Set amongst the dappled shade of 500-year-old ebony trees, Pioneer Camp is the culmination of five decades of design experience in the safari industry. Pioneer Camp’s three interconnected luxury suites and generous bush homestead makes this the most secluded and flexible of the Londolozi camps. The private suites have superb river views and are perfect for honeymoons and secluded getaways. The camp can easily be converted into a bush homestead for private multi-generational family groups of between 6 and 12 people. The inspiration for the refreshed look was to weave the Ralph Lauren style into the original safari homestead resulting in the classic layering of signature textures and iconic features which reflect an African heart. Londolozi re-uses, re-engineers and restores the original feeling of an African Safari camp. Pioneer camp carries all the elements of authentic bushveld living, clean lines, simple timeless and classic elegance with a touch of crystal. A sense of history pervades the camp through faithfully restored memorabilia, photographs, leather and a bespoke one-of-a-kind wallpaper that lines the Pioneer Camp bar and tells a story of the lives of safari pioneers from just under a century ago.

First the safari game drive is crucially important. We believe that it is essential to aim the game drive experience at the children. That means that the eight hours a day spent in the vehicle looking for animals becomes a wonderful learning experience for little ones and a place where the family can interact together. Family Land Rovers can stop often for kids to jump out and utilise their senses. Touching, feeling, smelling, throwing – it all comes into the mix and we recognise that a four hour game drive can be a long time for a child to sit still. We believe it is essential to get the little ones off the vehicle as often as possible, even if it’s just to identify tracks. Between drives and after hearty meals, the activities for kids are as varied as their individual personalities. Some of activities include: Tree climbing for the adventurous; Archery; Track moulding using Plaster of Paris; Baking; Pizza making; Fishing; Seasonal sand castles in the riverbed; Sling-shot competitions; Arts and crafts; Pool activities; Photographic walks through camp and many more

Deciding what to pack on your African safari can be a daunting exercise if you are a first time safari goer. In order for your safari experience to be as enjoyable as possible, we have put together a small list of essentials to assist you with what to pack for your African safari. The Golden Rule to remember is that safari should always be more about comfort than style, however it is very possible to do both! Whether you are arriving in the heat of summer or visiting during the balmy winter days, an awareness of what to expect will aid you in bringing along worthwhile items and leaving behind the things that don’t matter as much. We advise that you bring the following items of clothes, regardless of the season: A pair of long pants; A long sleeve cotton shirt, cotton t-shirts or vests; Comfortable pants, shorts, skirts and summer dresses for the ladies; Walking shoes, sandals and hiking boots; Wide Brim Hat/ Cap; Bathing suit; Windbreaker/Light Jacket; Sunscreen; Sunglasses. In the summer, we suggest bringing the following: Lightweight shorts and t-shirts; Summer dresses for the ladies for around the camp; A light fleece or long sleeve shirt for the sun. In the winter, don’t forget: A warm jacket; Beanie and scarf for the morning game drives; Long sleeve shirt with thermal under garments.

The weather is a variable which nobody can control, however the seasons do tend to follow a fairly reliable pattern. The first thing to remember is that regardless of the seasons, layers of different items of clothing are the real trick to being comfortable on safari. March through May is temperate as the season changes from summer to the start of winter and the days are mild and warm with the nights becoming cooler. Temperatures drop mildly as the sun goes down so we advise a light fleece or long sleeve shirt, particularly for the evenings. At this time of the year you will still be comfortable in shorts or a dress, however long pants are preferred for the evenings. June and July are mid-winter in South Africa and can be some of the best months for game viewing. During this time the days are warm and balmy, while the evenings and early mornings are cold. In winter the temperature does drop especially as the sun goes down so we suggest bringing a warm jacket, beanie and scarf for the morning game drives. In the middle of the day the temperature remains pleasant enough for short sleeved shirts, however as the sun starts to go down so does the temperature. For the months August through November the weather is temperate and signals the change of season from autumn into summer. There is the occasional gust of wind during these months and so items such as eyedrops are worthwhile to combat fine particles of dust in the eyes. With the months December through March being the height of our summer these are, therefore, the hottest months. The days can get to upwards of 35 degrees celsius and in the late afternoons, their is the chance of an impressive African thunderstorm owing to the build up of heat and precipitation. Short sleeve shirts, vests and shorts are the order of the day, however it is critical to bring along sunscreen and a widebrimmed hat to protect yourself from the African sunshine. Ponchos are provided on the vehicle for wet weather, however a light raincoat or jacket is advised should the temperature drop off after the rain.