As a night owl, Londolozi after dark is undeniably one of my favourite times. The magic of Londolozi doesn’t fade when the sun sets; it takes on a whole new dimension as the wilderness comes alive under the starry night sky. With that being said, here are a few enchanting moments that, for me, define the magic of Londolozi after dark.
Boma Dinners
For those who are yet to discover the magic of our boma dinners, allow me to introduce you to this cherished tradition. The heart of this dining experience lies within an open-air enclosure, enclosed by a rustic wooden fence, creating an intimate space that sets the scene for a one-of-a-kind dining experience under the stars. Adorned with lanterns, candles, and a central fire, the boma springs to life, casting a warm and inviting glow that transforms the surroundings.
The sensation of stepping into an African boma is unlike any restaurant that I’ve been to. It’s more than just dining; it’s an experience where the fire itself carries the stories and spirits of generations, adding a layer of depth to the atmosphere that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Londolozi’s Nocturnal Residents
When night falls at Londolozi – a diverse range of creatures awaken, each contributing to the nocturnal symphony of the wild. While you might not always see these elusive nocturnal creatures, their presence is undeniable as you enjoy dinner under the starlit sky or retreat to your room for the night. Listening to the nighttime sounds definitely deepens my connection to nature, whether it’s the powerful call of a lion, the captivating calls of bush babies, or the never-ending chorus of crickets.
A focused African Barred Owlet scans the darkness.
A young male lion mid-roar under the night sky.
A thick-tailed bushbaby peeping from behind a branch.
Fireside Stories
There’s something incredibly special about sitting around a fire with great company, and those who’ve experienced it in the African wilderness know there’s nothing quite like it. I find that sitting around a fire offers a unique chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with both the people and nature that surround us. Essentially taking us back to our roots.
Guests often gather around our boma fires to share stories and experiences from their day’s safari adventures. This communal gathering is a wonderful way to gain a deeper understanding of the wildlife, fellow travellers, and people who call Londolozi home.
Magical Skies
Africa is known for offering some of the clearest night skies in the world, and I have to agree. From the beautiful hues of the twilight sky to the sparkling brilliance of the stars, the evening skies at Londolozi exude pure magic. During your next game drive, be sure to pause and look up at the night sky as you return to camp; you’ll be left in awe by the magnificent display of stars above your head.
Another one of my favourite night-time spectacles is watching a moonrise. It’s a truly special moment: finding the perfect spot in the wilderness and then savouring the sight of the richly coloured moon slowly rising above the horizon.
Once the moon has risen, sitting beneath the moon and stars, just being, brings an immense sense of peace.
Abundance of Lanterns:
When envisioning Londolozi at night, lanterns immediately spring to mind. This is because every night as the sun sets, our pathways and dining areas come alive with the warm glow of lanterns. These lanterns, totalling 640 throughout Londolozi, are an essential and beautiful aspect of your experience, infusing your nights with a magical ambiance.
Room 2 at Private Granite Suites, adorned with lanterns as the evening sets in.
The Tree Camp main deck set up with lanterns, their warm firelight creating a magical ambiance for dinner.
The fire and lanterns are lit, awaiting the return of our guests from their afternoon game drive, setting the scene for a memorable dinner.
I hope I’ve successfully conveyed the enchantment of Londolozi after dark. From the starry African nights to the nocturnal sounds of the wild, nighttime here truly creates a sense of wonder and peace. I’d love to know what your most memorable nighttime experience in nature is?
My most magical night time experience was on my first visit to Londolozi. We had a Boma evening around a fire in the Bush . The whole bar , supper and your amazing staff provided an evening of stories , songs and stars.
Thank you for sharing your magical nighttime experience, Susan! It sounds like a truly magical night around the fire in our boma.
Megan, you painted a beautiful picture of Londolozi at evening. I am sure it is enchanting with all the lanterns.
Thank you so much for your kind words, William. Londolozi’s evenings are truly enchanting, and the lanterns add that extra touch of magic to the experience.
I love the starry nightskies and the wonderfully illuminated decks of the different camps. I also love the boma dinners , the fire in the middle the beautiful lanterns around the boma, the friendliness and great hospitality of alle the staff. And, of course, I love the nocturnal animals when they agree to be seen.
Thank you for sharing your love for Londolozi’s starry nights, illuminated decks, Boma dinners, and our staff, Christa!
Megan all the bomas and decks are so beautifully decorated with the lanterns, so romantic. It brings totally another atmosphere to the decks and bomas. I’m sure sitting outside by the fire is followed by a lot of story telling of the day’s spent watching and experiencing the bush i all it’s glory. Listening to the animal calls must be very interesting to identify the different animals and owls.
Hi Valmai – Absolutely, the lantern-lit decks and bomas create a romantic atmosphere, perfect for post-safari storytelling. Listening to animal calls and owls definitely adds to the nighttime magic!
Every experience at night in Londolozi is magical because it doesn’t exist in my normal daily reality. After returning home from Africa, I quickly yearn for the starry skies, the welcoming warmly lit lanterns and the mysterious pops of light(belonging to any number of creatures) appearing in or near the bushveld during the drive back to the lodge. If one is lucky enough to enjoy an evening in the Boma, that’s a bonus!
Your description captures the enchantment of Londolozi nights perfectly, Denise!