While many associate Christmas with snow days and cozy fires, my experience has been quite different. Having grown up celebrating Christmas at Londolozi, I connect the holiday with the warmth of the African sun, the presence of wildlife, and the vibrant greenery of the bush after summer rains. Having experienced the festive season here for many years, I can confidently say that an African Christmas is one of the most magical experiences. One of the things I cherish most about celebrating in this unique setting is the way thoughts of the fast-paced world and the holiday rush fade away, presenting a rare opportunity for moments of connection with loved ones and nature.
So if you’re wondering what exactly an African Christmas looks like, here’s a glimpse into the magic that unfolds at Londolozi over this festive time.
Londolozi transforms on Christmas Eve, as each of Londolozi’s five camps is illuminated with candles, lanterns, and beautifully set tables, creating a festive wonderland in the heart of the bush. Recognizing the importance of food in bringing people together during the festive season, our kitchen curates a specially crafted Christmas Eve dinner menu. By blending traditional Christmas elements with sophistication and a South African touch, they present delicious and thoughtfully crafted dishes.
When it comes to Christmas decorations at Londolozi, we typically embrace a subtle approach, letting nature’s beauty shine. Here are a few ways we decorate for the Christmas season, carefully tailored to complement this unique environment.
We don’t have traditional Christmas pine trees. Instead, nature provides its own unique versions, showcasing a range of magnificent trees, some over 100 years old, scattered throughout Londolozi.
In each of our five camps, our unique take on a Christmas tree is a beautifully crafted wooden giraffe adorned with Christmas lights—a perfect bush-inspired version.
One of our favourite ways to add a touch of magic to the festive season is by placing lanterns on branches around the camp.
Our Christmas Eve tables feature elements of Christmas, such as fairy lights and, of course, Christmas crackers. However, to maintain the timeless beauty of the surrounding wilderness, we incorporate elements inspired by the bush.
The Varty Camp deck is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights and lanterns.
Christmas morning at Londolozi is a unique experience. Imagine waking up to the beautiful dawn chorus of birds, stepping onto your private deck, and witnessing a herd of elephants passing by. It’s a Christmas morning unlike any other, where the early hours carry an extra sense of excitement, setting the tone for a day filled with magical Christmas moments in the heart of nature.
It doesn’t stop at Christmas morning—throughout the day, you’ll be surrounded by animals. Encountering a bushbuck on the pathway to lunch or coming across a pride of lions during your afternoon game drive becomes a memorable part of your Christmas experience.
Instead of a traditional snowy white Christmas, we have a vibrant, summery green celebration at Londolozi. Christmas falls over our summer months, when the landscape transforms into lush greenery and nature comes alive, offering extraordinary wildlife encounters.
As far back as I can remember, my Christmases have always been marked by pool days—a cherished way to celebrate with friends and family. Imagine being surrounded by lush green wilderness, embracing the Christmas spirit by enjoying our delicious local gins by the pool, all while basking in the warmth of an African summer.
As you can probably tell, we have a deep appreciation for natural light, particularly the soft glow of candles, lanterns, and firelight. This affinity becomes even more pronounced during Christmas time when these elements fill Londolozi with a festive spirit and a magical ambiance.
Tree Camp butler, Matthews Machava, lights tea-light candles and places them on the tables for extra Christmas magic.
The Founders Camp deck, adorned with a beautiful display of lanterns, set against the backdrop of a magnificent sunset.
The Pioneer Deck is beautifully lit with candles, setting the perfect ambiance for Christmas Eve.
The Granite Deck is dimly lit, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Varty Camp Butler, Thembi, carefully hangs lanterns on the tree, preparing the deck for an enchanting Christmas Eve.
The Varty Camp deck glows in candlelight, and the main tree, covered with lanterns, stands ready to welcome guests for a festive Christmas Eve dinner.
I hold so many special memories of Christmas here, and I hope I’ve managed to share a glimpse of the magic we experience at Londolozi during the festive season. But to truly feel it, you’ll have to come and experience it for yourself.
From the entire Londolozi Family, we wish you all a wonderful Christmas!
Megan Kane-Berman
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