Inside A True Gaming Experience At Londolozi Game Reserve

Photo Credit: Londolozi

When planning to visit a new lodge for the first time, there are a lot of factors that play an important role in making the right selection. What will the experience be? How is the lodge designed? Even more importantly, what’s the game viewing experience like? On all accounts Londolozi Granite Suites went above and beyond and exceeded all expectations. The lodge truly makes for an exciting, game filled and comfortable stay.

Londolozi is one of the oldest game lodges in South Africa and consists of a series of five different camps along the banks of the Sands River, situated in the very heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The three private Granite Suites are sumptuously sexy and luxurious; hands down the best accommodation available at Londolozi. These can be booked individually or for groups as a private camp for six guests.

The camp house consists of a large imposing thatch palapa against a black and charcoal-colored palette overlooking the banks of the Sabi Sands River. It’s both mysterious and chic, with great use of the surrounding granite material flanking the camp on either side. In the suites, the walls are made of stacked grey granite and flow from the living room through the large, airy bathrooms. They focus on space, light and most importantly, privacy. If you are on the hunt for a comfortable and more secluded vacation, this is the place for you. Guests particularly enjoy the floating bathtub at the end of the patio overlooking the river and serving as the ultimate romantic indulgence.

Photo Credit: Londolozi

The game viewing experience at Londolozi is unrivaled. One afternoon, just after a nap on the spacious patio, I woke up to see a breeding herd of 30 elephants no more than 20 feet away.

There are few other places in the world that offer such ample opportunity to lay eyes on the elusive leopard; here they are extremely comfortable around the vehicles and the leopard viewing is among the best I have ever experienced.

The cuisine is delicious and you can dine when, where and how you like. Guests are totally and completely catered to and have many options when it comes to dining. Varying from dining on the deck of the lodge, in the privacy of your suite, traditionally in the outdoor boma with a typical South African style braai (barbeque), or even a bush dinner set outside of the camp – the choice is yours when it comes time to dine.

Photo Credit: Londolozi

Meals out of the safety confines of the camp are much more than just a picnic. About a 15-minute drive from the lodge, guests can stop in front of a huge tree on the riverbank. There, up in this gorgeous tree, is a meal served several feet in the air. It is set around a table in a tree house, with the most stunning view of the river and surrounding area. A gate at the bottom of the ladder keeps diners safe, while the ranger leaves behind walkie-talkies before informing guests to prepare for the 4pm game drive. Up on the deck, two abundantly packed baskets filled with artisanal sandwiches, jars of pate’s, olives and cornichons, salad, picked vegetables, quiche, dried sausage, meatballs and vegetable kebabs. A massive ice bucket is filled to the brim with assorted wines, tonic, soda and a craft gin.

There is something quite magical about sitting at that table watching the animals far below. Take an afternoon nap on the bed in the tree house before heading out for cocktails after the game ride or simply head back for an evening of secluded relaxation. Either way, Londolozi doesn’t fail to serve up the best getaway vacation.

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Photo Credit: Londolozi