Along the gentle curves of the Sand River, where ancient trees cast dappled shadows across golden grasslands, a dream took root decades ago – a dream that would inspire pockets of light around the globe. In 1976, when Londolozi first opened its doors as South Africa’s original safari lodge, few could have imagined the transformative journey ahead. Like all great stories, it began with a simple truth: care of the land, care of the wildlife, and care of the people in a single, beautiful tapestry. The original way – this is the story of the Londolozi Conservation Development Model.

When vision meets possibility – the birth of the Conservation Development Model

This was a radical departure from conventional thinking at the time. Where others saw conservation and human development as opposing forces, Londolozi dared to imagine them as partners in a delicate dance. Dave and John Varty worked to rehabilitate the land, restore natural systems, and welcome back the magnificent wildlife that makes this corner of Africa so special.

At the heart of this success was a simple yet profound understanding: the central tenet of Londolozi has always been the belief that the warm and engaging care of visiting guests is the wellspring from which they find their ‘spirit of place‘ and the foundation upon which The Model stands. This guest experience wasn’t merely a commercial transaction, but the economic engine that powered the entire conservation enterprise.

By 1992, The Model had proven itself ecologically sustainable and economically profitable. It was ready to be exported and become the blueprint from which to launch an industry…

So it was, in that same year, together with some other crazy African entrepreneurs, that Dave and Shan Varty set about convincing a number of local and international investors that The Londolozi Conservation Development Model should be replicated and exported to other locations in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Their passion and commitment to this idea culminated in the establishment of a company called Conservation Corporation Africa (CCAfrica), now known as &Beyond. Their mission was to attract meaningful impact investment for the creation of sustainable conservation development models elsewhere in Africa, using Londolozi as the blueprint.

This was a revolutionary concept at the time – the idea that conservation, community development, and economic profitability could coexist and even enhance one another. The Londolozi way demonstrated that protecting wilderness areas didn’t require excluding local communities or sacrificing economic viability. In fact, the model showed that the most sustainable approach integrated all three elements.

Nelson Mandela’s Endorsement

The advantages of the original Conservation Development Model founded at Londolozi and endorsed by Nelson Mandela lay in its ability to produce long-term returns for investors whilst simultaneously ensuring sustainable conservation and community upliftment. Mandela recognised in this approach a microcosm of what he envisioned for South Africa – a place where the natural heritage was protected while creating opportunities for all people.

This endorsement helped propel the model forward. The guiding principles of the model went on to inspire hundreds of other enduring nature-based tourism operations, which have since been established and flourished across Africa. Variations of the Londolozi model began taking root, adapted to local conditions but faithful to the core philosophy.

The Circular Economy ~ A Thriving Legacy

Today, a thriving industry exists which supports, in growing numbers, employment opportunities, social upliftment and commercial owner-operated supply chain enterprises. Based on sound conservation and protection of wildlife, this industry serves to support and promote family life for thousands of rural families across Africa.

This circular economy demonstrates the genius of the original Londolozi Conservation Development Model. Conservation of wild spaces creates the conditions for exceptional tourism experiences, which generate the economic opportunities, which in turn foster community development and strengthen commitment to conservation. This virtuous cycle has proved both resilient and adaptable.

At Londolozi itself, the model continues to evolve and innovate:

• The Good Work Foundation has brought digital learning opportunities to thousands of rural children
• The Tracker Academy continues to preserve the ancient art form of tracking
• Local entrepreneurs develop businesses that both support and benefit from conservation
• Supply chains prioritise local producers, creating economic opportunities that reduce pressure on natural resources

Dave Varty’s book The Full Circle chronicles this journey, illustrating how the original conservation vision has evolved and expanded over decades of implementation.

Extending the Vision through the Londolozi Ripple Fund

Inspired by the Londolozi Conservation Development Model, the Londolozi Ripple Fund has been founded on the belief that small actions by a few can create wide-ranging “ripple effects” which have the propensity for changing and improving the lives of many for generations. This fund explores the interconnected domains of people, possibilities, and protection.

As a Londolozi Ripple Fund supporter, you join a global tribe of people who hold the belief that the restoration of the planet can only come out of a profound shift in human consciousness – a shift that recognises the fundamental interconnectedness of people, wildlife, and ecosystems.

The Ripple Fund supports initiatives that continue to demonstrate and expand the original Londolozi Conservation Development Model:

• Education programs that prepare the next generation of conservation leaders
• Healthcare improvements for rural communities around conservation areas
• Entrepreneurship development linked to conservation economies
• Wildlife protection efforts that secure critical habitats and species
• Ecosystem restoration projects that enhance biodiversity

The Original Way ~ A Living Legacy

The Londolozi Conservation Development Model stands as a testament to what is possible when we reimagine the relationship between people and nature. What began as a bold experiment beside the Sand River has grown into a movement that spans the continent, protecting millions of acres of wilderness and improving countless lives.

Nelson Mandela described the Londolozi approach as “a significant blueprint for the future conservation of our wilderness areas.” His endorsement recognised the value of the original Londolozi Conservation Development Model, which continues to inform and inspire conservation efforts across Africa and beyond.

The story of the Londolozi Conservation Model is still unfolding. Today, the approach continues to evolve, incorporating new technologies, responding to emerging challenges, and deepening its impact. Yet the core principles remain unchanged – the belief that the wellbeing of the land, wildlife, and people are inseparable; that conservation must create value for all stakeholders; and that the care of guests creates the economic foundation for sustainable conservation.