How to Choose Your Londolozi Camp? – Londolozi Blog

I started off my journey with Londolozi as a Camp Manager and I was extremely fortunate to work in all five Londolozi Camps throughout my time, but I spent most of my Camp Managing career at Pioneer Camp and those will always be memories I cherish deeply. Upon reflecting on my time as a Camp Manager, I remember all too well how amazed I found myself at how flexible each camp is in its own right. I was lucky enough to share guests’ safari experiences on their honeymoons, family trips, anniversaries, solo travel, and reunions of friends with people from all over the globe – being the host for these moments was always such a wonderful feeling. For whatever occasion, Londolozi’s five camps have something different to offer and are each exquisitely unique in their own right.

The camps at Londolozi are ideally positioned within walking distance of one another, over the short space of one kilometre on the banks of the magnificent Sand River. Each camp has very distinctive features, the same access to 35 000 acres of rolling terrain, exquisite cuisine, world-class beverages, and the best big 5 and leopard viewing in the world, led by some of the world’s finest rangers and trackers. 

A pack of eight Wild Dogs began hunting on the crest in front of Varty Camp.

All camps have their own main sprawling deck areas, and chalets have their own private swimming pool, outdoor lounging, and dining decks as well as the opportunity to shower al fresco outdoors. The camps vary based on the exclusivity of the accommodation, if you’ve ever wondered which Londolozi camp will best fit your safari adventure, but aren’t too sure what your decision will be (and what a hard decision it is!) let me make it a little easier and break it down for you by sharing my thoughts today on which camp we feel fit best for your special occasion… 

Varty Camp – Family, Friends & Solo travel

The campfire has been burning at Varty Camp for almost 100 years, making this the symbolic heart of Londolozi. Varty Camp is the original camp of Londolozi and celebrates the owners’ love affair with this sacred land, celebrating family and heritage. 

The celebration of family makes Varty Camp the perfect setting for families and friends on their journeying to Londolozi. Many of the daily activities on offer are found here at the epicentre at Varty Camp, including the Londolozi Photographic Studio, Living Boutique, Healing House, Guest gym, and our Cubs Den for the little Londolozi explorers. 

All of these activities are available to all of our Londolozi guests, but the advantage of staying at Varty Camp and being within close proximity of all these facilities makes it very effortless for the whole family to experience the Londolozi feeling in their preferred way. 

Varty Camp has 10 chalets, and 8 of these have optional inter-leading facilities that are perfect for families traveling with young children from 6 years and older. The remaining 2 Varty Camp rooms are our superior suites – great for those of you who may like a little more space, and privacy. There is an energy about Varty Camp that is exhilarating, and the panoramic view from the main deck will leave you completely speechless, perhaps giraffe silhouettes will appear on the crest whilst you take a bite of mouth-watering lunch or sipping on a refreshing afternoon drink. Varty Camp is the ultimate sophisticated family safari camp, for travellers looking for fun-filled adventures and social meal times, and honestly, fits any kind of traveller. 

Founders Camp – for the modern day family travellers

Founders Camp honours past guests and staff, who together, dreamt and built Londolozi as we know it today, and celebrates the present – for what a joy it is to experience the Londolozi feeling at Founders Camp. 

Founder’s Camp allows its visitors a glimpse into River life, with 7 suites soaking in the sight of the Sand River, and 3 superior family chalets that are specially designed for children creating the perfect setting for a relaxing intimate family getaway. Founders is also home to Londolozi’s Yoga Deck, a haven suspended in the arms of a 500 year old ebony tree. Inclusive to every guest’s stay is a daily yoga class. The camp is no stranger to a gently ambling breeding herd of elephants, they’ll no doubt have you enthralled during meal times. 

Founders Camp is just the most idyllic setting for modern-day family travellers, accommodates children from 6 years and older, and is a tranquil oasis overlooking the beautiful Sand River. 

Now onto Tree, Pioneer and Private Granite Suites, which all carry the prestigious global standard of excellence – Relais and Chateaux status. These 3 camps do not accommodate children under the age of 16, unless the camps are booked out exclusively. 

Tree Camp – Elegant romance & large groups 

Often referred to as the most stylish family run camp in Africa, this camp has 6 expansive suites, a sprawling Ralph Lauren style main deck, all-weather dining areas, and is nestled in ancient leadwood canopies. Tree Camp is the quintessential place for couples looking for a balance between social interactivity as well as privacy, making Tree Camp a charming spot for elegant romance. Alternatively, the camp can be used exclusively by a large family/ group of friends. 

Tree Camp pays homage to the Leopards of Londolozi, leadwoods and lanterns. By nightfall, the enchanting manner in which Tree Camp transforms leaves one in awe – the lanterns and natural light is magnificent. Grab your favourite book, your binoculars and a refreshment and relax poolside either in the comfort of your private deck, or together at Tree Camp’s main pool area and enjoy the lengthy summer days together under the African sun.

Pioneer Camp – Multi-generational family safari homestead

Pioneer Camp is the culmination of five decades of design experience in the safari industry. The three interconnected luxury suites accommodating 6 to 12 people make this the most secluded and flexible of all the Londolozi Camps. Through the years, Pioneer Camp has been home to many multi-generational families who return yearly to visit their safari homestead. Each suite has a separate child friendly room, lounge, plunge pool, and river view. Two of Pioneers suites are connected by a glass walkway, allowing for multigenerational families to remain close to one another during their stay. Pioneer Camp is very unique in that it has an interactive kitchen, explorer lounge, and a full length lap pool for the whole family to treasure sunny afternoons together. 

Pioneer Camp can seamlessly be converted into a base for honeymoons and secluded getaways, creating the most magical setting for you and your loved one – curl up on your private deck with a good book, or dine outdoors and we will bring food to you. The possibilities are endless when it comes to Pioneer Camp. 

Pioneer Camp is a symphony of style, bushveld architecture and nature. – Dave Varty

Last but certainly not least, our best kept secret.. the crème de la crème of the Londolozi portfolio

Private Granite Suites – Africa’s crowning honeymoon destination

Being the ultimate honeymoon destination in Africa exclusively for 6 guests, the Private Granite Suites contains 3 secluded spacious suites and is the pinnacle of our Londolozi Camps. The Suites blend the boarders between inside and outside, creating a seamless integration with nature with large doors and windows opening directly onto the perennial Sand River for you to enjoy uninterrupted views in the privacy of your own suite. Each suite has a vast outdoor deck and private heated swimming pools, and my favourite part – recharge, unwind and indulge in a luxurious outdoor riverside bath, who knows maybe a herd of elephants may mosey on by over the granite rocks infront of your private suite.

Granite Camp is a fusion of romance and Africa’s raw essence, with a spectacular sunset river bar and sunken fire pit suspended above the Sand River. This camp is the ideal setting for romantic couples, or small intimate groups of friends looking for ultimate privacy and relaxation.

Whichever camp speaks to you, you will find that they are all so magical in their own right – there truly is something for everyone. On your next stay at Londolozi, whichever camp you stay at, soak in Africa’s beauty and marvel at the wildlife unfolding in front of you in the river below.

Which Londolozi camp would you choose?