For those of you who have visited Londolozi, you might recognise this familiar and friendly face who can often be found on the Founder’s Camp Deck. Whether it be guarding the breakfast buffet from the mischievous monkeys or making sure his guests are enjoying their meals – he is always there making sure things go smoothly. If he’s not at Founders Camp, you may find him with his bees, making sure they are happy and safe.

He is known to reply to the question ‘how are you?’ with the answer ‘full of joy’ …

I’m sure you’ve guest it already – I’m talking about Simon Sambo.

Simon has grown tremendously at Londolozi, moving from different positions and landing up in one that he thrives in – a Founders Camp Manager. We managed to find some time to sit with Simon in between looking after his guests…

“In my Londolozi career I have risen and grown through many positions and now I have reached the Camp Manager position – a position which I am very proud to be in. Looking back over the years I believe that it was passion, vision and self-drive that has helped me grow and develop in the Londolozi Family. I am continuously thankful for the opportunity that I received – the rare and unique chance to work in a game reserve with the loving community of Londolozi. Meeting international and local guests and working with my colleagues are both aspects of my job that I love – many  have become life-long friends. What I love most about my job is that I get to share stories of our little piece of paradise with the world. Seeing happy guests is what keeps me going and keeps me energised.

The exquisite Founders Camp

Without further ado – I’d like to introduce you to the dream team (in my non-bias opinion) and to one of Londolozi’s beautiful camps – Founders Camp…

Pic of Simon, Drea, Ash

Ashleigh, Vusi, Lauren and Thoko wait for guests to arrive back from morning game drive

With exceptional members of the Londolozi Family and with just 20 guests in our 10 suites, the Founders Camp Team is lead by myself, Andrea and Ashleigh. Whilst having fun with my team and enjoying the spectacular views form the deck – what brings me the greatest is joy is when guests are made to feel special, cared for and welcome. When I hear Founders Camp being referred to as guests’ second-home, my heart bursts.

Founders Camp deck at twilight

When you have visited Londolozi you’ll soon realise that it’s not only about the safari – there is so much more to your stay. Your journey of discovery doesn’t end when you return to camp after your game drive – the Founders Camp Team has been busy while you’ve been out exploring and have always got a surprise in store. The Camp Decks are transformed into surreal scenes with lanterns, candles and of course an incredible view slowly fading away with the day. Dining at Londolozi offers guests a unique culinary experience, seamlessly blending fresh local ingredients with African inspired recipes. Our ever changing menu at Londolozi is created by our wonderful Executive Chef Chane

Sitting around the boma campfire is a great space for Rangers, Camp Managers and guests to trade safari, cultural and life stories. Sit around the fire for as long as you like because our butlers will make sure that the wine glasses don’t get dry. Guided by our belief that a meal can be transformed into an extraordinary experience – we pair our cuisine with wine that uplifts and enhances your senses. Please don’t hesitate to ask me to recommend wines for you – it will be my pleasure.

You’ll then head off to bed and, with no doubt, have a well deserved sleep after a big day. The Founders Camp Suites are found under the shade of ancient Ebony and Matumi trees along the banks of the Sand River. Wake up to bird song and river-front views before heading out on another thrilling drive. Another highlight of working at Founders Camp is that we can accommodate children. Seeing a family walk onto the Founders Camp Deck brings me such happiness – and our team will be just as excited to meet the little ones and explain to them the many activities they can do during the course of the day and of course show them the famous monkeys and genets which hang out around our deck. The Founders Family Suites have interconnecting sky walks – and so this makes this camp one of the best for families.

Then it’s time for breakfast! You’ll be ready to enjoy a cup of coffee on the Founders Camp Deck after you’ve been out on your safari adventure. We serve the most delicious breakfasts (again, a non-bias opinion). Breakfasts are a scrumptious affair and include fruit platters, mueslis and cold meats, and the chef will be on hand to plate up a choice of steaming hot breakfast options. And then there’s the view… My tip would be to keep an eye on the comings and goings of the wild animals as they wander down to the perennial Sand River.

There is so much more to Founders Camp that I could tell you – but I think we need to leave some things for your arrival. Now that you’ve met our team and seen how a day looks at our camp, we hope that you are inspired to come and visit us in Africa – we have so much to show you and stories to tell…” ~ Simon Sambo