Luxury Safari Lodge
South Africa

Londolozi Varty Camp
Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Londolozi Lion Pride, Sabi Sands, South Africa

Highlights

  • Exceptional Wildlife Viewing: Londolozi Varty Camp offers unparalleled access to the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, renowned for its incredible biodiversity. Guests can enjoy thrilling game drives and guided bush walks, often encountering the Big Five and other spectacular wildlife.
  • Luxurious Accommodations: The camp features elegant chalets that blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Each chalet is designed for comfort and privacy, offering stunning views of the Sand River and the bushveld.
  • Rich History and Legacy: Londolozi Varty Camp is steeped in history, being the original camp established by the Varty family in 1926. It is known for its pioneering conservation efforts and commitment to preserving the natural habitat.
  • Personalised Service: Guests at Varty Camp experience outstanding personalised service. The dedicated staff ensure every need is met, from gourmet dining experiences to customised safari adventures, making each stay unforgettable.
  • Sustainable Practices: The camp is committed to sustainability, with eco-friendly initiatives that include solar power, water conservation, and a focus on reducing the carbon footprint. Londolozi’s efforts in conservation and community development are integral to its ethos.
  • Cultural and Community Engagement: Londolozi Varty Camp offers guests the opportunity to engage with the local Shangaan culture. Visitors can participate in cultural tours and interact with the community, gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s rich heritage and traditions.

Good to know

How to get there

A private airstrip close to the property is just a 1hrs 15min minute flight away from Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo Airport. Or you could drive, bit the journey is around 6 hours.

Are children welcome?

Yes, children are welcome at Londolozi, Specially at Varty Camp, which is known for its family-friendly atmosphere. The Londolozi Cubs Program, designed to engage and educate young guests about the African bush and its wildlife in a fun and safe manner.

Key Features for Families:

  1. Londolozi Cubs Program:
    • Aimed at children aged 6 to 16, this program includes activities such as spoor identification, bird watching, bush survival skills, and traditional African crafts.
    • Children are accompanied by experienced rangers and caregivers to ensure safety and learning.
  2. Accommodation:
    • Family chalets are available, providing comfortable and spacious lodging with interconnecting rooms or additional beds.
  3. Activities:
    • Specially tailored game drives that cater to the interests and attention spans of younger guests.
    • Educational activities within the camp that focus on the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage of the area.
  4. Childminding Services:
    • Professional childminding services are available, allowing parents to enjoy some leisure time or participate in activities suited for adults.

Age Restrictions:

  • While children of all ages are welcome at Varty Camp, it’s important to note that children under the age of 6 are generally not permitted on game drives for safety reasons. However, specific arrangements can be made for private game drives, providing flexibility for families with younger children.

Giving back

Londolozi has a comprehensive sustainability programme that underscores its commitment to conservation, community, and reducing its environmental footprint. This program reflects Londolozi’s ethos of “living in harmony with nature,” which permeates every aspect of its operations.

Key Components of the Sustainability Program:

1. Conservation Efforts:

  • Land and Wildlife: Londolozi is situated within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, a protected area that prioritises wildlife conservation. The reserve’s management includes anti-poaching initiatives, habitat restoration projects, and wildlife monitoring to ensure the thriving ecosystem.
  • Research and Education: Londolozi supports various research projects and collaborates with universities and conservation organisations to study wildlife and habitat. This research helps inform better conservation strategies.

2. Community Engagement:

  • Empowerment Projects: Londolozi is deeply involved in community development through education, skills development, and job creation. The Londolozi Model envisions a future where local communities are empowered through sustainable tourism and conservation.
  • Learning Centre: The Londolozi Learning Centre offers training and educational opportunities for local community members, focusing on hospitality, conservation, and guiding.

3. Eco-friendly Operations:

  • Renewable Energy: Londolozi has invested in solar power systems to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Solar panels are used for heating water and generating electricity for various camp operations.
  • Water Conservation: Water usage is minimised through the use of efficient systems for irrigation and waste management. Londolozi also practices rainwater harvesting to supplement water supply.
  • Waste Management: A robust recycling program is in place to manage waste effectively. Organic waste is composted, and other waste materials are recycled wherever possible.

4. Sustainable Tourism:

  • Eco-tourism Practices: Londolozi promotes low-impact tourism, ensuring that its activities do not harm the environment. This includes careful planning of safari routes, limiting the number of vehicles, and maintaining the natural habitat.
  • Green Buildings: The architecture and design of Londolozi’s camps incorporate sustainable materials and techniques to minimise environmental impact. This includes the use of locally sourced materials and energy-efficient construction methods.

Wildlife you are likely to see

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve, adjacent to Kruger National Park, is renowned for its exceptional wildlife viewing. Here’s what you are likely to see:

Big Cats:

  • Leopards: The reserve is famous for its remarkable leopard sightings, often at close range.
  • Lions: Large prides roam the area, providing frequent and dramatic encounters.
  • Cheetahs: Although less common, they can occasionally be seen in open areas.

Other Predators:

  • Hyenas: Both spotted and brown hyenas are common, often seen on game drives.
  • African Wild Dogs: Rare but occasionally sighted in the reserve.

Big Five:

  • Elephants: Large herds and solitary bulls are often observed.
  • Rhinos: Both black and white rhinos can be seen, though they are highly protected due to poaching threats.
  • Buffalo: Massive herds frequently roam the reserve, especially near water sources.

Plains Game:

  • Giraffes: Commonly seen browsing on trees.
  • Zebras and Wildebeest: Frequently found grazing on the open plains.
  • Antelope: Includes impala, kudu, waterbuck, bushbuck, and nyala.

Birdlife:

  • Raptors: Martial eagles, bateleurs, and fish eagles are frequently spotted.
  • Colourful Birds: Lilac-breasted rollers, hornbills, and bee-eaters add vibrant colour to the bush.
  • Waterbirds: Herons, storks, and kingfishers are seen near rivers and dams.

Nocturnal Species:

  • Porcupines, Civets, and Genets: Often seen during night drives.
  • Aardvarks and Pangolins: Rare but possible with luck and a knowledgeable guide.

Reptiles:

  • Nile Crocodiles: Common near water sources.
  • Snakes: Various species, such as pythons, are occasionally encountered.

Why we love Londolozi Varty Camp

Its exceptional wildlife viewing, rich heritage, and commitment to sustainability make it a standout. The chalets offer stunning views of the Sand River andth chance of wildlife sightings, while the Cubs Program engages young explorers.  It’s the perfect place to connect with nature and relax

Aisha Gross

Specialises in

Africa and the Indian Ocean

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