Londolozi Private Game Reserve – Sabi Sand

The Varty family’s conservation ethos has always resonated with that of Bellingham Safaris. We relish the opportunity to send our guests to Londolozi, the Varty family owned property within South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Not only for the exceptional service and wildlife, but also because the restoration of this pristine private reserve over many years has been an ongoing labour of love by Dave, Shan and their family.

Two countries united by a single cause
Amongst the many conservation tasks taken on by Londolozi has been the habituation of leopard which it began in the 1970’s and forever altered big cat viewing experiences worldwide. Habituation should not be confused with “taming”, habituation is the gradual process of removing fear of humans (instilled through years of persecution). The animal gradually becomes relaxed (still wary and wild, but not afraid) in the presence of 4×4 vehicles filled with wildlife enthusiasts. This allows the cats to be easily viewed and photographed which adds huge value to these beautiful animals and the wildlife property. During Simon’s time working as a field guide at lodges in the Kruger National Park and the neighbouring Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve (including Londolozi) he worked with several properties undertaking habituation work and receiving the benefits from habituation work carried out. “My personal experience of leopard habituation efforts led me to co-found Projeto Oncafari with my good friend Mario Haberfeld. Together we took this method of respectful habituation to Mario’s home country, Brazil, to enable the jaguar to play its role in conservation.”

Why travelling with us make a difference
Our choice of properties is based not only on guest experience and quality of service but also on a demonstration of commitment to conservation, green operations and tangible benefits to the local communities. The Varty family pioneered South Africa’s eco-tourism industry by abandoning unsustainable hunting safaris popular in the early twentieth century in favour of photographic safaris. We believe the Vartys have successfully created not only a wildlife sanctuary, but also a superb luxury safari underpinned by sound eco-tourism principles; making Londolozi one of the premier safari products worldwide.

For some safari inspiration view our sample itinerary, featuring Londolozi, Tswalu and Cape Town.

Experience the power of conservation in action with us.

This is the most exclusive offering at Londolozi. The Private Granite Suites offer an extraordinary experience for the use of six guests. Bold, inspiring materials mirror the extrusion of granite rocks that flank the camp while conveying the raw essence of Africa.

Tree Camp embodies the very essence of Londolozi’s continuous striving to transcend and redefine the journey to the wilderness. This is a place of connoisseurship, leopards, orchids, lanterns and Leadwood trees. Elegance and simplicity are the hallmarks of the Tree Camp sanctuaries.

Pioneer Camp is the most secluded of Londolozi’s luxury camps. The three private suites have superb river views and are perfect for honeymoons and private getaways.

Founders Camp honours past guests and staff who have contributed to building Londolozi Game Reserve. It is their efforts which have distilled the legacy of the past 30 years into a common mission.

The campfire has burned here for over 85 years making Varty Camp the symbolic heart and soul of Londolozi.

Warm regards from Simon, Jen and the Bellingham team.

Photo credits: Londolozi Private Game Reserve, White-fronted Bee Eater by James Tyrrell, Leopard by Stoff Kane-Berman.