Dave Varty

Co-Founder/Owner

Dave's story is too full and rich to tell in a brief blog bio. Suffice it to say that it is due to his passion, hard work and lifelong dedication to conservation that Londolozi is what it is today. One of the co-founders of the lodge, Dave has overseen the growth of Londolozi since its inception in the 70's right up to its relaunch as a family-run, stand-alone venture in 2007. Since then Dave has been striving to redefine Londolozi as a leader in the industry in terms of its sustainability and dramatically reduced impact on the earth.

stories

Stories by Dave

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Don’t Worry, Be Happy

Dave Varty November 30, 2015 10

Despite uncertainty around the world, South Africa remains a friendly and peaceful nation, and with this good news, many past Londolozi friends chose again to travel this year to the …

2020 Vision Londolozi Family Photography Travel Wildlife

London to Londolozi for Lunch

Dave Varty August 30, 2015 7

When my grandfather first walked on a compass bearing in 1926, it took two lengthy train rides and a 12-hour trek through wild unchartered bush to bring him to the …

Wildlife

Tree Camp lit up with lanterns at Londolozi Game Reserve - part of the Relais & Chateaux Africa family

Discover Londolozi’s Tree Camp

Dave Varty April 5, 2015 14

Londolozi Tree Camp was the first ever Game Reserve to receive the world renowned Relais & Châteaux fleur-de-lis of excellence in 1993. This marked the beginning of a journey towards …

Londolozi Family Relais and Châteaux Travel

Joy To The World

Dave Varty November 26, 2014 8

As one year slips away, another dawns – December 2014 in the bush is a time for reflection – love, peace and joy. A time spent with family and friends to celebrate the special unions that …

Londolozi Family Restoration Wildlife

Give Us A World Cup Or A 20 Year Election Celebration And Boy Can We South Africans Turn It On

Dave Varty May 11, 2014 9

18 million people, 73% voter turnout results monitored electronically, democratically and peacefully – another great day in South Africa. It’s not so much about the results but more about the people and …

GWF Londolozi Family Restoration

Earth Day – A Story of Inspiration

Dave Varty April 22, 2014 11

While sipping a beer on the verandah of the Victoria Falls Hotel last week, my long standing friend, Mike Myers, who has been in the safari industry for the past 30 …

2020 Vision Londolozi Family Restoration Travel

Seasons Greetings

Dave Varty December 23, 2013 29

Our gift to you this year is a little different….an “immersion” into the summer bushveld to bring you closer to the magic of the wilderness. (Best viewed at full volume) …

Londolozi Family

I am, because of you: Ubuntu

Dave Varty December 10, 2013 20

Thirty minutes before Boyd Varty was due to make his first ever presentation at the TED Conference in San Francisco this week he was informed of the sad news of the passing …

2020 Vision GWF Londolozi Family Restoration Travel

Remembering Madiba

Dave Varty December 6, 2013 34

As the helicopter landed in the front of Londolozi Game Reserve in South Africa and outstepped Nelson Mandela, I knew that this would be a defining moment in my life. …

Londolozi Family Restoration

Earth Day 2013

Dave Varty April 22, 2013 2

Londolozi means “the protector of all living things” and consequently conservation has always been deep in our DNA. Upon the return of the family to Londolozi in 2007, we renewed …

Wildlife

The Journey without Ending

Dave Varty December 10, 2012 40

The Londolozi 2012 journey began with the mighty Sand River bursting its banks on the 18th January reaching the highest levels of flooding in 12 years. The Founders Camp deck partially …

Londolozi Family

An early Christmas, courtesy of the Good Work Foundation, at the Madlala Digital Learning Center

Christmas Newsletter 2011

Dave Varty November 28, 2011 12

It’s been 5 years and at last we are DONE! Every camp at Londolozi has been refurbished, with the final phase being the complete overhaul of Varty Camp, whose roots …

2020 Vision GWF Londolozi Family Restoration Wildlife

Jaguars, Macaws and the Pantanal

Dave Varty November 5, 2011 8

Shan and I have just returned from an inspiring expedition to Caiman Ecological Refuge situated in Southern Pantanel, South America. We were kindly hosted by Roberto Klabin, the owner of …

Travel

The Day I Nearly Died

Dave Varty August 2, 2011 1

We rode down the rapids in our life jackets miraculously avoiding a head-on collision with the many rocky outcrops that punctuated the rapids. One canoe snapped in two. One of …

Londolozi Family Travel

From simple bushveld adventures to a convergence of ancient wisdom, modern technology and nature…

Dave Varty July 28, 2009 2

Late last year I released a book called The Full Circle. Writing this book was, not only for me, a journey down memory lane, but also a chance to reflect …

Londolozi Family