Londolozi Game Reserve, located in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, is one of South Africa’s most established and respected safari destinations. With close to a hundred years of conservation history, it has become known for combining luxury with a deep sense of place, offering guests a meaningful connection to the wilderness.
The reserve is home to five individually styled lodges, each offering a unique atmosphere and level of exclusivity. All accommodations at Londolozi Game Reserve are positioned along the Sand River, offering sweeping views, thoughtfully curated interiors, and warm hospitality. The emphasis at Londolozi is not just on luxury, but on creating a deeper connection to the land and its wildlife.
Game viewing is at the heart of the Londolozi experience. The reserve is famous for its Big Five sightings, particularly its thriving leopard population, so much so that the term “Leopards of Londolozi” has become a defining phrase. Game drives are led by highly experienced rangers and trackers, many of whom are from the surrounding region and bring decades of local knowledge. Together, the team boasts over 350 years of combined experience, allowing for expertly guided and deeply insightful safaris.
Below we look into Londolozi’s five luxury lodges, highlighting their individual styles, accommodations, and the unique experiences they offer.
1. Londolozi Varty Camp
Positioned on the edge of the iconic Sand River, Varty Camp enjoys a central location within the reserve, placing guests right at the heart of prime wildlife territory. Varty Camp exudes a deep-rooted sense of heritage, designed to echo the soul of the land and the family legacy behind it. Meandering brick pathways, weathered dolerite stone walls, and cascading waterfalls weave through tangled greenery and ancient trees, creating a natural, immersive ambiance. The camp’s main lodge features soaring thatched ceilings and open-plan spaces that invite the outdoors in. A relaxed lounge, airy dining area, and welcoming bar spill out onto a spacious wooden deck where guests can dine or unwind while gazing out over the wilderness.
Accommodation comprises eight elegant Standard Chalets and two more spacious Superior Chalets, each thoughtfully designed for privacy and comfort. Every suite includes a private plunge pool, an outdoor shower, and a shaded deck area nestled beneath a canopy of riverine forest. Superior Chalets boast larger living spaces and expansive viewing decks. Varty Camp is also well-suited for families, welcoming children from six years and offering inter-leading chalet options for those traveling with younger adventurers.
Highlights
- Welcomes children aged 6 and older
- 8 Standard Chalets and 2 spacious Superior Chalets
- Family-friendly with inter-leading accommodation options
- Private decks with plunge pools and outdoor dining salas
- Original camp design includes brick paths, dolerite rock walls, and cascading water features
- Healing House Spa offers deeply restorative wellness experiences
2. Londolozi Tree Camp
Perched gracefully along the meandering Sand River and elevated among towering Leadwood trees, Tree Camp offers a seamless blend of refined luxury and serene simplicity. This intimate sanctuary is designed to bring guests closer to nature while surrounding them with understated elegance. The heart of the camp features an inviting open-plan lounge, bar, and dining area, all thoughtfully positioned to maximise panoramic views of the riverbanks, where wildlife frequently wanders. In the evenings, the camp glows under the soft flicker of lantern light, creating a romantic and calming atmosphere beneath the stars.
The camp’s interiors are a sophisticated nod to classic African style with a modern twist, plush leather furnishings, soft natural palettes, and curated décor influenced by Ralph Lauren’s timeless aesthetic. With just six thatched suites, exclusivity and tranquility define the experience. Each suite features a spacious en-suite bathroom, an outdoor alfresco shower, and romantically draped mosquito nets that add a dreamy touch. The private decks and plunge pools overlook the pristine wilderness, offering uninterrupted moments of solitude and awe.
Tree Camp is an adults-only retreat, welcoming guests aged 16 and older, making it ideal for couples, honeymooners, or anyone seeking a more peaceful, contemplative safari experience. Its elevated setting among the ancient trees enhances both privacy and immersion in nature.
Highlights
- Adults-only experience (ages 16+)
- Member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection
- Six luxurious suites with plunge pools and private viewing decks
- Elegant décor influenced by Ralph Lauren with African touches
- Elevated main lodge built into Leadwood tree canopy
- Serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and reconnection
3. Londolozi Pioneer Camp
Located along the tree-lined banks of the Sand River, and shaded by 500-year-old ebony giants, Londolozi Pioneer Camp seamlessly fuses over five decades of safari tradition with modern refinement. With just three luxurious suites and the flexibility to convert the camp into a private-use bush homestead, Pioneer Camp is perfectly tailored for romantic getaways, multigenerational family adventures, or exclusive group safaris.
The camp’s thoughtful design pays homage to the legacy of Africa’s early explorers. Inside, you’ll find carefully restored heirlooms, vintage safari memorabilia, and historical black-and-white photographs, all woven into the décor. Even the bar wallpaper tells a visual story, recounting the adventures of safari pioneers through artistic detail. Communal areas feature expansive indoor and outdoor lounges, an elevated viewing deck with panoramic river vistas, a sun-drenched pool deck, and elegant dining spaces for both relaxed and refined meals.
Each of the three air-conditioned suites is set apart for complete privacy and framed by floor-to-ceiling glass that draws the wilderness in. Two of the suites can be interlinked, allowing families or friends to enjoy seamless connection while preserving personal space.
