South Africa’s Newest Eco-Conscious Safari Lodge Gives You a Bird’s-Eye View of Its Verdant Forest
South Africa’s newest safari resort wants to give you a bird’s-eye view of the bush.
Travel outfitter Far & Few just unveiled its first sustainable safari eco-lodge, set to open this month in South Africa. Called Far & Few Luvhondo, the property spans 100,000 hectares (about 400 square miles) in the Soutpansberg Mountains of Limpopo with six cliffside suites that place you right within nature’s folds. Better still: The new accommodations, located in one of the most biologically diverse regions on Earth, the UNESCO Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, focus on biophilic features, regenerative tourism, and various conservation efforts to create an eco-friendly experience for all.
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That experience begins with the lodge’s design, courtesy of South African–based Nicholas Plewman Architects and Ohkre Collective. The duo took cues from the landscape’s grand baobab, sycamore fig, and shepherd trees to craft the property’s architecture, such as the expansive, towering dining area. Inside, patterns and textures reminiscent of flora, fauna, and rock formations are blended with custom furniture and artwork, like in the bright, open-air suites. Here, expect breezy linens as well as hues inspired by the region’s rich clay, orange foliage, and blue skies. Of course, you can always step outside onto the suite’s expansive terrace overlooking the stunning views or take a dip in the room’s private plunge pool.
Off property, Far & Few Luvhondo offers up game drives, as you’d expect, where you can explore the lush terrain and (hopefully) spot giraffes, leopards, zebras, and over 600 bird species. Guided nature walks and hikes are also on the table, as well as a day trip to track down Samango monkeys. The best activity, though, may be Solfari, a solar-powered aerial safari that brings you soaring above the landscape in a cable car, a first-of-its-kind experience.
Once you’re done exploring the bush, the resort will have plenty of food to fill your plate. The culinary team, led by chef Nhalkanipho Soxhela, is offering up farm-to-table dining experiences that celebrate South African cuisine. Chow down on a traditional boma braai barbeque, try multiple courses at dinner in the bush, or enjoy drinks and snacks under the stars. And speaking of spirits, sommelier Erica Taylor is on hand to pair your meals with local wines from sustainable producers—including the region’s ever-popular Chenin Blancs.
As for Far & Few Luvhondo’s sustainability practices, the lodge is powered by renewable energy and was built with a zero-waste model. It takes things even further by making a pledge to sequester over 100,000 tons of carbon annually, as well as regenerate over 100,00 hectares via reforesting and other methods within the next 10 years, to protect the Soutpansberg Mountains’ future. The new property also has a carbon-offset program and partners with local artisans and farmers to create sustainable jobs.
“In a post-pandemic world, luxury travel has evolved to encompass sustainability, authenticity, and a deeper purpose, and Few & Far Luvhondo represents a bold new approach to this, offering travelers opportunities to engage with local cultures and landscapes while leaving a positive impact,” Sarah Dusek, cofounder of Few & Far, said in a statement.
The commitment to local engagements extends to the resort’s other on-site offerings. At the spa, you can enjoy a massage or facial complete with locally sourced organic ingredients. Other wellness practices include a meditative labyrinth walk and that old-travel favorite, outdoor yoga.
Pricing at the lodge is $3,600 per night for double occupancy.
Click here to see more photos of Few & Far Luvhondo.
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