Re-imagining the iconic Varty Camp

For over 90 years, Londolozi has been reinventing the meaning of luxury safari. With the inception of Varty Camp, a wilderness oasis in the heart of the Sabi Sand, the crown jewel of the Kruger National Park, they ushered in an era of authenticity and connection to the true essence of nature. Since then, visitors to this pioneering lodge have been enchanted by the majesty of the African wild and the restorative power of oneness with creation.

In line with this enduring legacy, Varty Camp has been re-imagined to bring nature closer than ever before and remove the boundaries between man and the rest of nature. Endorsed by Nelson Mandela as the conservation model towards which others should aspire, Londolozi‘s rich and proud history has nurtured innovation, leading the path to a new way of doing and being, including the evolution of this beloved sanctuary.

For a glimpse at the revolutionary work happening at Londolozi, watch this video:

Londolozi values life. No vegetation was disturbed during the renewal process and everything, down to the last blade of grass, was left as is. Dedicated protectors and restorers of the land, they ensured that the new Varty Camp allows for full immersion into this rich terrain. From the pioneering moments in 1976, when Londolozi went against industry norm, departing from the safari aesthetics of the era – quaint mud huts set among hardy aloes and bougainvillea plants – in lieu of a signature subtlety that conforms to nature, they have been at the forefront of change. The original Varty Camp layout set the standard and now, again, Londolozi is ushering a new era of simplicity where the wilderness is not just a showground but a place of transformation.

Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife, Care of the People has been at the core of all things Londolozi since the very first bomas were lit 92 years ago, helping to launch the African safari as we’ve come to know it. It’s with this in mind that the new Varty Camp was conceptualised. Simplicity, tranquility and peace have always reigned at the iconic Varty Camp but with the new changes, nature plays the utmost role – to allow visitors the full splendour of the unforgettable Sabi Sand wilderness and the calming waters of the Sand River.

As changes were made to the camp’s signature bushveld camp style –  high, thatched-roofed buildings with cantilevered decks, set on steep banks under the shade of ancient riverine trees – the integrity of this arrangement was maintained. As it has done for almost a century, Varty Camp sits in respectful deference to 6 million acres of wilderness in order to continue being a haven in the midst of a glorious, untouched landscape.

Varty Camp opened earlier this year and the travel experts at Rhino Africa experienced first-hand the wonderful intricacy of the changes made. We were blown away by the attention to detail and the thoughtful elements that make the lodge a sanctuary for connection and healing through nature. Spaces for contemplation have been created as have compartments for silence and relaxation.

A total of 10 luxury sanctums that center outdoor living make up the new Varty Camp.  Included in this outdoor experience is an open-air lounge, shower and dining sala, which complement the existing private plunge pools, giving new meaning to the term “immersed in nature.” The soles of your feet are constantly rooted to the ground and even the replenishing cascades of your outdoor shower descend to the echo of rousing nature. The interiors are also a wonder, with delicate enhancements featuring subtle white, grey and oak hues and wall-to-wall mirrors that reflect the surrounding nature and you within it.

“Our generation doesn’t want more shiny things that will end up
floating in the ocean… we are pushing back against the idea that
bigger is better. We have to, again, redefine what luxury is.
We want simple, elegant spaces that reflect union with wilderness.
We want to live in beauty.”

– Bronwyn Varty-Laburn, 4th generation custodian 

We at Rhino Africa have worked closely with Londolozi for over 15 years and have never been disappointed by the quality of the Londolozi safari and experience. Hundreds of our guests have journeyed to this hideaway and returned with tales of immersion, re-connection and healing and expressed a deep yearning to return. Be sure to get in touch with one of our expert consultants if you desire this life-altering experience.