Highlights
- Family-friendly (ages 6+)
- Proud member of Relais & Châteaux
- Three elegant suites with private pools and outdoor decks
- Design fuses safari heritage with contemporary Ralph Lauren–inspired style
- Authentic, story-rich atmosphere with historic safari memorabilia
- Indoor and outdoor lounges, expansive viewing decks, and a riverfront pool
4. Londolozi Founders Camp
Positioned under centuries-old ebony trees along the Sand River, Founders Camp blends modern luxury with a deep-rooted conservation ethos. The camp pays tribute to Londolozi’s pioneering history, where early photographic safaris laid the groundwork for modern ecotourism. Today, it continues this legacy by promoting low-impact, high-value safaris that support biodiversity and community development.
Designed for comfort and connection with nature, the ten Superior Chalets offer views of key wildlife corridors used by elephants, antelope, and predators along the river. Each suite features natural textures, private plunge pools, and shaded decks—ideal for observing wildlife without intrusion. The layout encourages passive wildlife interaction, reducing the need for frequent vehicle movement and minimizing habitat disturbance.
Founders Camp is family-friendly, accepting children from age 6, and offers interleading rooms to encourage multi-generational travel—helping to instill conservation awareness from an early age.
Highlights
- Welcomes children aged 6 and older
- All chalets accommodate 2 adults and 2 children
- 10 Superior Chalets, with flexible family configurations
- Each suite features private decks, plunge pools, and shaded seating areas
- Décor emphasizes open space, soft textures, and earthy color palettes
- Communal yoga deck, river-view swimming pool, and viewing terrace
5. Londolozi’s Private Granite Suites
Tucked among natural granite boulders along the Sand River, Londolozi’s Private Granite Suites offer a secluded, eco-conscious safari retreat. With only three suites, this intimate camp blends sophisticated style with environmental sensitivity. The design embraces the landscape: silver and charcoal tones echo the granite formations, while floor-to-ceiling glass walls frame uninterrupted views of the river, one of the reserve’s vital ecological corridors. Each suite features a private plunge pool and an outdoor standalone bathtub, inviting guests to connect peacefully with the rhythms of the wild.
Communal spaces include a sunset river bar and a sunken cocktail lounge, both elevated above the watercourse, providing ideal vantage points to observe elephants and other wildlife along historic migratory routes. These design elements promote passive wildlife viewing, minimizing disturbance to the environment.
Highlights
- Adults-only camp (16+ age restriction)
- Relais & Châteaux status
- Intimate camp with only 3 ultra-luxurious suites
- Private patios with plunge pools and outdoor standalone bathtubs
- Sunset river bar and sunken cocktail lounge suspended high above the Sand River
- Suites can be booked individually or the entire camp for six guests
Londolozi Healing House
Nestled within Varty Camp, Londolozi Healing House offers a pioneering blend of luxury wellness and authentic African safari. What sets it apart is its team of diverse wellness experts—from yoga instructors with thousands of hours of practice across multiple styles to reiki masters, sound healers, and life coaches—bringing holistic healing to the heart of the wilderness.
Guests can combine thrilling safari adventures with tailored wellness experiences such as guided breathwork, Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep meditation), grounding foot rituals, sound healing, and personalized meditation sessions. Each treatment is designed to foster deep relaxation, restoration, and a profound connection with nature, making it a truly transformative safari retreat.
Dining at Londolozi
Dining at Londolozi is a vital part of the safari experience, celebrating superb African cuisine made from fresh, homegrown organic produce, free-range game, and herbs from their own garden. Meals are thoughtfully crafted by a passionate team of chefs, emphasizing sustainability and minimal imported ingredients, including responsibly sourced seafood guided by local conservation initiatives.
Guests start their day with a hearty breakfast offering everything from classic favorites to unique dishes. Lunch features a rotating menu with options including fresh seafood, meats, and vegetarian delights, providing vibrant and healthful choices. Afternoons are marked by indulgent high teas featuring homemade cakes and refreshing beverages.
Evenings conclude with elegant three-course dinners, showcasing seasonal and locally inspired dishes such as slow-braised beef brisket and tamarind duck, all paired with a carefully curated selection of South African wines chosen by an expert sommelier. Private dining and outdoor meals under the stars add to the unforgettable culinary journey, making food at Londolozi both a feast for the palate and a celebration of local flavours.
When to Visit Londolozi Game Reserve
Londolozi Game Reserve is a year-round safari destination, but the dry season from May to October is widely regarded as the best time to visit. Rainfall is minimal, and the vegetation is sparse, making wildlife easier to spot. Animals congregate around permanent water sources like rivers and waterholes, offering excellent opportunities for sightings. During this period, early morning and late evening temperatures can fall well below 10˚C (50˚F), but the days warm up to the mid-twenties (around 73˚F) by the afternoon—ideal for game drives and bush walks.
The wet season from November to February, while hotter and more humid, brings its own rewards. Temperatures can reach up to 40˚C (104˚F), often followed by dramatic afternoon thundershowers. The landscape becomes lush and green, perfect for photography, and this is also the time when many animals give birth, adding excitement and new life to the bush.
Getting to Londolozi Game Reserve
The most convenient way to reach Londolozi Game Reserve is by air. The closest access point is the Londolozi Private Airstrip, served by Federal Airlines with two daily charter flights from Johannesburg (approx. 60 minutes).
Alternatively, Skukuza Airport (SKU) is the nearest commercial airport, with daily flights from both Johannesburg (approx. 60 minutes) and Cape Town (approx. 2 hours 30 minutes).
From Skukuza, guests can enjoy a scenic 60-minute road transfer to Londolozi in an open 4×4 safari vehicle, offering an immersive start to the safari experience.
Safaris Down South is a globally accredited and trusted safari agency specialising in safaris at Londolozi’s luxury lodges in South Africa, for personal planning assistance and advice contact out team.
