A Time of Growth Beyond Boundaries

The decade from 1996 to 2006 unfolds as a time of beautiful expansion, as Londolozi’s essence begins to flow beyond its physical boundaries. While Conservation Corporation Africa (CCAfrica) tends to the daily operations at Londolozi, the Varty family carries the seeds of their conservation vision across Africa and into the wider world.

A Partnership Takes Root

In the early morning light of the 1990s, Dave Varty and Alan Bernstein plant the seeds of CCAfrica, nurturing it with the intention of sharing the Londolozi model of conservation with other wild places across Africa. By 1996, CCAfrica takes the helm of Londolozi’s day-to-day management, while the Varty family continues to hold the land in their care.

A Nation in Bloom

Meanwhile, South Africa itself undergoes its own remarkable transformation. Nelson Mandela, having guided the country through its first steps in democracy, now passes the torch to Thabo Mbeki in 1999. The young democratic nation stretches its wings on the world stage after decades of isolation.

In 1996, South Africa embraces its new Constitution, a document that speaks of hope and equality. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission works to heal the wounds of apartheid, creating spaces for painful truths to be spoken and heard. On fields of play, sporting victories bring moments of national joy and unity, with the African Cup of Nations trophy coming home in 1996.

Expanding the Londolozi Experience (1999)

In 1999, Pioneer Camp is built, adding another jewel to Londolozi’s crown of exceptional safari experiences. This intimate camp, with its blend of timeless elegance and modern luxury, represents the continuing evolution of Londolozi’s offering while maintaining the authentic connection to the wilderness that has always been at its heart.

Carrying the Vision Forward

Though their hands no longer guide the daily rhythms of Londolozi, Dave and John Varty continue to nurture the vision that first took root on the banks of the Sand River. Dave travels across the continent, showing how wildlife protection creates not just environmental wellbeing but economic opportunity. His conversations with leaders and communities plant possibilities that will one day bear fruit in conservation areas far from Londolozi.

John turns to the power of storytelling through film, his camera capturing the beauty and challenges of African conservation. Through Londolozi Productions, the stories of the land and its creatures flow to audiences who may never set foot on African soil, yet whose hearts are touched by what they see.

Together, the brothers share their deepest understanding—that conservation can only flourish when local communities flourish alongside it. This insight, born from decades of living alongside both wildlife and rural communities, now influences conservation thinking across Africa and beyond.

Education as Conservation (2003)

A landmark moment in 2003 saw the birth of the Good Work Foundation (GWF). Founded by education visionary Kate Groch with Londolozi as its founding partner, GWF launched an innovative digital learning initiative that would transform rural education across the region.

This pioneering approach recognized that conservation’s future depends not just on protecting wilderness, but on empowering the communities who live alongside it. By bridging the digital divide and creating pathways to meaningful employment, GWF embodies Londolozi’s holistic understanding that human and ecological wellbeing are inseparable.

Seeds That Continue to Grow

This chapter in Londolozi’s story reminds us that sometimes, to truly grow, we must allow our vision to travel beyond our immediate reach. The Varty family’s willingness to share their conservation model through CCAfrica allows their impact to multiply, touching places they might never have reached alone.

The establishment of Pioneer Camp and the Good Work Foundation during this period demonstrates how Londolozi continued to evolve on multiple fronts—elevating the guest experience while simultaneously deepening its commitment to the social fabric of conservation.

Like seeds carried on the wind, the ideas nurtured at Londolozi now take root in distant soils, creating new havens where both wildlife and human communities can flourish together in harmony.