Skip-gen travel: trips where grandparents forge unforgettable memories with their grandchildren. It’s a trend steeped in sentiment, often leading to journeys to places with profound personal meaning.

Being a family-run lodge, Londolozi has always loved looking after families who come to visit us from across the globe – there is something special about family looking after family. With three generations of the Varty family currently living on-site at Londolozi, mastering the tapestry of family-travel has always been something in which we have taken pride. We understand how precious these moments are together but also want to make sure that each individual has a tailored experience, leaving you feeling like you have sucked the marrow out of your vacation. It’s finding that beautiful balance of meaningful family time and time just for you. The Londolozi experience is a blend of laughter around a boma fire, thrilling game drives together and sundowners admiring the endless landscape to a rejuvenating yoga class, a couple’s massage or a photo editing session in the Photographic Studio while the younger members of the family enjoy the activities of Cubs Den. At the end of your safari we hope that each individual, no matter your age, leaves feeling like they have forged unforgettable memories with family members and shared moments. It is these moments that a family can draw on in the challengers of life. This time spent together can never be lost, so if you have been “saving up time for later” maybe today you will realise the only way to save time is to use it in experiences of the heart!

After witnessing numerous multigenerational families returning to Londolozi, we are always touched by the remarkable connection that is formed between families who come on safari together. There are not many activities and vacations that three generations can enjoy together – a safari is truly the sweet spot where age falls away and where the experience ties you together. The Barker Family is a great example of this. We recently spent some time chatting to Rhett Barker who brought his family on safari for his Dad’s, affectionately known as Pop’s, 80th birthday. This trip was Pop’s 12th visit to Londolozi and he had the incredible opportunity of celebrating his birthday with his wife, three sons, along with their wives and nine grandchildren. This was a wonderful example of three generations coming together on safari…

Pop on his 80th birthday safari adventure

1.Why do you keep choosing Londolozi for your family gatherings?

It’s hard to put into words, but there’s a powerful force of nature at Londolozi that draws us in time and time again. It’s not just about the stunning landscapes or incredible wildlife; it’s about the deep compatibility of our family values with the ethos of this place, its people and animals. The overall Londolozi experience has a way of making us feel alive, connected, and inspired in ways that are truly indescribable.

2.Why is safari a good choice when traveling with multiple generations?

Safari is an excellent choice for multi-generational travel, especially for celebrating special occasions like Pop’s 80th Birthday, for several reasons:

1. • Shared Experiences: Safari allows multiple generations to share unforgettable experiences together, such as witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat, enjoying beautiful sunsets, and exploring new ideas and cultures.
   • Educational Opportunity: Safari provides a unique opportunity for younger generations to learn about wildlife conservation, biodiversity, and the importance of preserving natural habitats, while older generations can share their wisdom and experiences.
   • Bonding Time: Being immersed in nature away from the distractions of everyday life fosters quality bonding time among family members. Whether it’s sharing stories around the campfire or spotting animals together on game drives, safari offers ample opportunities for meaningful connections.
   • Adaptability: Safaris offer a variety of activities suitable for different ages and interests, from game drives, yoga, ice baths and guided walks/runs to cultural visits and relaxation at Londozi. This flexibility ensures that everyone in the family can find activities they enjoy.
   • Creating Memories: Celebrating special occasions like birthdays on safari creates lasting memories that will be cherished by all generations. The unique and awe-inspiring experiences of safari often become family stories retold for years to come.

Overall, safari offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and bonding opportunities that make it an ideal choice for multi-generational travel and celebrations.

3.What was it like having three generations together on safari?

The absolute best!! We had just arrived back from our annual beach holiday all together which was amazing but our time at Londoz is extra special as it’s much more focussed and intimate time with each other.

4.What aspects did you enjoy while being together as a family?

There are so many aspects of Londoz that we enjoy; we love blending into the Londoz family and catching up with old and new Londoz family members who are all so interesting and keen share their thoughts and ideas and have some good clean fun including lots of laughter, we love to learn and explore all aspects of nature from the trees to all creatures big and small, we also enjoy the unpredictability of nature and how varied it can be from drive to drive. The less “pressure” we place on our trackers and rangers the more “magic” is created on each of our drives or walks, which often ends up being incredibly exciting or quiet and relaxing. We love the daily yoga and ice bath plunges with a bush run and possibly a session in the gym. We really loved being together at drinks stops while out on drive and all mealtimes. The list could go on…..

5.What is your favourite memory/moment of the trip?

There are too many to mention but a highlight for us all was witnessing three wild dogs on an evening hunt which was so exciting because we had been looking for them for the whole afternoon and magically bumped into them just before sunset.

6.Was there a specific event where you celebrated the 80^th? What was that like?

We planted a Marula tree in the Founders parking lot to commemorate my Dads 80^th Birthday with Duncan and the Londoz Team – it was extra special.

7.What do you think the Londolozi Effect means?

Londoz brings out the best in all of us and builds bonds between people and nature.

8.How would you describe finding your Wild Self at Londolozi?

Finding your Wild Self at Londolozi is like reconnecting with a part of yourself that often gets overlooked in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s about tapping into your primal instincts, embracing the untamed spirit within, and surrendering to the rhythm of the wilderness. At Londolozi, you’re not just a spectator; you become an integral part of the natural world around you. Whether it’s tracking wildlife on a game drive, listening to the symphony of the bush at night, or feeling the earth beneath your feet during a guided walk, every moment is an opportunity to rediscover your connection to nature and family. In this sanctuary of biodiversity, you’ll find yourself awakening to the sights, sounds, and sensations that stir something deep within your soul. It’s a place where time slows down, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the present moment and appreciate the raw beauty of the African wilderness. Finding your Wild Self at Londolozi is a transformative journey of self-discovery, where the boundaries between human and nature blur, and you emerge with a renewed sense of wonder, humility, and reverence for the wild places that define our existence.

 

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