No two stays are the same at Londolozi. Each one is completely unique to the individual, filled with a variety of beautiful moments and scenes that make up your time with us. In this blog, I want to reflect on a few of my favourite moments that I feel contribute to the magical “Londolozi Feeling” that you get to experience when you visit us.
Awakening your senses on a game drive:
Venturing out on a game drive is certainly a soul-stirring experience – one that heals your soul and soothes your senses. The first few moments after setting out on a game drive are my favourite. An immense feeling of peace fills your mind as you leave the car park and enter the wild, natural landscape of Londolozi. Breathing in the fresh air, taking in the big open skies, and the overwhelming feeling of excitement of the unknown – you never know what sightings you may stumble across during your time out in the wild. The sights, smells, and sounds that you encounter on a game drive make for an extremely immersive experience with nature, a feeling that you most likely will never forget.
Slipping into your private pool:
Tucked away in the privacy of your suite/chalet, is a wonderfully cool plunge pool overlooking the lush surrounding wilderness. As we start to head into our warmer months, nothing beats the feeling of slipping into the refreshing waters of your plunge pool. Let me describe the moment to you: you have just arrived back from your morning game drive and the African heat is beginning to set in. While the wildlife retreat to the shade to escape the heat, you retreat to the coolness of your chalet. You pour yourself a refreshing drink from your minibar and you’re all set for a wonderfully relaxing time by your pool as you await your next game drive.
Refreshing gin and tonics at a Varty Camp Chalet.
Sundowners in the African Wilderness:
Soft golden light. Panoramic views of the wilderness. A sip of a Gin and Tonic. Nothing compares to a magical African sunset and what better way to soak up the brilliantly coloured red and orange skies than in the middle of the African wilderness – with a drink in hand of course. I always find sundowners in the African bush a wonderful opportunity for reflection. A chance to marvel at the golden-lit surroundings, to feel the crunch of the African sand beneath your shoes and listen to the calming surrounding sounds of nature. I can only describe Londolozi’s sundowner experience as awe-inspiring. It’s a wonderful opportunity to not only connect with one another, but also with our natural surroundings.
Walking into a Londolozi boma:
The only way I could think to describe walking into a Londolozi boma is pure magic. It doesn’t get more magical than following lantern-lit pathways that lead you to the spectacular set-up of a boma. When you first enter, your eyes will be met with an intricate set-up of candles and lanterns that decorate the interior of the boma beautifully. As you wander deeper into the boma you’ll start to hear the crackles of the roaring fire. You’ll soon be greeted by the infectiously happy faces of the butlers, ready to serve you a glass of delicious red wine. To top this magical experience off, you get to dine under the stars. This is one of my favourite ways to appreciate a star-filled African sky.
I’ve been lucky enough to attend a fair number of boma dinners during my time at Londolozi, and I can honestly say that the “wow” factor of entering a boma has never gone away.
The magical Varty Camp Boma.
I’ve only scraped the surface with this round-up of magical moments, but there are so many more to be experienced at Londolozi. I’d love to know what your favourite moment was at Londolozi, let me know in the comment section below…
Megan, I think you covered 4 of the most magical moments that most of us experience during a stay in Londolozi, but I’ve one more to add. Whilst enjoying an evening in the lantern lit boma, a special magical occurrence begins when the Londolozi Ladies Choir files into the area with their joyous voices, and instruments playing in the background. Their performance certainly produces “goosebumps” and I look forward to it each visit. I have to confess that I love having the plunge pool as a place to relax and cool off after a busy morning, but I find so many other activities to explore/experience as well as engage in interesting conversations with staff and guests alike that the pool doesn’t get used often. No matter, it’s there when it counts.
Megan, an addendum: magical is a jaffle brunch in the Manyeleti riverbed or a breakfast picnic out in the bush; and let’s add in to the Londolozi Ladies Choir performance, JV playing his guitar and swaying along with them – that’s really special!!
Beautifully described, Denise! Thank you for sharing your magical Londolozi moments.
What a beautiful picture you painted with your story about the magic of Londolozi. Thank you Megan for sharing.
Such a pleasure, William. Thank you for reading.
Thanks for describing these magical moments.
I would like to add the chorus of all the birds in the morning while the sun rises and the evening sounds of the frogs,cicadas and night birds. It’s so soothing to go to sleep while they are having their nightly concerts. And sitting on my veranda during siesta and watching the birds,monkeys and tortoises that keep you company there.
These are only a few magic moments one can have in the bush, there are so many more…
Thank you for sharing a few of your magical moments, Christa. I couldn’t agree with you more, the sounds of nature are incredibly soothing.
Megan your description of the magic moments at Londolozi sound so beautiful and also breathe taking. I haven’t been to Londolozi yet, but the way you describe everything sounds just out of this world. From the game drive through to the boma area with the pictures to show is absolutely astounding.
Thank you so much, Valmai. Hopefully, you’ll be able to experience these magical moments at Londolozi soon.
A really nice blog Megan. Londolozi truly is a very special and magical place. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much, Leonie. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
I love your descriptions of your magical moments, Megan. I can relate to each but need to add my #1 – the moment when a lion or a leopard walks right past my vehicle, almost close enough to touch, turns it’s head and looks right at me! Phew! Goose bumps just thinking about it!
Thank you very much, Mary. That certainly is a thrilling moment!
Sundowners are magical – nothing like the twilight hour in the bush. I would add: Sitting with a herd of elephants for as long as I can convince others to stay! On my birthday in 2018, I got to sit with them for a long while, with only the ranger, guide and husband along…a life event. Plus the ladies sang for me, I had a special picnic in the bush, staff gave me an elephant statue that I still cherish. All magical moments!
I’m elated that you were able to experience such magical moments on your birthday, Linda!
As I’ve not yet visited, this only makes the anticipation greater!! Thank you for bringing these four iconic moments to life for me Megan!!