Stepping down from the sleepout platform, the view from Limpopo’s Soutpansberg mountain’s rock-covered slopes is breathtaking. The Few & Far Luvhondo eco-lodge lies tucked within one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions: UNESCO’s Vhembe Biosphere Reserve. Across the valley, six cliffside suites – my home for two nights – blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
The only thing separating me from the scent of the awakening veld is the delicate mosquito net, specially designed for Few & Far Luvhondo’s sleepout experiences. My guide, Lizzy, keeps watch overnight – she often hears leopard nearby. For me, the mystical Soutpansberg mountains offer something quieter: an experience of intense silence and blissful solitude.
Celebrated for its sheltered design philosophy, Few & Far Luvhondo’s architecture mirrors the character of the unique landscape. Nicholas Plewman Architects and Ohkre Collective drew inspiration from the natural world – the shade of the shepherd’s tree, the height of a sycamore fig, and the grandeur of the baobab. Patterns and textures echo the region’s rock formations, flora, and fauna, while a soft, neutral palette creates a tranquil space that feels effortlessly connected to the environment.
Here, everything centres on connection: to the orange sandstone of the mountain, the people and their stories, and the pulse of untamed Africa.
Creating Curiosity Through Cultural Connection
When Lizzy and I drive to the Sand River for sundowners, I hope that a crocodile might sneakily pop its head out of the glassy water as I sip my Chardonnay.
Instead of vehicle-heavy game drives, Few & Far Luvhondo offers slower, more intentional ways to engage with the land. Low-impact exploration includes birdwatching, guided hikes, and visits to nearby cultural and conservation sites. Guests can even learn about the mountain’s salts and the many uses of baobabs.
Soon, the lodge’s much-anticipated solar-powered Solyrus cable car will provide uninterrupted panoramic views of the African bush.
Jacob and Sarah Dusek, the visionaries behind Few & Far, are known for their unique take on travel experiences. They understand the power of tourism to protect and preserve the planet. Their long-term vision extends beyond conservation – it’s about renewal, restoring ecosystems through an ambitious carbon management and land regeneration plan.
Ecologist and Land Manager Dawn Booyens invites guests to explore the region’s medicinal plants and mythologies that shape its identity. She describes the butterfly season as one of the most spectacular sights: “Swirling masses of butterflies” that are something worth slowing down for. According to her, there are at least 200 species of butterflies on the western side of the Soutpansberg.
There is also a wide variety of birdlife – from the elusive African finfoot to the soaring Verreaux’s eagle. Even the reptiles population is remarkable, home to unique endemic species such as the Soutpansberg rock lizard.
Storytelling and Spa Rituals
Just outside Luvhondo’s Vhudziki Spa, an enormous baobab brings me to an instant halt. It forms a large part of the spa experience, where Nungo, the Spa Manager and therapist, shares her Venda heritage through healing and narrative.
Storytelling extends to guest encounters around the boma, in the restaurant, on guided hikes, where local communities play an integral role. From menus infused with local flavours to traditional Venda dances, guests learn more about the local culture, beliefs, and rituals.
Immersive Wilderness Experiences
Remote yet refined, Few & Far Luvhondo has become a drawcard for experiential travellers seeking a truly unique, untouched destination. It offers immersive encounters beyond the Big Five.
From the chattering of birds as the sun slowly rises to the anticipation of hearing a brown hyena or even a leopard at night, Few & Far Luvhondo is where wilderness meets wonder.
fewandfarluvhondo.com
