For as long as I can remember, I have always been inexplicably drawn to light – in all its forms. Every day I find myself stunned at the magic that light paints all around me, it crafts beauty from the very moment it enters the morning sky, to when it makes way for a different kind of light – the mysterious moonlight starry sky. 

The artistry that light creates is not just its dazzling colours, to me, it holds memories, connections, it is a companion through all seasons of life in its various configurations. 

The Opening Act: Sunrise

The light switched on our world, in the form of the sunrise. The star that rises each day, the sun, ignites rich colours across the land and begins to awaken Africa from its resting slumber. From the sun flows rays of warmth, bringing brightness to our long safari days. I have always loved how the sunrise highlights the wilderness and its inhabitants – it seems to emphasise all creatures from the fluffed-up birds, to the yellow-gold coat of a stretching lazy lion. The land too seems to sparkle with the rising of the new day, as dew from the evening before glistens and melts into the earth, and the gleaming glowy haze that accompanies the dawn’s chorus is something truly unforgettable, and a must to experience in Africa. 

Igniting Londolozi with such brilliance, the sun seems to rise with such casual elegance. Each day that the sun shines, Londolozi seems to shine right back – celebrating, and rejoicing in those toasty, golden rays. On your next adventure at Londolozi, take a moment as you sip on your steaming “bush coffee” and admire the sunrise – she’s a real fascination, you won’t be disappointed.

Sitting on Ximpalapala Koppie, I was at a total loss for words whilst watching the dawn of a new day arouse Londolozi. A Sunrise I will never forget.

Intermission: Daylight 

The daylight brings activity. I find that daylight is at its most magnificent where the sun shines through the tree canopies creating dappled light, with captivating shadows that seem to sway throughout the camp’s during the day. The sun’s rays intensify, deepen and accompany you during the various daily activities on offer between game drives. Whether it’s splashing around poolside, sipping on your favourite Londolozi cocktail, editing photographs in our Photographic Studio, or relaxing whilst you spend time in the Healing House, take a moment to listen to the rustling sounds of a troop of monkeys swinging through the trees hanging over the Sand River, and look out for that dappled light!

As you prepare for your afternoon game drive, look out over the Sand River at the bold blue sky as you take a bite of that decadent chocolate cake. It may be dotted with fluffy white clouds that have lazily drifted in with a welcomed gentle breeze. The afternoon sun now moves towards its final act.. but not before another of it’s jaw-dropping performances. 

The Big Finale: Sunset 

My favourite part. 

The afternoon sun then bathes Londolozi with its burning light. Specks of dust seem to dance in the sunlight as the sun plunges lower in the sky as you listen to a symphony of cricket’s whilst searching for that elusive leopard. The afternoon sun then descends into a glorious vibrant sunset, that no photograph ever quite does justice. The sky is then ablaze with the fire of the setting sun. The slanting rays, and cotton-candy colours give a warm, orange-pink tinge to the sky. These are colours that an artist may struggle to recreate with paint, they are just beautiful. 

The sun then trumpets one last time dipping under the horizon, as it kisses Africa goodnight. Yet the sky remains afire with luminous rainbow-like colours. You watch in wonder as you sip on a refreshing gin and tonic, beside your loved ones on the adventure of a lifetime – a Londolozi safari. Whilst the sky moves through its fluorescent colour palette, silhouettes of Marula trees stick out of the wide open crests and predators begin to roam through their kingdom. If photographs don’t capture the sunsets we see here justice, then I’m not sure that words will either, but believe me, they will take your breath away – they are truly remarkable!

The Final Encore: A Moonlight Starry Night 

The radiant colours don’t stop after the sun disappears, they continue until the very last drop of light. The only constant is the speed at which night’s companion, the moon, takes the lead and turns the colourful dusk into a starry night sky. Nightfall brings a different kind of opportunity for the creatures of the night. Even in the velvet dark, there is beauty. 

The night sky is now aglow with bright city lights, the moon seems to trickle drops of silver down onto Londolozi. The only sounds to break the silence of the night is the occasional territorial call of the current dominant male lions, the hoo of owls, crackle of fire, and the sudden eruption of laughter.

Nightfall then calls you to its friend – firelight. As you gather around the Boma fire for your African feast, you now take part in one of our favourite Londolozi traditions – storytelling. Firelight invites you to gather with those around you, listening to the flickering light, clinking of cheer-sing glasses, and the sounds that rumble from beyond the camp. This is the perfect setting for connection, merriment, romance and not to mention some fun. 

Celebrate life’s simplicities. 

Make time to treasure the sunrise, and it will bring you hope with the new day. 

Cherish the radiant sunset, it may bring you peace and leave you speechless. 

The nightfall will infuse you with wonder as you gaze up at the story painted in the sky.

Appreciating light in all its forms leaves you with a huge sense of gratitude for the earth, connecting you to those around you, leaving you feeling refreshed and grounded, and I promise, the mystical colours are bound to inspire you. The ability to see nature in all her stunning variation is a great gift to us all. Light is one of the simple joys in life, all we need to do is look up and enjoy the show.