Deep in the heart of the Soutpansberg Mountain lies one of South Africa’s most enchanting hideaways: Few & Far Luvhondo. Remote, rugged and incredibly immersive, this exclusive, slow safari experience was designed to protect, preserve and rewild the Soutpansberg Mountain and its fragile environments, making it a very special destination for any traveller. It’s the kind of destination that stays with you long after you’ve left.

Whilst it’s not the usual safari and also not on one of the popular holiday routes, it’s a slow traveller’s paradise, offering a range of reasons for you to plan a trip around a visit to this pristine part of Limpopo. If you’re keen to explore this relatively new lodge, here are five essential things to know before you go – from logistics and styling to food, wildlife and unforgettable experiences.

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Getting There Takes Planning, But It’s Worth Every Kilometre

As Few & Far’s first sustainable safari eco lodge, Luvhondo is intentionally remote, nestled within UNESCO’s Vhembe Biosphere Reserve. While it is part of its charm, it does mean you’ll need to plan your travel to this destination very carefully. With the closest towns being Louis Trichardt to the one side and Vivo to the other, you’re set for an adventure, for sure. Keep in mind that cell phone signal might be limited, so be sure to download directions to the lodge ahead of time and communicate your ETA before leaving town. That said, I travelled to Few & Far Luvhondo woman alone and had no trouble at all.

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Image: Jemma Wild

Prepare for a Digital Detox at Few & Far Luvhondo

When travelling to this unique lodge, the journey is undoubtedly part of the adventure. Dramatic, baobab peppered landscapes and uninterrupted views usher you towards one of the most secluded lodges in South Africa.

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Once you’ve arrived, one of the most magical things about Few & Far Luvhondo is the way in which it forces you to slow down. The secret here is to let the rhythm of the reserve become your clock. Instead of emails and notifications, guests have the opportunity to tune in to bird calls coming from across the valley, the whistle of the wind, boma fires crackling under starlit skies and thoughtful conversations, quiet reading and slow mornings. Not to mention immersive cultural experiences and slow safaris to engage in.

A visit to Few & far Luvhondo is unhurried, peaceful and deeply grounding.

Pack Smart: This Is Luxury Safari Meets Mountain Escape

Blending eco comfort with elegant simplicity, Few & Far Luvhondo was designed by South Africa’s Nicholas Plewman Architects with interiors by Ohkre Collective. In essence, it’s the ultimate quiet luxury escape. So, to make the most of your stay, pack for a mix of adventure and slow moments.

Essentials to bring to Few & Far Luvhondo:

• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. The lodge has an array of hiking trails for guests to explore, with knowledgeable guides to point out unique fauna and flora from the Soutpansberg‘s unique habitats.
• Light layers for warm days and cool evenings.
• A warm jacket or fleece, especially if you plan on including a Sleep Out experience on the Soutpansberg Mountain in your itinerary.

• Natural, breathable fabrics.
• A swimsuit for a plunge at the beautiful, round infinity pool with incredible views.
• Binoculars and a good camera. Birding at Few & Far Luvhondo is next level.
• A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• A chic but practical sundowner outfit for drinks down at the river. Linen always wins!  

If your travels go hand-in-hand with fashionable looks, think resort-casual meets modern safari for Few & Far Luvhondo. Neutral tones, earthy textures and effortless silhouettes will blend in well with the landscape. The New Mediterranean colour palette of soft ochres, warm terracottas, olive greens and sandy neutrals will pair beautifully with the lodge’s incredible Cliff Suites – built entirely from locally sourced materials – and the natural surrounds.

Expect Food with Soul – Simple, Seasonal, Delicious

Meals at Few & Far Luvhondo have been carefully thought through and are unpretentious, but deeply comforting. Think wholesome, seasonal flavours with hints of baobab and other cultural elements shaping the menu and the overall dining experience. Breakfasts are fresh and delicious and sometimes even served in the veld as part of the morning game drive, while beautifully prepared shared meals with a cultural twist and South African comfort dishes and flame-cooked meals make for delightful lunch and dinner experiences.

The lodge’s wine list also leaves nothing to chance. Enjoy your favourite South African wines on the restaurant’s deck, encircled with baobabs, or for sundowners down at the Sand River while listening to the sound of nature. A Syrah or wooded Chardonnay will pair wonderfully with the crisp mountain air and glowing sunset hues.

The Activities Are as Meaningful as They Are Magical

Few & Far Luvhondo was built for travellers who want to explore and exhale. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a slow living enthusiast, it offers various experiences that have been developed with intention.

Highlights include hiking trails and guided nature walks, teaching avid naturalists about the region’s botanicals and birdlife (among other things). Guests can also enjoy slow mornings on their Cliff Suites’ decks overlooking the Soutpansberg valley and immerse themselves in the stillness of star-filled nights around the fire (or on the mountain during a Sleep Out experience). If you enjoy reading, there are ample comfortable reading spots and if you bring your camera along, you’ll find numerous photography opportunities with incredible, natural light that constantly changes. Not to mention the views from the infinity pool!

In addition to these experiences, they also offer morning and afternoon game drives. This is not a Big 5 reserve, which means guests can focus on exploring nature in a whole new light, spotting smaller creatures and natural wonders that often get overshadowed by the drive to spot the Big 5. Few & Far Luvhondo‘s groundbreaking Solyrus Aerial Cable Car is also nearing its launch date, which will offer nature lovers the opportunity to view the region’s immense beauty from a whole new angle.

If you’re craving a trip that reconnects you to nature and to yourself, you’re bound to find it at Few & Far Luvhondo. This is so much more than just a getaway. It’s a reset. A place where time stretches, where landscapes ground you and where the simplicity of nature becomes the greatest luxury of all.

Whether you’re a slow traveller, a golden-hour chaser, a wildlife lover, or someone seeking a softer way to travel, this destination is a must for your travel bucket list.

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