Reimagining a Safari in South Africa: The Purpose-Driven Heart Behind Few & Far Luvhondo

The journey to creating something truly meaningful is never a straight line, and that's exactly what makes it beautiful.

I’m sitting here reflecting on the winding path that led me to create Few & Far Luvhondo, our newest lodge set within one of South Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas. When people hear the word safari, they often imagine traditional game drives—spotting the Big Five, ticking wildlife sightings off a bucket list.

But what if the most transformative moments of a reimagined safari in South Africa don’t come from chasing dramatic sightings?

What if they happen while sitting quietly beside a waterhole at sunset, watching antelope graze as golden light settles over the landscape?

That realization became the heartbeat of everything we’ve built at Few & Far Luvhondo.

Evenings around the fire pit at Luvhondo, where meaningful conversations unfold under the African stars. (Image: Jemma Wild)

The Spark: When Tourism Meets Purpose

My love affair with Africa began decades ago, but the vision for redefining the luxury safari experience in South Africa crystallized during a particularly challenging moment in my entrepreneurial journey.

I had just rebuilt after a devastating storm destroyed our original camp. What stayed with me wasn’t the loss—it was the resilience. Watching our team and guests rebuild together, not as strangers but as a community united by purpose, revealed something profound.

The magic of Africa isn’t only in its wildlife.It’s in its power to transform people.

That was the moment I knew we had to think bigger.

Traditional safari experiences often position guests as passive observers. But what if a safari could become a catalyst for personal growth, meaningful connection, and lasting impact on local communities?

A journey of Giraffe

Milestones That Shaped Our Vision

The path to Few & Far Luvhondo was shaped by pivotal moments that continue to define our approach to purpose-driven safari travel.

The Community Conversation

Early in our planning, I spent months in dialogue with local community leaders—not as an outsider bringing solutions, but as someone listening deeply. These conversations reshaped my understanding of hospitality. True luxury isn’t about excess; it’s about creating space for genuine human connection.

The Conservation Awakening

Partnering with local conservationists revealed how thoughtful tourism can actively protect fragile ecosystems. Every guest who falls in love with this landscape becomes an advocate for its preservation. That’s not just good business—it’s essential stewardship.

The Entrepreneur’s Lens

My background in venture capital taught me to seek alignment between passion, purpose, and profit. Few & Far Luvhondo sits at that intersection—reimagining the safari experience while supporting community impact and long-term sustainability.

Cliff Suites at Few & Far Luvhondo

Redefining the Safari Experience at Few & Far Luvhondo

At Few & Far Luvhondo, we’ve redefined what it means to experience the African wilderness. A reimagined safari in South Africa invites guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly see.

Our philosophy rests on three core principles:

Intimate Connection Over Checkbox Tourism

We limit group sizes and focus on quality over quantity. Guests are privately guided and rarely encounter another vehicle. Some of the most powerful moments happen in silence—spotting the elusive leopard or observing the subtle behaviors of antelope thriving in this pristine reserve.

Community Integration, Not Separation

Guests don’t just stay near local communities—they engage meaningfully with them. Through the Maelula Dance Group, an inspiring NGO of Tshivenda women preserving ancestral dance and music, guests experience the soul of Venda culture.

Guides like Moses share deep knowledge of indigenous medicinal plants during walks through the reserve. And Nungo, our spa therapist, offers a different kind of healing—one that settles the soul as much as the body. Every interaction is intentional, designed to foster understanding and connection.

Conservation Through Experience

We believe people protect what they love—and love what they understand. From guided walks to fireside conversations about conservation, every element deepens guests’ relationship with this ecosystem.

Pool at Few & Far Luvhondo

The Few & Far Luvhondo Difference

What sets Few & Far Luvhondo apart isn’t just location—though the untouched wilderness is breathtaking. It’s our commitment to creating transformative safari experiences that benefit both guests and the surrounding community.

Our accommodations are thoughtfully designed to blend into the landscape, using local materials and traditional techniques paired with modern comfort. Our team includes storytellers, conservationists, and community members who share personal ties to this land.

Cliff Units at Few & Far Luvhondo

Designed to complement, not compete with, the natural landscape(Image: Jemma Wild)

We also leave room for the unexpected. Some of the most meaningful moments don’t involve wildlife at all. They unfold during morning coffee at sunrise, quiet reflection overlooking the valley, or unhurried conversations around the fire pit.

Looking Forward: The Ripple Effect

As I look toward the future of Few & Far Luvhondo, I’m reminded of an African proverb:“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Everything we’ve built reflects that philosophy—going together with community partners, conservation allies, and guests who leave as ambassadors for this place.

This isn’t about creating another luxury safari lodge. It’s about proving that tourism can be a force for good—one that builds bridges, protects landscapes, and transforms perspectives.

At Few & Far Luvhondo, we’re not just reimagining the safari.We’re creating space for presence, connection, and rediscovery.

If you’re ready to experience Africa beyond the traditional safari—beyond the checklist—I’d love to welcome you.

Because the most meaningful journeys aren’t just about where we go.They’re about who we become along the way.

Sarah Dusek is an entrepreneur, conservationist, and investor dedicated to supporting purpose-driven businesses. Her work with Few & Far reflects a commitment to redefining luxury travel through authentic community engagement and environmental stewardship.