Manager Team lead by Duncan MacLarty
Following a 70’s trend of food served on food – Londolozi chicken and pineapple skewers drenched in our signature sticky ginger sauce…delicious!
General Manager Duncan MacLarty, with his wife Jess looking spectacular.
Ranger Josh Attenborough tries to show his guests the 70’s moves.
Granite Camp guests, the Eilers, joined us from Chicago with Greg Pingo as their Ranger.
Founders Camp guest, Paul Geuvers, in his tailor-made coat, especially made for this Studio 54 night. He poses wearing his brilliant golden, leopard trimmed, smoking jacket together with his wife Sylvie.
Operations Manager William Ford gives his best 70’s impersonation
Ranger Alfred Mathebula strikes a 2020 pose with his multiple repeat guest Kristine Dong.
Rangers Bruce Arnott and Rob Jeffrey played the part of Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood from the band Fleetwood Mac.
Dreams were made with the Chalmar beef fillet skewers served with a beer mustard cream.
Hands down this trio were up there with the best dressed; silk shirts, ruffles and peace signs. Nick Earle, Phil Nicholls and Mitch Thorpe took the theme very seriously and it showed.
Chef Nomsa Madubula puts the finishing touches to Second Hand News.
Second hand news- East Coast lobster mousse served with sautéed prawns and horseradish crème fraîche
Starry silhouettes were lit up with UV lights to reflect and African nights sky and disco balls hung from trees.
Once again the Ryan family did not disappoint in their flower power and psychedelic colours, it was fabulous to have them back on our New Year’s dance floor.
Sweet little lies played out with caramel dipped donuts, chocolate brownies, gold dusted meringues and 70s themed cheese sticks, served on vinyl.
Varty Camp Manager, Sarah Theodosio is all smiles as she serves the vinyl delights lit up with sparkles.
Ranger Nick Sims 2.0 shows our guests how to get down on the checkered dance floor.
Camp Manager Tippy Brewitt hands out the Graham Beck Brut bubbles for the count down to 2020.
Happy New Year!
Sparkles were the theme of the night, staff members Leah, Kayla, Roxy and Amy in their disco attire.
Wishing you all an incredible 2020 full of abundance … and a little dash of disco!
Thank you Londolozi family for an unforgettable and magical experience. I cannot imagine a better way to see in the “new roaring 20s”. There are no words or sufficient gratitude to express how much we appreciate the efforts of the entire team to ensure each of us was wined, dined and entertained so magnificently. Anna, your food was an absolute triumph of biblical proportions and Duncan’s artistry legendary. A special mention to Cheryl’s character, who embodied her fully in all her vigor! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you Sean – was so lovely to have you both here!
Anna, what a great tribute to save the Elephants – I loved all the photos, and the Happy New Year toast at the end!
Happy 2020!
Closed my eyes and reimagined my initial visit to this legendary destination in New York, Of course the menu did not approach Chef’ Anna’s imaginative creations.
Wishing a positive 2020 to all!
Thank you Vin! Happy New Year to you and Michelle and hope to see you back at Londolozi again soon!
“And a great time was had by all”.,,,, what a magnificent night you all shared. Londolozi certainly knows how to throw a party, starting with the theme, decor, dress code, food, drinks, and music. Holidays in the Bush never fail to disappoint and you seem to lead the way. Happy New Year to all of you!
Thank you Denise! Happy New Year to you as well!
Happy New Year! Wish I’d been there to celebrate with such a fabulous group!
Thank you Chelsea – wishing you a fabulous 2020!
Happy New Year to all of you at Londolozi!! By all the pictures it definitely looks like a damn good time was had by all. 😀
Thank you Joanne – Happy 2020!
What a fabulous way to begin a new year! Congratulations to everyone for all the imaginative costumes and a salute to Anna and her talented staff! See you all in 28 days! Victoria
Thank you Victoria! Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Thank you for sharing your New Year 2020 celebrations and pics with us all. It was moth watering to look at all the delicious food. All were having a great time and everyone dressed beautifully. Memories were made to last a lifetime. Wishing one and all at Londolozi a safe, happy and healthy 2020.
Thank you Leonie – we wish you a Happy and Healthy 2020 as well.
Hau’oli Makahiki Hou. What a wonderful party you had…..costumes….deco….food. Londo does it once again.
Happy New Year Judith!
WOW Anna … once again a riveting evening with delicious food and lots of fun! How you do all that you and your staff do for one evening is spectacular! We love the decorations, place settings & all the informal pics! The photo booth really also added some serious winners!!!
Thanks Bob & Lucie! It certainly is a fun evening, albeit very warm on this particular night! Happy New Year to you both as well.
the NYE party looked like a splendid time. Happy New Years to our Londo family.
Happy New Year to you Christy!
Another splendid New Year Party at Londolozi and thanks for sharing – so much fun, happiness and delicious food. What an amazing team!
Thanks Mum!
Wonderful! We can’t wait to be back in April!!!
Happy New Year from Renata, Alessia, Manuela and Stefano!
Happy New Year The Rettore Family! we look forward to seeing you soon!