There’s something undeniably magical here. Maybe it’s the golden light, the soundtrack of the flowing river just below or the deep sense of history embedded in the land. For interior designer Yvonne O’Brien, founder of The Private House Company, this magic served as both muse and mandate when tasked with reimagining Founders Camp, one of Londolozi’s most storied family retreats.
‘The camp has always been a favourite, but it was in need of a complete rebuild,’ says Yvonne. ‘We were working with the original footprint, but it was a total reinvention.’ Collaborating closely with interior architect Petrus Maree and Londolozi project manager Chris Goodman, Yvonne brought to life a vision rooted in authenticity, natural materials and an unmistakable sense of place.
As with all Londolozi properties, the overarching narrative comes from co-founder and owner Shan Varty, whose vision ensures that each lodge tells its own story while remaining part of a cohesive whole. In Founders Camp, that story is one of heritage and evolution. ‘It’s soulful and sophisticated,’ says Yvonne. ‘It offers comfort, yes, but more than that, it offers connection.’
From the beginning, the goal was clear: to create something that didn’t feel designed for anywhere, but rather, deeply connected to ‘here’. ‘We wanted to find natural materials that would enhance the timeless safari look with a raw, natural authenticity,’ she explains. ‘The interiors needed to feel grounded, textured and aligned with the bushveld outside.’
The material palette reflects that intention. Stone-clad walls, exposed oak beams, plastered finishes and textured stone floors offer a quiet depth. In the bathrooms, handmade tiles introduce subtle imperfections which invite touch and interaction rather than pristine detachment. ‘Those uneven surfaces and textural layers bring character,’ says Yvonne. ‘They echo the landscape itself.’
Despite the remote setting, the project timeline was anything but leisurely. With guest bookings already confirmed, the team had just three months to complete the ten-suite camp. But, as fate would have it, they lost an entire month to torrential rains. ‘Working remotely on a project of this scale requires an incredible amount of trust and collaboration,’ she reflects. ‘There was no margin for error. Every decision had to be exact.’
To complement the robust materials, the furnishings were kept understated but deeply considered. Reed bedlinen, hand stitched cushions and vintage-style leather campaign chairs add a sense of warmth and tactility. ‘The colour palette is very close to the natural surrounds,’ she says. ‘We didn’t want the interiors to compete with the landscape, rather they needed to be in conversation with it.’
The main lodge area was designed around this principle of ease and intimacy. ‘Founders Camp is about togetherness: families, friends, stories shared over a drink. So, we created spaces where people naturally gather,’ she says. Anchored by the Founder’s Bar, the heart of the camp includes comfortable corners for reading, relaxed dining and open-air lounging, all softly lit to extend the bush’s golden hour glow into the evening.
Touches of terracotta were introduced in the shared spaces to add warmth and variation to the otherwise earthy palette. Even here, restraint was key. ‘We were constantly asking, “Does this feel right for here?”’ says Yvonne. ‘We didn’t want anything to feel imported or out of place.’ While the Varty family are indeed the founders of Londolozi, the spirit of the camp is deeply rooted in a much broader legacy. Every guide, every chef, every butler has played a vital role in shaping what the place has become.
The main area pays homage to the Londolozi alumni in the most wholesome sense: it’s a celebration of the many hands and hearts across the safari industry coming together — often beginning their journey at Londolozi. ‘We felt it was important to honour the camp’s roots,’ Yvonne says. ‘Founders Camp is a tribute to those who built this place and it carries their spirit.’
Where luxury is often defined by polish and perfection, this camp dares to define it differently — through texture, history, memory and place. ‘There is no better designer than nature,’ Yvonne notes. Founders Camp is proof of that: what happens when design listens closely to the land.
Credits
Written by Lynette Botha
Photography by Elsa Young
