One of the most cherished pieces of feedback we receive from our guests at Londolozi is that it feels like home. Despite being nestled in a remote corner of the African wilderness, there’s an undeniable sense of familiarity—like you’ve arrived at a place you’ve always belonged.
This inspired me to explore why Londolozi feels like a homecoming for so many. In this blog, we’ll delve into the unique elements that make Londolozi a place that offers not just a stay, but a true sense of belonging.
A Family Legacy, Rooted in Nature
Londolozi is a family-run reserve, and this sense of family is woven into every part of our story. The Varty family’s dedication to conservation, sustainability, and hospitality spans generations. Their commitment has made Londolozi what it is today—a place where wildlife, community, and nature come together in perfect harmony. Here, we’re not just caretakers of the land; we’re part of it. And when you arrive, you become part of it too. This family feeling is why Londolozi feels like a home away from home, not just another hotel stay.
Returning Home: Immersing Yourself in Nature
At Londolozi, we believe that the deeper you immerse yourself in nature, the more it becomes a part of you. From dining beneath the stars to enjoying outdoor showers and waking up to the wilderness’s sounds—every moment is designed to bring you closer to the land.
The game drives, of course, are a major part of this immersion, but it’s the small moments—the gentle sounds of the river flowing, the sight of elephants grazing peacefully—that create a profound feeling of being completely at home in the wild.
Intimate, Personal Experiences
Because of Londolozi’s intimate size and the limited chalets in each of our five camps, we’re able to offer a personalised experience for every guest. One of the best ways to take advantage of this is by reserving an entire camp for your family, creating your own home in the African wilderness while making unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
Our staff takes pride in getting to know you on a personal level—whether it’s remembering your favourite drink, your breakfast order, or simply sharing stories around the fire. We value meaningful connections and making you feel like you truly belong.
Shared Stories and Memories
One of the biggest factors in making Londolozi feel like home is the people—the Londolozi family. The magic of this place extends beyond its wildlife to the shared moments with others. Whether swapping stories with fellow guests around the fire or learning about the local culture from your tracker, these connections foster a sense of community and belonging. At Londolozi, you’re never just a visitor—you become part of the community, in a place where you’re always welcomed back.
A Place to Slow Down and Reflect
In a world that’s constantly moving, Londolozi offers a rare chance to pause, breathe, and reflect. What’s magical about the Londolozi wilderness is how time seems to slow down, giving you ample opportunities to simply sit and be in the presence of nature. Every day here is an invitation to reconnect—not just with the land and wildlife, but with yourself.
We meet ourselves in new ways in the wilderness – Boyd Varty
At Londolozi, you’ll find a space where you can simply be, just as you are, creating a sense of peace that feels like coming home.
In the end, it’s the combination of Londolozi’s intimate atmosphere, the Londolozi family, and of course, the breathtaking nature surrounding you that makes your stay with us feel like a true homecoming.
We’d love to know if there was a certain Londolozi experience that made you feel right at home—let us know in the comments below!
Londolozi IS my home away from home. I yearn to be there daily.
Thats so lovely to hear, Judith! We hope to welcome you back soon.
Megan, We feel like we are coming home every time we return to Londolozi. Dinner in the BOMA with a crackling fire is special!
Michael and Terri, we’re so glad Londolozi feels like home to you. A boma dinner and a crackling fire is truly the best!
Hi Megan this sounds wonderful to be part of the Londolozi family. Rich and warm atmosphere, surrounded by friendliness of all the staff. Having the fresh air to breath in and viewing these amazing wild animals in their own environment,is paradise. Hopefully one day I too will be able to experience all of this.
Valmai, we’d love to welcome you to Londolozi one day!
The magic of Londolozi is that once your first stay has come to an end, you’re already planning your next visit. The family feeling is evidenced by the care given to you by each staff member, sometimes knowing what you’d like before you realize it. There’s a peacefulness that pervades each day in the camp, highlighted by the absence of WiFi in the public areas including your drives – it’s the perfect way to disconnect. Time spent in the Leadwood forest brings joy as well as watching sunrises whilst parked halfway across the Sand River. I love that my favorite activities are remembered – jaffle stops, favorite gin included for the sundowner g & t, breakfast in the bush, and a drive to visit with my favorite Ripple Fund farmer. But mostly I love that my stay makes a contribution to the Londolozi family in so many ways by supporting the conservation measures, the sustainability projects and the community of workers that meet you each day with smiles and kind greetings. There are many choices of places to stay not only within SabiSand Reserve but throughout Southern Africa, but it’s the heart and soul of this family business that casts its spell, invite you to return again and again.
Denise, thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts. It’s guests like you who make Londolozi so special. We can’t wait for your next visit!
Megan, while I have not been to Londolozi, emersion into nature and the natural world has always healed my mental stress and calmed my emotions. Thanks for the review.
William, we’re so glad that this blog resonated with you. Nature does have a magical way of healing!
I have to say that the person who makes me feel like Londolozi is my home is Jacqui Wood.
Everyone else is fantastic, but those emails from Jacqui just before you leave are magical.
And I should be hearing from her not too long from now.
Cynthia, Jacqui truly has a way of making every guest feel special. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Each time I arrive at Londolozi feels like coming home, each time I have to leave again nearly breaks my heart.
It’s just so wonderful: the landscape, all the animals one can watch, the nice hosts at the camps, the whole atmosphere…
Christa, we’re so glad Londolozi feels like home to you. It’s always a bittersweet goodbye, but we can’t wait to welcome you back!
Megan we have had many amazing experiences over the years but what makes Londolozi so special for us is a feel of “belonging” this comes from three things: Animals/nature is outstanding, secondly the Londolozi family their service and passion is second to none and both of these then create (thirdly) an actual atmosphere/feel of a belonging to Londolozi itself. Our first visit in 1996 prior to arrival it was about the animals as we hadn’t experienced the Londolozi Effectnow we see it as our second home we’re as you said above Meghan pause, reflect, breathe and reset until our next visit….their is nothing quite like experiencing a stay at Londolozi, can’t wait….
Sue, it warms our hearts to hear Londolozi is a second home for you. We can’t wait for your next stay with us!
Megan, I so agree with all these comments, it is such a magical place. Yes, I too always feel like I’m coming home. And on my 15 visits I’ve always known when I’ll be returning (and contact Jacqui Wood to book it as soon as I get home!) Even so I just hate leaving, one day I shall barricade myself in my room!
Suzanne, we love hearing that Londolozi feels like home for you. We’re sure Jacqui will be in touch about your next visit soon!
Missing Londo big time. Will have to work out a time to get back!
We miss you too, Ann Marie! Can’t wait to welcome you back to Londolozi when the time is right.
Lucie and I echo all the comments made above … Londolozi is like coming home again!