Happy Mother’s Day (for tomorrow) to all mothers in every form – biological and otherwise. A nurturer, a provider, a healer, a guide, a warrior, a protector, a friend… she is Mother Nature herself. At Londolozi, celebrating the nature of mothers and motherhood has been in our DNA for almost 100 years, with matriarchs shaping our culture, our behaviour, and who we have become.
This Mother’s Day, we’re especially proud to share a little bit about Shan and Bronwyn Varty (Laburn), the remarkable mother-daughter duo behind Londolozi, who were recently featured on the “Stay In Good Company” podcast. These extraordinary women embody the maternal wisdom that flows through Londolozi – a place whose very name means “Protector Of All Living Things” in Zulu – reflecting their conservation ethic and commitment to all forms of life and Love.
In this episode Bron and Shan share their wisdom on pioneering conservation. The conversation explores how the Varty’s are nurturing a “Futuristic African Village” at Londolozi, creating a prototype for village consciousness where wild animals and people alike live together in harmony.
The podcast gives a rare look into their philosophy that “when you live in nature, you live in an ecosystem of connection, not comparison,” and highlights their belief that “mothering is not something that is done, it is something that is felt—and can only be done so by slowing down.”
Through the podcast, Shan and Bronwyn share insights on their “Ripple Effect” approach to conservation (Restoration, Innovation, Protection, People, Leadership, Education), their 100-year family history on the land, and their vision for future generations. They discuss how luxury at Londolozi is defined not by opulence, but by time as the artist, the senses as the medium, and Mother Nature as the muse. Most powerfully, they reflect on stewardship as a sacred trust – one that turns heritage into hope, borrowing the earth from our children rather than inheriting it from our ancestors.
To listen to their full conversation on the “Stay In Good Company” podcast, play below:
We were so inspired by the heart and intention behind Stay In Good Company—a beautifully thoughtful podcast series that shines a light on the families behind independently owned and operated stays and experiences across the world. What drew us in is the way the series captures the nuanced stories, cherished memories, and deep-rooted visions of people who have poured their hearts into creating places of authentic, mindful hospitality says Shan Varty.
“We are always drawn to storytellers who seek out the essence of a place—those who focus on the subtle details, the soul of a destination—and that’s exactly why we felt this podcast was the perfect fit for us. Being invited by Mollie to share our story felt like a natural alignment, and we were even more delighted when we learned the episode would be launched around Mother’s Day, making it all the more meaningful to do it with my mom!” ~ Bronwyn Varty-Laburn
In the world of small family-run businesses, we often find ourselves up against large corporate PR firms and big chain resorts that can easily dominate the media space. That’s why it’s so refreshing and important to discover platforms like Stay In Good Company—spaces that seek out and celebrate the hidden gems and the heartfelt work of smaller, independent families and their businesses. We are deeply grateful to be part of a community that values and gives voice to these more intimate, personal stories.
Hi Jemma, today I celebrate my own mum, my grandma, that was the greatest helper to nature I’ve ever known. And seeing your beautiful images of mother elephant and mother leopard, among the most dedicated mothers each in her own different way as nature requires, I remember Joy Adamson that gave to leopard the dignity of creatures to be protected, with her Queen of Shaba, and Ian Douglas Hamilton and his daughter, devoted to elephants, their work made a great progress in the protection and knowledge of such incredible animals…
Happy Mothers Day. I am with you in spirit every day. My heart rests at Londolozi.
Happy Mothers’ Day to all the mothers at Londolozi.
What your family has achieved at Londolozi is just wonderful!
Happy Women’s day ever beautiful Lady at Londolozi. May you all have a wonder day full of surprises, gifts of beauty and lots of love. Congratulations Shan and Bronwyn with the pod cast, really inspiring. Londolozi is a magnificent safari lodge.
Happy Mother’s Day to not only Shan and Bronwyn( terrific podcast) and the other fantastic mothers within the Londolozi family but also to mothers everywhere, whether the homo sapiens variety or a member of the animal world. I look back on my most recent visit, seeing one of the Kambula’s lionesses with her four tiny cubs, and hope that she will be able to nurture and protect them until they become old enough to survive on their own, just as my mother did for me.