Falls, Bush & Beach | Victoria Falls | Sabi Sand | Mozambique

Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is set on the edge of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Here the highly trained safari guides take guests on game drives in custom-built 4 x 4 safari vehicles to experience the land as it was when Livingstone first made his way across the ridge and beheld the smoke that thunders. The park has elephant, impala, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, zebra in large numbers and an exciting array of birds, including some Southern African specials like Peters Finfoot. Guests may also be lucky enough to see a rare sighting of the wild dog that on occasion pass through the park.

Just a short drive away from the world famous Victoria Falls, the lodge offers guests a walking tour of The Falls. First described to Europe by explorer David Livingstone and known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or "the Smoke that Thunders", the falls make a constant roar and are accompanied by a cloud of brilliant spray where the mile wide Upper Zambezi falls 300 feet into the Lower Zambezi. Rainbows constantly form and collapse in the tropical sunlight over the waterfall. The river is bordered by ebony groves and mopane forest. Well-known for its bird life, with many fish eating raptors attracted to the rich pickings in the river. Excluded in the rate is the Heritage Fee which is payable by guests directly at the lodge when doing a Tour of the Falls.

There can be few more thrilling ways to experience and understand African wildlife, the bush and ecosystem as a whole than by being on foot on a walking safari. Offering a completely different perspective to the conventional view one gets from the confines of a safari vehicle. Our two highly trained professional walking guides, Luckson and Elijah, have a combined walking safari experience of more than 20 years. Their reverence and respect for the wild is highly contagious, making this a truly unforgettable and memorable experience as they share their in-depth bush knowledge of the local flora and fauna. Guests will also be accompanied by an armed National Parks ranger. Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma's walking safaris will last about two hours and are conducted at a leisurely pace. Morning walks will depart at 6:30 am and will include a break with tea, coffee and snacks. The afternoon walk will commence at 4pm and finish at a special sundowner spot where guests will be served drinks and canapés while enjoying the magnificent sunset.

A Zambezi River cruise is a great way to spend a few hours before drifting back to the lodge, a warm shower and delicious dinner. Sanctuary's boats are specially designed and the guide will take the boat through a series of grade 2 rapids before finding a spot to beach for a break and a sunset cocktail. The combination of Zambezi spray on your face and delicious drink on the tongue makes for a memorable sunset cruise. Sipping on a cocktail while watching the sunset over the majestic Zambezi River is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Nakatindi village is located six kilometres from Livingstone and five kilometres from Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma. Through Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy, we sponsor various projects aimed at improving education, conservation, health and enterprise in the village. Guests staying at Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma have the opportunity to visit these projects and meet the people supported by them. In particular, guests can visit Nakatindi Community School which is resposible for the education of 442 pupils or Chipego bike shop, where guests can hire bicycles to use to tour the village.

The fishing season generally opens on 1st March each year. It closes annually from the 1st December until March. (This is the local Fisheries' regulations and it is enforced by the Zambian Wildlife Authority.) All fishing is on a strict "Catch and Release" policy as we are in the national park. So far the biggest fish caught was around 4.5kg.

Sussi and Chuma's 3 boats are used for fishing as well as other activities. Guests specifically wanting to do fishing should ideally request and pay for a private boat for fishing. That said we will be happy to accommodate fishermen as best as we can. Please note, on a full camp, all boats are used for the evening sunset cruise.

The Flight of Angels offers an amazing experience - the opportunity to fly over the Falls in a helicopter for unrivalled views. While we cannot guarantee that you will see any game the following species can often be seen from the air: elephant, buffalo, rhino, hippo, crocodile and giraffe. Guests can choose from a 15 or 30 minute flight, minimum 2/maximum 6 participants, starting from the helipad at Maramba Aerodome.

The rapids on the Zambezi are officially defined as "Grade 5" by the British Canoe Union. You will be met in the reception area of the lodge from where you transfer to the Zambezi Waterfront, check-in, sign an indemnity and be given a briefing before departing on a half day white water rafting experience. The white water rafting finishes at rapid #10 where the truck will be waiting with cold drinks and beers for the journey back to Zambezi Waterfront at 12.30 / 1.00pm in time for lunch. Lunch consists of a variety of savoury filled bread rolls, fruits and fruit juice. After lunch, you will be transferred back to the lodge. Water is provided throughout the day. Minimum 4 participants and no children under 15 years are allowed to participate on the rafting activity. Guests have the option of also choosing from a full day, low water or full day high water white river rafting.

