September 2019 houseandgarden.co.za^109nauthentic african
safari is exactly what
you’ll get at Londolozi’s
Pioneer camp, which
finds itself in an
impossibly beautiful
strip in the renowned
sabi sands Private
game reserve. In fact,
the three luxury suites
that make up the camp,
while furnished with
fort, exude the charm of
abygoneera.Thiswasat the heart of the brief
forinteriordesignerYvonne o’Brien when
shewastaskedwithredesigning the camp.
‘Itwasimportantfor Pioneer camp to
remainclassicandtrue to its origins,’ says
Yvonne, ‘so we incorporated the story of the
pioneer days when Londolozi first began.’
It was due to this approach that the suites
now feel and function much more like
a home, than a conventional retreat. ‘We
incorporated photographs and memorabilia
throughout,’ Yvonne explains, ‘which makes
this a very personal and intimate space.’
special attention was given to the finishes,
to make the camp feel as much of a safari
escape as it looks. ‘With the camp being
situated in the bush, the elements can be
harsh,’ says Yvonne, ‘so we made sure that
every aspect of the design – from fabric to
furniture – would feel and look luxurious
but would also age well.’
The three inter-connected suites make
the camp ideal for a large family or
group travelling together. The kitchen was
upgraded and opened up to allow guests
to interact with the chef, much like they
would at home. spacious balconies, a viewing
deck and large windows overlooking the
river allow guests to remain connected with
the beautiful environment in the evenings
after returning from a full day of game
drives. These guided tours offer an intimate
look into the heart of this natural oasis,
where wildlife flourishes undisturbed
by humans. For the quieter moments,
Londolozi also offers yoga and meditation
sessions, with uninterrupted views of the
sand river and its surroundings.
‘We were mindful of this environment,’
Yvonne concludes, ‘and we didn’t try to
reinvent anything, but rather worked with
the existing level of luxury that Londolozi is
so well known for.’
8 londolozi.com 8 privatehouseco.co.za