In the rugged embrace of South Africa’s Limpopo Province, Luvhondo Lodge emerges as a hidden gem, redefining the safari experience with its breathtaking setting and innovative approach. Nestled in the Soutpansberg Mountains, this eco-conscious retreat blends adventure, luxury, and conservation. It captivates the soul. In the latest episode of ‘Keep Traveling: Your African Vacation‘, host Rael Zieve sat down with Sarah Dusek, co-founder and CEO of Luvhondo Lodge. Together, they explore this extraordinary destination, celebrated for its unparalleled biodiversity, intimate accommodations, and commitment to preserving one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets.
Discovering Luvhondo Lodge
Tucked away in Limpopo, just an hour from the Zimbabwean border, Luvhondo Lodge sprawls across 100,000 hectares of the Soutpansberg Mountains. This region Sarah affectionately calls “Jurassic Park minus the dinosaurs.” Known as South Africa’s “Forgotten Mountains,” this area boasts biodiversity denser than the Amazon. It offers a pristine wilderness teeming with giraffes, zebras, leopards, pangolins, and white rhinos. Unlike traditional safaris, Luvhondo invites guests to explore this vast playground on foot, by car, or soon via an aerial cable car. This immerses them in gorges, waterfalls, and starlit sleepouts. “It’s a reimagined safari,” Sarah explains, “where you can be as active or relaxed as you like.”
Getting There
Reaching Luvhondo Lodge is an adventure in itself. For a cinematic journey, guests can board the luxurious Rovos Rail from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, gliding through stunning landscapes. This allows guests to arrive directly at the property. Alternatively, a quick 40-minute flight from Johannesburg to Polokwane or a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Kruger National Park’s Hoedspruit ensures seamless access. Guests can also opt for a private charter flight to Luvhondo’s airstrip. “The experience starts before you even arrive,” Sarah notes, emphasizing how each travel option sets the stage for an unforgettable escape.
A Luxurious Haven in the Wild
Opened in December 2024, Luvhondo Lodge is an intimate retreat with just six exclusive suites. It accommodates up to 12 adults and six children. Each 120-square-meter suite, with 70 square meters of outdoor space, features a private plunge pool. This design blends indoor-outdoor living for ultimate seclusion. “You have your own private sanctuary,” Sarah shares. It is perfect for families or couples seeking tranquility. The unfenced wilderness allows wildlife like leopards and pangolins to roam freely. Thrilling yet safe encounters are assured, with expert guides ensuring every moment is magical.
Adventures in the Soutpansberg
Luvhondo redefines the safari experience with personalized adventures led by private guides. They traverse the mountains on foot, swim in cascading waterfalls, or join conservation teams. These teams work to protect this pristine biosphere. Day trips to Mapungubwe National Park, an hour and a half away, offer a glimpse of elephants and ancient history at a UNESCO-recognized site that was once a thriving trading post. For families, activities like guided nature walks and cultural experiences keep children engaged. Adults can unwind with in-suite spa treatments or serene stargazing. With an aerial cable car opening later this year, the possibilities for exploration are endless.
Sustainability at Its Heart
As part of the Few and Far brand, Luvhondo Lodge is a beacon of eco-conscious tourism. Built entirely off-grid and carbon-neutral, the lodge is part of a larger carbon project aimed at restoring the Soutpansberg’s grasslands. It focuses on activities such as replanting trees and removing invasive species. “We’re working to make the mountain a pristine biosphere again,” Sarah says, noting plans to become carbon-positive. This involves sequestering more carbon than the lodge uses. They bring expertise and passion while benefiting from training programs that uplift the community.
A Personal Touch
Sarah Dusek’s journey to Luvhondo is as inspiring as the lodge itself. Originally from the UK, she built Under Canvas, a safari-style tented camp business in the US, before moving to South Africa in 2019 to work with female entrepreneurs. Her vision for Luvhondo blends hospitality with regenerative conservation. She works to fight threats like coal mining to protect the Soutpansberg. A humorous anecdote from her Under Canvas days—where guests and staff mistakenly used bear spray as bug repellent—highlights her ability to learn from challenges with a smile. This ensures Luvhondo’s operations are both safe and sustainable.
Win a Luvhondo Escape!
Luvhondo Lodge is offering a lucky listener a 2-night stay for two in a luxurious suite. This offer includes all activities, meals, and beverages (excluding park fees). Enter the prize draw at www.wildsunsets.travel/prize-draw/ before December 2025 for a chance to experience this hidden gem.
Plan Your Luvhondo Adventure
Luvhondo Lodge is more than a destination—it’s a journey into South Africa’s wild heart where luxury, adventure, and conservation intertwine. Whether tracking leopards, soaking in your private plunge pool, or exploring ancient history, this eco-friendly retreat promises memories that linger long after the Soutpansberg sun sets.
Ready to experience South Africa’s wild heart? Book your stay at www.wildsunsets.travel or email rael@wildsunsets.travel for exclusive offers.