There is a simple pleasure of sitting around a fire with good company, in fact it’s a tough feeling to beat! But those who have had the pleasure of sitting around a fire in the African bush, will know that there is no better feeling.
The Fire at Varty Camp Boma has been burning in the same place for nearly 100 years. So, whether you’re walking into the boma for the first time, or the hundredth time, the feeling remains the same, welcome home.
The original Londolozi camp, now known as “Varty Camp”.
The traditional paraffin lanterns and candles housed by brown paper bags that were once used as the only source of light throughout the camp, are still used today to bring the boma to life in the evenings. The careful placement of the lanterns all along the wall of the boma as well as the brown bags placed in the sand to light the way, never fails to draw out a ‘wow’ reaction each time you enter the space. We believe fire light does something special to the soul…
The Pioneer Camp Boma coming to life with lanterns and candles.
The wine station welcomes you, boasting some of South Africa’s best-loved family owned wines. Across the sandy boma lies the fully stocked bar, ensuring our guests are well equipped before making their way to the benches around the central fire. Those of you who have visited us in summer will know that there is no need for a campfire during our balmy evenings. So you might see a lantern in its place in summer, still a flame nevertheless.
It is on these benches and around this fire that some of the best memories of a safari adventure are made. I often wonder just how many wild and legendary tales have been told over the years. Whether it’s meeting the other guests in camp and exchanging stories, or getting to know the Varty Camp team and rangers a little better, the chatter and laughter coming from around the fire can be heard from all around and late into the night.
Varty Camp Fire burning in the “early days” and not much has changed.
It’s not only the light coming from the various flames that creates such a special atmosphere, but rather its a space that returns you to an older rhythm, connecting you through conversation with a diverse group of people. It is a sacred time without modern distractions – a rare opportunity to find in this day and age.
Pictures will never do the boma justice, but it’s worth a try.
Once each table is ready for dinner, guests are welcomed at the buffet by the amazing chefs who have been preparing their meals throughout their stay. There is often plenty laughter and conversation that comes from the buffet as chefs and guests exchange stories and jokes whilst the food is being carefully dished onto the plates. It’s in these moments that one is reminded about how special the space is, and why for nearly 100 years it has been the curator of some of the best memories of Londolozi for guests and staff alike.
Children also love the sand-filled bomas – it makes for the perfect canvas.
The Varty Boma has seen many late nights, heard many fireside tales and has orchestrated many lifelong memories and friendships. There is an atmosphere that the Varty Boma creates that makes it one of the best spots here at Londolozi and arguably, throughout the rest of Africa.
We would love to hear about some of your favourite memories around a fire or your nights in Varty Boma?
Main Varty Camp Boma circa 1980
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All that is missing are the night sounds and the smell of the bush.
Having spent several evenings
enjoying both the Varty and Founders Camp bomas, I can attest to the specialness of sitting around the campfire, sipping a favorite beverage whilst sharing a variety of stories and experiences with other guests and staff alike. I’m looking forward to returning to Londolozi and sharing those magical moments.
That looks so inviting and full of enthusiasm for all to have, in a beautiful atmosphere with friends and family. Picture beautiful and I am sure many have had such an evening there at Londolozi. Wish I could also enjoy that wonderful atmosphere.
Magical moments around a campfire, life doesn’t get much better.
Ashleigh, thanks so much for bringing back the special memories of our time in the Varty Camp Boma. You are right, it feels so special, and we feel like we are coming home each time we arrive there! The candlelight and fires burning there are what makes that visual experience so special. Of course the fabulous food and wine that goes along with the experience, and the incredible staff looking after us tops off the magical experience!
Nice post Ashleigh! There is nothing quite like the feeling you get walking into a Boma. It is a feeling of being welcomed, of warmth, of kinship, of friendship, of camaraderie, of the expectation of good food and drink around a campfire. It’s one of our favorite things at Londolozi and we miss that back here in “civilization” (if you can call all the craziness around us that)!
Also, I wish you had included a picture of the Granite Boma because it is beautiful and Ange/Robert do a really wonderful presentation with it and it’s unique firepit!
Oh yes, would love to see photos of the Granite Suites boma 🙏
I miss the original Bush Camp sitting on logs in the Boma.
Ashleigh, if the Boma could speak, what wonderful stories there would be for all to hear ❤️
After multiple visits to Varty & Founders Bomas, the feeling remains the same as the very first time! It’s just a magnificent way to cap off a day of adventures.
The first night we were at Londolozi we drove in from the afternoon safari to find the entire parking area turned into a dining room with lanterns and dancing. the staff. we were thrilled. we have had many dinners in the boma always special and 2 dinners in the bush
part 2:our dinners in the bush were fantastic, wonderful food and lots of talk followed both times by a lesson in astronomy conducted by Alfie and his magic flashy! Victoria
Best Bomas was on my first visit to Londolozi. We had a bush Bomas away from the camp and it was magical.
One of the most wonderful things in the world: sitting around a fire in the bush, whether it’s a boma or – even better – a fire directly out in the bush, under a wide sky of sparkling stars!
Listening to the sound of the bush, smelling its smells and dreaming of a wonderful, exciting new day of surprising meeting with animals.