A Livingstone Island visit begins with a thrilling ride through the channels of the Zambezi in twin-engine boats. During the guided exploration of the island you will learn about its long history, from ancient times, when it was a sacrificial site, to the present day, as a protected World Heritage Site. Those who are feeling brave can even take a heart-stopping peek over the island's edge. After the tour, relax and enjoy refreshments under the shade of our canopied dining area with a view of the Falls that is quite unique. Those keen on a swimming experience unlike any other can even brave the waters of this mighty river in the island's very own bathing pool, which forms each year amongst the rocks along the edge of the Falls. The activity lasts about one and a half hours with about one hour fifteen minutes on the island. Five trips are offered daily with a maximum of 12 people per trip.

Explore the Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side. Transfer time from the lodge to the entrance of the Falls in Zimbabwe is approximately ½ hour depending on border formalities. From here, the guide will escort guests around the Falls sharing some facts and history along the way. Sanctuary Retreats will supply raincoats during high water months when guests are likely to get wet from the spray of the Falls. The walk is approximately 1½ hours in duration (3km), through the rainforest, stopping at the various viewing points. Guests are advised to wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the walk, as well as suitable waterproof protection for camera equipment. Guests will also have the opportunity to do some curio shopping in the adjacent open-air markets.

Game drives at Londolozi are taken by professional, passionate and knowledgeable rangers and trackers, who amongst them have a wealth of 350 years of experience. With over 15 000 hectares of traversing wilderness, no two game drives are ever the same. Trackers sit up at the front of the Land Rover looking for fresh animal tracks, while rangers drive with astonishing skill into ravines and through thicket in pursuit of elusive animals, simultaneously wowing guests with their outstanding knowledge and unforgettable stories.

Many of the rangers and trackers at Londolozi grew up living off the land in these parts and therefore have an unmatched knowledge of both the area and the elements of nature within this wilderness wonderland. Londolozi boasts two of South Africa’s only 17 master trackers, which only adds to the excellence of the team and the experience they are able to deliver.

Come to Londolozi and embark on the experience of a lifetime. Allow our field guides to wow you with their knowledge, move you with their stories, and bring you one step closer to nature.

Suitable for the beautiful balmy bushveld days in May, June and July; there is nothing like walking in a winter wilderness. Drift down a game trail into a dry riverbed. Feel the crisp morning rhythm of Africa with each step on the winding path as you let nature captivate you in her essence. There is no vehicle, no noise and no distractions. This is when nature speaks to you.

The birdlife at Londolozi represents a magic of diversity in perpetual motion and offers the visitor an entirely new frontier in wilderness engagement. A wide array of sunbirds seeking nectar from the flowering aloes is winter’s gift to the discerning birder, not to mention the other 450 species

which abound in these landscapes. Many fine ornithologist guides reside at Londolozi.

Our children’s programme is uniquely tailored for each child, many of whom are budding junior game rangers. Our approach is based on a personal interaction with each child and is energetic and flexible. We regard nature as the great educator and with no set routines we allow the child to discover the world of the outdoor classroom which surrounds them. Nature sets the agenda and we enable these young people to discover something of themselves.

Yoga means ‘union’ in Sanskrit and refers to the bringing together of mind, body and spirit. Asanas, also a Sanskrit word, refers to the poses and postures developed in India to join mind and body in spiritual awareness.

At Londolozi we have added the powerful elements of nature to the yoga experience, using both the natural energy of the location and tailor made Asanas, to create a yoga form which is suitable for beginners and intermediate practitioners.

You are free to schedule a private yoga session in your room or in the shade of your deck. Alternatively, daily classes are held on the yoga deck beside the pool at Varty Camp. Please ask your camp manager for class times. We look forward to you joining us to greet the sun and strengthen the vital life of the body.

"Londolozi could well be one of the most forward-thinking emotional-wellness offerings in southern Africa right now" - Condé Naste Traveller Magazine, The Spa Guide, 2019

At Londolozi, we believe in honouring ancient ways, harmony in flow and the rhythms of nature.

After four decades of delivering a photographic safari immersion to discerning international safari travellers, we believe that the time is now to create a new space which allows the Londolozi wilderness to become our enduring source of wellness.

Our hope is that at the Londolozi Healing House, situated at Varty Camp, you will rediscover what it means to be human, and attuned to the natural world.

The Londolozi Healing House is a place of remembering, a shift from the world of doing into the world of being, a chance to re-discover your own nature and access a deep and natural intelligence which lies within the still core of your own wild self.

The Londolozi Healing House experience will help you to combine the core safari excursions with artful resting, curated bodywork and yoga in the surrounds of the expansive wilderness presence of Londolozi. We have crafted some special activities for true rejuvenation, restoration and transformation.

