5 Things You Didn’t Know About Londolozi – Londolozi Blog

While Londolozi is widely known for its exceptional safari experiences, there’s far more to this family-run establishment than meets the eye. In this blog, I’ve gathered five intriguing facts about Londolozi that may surprise you, offering a deeper understanding of this special place.

Londolozi is synonymous with leopard sightings, but what you might not know is that it hosts one of the densest leopard populations in the world. The reserve’s diverse habitats provide the perfect environment for these elusive cats, offering guests unparalleled opportunities to observe them in their natural habitat.

Throughout Londolozi’s long history, many guides, trackers, researchers, guests, and passionate filmmakers have dedicated enormous amounts of time to following, watching, and collecting data on these magnificent leopards, contributing invaluable insights to their conservation and ensuring a brighter future for these iconic animals.

Within our small establishment, there’s a diverse team of nearly 300 dedicated staff members, some working diligently behind the scenes, while others warmly host you at the front. The saying, “It takes a village” sums up the Londolozi family perfectly, and together, they ensure every guest’s stay is truly magical.

From the skilled hands lighting lanterns every night to illuminate the boma and decks during dinner, and the butlers remembering your favourite drink order, to the hardworking housekeeping staff ensuring that your room is a cocoon of comfort, each person plays a crucial role in making your experience unforgettable.

With so much happening behind the scenes, taking a guided walk through our Futuristic African Village and back-of-house operations offers a unique opportunity to interact with more of the Londolozi staff. It’s a fantastic chance to connect with our dedicated team and gain a deeper understanding of the effort that goes into creating your experience.

• Leopard Orchid:  The logo’s main shape is inspired by Shan Varty’s favourite flower, the leopard orchid. A beautiful plant found throughout Londolozi. When in bloom, it showcases yellow flowers adorned with brown spots, mirroring the pattern of a leopard.
• Leopard: Within the orchid-shaped petals, the face of a leopard emerges, symbolizing Londolozi’s rich leopard population.
• Butterfly: The overall pattern of the logo gives it the appearance of a butterfly, a symbol of transformation, reflecting Londolozi’s commitment to personal and environmental transformation through the decades.

Founded in 1926, Londolozi is one of the oldest family-owned private game reserves in South Africa. Initially a desolate cattle farm, turned hunting hunting ground, it transformed into a conservation haven in the 1970s under the vision of the Varty family. In its early days, for only 3 rand a day (about 1 US dollar), visitors were invited to bring their own food, musical instruments, and Land Rover (if they had one) because the one Londolozi defender may be broken at times. Today, Londolozi stands as a testament to the power of conservation efforts in preserving the natural world and its inhabitants, and in 2026 turns 100!

Sparta Camp, 1926 – The humble beginnings of Londolozi, marked by its first accommodation: four rustic mud huts which are still in existence today

Varty Camp stands today as a reminder of where Londolozi all began

After years of offering immersive photographic safaris, we realized the importance of creating a space where the wilderness itself becomes a source of wellness. Londolozi has taken the lead in wellness safari retreats, and at the core of our philosophy is the enchanting Londolozi Healing House. This sanctuary is where guests embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation amidst the serene African bush.

Situated at Varty Camp, the Londolozi Healing House offers some of Africa’s most luxurious wellness retreats, where guests can rediscover their connection to nature and themselves. Working with our trained wellness practitioners, therapists, and wilderness guides, we invite you to deepen your experience with the African wilderness and find a sense of well-being within yourself.

From immersive spa treatments to mindfulness sessions in nature, it provides a sanctuary for nurturing the mind, body, and soul, blending the tranquillity of the African bush with holistic healing practices.

Londolozi is full of hidden gems and fascinating stories. I hope these facts have given you a new perspective on this incredible game reserve and inspired you to discover even more.