81 Years at Londolozi 1926 - 2007

The Families of Londolozi
The history of the Varty and Taylor families – the conservation dynasties who have dedicated their lives to saving a small part of Africa’s Eden – is the history of Londolozi.

The first stirrings of Londolozi were felt over eighty years ago when two friends and the great grandfathers of the Varty and Taylor clans, Charles Varty and Frank Unger, stood for the first time on the banks of the Sand River. The vision they saw in the virgin bush turned out to be as solid and enduring as the granite rocks anchored in the river.

On the banks of the Sand River, where the water runs clear and cool over the granite rocks and the bushveld stretches to the horizon, is where they made camp. It was from here, where that first campfire was built amidst the roar of lions that Londolozi evolved into one of the most sought after ecotourism destinations in the world.

For two generations the family hosted presidents and princesses and sacrificed its wild beasts to the hunter’s gun. This came to an end thirty-five years ago when it passed into John, Dave and Shan Varty’s care. The family shared a dream – to build a world icon destination and create the blueprint for modern day conservation in southern Africa.

The farm was renamed Londolozi, derived from the Zulu word ‘to protect’. The new name symbolised the family’s aim to provide a sanctuary for all living things.

The guiding principle for Londolozi in the 70s and 80s was to demonstrate the economic viability of wildlife in a land torn apart by racism, fences and division.

The 90s brought new hope and a belief in unity, trust and harmony. It was also a time in which Londolozi was able to send her message of partnership between wildlife and people across the African continent.

The new millennium poses new challenges and opportunities and Londolozi will, as in the past, seek to make its small contribution to seeking a new order, one that is rooted in the laws of nature.

This fresh chapter is defined by the intention to be of service and to create a place and a space quite unique in the world. So that visitors, guests and friends of Londolozi are profoundly moved by their experiences.

Authenticity Leadership Transcendence
At Londolozi the Varty family values are everywhere in evidence; in the personalised service, the commitment to conservation, the ambience of simplicity and elegance, and naturally, in the welcome received on arrival.

Socially, economically and environmentally responsible; Londolozi is a privately owned game reserve built on solid foundations and almost a century of family history; welcoming to all, exploring new frontiers and exceeding expectations.

True to its name Londolozi has become fertile ground for enkindling aspirations for a better future for all, for a planet abounding in open spaces, wild animals and people living together in dignity and harmony.