Working with our trained Wellness Practitioners, Therapists and Wilderness Guides, we invite you to commune with the African wilderness and to find within you a sense of wellbeing. In the hurried world of today, true luxury is time to oneself in search of self-healing and connection to nature. The Londolozi Healing House is a place where time will allow for intangible magic, stillness and contemplation to stir deep within you.

“Wilderness reminds us what it means to be human, what we are connected to rather
than what we are separate from." – Terry Tempest Williams

Londolozi’s fully equipped gym offers running, cycling and rowing machines which allow for a perfect workout, complemented by a daily routine of eating well and relaxing into harmony with nature. The gym is situated in Varty Camp and is open to all guests.

Campfires, storytelling, red wine and good company are the hallmark of any winter safari. Coming from a long line of storytellers, Londolozi’s history is steeped in the tradition of campfire yarns told late into the night. In each of the 5 exclusive camps you can hear the whispers of our ancestors and embodied in our history, are the legends and myths of the mysteries and adventures of safari. Each camp has its own spirit and each has its own campfire which awaits you.

On visiting Londolozi in 1992 Mandela saw the vision that was being lived by the employees and management in collaboration with nature.

“During my long walk to freedom, I had the rare privilege to visit Londolozi. There I saw people of all races living in harmony amidst the beauty that mother nature offers” - Nelson Mandela

It is in this light that the Freedom’s Way art installation has been completed to draw attention to the values which Nelson Mandela put forward to our nation and to compliment the Londolozi village walk which all guests are encouraged to experience.

Starting at the 1926 Sparta Camp, situated in the heart of Varty Camp, the village walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela is led by Linah Lamula. This short walk from Varty Camp is best taken after breakfast. The village walk allows guests to interact with many of our staff and their families who have lived and worked at Londolozi for over 30 years.

While it is important to recognise Mandela’s solo achievements, it is critical that we take his passion into our own lives, taking forward the elements of great leadership to heal the human affliction in the world. Nelson Mandela is an icon and leader who is loved by all South Africans, young, old, rich and poor. He is known and respected throughout the world. Through all he suffered and achieved and through his attitude and values he has taught us the most valuable lessons as a country and each of us individuals.

Courage: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid but he who conquers that fear.”

Freedom: “I have walked the long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter. I have made mistakes along the way. But I have discovered the secret after climbing a great hill, one only finds there are many more hills to climb.”

Resilience: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.”

Trust: “We signal that good can be achieved amongst human beings who are prepared to trust, prepared to believe in the goodness of people.”

Unity: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Empathy: “I stand here before you not as a prophet but as a humble servant of you, the people. Your tireless and heroic sacrifices have made it possible for me to be here today. I, therefor place the remaining years of my life in your hands.”

Vision: “The power of imagination created the illusion that my vision went much further than the naked eye could actually see.”

Patience: “Patience is waiting, not passively waiting. But to keep going when the going is hard and slow.”

Londolozi is the home of the photographic safari and has long been recognised as a superb location for wildlife photography, specialising in the big cats. Incredible light, diverse scenery and a plethora of African wildlife set the stage for unsurpassed photographic theatre.

There are many ways to take advantage of this incredible location.

The Private Vehicle
For the photographic veteran, or anyone who is looking for privacy while on game drive, wanting a vehicle entirely to themselves.

A private safari vehicle can be reserved for individuals and families. A dedicated Ranger and Tracker team will focus on tailoring the safari experience around the guest’s specific needs and interests (e.g. birding, botany, big cats, photography etc.). This is ideal for experienced safari-goers or those who enjoy a little more privacy.

Included:

One morning and one afternoon game drive per day
A dedicated Ranger and Tracker team

The Londolozi Wildlife Photographic Experience
Perfect for beginner and enthusiast photographers who are wanting to make photography the main focus of their safari. For this safari option, we will pair you with a photographic tutor who will assist you both in the field and in post-processing and editing.

Londolozi is known across the world as a destination which offers remarkable photographic wildlife opportunities and is the perfect place to learn and craft this incredible art form.

Included:

A private safari vehicle
A professional photographic tutor with advanced knowledge in:
The camera & best settings
Vehicle positioning
Expertise in the use of light (especially low light conditions)
Post processing & image organisation
A dedicated Ranger and Tracker team focused on getting you into the best photographic positions possible
Full access to the Londolozi Photography Studio for post-processing and editing.
This safari type must be requested and booked prior to arrival

Rent photographic equipment
The Photographic Studio offers guests the chance to rent a multitude of professional level photographic bodies, lenses and accessories. Gone are the days of lugging heavy camera gear around the world. Now it’s as simple as pre-booking your gear and finding it ready for use upon your arrival at the lodge.

