Londolozi Private Game Reserve
Londolozi Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Wildtuin, Mpumalanga, South Africa
A world-renowned luxury safari destination in the Sabi Sand Wildtuin, sharing an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park. Founded by the Varty family in 1926, Londolozi is one of South Africa's original private game reserves and a pioneer of ecotourism, famous for its exceptional leopard sightings and intimate Big Five experiences across 14,000 hectares of pristine bushveld along the Sand River.
Amenities
- Swimming pool at each camp
- Healing House spa and wellness centre
- Boma dining
- Bush dining experiences
- Wine cellar
- Curio shop and gift boutique
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Gym and fitness area
- Library
- Interactive kitchen
- Private airstrip
- Laundry service
- Safari vehicles with trackers and rangers
Seasonal Notes
- malaria
- The Sabi Sands is in a malaria area. Prophylaxis recommended — consult a travel doctor before visiting. Risk is higher during wet summer months (November to April).
- best for
- Dry season for Big Five game viewing, green season for birding and newborn animals. Leopard sightings are exceptional year-round.
- dry season
- May to October. Sparse vegetation makes game viewing easier as animals concentrate around water sources. Cooler temperatures (5-10°C mornings). Peak safari season.
- green season
- November to April. Lush vegetation, dramatic skies, excellent birding with migratory species. Calving season with baby animals. Hotter and wetter. Lower rates.
Accommodations
Founders Camp
Up to 20 guestsPays tribute to Londolozi's conservation heritage. Set among ancient Jackalberry and Ebony trees along the Sand River with ten chalets featuring elegant, earthy interiors. Features a large pool, firepit, and open-air boma.
- Private deck overlooking riverbed
- Outdoor shower
- Indoor shower
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Safe
- En-suite bathroom
- Mosquito nets
- Ceiling fan
- Tea and coffee station
- Shared swimming pool
Granite Suites
Up to 6 guestsLondolozi's most exclusive offering. Three suites built into massive granite boulders on the Sand River banks, each with a private heated plunge pool, glass-walled living areas, and butler service. Supreme privacy.
- Private heated plunge pool
- Personal butler
- Private deck
- Outdoor shower
- Indoor shower
- Freestanding bathtub
- Air conditioning
- Underfloor heating
- Fireplace
- Minibar
- Safe
- En-suite bathroom with double vanity
- Mosquito nets
- Private lounge and dining area
- Tea and coffee station
Pioneer Camp
Up to 6 guestsLondolozi's most intimate camp, set in a grove of Ebony trees on the banks of the Sand River. Three suites with a vintage safari aesthetic evoking the spirit of the original 1926 camp. Ideal for families or small groups booking exclusively.
- Private deck
- Outdoor shower
- Indoor shower
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Safe
- En-suite bathroom with freestanding bath
- Mosquito nets
- Ceiling fan
- Tea and coffee station
- Shared swimming pool
Tree Camp
Up to 12 guestsElevated on stilts among the tree canopy overlooking the Sand River. Six suites with contemporary African design offering a treehouse-like feel and close encounters with wildlife passing below.
- Private viewing deck
- Outdoor shower
- Indoor shower
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Safe
- En-suite bathroom
- Mosquito nets
- Ceiling fan
- Tea and coffee station
- Private plunge pool (select suites)
- Shared swimming pool
Varty Camp
Up to 16 guestsNamed after the founding Varty family, this flagship camp sits on the Sand River banks. Eight spacious chalets with modern luxury and classic safari style, featuring an interactive kitchen where guests watch chefs at work.
- Private deck
- Private plunge pool (Superior Chalets)
- Outdoor shower
- Indoor shower
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Safe
- En-suite bathroom with double vanity
- Mosquito nets
- Ceiling fan
- Tea and coffee station
- Shared swimming pool
Experiences
Afternoon and Evening Game Drive
3h 30mDepart in the late afternoon as nocturnal animals become active. Includes a sundowner drinks stop in the bush and a spotlight return drive for nocturnal wildlife sightings.
