The founders of Under Canvas, a leading name in U.S. glamping, have expanded their vision with the opening of Few & Far Luvhondo, a new carbon-neutral safari lodge in Limpopo, South Africa.
Located in the Soutpansberg mountains and surrounded by the UNESCO-listed Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, the six-suite property aims to redefine the safari experience with sustainability at its core.
Sarah Dusek, who co-founded Under Canvas with her husband Jacob, described the endeavor as a natural evolution of their work in outdoor hospitality.
“When we built Under Canvas, we sought to reimagine the safari experience in the United States, but to come to Africa and reimagine it again in the home of the safari felt like an extension of work we’ve been doing for 15 years,” Dusek told Travel + Leisure.
The property blends into the natural landscape, with a main lodge designed in collaboration with Nicholas Plewman Architects and Ohkre Collective, featuring sustainable materials and a tree-topped canvas roof.
The lodge offers an array of immersive experiences designed to connect guests with the surrounding ecosystem.
Traditional game drives provide opportunities to observe local wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and leopards, while guided nature walks offer a closer look at the region’s biodiversity.
Guests can also participate in conservation efforts such as removing poacher snares and assisting with wildlife tracking.
An upcoming solar-powered aerial cable car, set to cover 24 miles across the reserve, is expected to offer a new perspective on the landscape while reinforcing the lodge’s commitment to sustainability.
Culinary offerings at Few & Far Luvhondo highlight local flavors, with chef Nhalkanipho Soxhela crafting dishes that incorporate ingredients from the on-site farm.
Dining experiences range from traditional South African braais to European-inspired tasting menus.
The lodge also provides family-friendly programming, including guided educational activities and customized itineraries for children.
“Dawn, our in-house Conservationist, has a whole menagerie of weird and wonderful animals children can hold and touch,” Dusek noted, emphasizing the property’s efforts to create engaging experiences for all ages.
Designed as a regenerative tourism initiative, Few & Far Luvhondo operates entirely on solar power, utilizes well water, and follows a zero-waste model.
Plans are in place to transition all vehicles on the property to electric models, further minimizing the environmental footprint.
The lodge’s location also plays a key role in conservation, as it was built on previously degraded land with the goal of restoring natural wildlife corridors.
For industry professionals, Few & Far Luvhondo represents a compelling case study in sustainable luxury hospitality.
The integration of conservation efforts, renewable energy, and local sourcing aligns with emerging trends in high-end, eco-conscious tourism.
As demand for experiential travel continues to rise, properties like this offer insight into how glamping and safari operators can balance luxury with environmental responsibility.
The Duseks’ approach could serve as a model for others looking to develop regenerative tourism ventures that support both local ecosystems and communities.
Featured image by Few & Far Luvhondo via fewandfarluvhondo.com