First-time photographers can also try out the latest telephoto lens and body setups by requesting the equipment at the lodge. If you want to capture a close-up of a leopard in a tree, a fish eagle in flight or zebras grooming each other, the photographic studio has the right lens to get you the perfect shot.

The Photographic Studio- on location at Londolozi- is very popular with Londolozi guests, who are able to direct and produce their own creative work. With tuition from a qualified Lightroom instructor, you can spend time between game drives editing and printing your best safari shots on wide-format canvas or high quality photo paper, along with the final edited shots on a memory stick.

Londolozi Photographic Studio at a Glance

Open daily (booking required)
Edit your images using Lightroom CC on the latest widescreen retina display iMacs - an incredible process that would enhance any wildlife photo
Print your personal images onto wide-format canvas or photo paper
Take your edited shots with you on a memory stick

Diving, snorkelling, kayaking, horse riding, kite boarding, deep sea fishing, dhow safaris, chartering yachts and scenic helicopter flights are some of the activities that are on offer

Diving - With sites at a depth of 12 to 30 m and visibility up to 40 m you will find reefs teeming with life, including dolphin, humpback whales, whale sharks, sharks, manta and spotted eagle rays, game fish, green turtles and giant lobster. The endangered dugong of which only a very small number still exist, swim in the shallow crystal clear waters that are also home to starfish, soft and hard corals, anemones, seahorses and an array of beautiful tropical fish. Other dive sites are located on the seaward side of San Sebastian (south of the islands on the mainland peninsular), a point jutting out in line with the islands. From San Sebastian, the mainland curves southwest to form a large bay that is protected from rough seas by the point and the islands.

Snorkelling - Aphrodite, Santorini’s luxurious Supercat 38 Sport, is the ultimate vessel for exploring the enchanting islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago. Sun lovers are drawn to toast lightly amidst a dreamy siesta on the front trampoline, while others are enticed to the water for a snorkel with the myriad colours of reef fish and corals.

Kayaking

Kite boarding - Whether you’re a total beginner or want to push your kite surfing skills to the next level, there is a range of courses to meet your needs. Best of all – the kite surfing school will come to you and your lesson will be here on the shores of Santorini.

Deep sea fishing - The Bazaruto Archipelago is a fisherman’s paradise, offering year-round opportunities to land a memorable catch. All fishing tackle is taken care of by our knowledgeable skippers, who know these waters intimately and can guide you in fishing for different species, from Job Fish, Bonito and Mackerel to impressive Tuna, GTs, Dorado and Wahoo depending on the season. Aphrodite is fully-equipped with a fighting chair and outriggers.

Dhow safaris - Adopt a slower pace and set sail on Santorini’s traditional dhow, a hand-crafted wooden vessel with distinctive lateen rigging. The ancient art of dhow travel has been practiced in this region for centuries, where fathers have passed on the craft of skippering dhows to their sons through generations. Still used today, it is a vital part of everyday life in Kingfisher Bay. Dhow travel is relaxed, simple and unhurried – the perfect way to experience a sunset in Mozambique. Shared sundowners are available on Santorini’s dhow, but it can also be booked exclusively for the quintessential romantic sunset cruise. Settle into comfortable cushions for a laid-back sundowner drinks experience, complete with canapés from Santorini’s chefs.

Charter yachts

Scenic helicopter flights - Experience the allure of the Bazaruto Archipelago from above in a helicopter. While relaxing aboard with the Captain’s full attention, passengers can experience the Bazaruto Archipelago with its scenic wonders. From the elegance of flamingos, the amazing sea life such as Dugongs, crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, beautiful sunsets, golden dunes, historic lighthouses and pristine islands to nature’s art work in the form of ripples in sand and water.

Private beach picnics

Horse riding - Vilanculos is renowned for its superb variety of white sand beaches, alluring golden sunsets and tall palm trees. The beach stretches for tens of kilometres allowing riders plenty of opportunities for exhilarating canters and long trots. The views from the towering cliffs overlooking the Bazaruto Archipelago are extraordinary and will be a memory you will never forget.
Mandy Retclaff, the writer of 104 horses owns the beautiful stables a 45-minute drive from Santorini. There are a variety of rides along the coast and inland that cater for beginners to experienced riders. The spirit of fun and adventure runs deep at Mozambique Horse Safari so saddle up and enjoy a truly unique African adventure on our wonderful horses.

Yoga classes - Strengthen your body and bring tranquility to your mind and spirit with a Hatha
Yoga Session here at Santorini. Hatha Yoga includes asanas (poses), meditation
and breathwork with a qualified yoga teacher.