Londolozi Private Game Reserve
Expert Reviews (6)
South Africa Parks
Stephen is a travel writer and avid conservationist whose work appears in prestigious magazines such as Africa Geographic and Travel Africa.
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The Land of the Leopard
When hunting along the Sand River gave way to photographic safaris some thirty-five years ago, the old hunting camp location was rechristened Londolozi: a name derived from the Zulu word meaning ‘to protect’. It was a pioneering concept ahead of its time; but, decades later, visitors to Londolozi reap the rewards of this far-sighted partnership between wildlife and people. It would be no stretch of the imagination or exaggeration for me to say that today Londolozi is renowned as probably the best place in the world to view the usually elusive leopard. I really like that the rangers and trackers at Londolozi have an excellent knowledge and passion for the area. However, my best-ever Londolozi sighting happened right at the lodge itself … One day, while enjoying a lazy afternoon siesta on my room’s secluded riverside deck, I was awoken by the magical sound of elephants cavorting in the Sand River below. After an hour of watching these gray giants drinking and going about their business, I stepped onto the aerial walkway that linked my luxurious room to the main lodge. But, before I could get going, my ranger intercepted me and signalled that I should freeze. Not far off, a male leopard was carefully stashing his waterbuck kill up a leadwood tree in the middle of camp. A minute later he melted back into the bush from whence he had come.
Emma is an award-winning travel writer for Rough Guides, National Geographic Traveller, Travel Africa magazine and The Independent.
2 people found this review helpful.
Luxury and elegance in the heart of leopard country
Londolozi is situated in the centre of the Sabi Sands Reserve, west of Kruger National Park. It’s one of the most famous parts of Sabi Sands and an excellent choice, if you can afford it, as its owners, the Varty family, have a long-running commitment to conservation, their taste is impeccable and their vehicles have exclusive access to a vast area. Head out on a game drive from one of Londolozi’s five glorious lodges and there’s no absolutely danger of getting stuck in a queue, waiting for another lodge’s guests to move on from a sighting.
In my view, Londolozi is one of the very best places in Africa for leopard fanatics because you’ll be in like-minded company. I found that the owners and staff love talking about them and it’s highly likely that you, like me, will be sharing your safari with equally besotted fellow guests. The chances of encountering these magnificent cats are superb and you’ll have the privilege of watching them at your own pace. I particularly enjoyed the fact that you can look up the life histories of the individuals you have seen: each has a page on the Londolozi website.