You’ve just stepped off the plane onto the Londolozi airstrip, you breathe in the scent of Africa, and realise, that finally – you have arrived. You are greeted with “Welcome to Londolozi!” by your ranger and tracker team who will be showcasing the majestic wilderness and wildlife to you on safari, they then drive you into camp where you are eagerly welcomed by smiling faces who settle you into your suite. Once you’ve settled, you then join us on deck for lunch and a refreshing beverage.

What would your safari days be without an extra touch of magic that says “enjoy, you are on holiday”? At Londolozi, we do this in a few different ways spread out over your day. You never need to worry, as there is always one of our friendly team members who will gladly pour you a drink of your choice.

Grab a drink, and let me walk you through some of the best of Londolozi’s safari drinks you can look forward to during your stay.

But First, Coffee

The dawn’s chorus rouses you from your restful sleep, you gather your camera equipment and binoculars, and eagerly walk towards the vehicle for your morning safari with great anticipation for what the morning may hold for you. A drive of surprises unfolds, and by midmorning, you are looking forward to stretching your legs and can practically taste the perfect cup of bush coffee paired with the famous Londolozi choc chip cookie that you’ve been anticipating ever since booking your trip with us.

Having a cup of coffee in the bush, to me, is one of life’s greatest pleasures. But if you are interested in adding an extra ingredient of Africa – we recommend adding a dash of Amarula. Amarula is a favourite drink of ours. The creamy liqueur is made from the exotic marula fruit, a delight for many animals such as elephants, baboons, kudu, warthog, vervet monkeys and people alike! Amarula is best enjoyed on a game drive, mixed with your bush coffee as an added splash of Africa – you’ll love it, trust me!

The Breakfast Club

You return to camp after a morning of spectacular sightings and after that delectable bush coffee, it’s time for breakfast. There is an array of beverages to pair with your morning meal, and this choice is a hard one. So here are a few of our favourite accompaniments to the Londolozi breakfast of your choice. Each and every day, there will be a selection of freshly squeezed homemade juices for you to choose from. And this line-up of healthy juices is the perfect way to kick-start your day.

Camp manager Jordan & Butler Trevor smile during breakfast service at Pioneer Camp

Fancy something a little bubblier? After all, you are on holiday on a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so why not celebrate with a bubbly, zesty mimosa. Breakfast at Londolozi’s camps means a moment of uninterrupted peace, whatever your drink of choice is to accompany this moment, you’ll lose track of time gazing out at the expansive views in front of you.

After breakfast there are various activities on offer to you, whether you are walking through Londolozi’s Futuristic African Village, relaxing in the Healing House, or spending time with your ranger editing your images from the morning’s safari in the Photographic Studio, make sure you’re hydrating – ask any of our friendly staff for a bottle of cold water for you to take around with you during your day.

By now, you’ve had a delicious lunch, had a dip in your plunge pool and enjoyed activities with your loved ones. But before you head out for your afternoon safari, join us on deck for a sweet treat and a delicious drink. Our world-famous Londolozi iced coffee or flavoured waters are on offer to you – you don’t want to miss out on these. Now, you are ready to head out on your afternoon safari, grab your hat, slap on that sunscreen and get ready for more breathtaking landscapes, up close and personal sightings, and the ultimate moment of African beauty – sunset.

Happy Hour, Londolozi Style

During your game drive, you have found that elusive leopard, sat with a gentle breeding herd of elephants, and shared moments of stillness on your vehicle. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, you decide to stop for a sundowner with the most magnificent 360 views around you. The sky is ablaze with rich colours, and all you need to complete this perfect moment is the perfect drink. A safari classic comes to mind – an ice-cold, Gin & Tonic. To us, a gin & tonic simply tastes better on safari. It doesn’t matter where I am in the world, a gin & tonic will never taste quite as good as it does whilst watching a sunset at Londolozi.

Or perhaps, you are after “the perfect drink for summer” – an Aperol Spritz. We have seen the rise in popularity of this festive drink – and we are here for it! There is something very special about sipping on this colourful drink, while the sky seems to match it brilliantly with its own colours. It is always 5 o clock somewhere in the world, but I promise you, happy hour is never as good as it is at Londolozi.

The point is: simply being in the bush is enough, even if you don’t come across a lion or leopard. To have great sightings is a bonus, and as you’ll come to realize, a sundowner on safari can add the final highlight to your day.

A storytelling soiree around a 100-year-old fire

Whilst you wind down after your day, you step into the boma, where the Londolozi team are awaiting your arrival to hear about your afternoon whilst sipping on an evening drink around the fire. The fire-side classics spring to mind – a glass of white or red wine, or your favourite whiskey. Listen to storytelling and connect around the glowing fire, under a blanket of stars and appreciate your final meal of the day with us before retiring to your suite for a good night’s sleep, only to do it all over again tomorrow.

Because we love a good drink and there is always time to enjoy one on a holiday at Londolozi, we’ve realised that it’s the small things that make a big difference. Our camp bars are always stocked with world-class beverages, as is your minibar in your private suite. We invite you to try some of our favourite drinks, which are best enjoyed while on a safari at Londolozi!

So sit back, relax, swivel the ice in your glass, and enjoy the best of Londolozi’s safari drinks.