As Londolozi approaches its centenary year in 2026, the air is thick with nostalgia, like the scent of wild mint after a summer rain. It’s a time to reflect, to cherish, and to celebrate the enduring traditions that have woven themselves into the very fabric of this iconic family-owned and run game reserve.

“Some things never change”

I recently wrote a blog on the timeless traditions of Londolozi, and ever since then, even more examples have appeared to me that hold the same feeling. For nearly 100 years, Londolozi has been a true example of what timeless traditions look and most importantly, what they feel like. It’s very rare for guests to feel precisely as they did during their initial visit in the 80s, yet that’s exactly the sensation that envelops visitors at Londolozi every single day. While not every aspect has remained unchanged, I’d like to believe it’s the subtle, unseen essence of these traditions that keeps drawing guests back year after year.

I look forward to expanding on what are now countless examples of timeless traditions, but for now, here are just a few traditions that we uphold and live each and every day, as we have been for the last 100 years.

Land Rovers ~ Where The Dust Of Generations Settles

If you’ve been following us for a while, you’ll know we have an absolute love affair with Land Rovers. It’s always been that way. Ever since Varty brothers bought their very first Land Rover Defender in 1970, it was love at first sight and remains true to this day.

We were lucky to persuade our grandmother to lend us R500 to buy a second-hand Land Rover and we doubled the size of our fleet, from 1 to 2 vehicles. – Dave Varty, The Full Circle

John Varty navigates the Sand River during game drive in the 70’s

There is something inherently magical about the sight of a Land Rover traversing the rugged terrain at Londolozi. As the wheels crunch over the earth, they echo the footsteps of generations past, leaving tyre treads that tell the story of nearly 100 years of safari. The Londolozi Defender fleet has become more than just a mode of transport – it is a companion, a confidant and a silent witness to the unfolding life of the African bush, from the thrill of tracking elusive leopards to the quiet moments of reflection beneath a canopy of stars. This fleet has stayed the same and yet is ever challenging the norm as Londolozi looks at new technologies.

And today, front-row seats to the greatest show on earth!

Storytelling ~ Where Legends are Born and Shared

Storytelling takes a life of its own at Londolozi.

In my previous blog, I spoke about the timeless tradition of the flames that still burn nearly 100 years on at Varty Camp. But what goes hand in hand with the fire is something absolutely critical to making up the essence of Londolozi. As I sit here right now, I’m doing exactly what we do each and every day, and have done for centuries – storytelling. At our core, we are storytellers. It’s a beautiful thing. Some of my fondest memories at Londolozi have been huddled around the fire, with a glass of wine, and incredible company listening to the great stories of Londolozi’s history or hearing stories of the wonderful lives of our guests.

The Varty Camp fire in 1978 that has been burning & held stories being shared for almost 100 years

Storytelling and the storytellers of Londolozi are elements that will live with Londolozi forever. From the whispers of elders to the laughter of children, the stories of Londolozi have been passed down like precious heirlooms, each one infused with the spirit of the place. I am often reminded that some stories are meant to be retold, and their magic undiminished by the passage of time.

Varty Camp boma today. And still, the storytale continues.

Guitar ~ Melodies of Connection

Every good story is also accompanied by a guitar, another tradition that we love to do. The strum of a guitar beneath a blanket of stars is more than just music – it’s a language of connection, ancient connection, that transcends words. Whether it’s a campfire sing-along or a safari serenade beneath the night sky, the melody that echoes through Londolozi are a testament to the power of human connection, and pure joy.

The Early Storytellers and Music Makers around a Londolozi Fire 1978

Couples sway to the rhythm, friends bond over shared songs, and strangers become kindred spirits un the glow of the firelight. In a world that often feels fragmented and distant, the simple act of gathering around a guitar reminds us of the profound joy of human connection. Take some time on your next visit and seek out the company of rangers Ross Cheshire and Patrick Grealy – trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

Rangers & Trackers ~ Masters Of Their Craft & Keepers Of Ancient Wisdom

One of the elements that make Londolozi so special, is the guiding and tracking team, as they stand as an inseparable cornerstone of the safari experience. From the earliest days of Londolozi’s founding, these expert duos have forged bonds as unbreakable as the wilds they navigate. For almost 100 years, iterations of Londolozi rangers and trackers embarked on each safari, their synergy and intuition connecting and guiding guests through the untamed wilderness with unparalleled expertise.

The early 80’s ranging & tracking team – Kimbeon & Errance

One of today’s Ranger and Tracker pairs – Tshepo Dzemba and Barry Bath

2011 Londolozi Ranging Team

The tradition still lives on, albeit with a modern twist. While some of the faces may have changed, and the techniques evolved, the spirit of camaraderie and the pursuit of adventure remain constant. With each new generation of rangers and trackers, Londolozi’s legacy is upheld, ensuring that the timeless art of bushcraft continues to thrive amidst the ever-changing landscape of conservation and exploration.

The 2023 Ranging and Tracker team

As we look toward our centenary year in 2026, we are constantly reminded that while the world may change, some things remain timeless. The Land Rovers may evolve, the stories may shift, the songs may be new, but the spirit of Londolozi endures through it all. Stay tuned for more blogs on the timeless traditions and magic of Londolozi, where some things truly never change.