- dry season:
- Spectacular sunsets over dry bushveld. Excellent predator activity at dusk.
- green season:
- Dramatic storm skies and golden light for photography.
Astronomy Experience
45mAn after-dinner stargazing session guided by a ranger, using the pristine dark skies of the Sabi Sands to explore constellations, planets, and the Milky Way.
Boma Dinner
2hA traditional open-air dinner around a fire in the boma — a circular enclosure. Features local cuisine, African storytelling, and the sounds of the bush under the stars.
Guided Bush Walk
2hA walking safari with an armed ranger offering an intimate ground-level perspective. Focus on tracking, birdlife, insects, trees, and the smaller details of the ecosystem that you miss from a vehicle.
Healing House Spa
1h 15mTreatments at the Londolozi Healing House, a wellness space set in the bush. Offerings include massages, facials, body wraps, and holistic therapies using natural African ingredients.
Morning Game Drive
3h 30mDepart before dawn in an open-sided Land Rover with an expert ranger and Shangaan tracker. Track the Big Five and other wildlife through the Sabi Sand reserve. Includes a bush coffee and tea stop at sunrise.
- dry season:
- Best general game viewing — sparse bush and animals concentrated at water sources.
- green season:
- Lush landscape, excellent birding, and newborn animals.
Photography Safari
3h 30mLondolozi pioneered photographic safaris. Specialist vehicles with camera mounts, beanbag supports, and expert coaching for wildlife photography. Ideal for capturing the reserve's famous leopards.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What wildlife can I expect to see?
- Londolozi is renowned for Big Five sightings: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. The reserve is particularly famous for its habituated leopards, offering some of the best leopard viewing in the world. Other commonly seen species include cheetah, wild dog, hippo, crocodile, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, and over 500 bird species.
- Is Wi-Fi available?
- Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the main lodge areas and in the suites. However, bandwidth is limited in this remote wilderness location — suitable for emails, messaging, and light browsing but not large downloads or streaming.
- Is the area a malaria risk?
- Yes, the Sabi Sands falls within a malaria area. Consult your doctor or a travel clinic about prophylactic medication before your trip. Lodge rooms have mosquito nets and the camp is sprayed. Bring DEET-based insect repellent. Risk is higher during the wet summer months (November–April).
- What should I pack for a safari at Londolozi?
- Pack neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, brown, beige) for game drives. Bring warm layers — mornings and evenings can be cold, especially in winter (May–September, down to 5–10°C). Essentials: warm fleece or jacket, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable closed-toe shoes, and insect repellent. Londolozi provides laundry service, so no need to overpack. Avoid bright white and dark blue/black clothing as these attract insects.
- What is the best time of year to visit?
- Game viewing is excellent year-round. The dry winter months (May–October) offer the best general game viewing with sparse vegetation and animals at water sources. The green season (November–April) is ideal for birding, newborn animals, and dramatic landscapes at lower rates. Leopard sightings are consistent throughout the year.
- Are children welcome at Londolozi?
- Yes, Londolozi is family-friendly and welcomes children of all ages. The reserve offers a dedicated Cubs programme with junior game drives, bush craft lessons, and nature activities. Pioneer Camp and Varty Camp are particularly well-suited for families. Children under 6 may have modified game drive arrangements for safety.
- What is included in the rate?
- Rates are fully inclusive of accommodation, all meals (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner), local beverages (house wines, spirits, beers, soft drinks, teas, coffees), two game drives per day, guided bush walks, Wi-Fi, and laundry. Premium wines, spa treatments, private vehicle hire, conservation levies, and charter flights are additional.
- How do I get to Londolozi?
- The most common route is a scheduled charter flight from Johannesburg (OR Tambo International) to the Londolozi airstrip, approximately 1 hour. Alternatively, fly to Skukuza Airport (30 min drive) or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (1.5 hours drive). Self-drive from Johannesburg is 5–6 hours via the N4/N12, entering through the Shaw Gate of the Sabi Sands.