Few & Far Luvhondo – a groundbreaking eco-lodge

Spanning 100,000 hectares in the wild and unexplored Soutpansberg Mountains of Limpopo, South Africa, Few & Far Luvhondo is a groundbreaking eco-lodge featuring just six stunning cliffside suites, offering an intimate, purpose-driven escape in one of the Earth’s most biologically diverse regions, UNESCO’s Vhembe Biosphere Reserve.

The years-in-development project and labour of love is a follow-up to Few & Far Founders Sarah and Jacob Dusek’s renowned success with Under Canvas, and designed with their two teenage sons in mind: Few & Far Luvhondo offers an active, reimagined sustainably-minded safari experience in South Africa, designed to deliver a meaningful, purpose-driven travel journey for all ages and with families in mind that is magical, raw, wild and unexplored.

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Designed by South Africa-based Nicholas Plewman Architects and Ohkre Collective, the property exemplifies the fusion of sustainability and biophilic design, drawing inspiration from the natural landscape of huge baobab trees and local materials. Powered by renewable energy and built with a zero-waste model, the lodge features innovative materials such as heat-treated eucalyptus, sustainably sourced and produced at an on-site facility in collaboration with the company’s manufacturing arm Fyred, reducing its carbon footprint and supporting the local economy.

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The architecture pays homage to iconic elements of the Southern African landscape, echoing the shade of a shepherd tree, the elevation of sycamore fig, and the grandeur of a baobab. Equally, the interiors incorporate patterns and textures from regional rock formations, flora, and fauna, showcasing local craftsmanship through custom furnishings and artwork. All these design elements are underpinned by a palette drawn from the clay-coloured earth, citrine foliage, and vivid blue skies, which bring a sense of serenity and calm while seamlessly connecting guests to the outdoors.

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Few & Far Luvhondo is dedicated to restoring nature, not just preserving it, placing conservation at the core of its mission. As a Verra Registered Carbon Project, the lodge leads a large-scale initiative to regenerate the Soutpansberg Mountains, sequestering over 100,000 tons of carbon annually while creating ecosystems that support local biodiversity. Efforts include reforesting degraded land with native species, removing invasive plants, and revitalising soil to protect endangered wildlife such as leopards, pangolins, and rare birds. Starting with 20,000 hectares, the aims is to regenerate over 100,000 hectares within the next decade, planting trees and shrubs and sequestering an additional 100,000 tonnes of carbon annually in an effort to safeguard the future of the region.

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Equally committed to social impact, the brand partners with local farmers, artisans, and eco-conscious businesses to create sustainable jobs, provide skills training, and promote environmental stewardship. In addition, collaborating with Terraset, a 501(c)(3) organisation dedicated to reducing atmospheric greenhouse gases, the lodge offers a carbon offset program that supports global rewilding efforts while enabling U.S. taxpayers to receive a tax-deductible receipt from their trip’s carbon offset fee.

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Led by Chef Nhalkanipho Soxhela, Few & Far Luvhondo’s culinary program celebrates the vibrant flavours and heritage of South Africa through a sustainable, farm-to-table philosophy rooted in fine dining principles. With the majority of fruits and vegetables sourced from the on-site farm and eco-conscious local partners, the menu highlights fresh, organic ingredients that reflect the region’s diverse landscapes while minimising food miles travelled to ensure the freshest dishes in an environmentally responsible manner.

Guests can enjoy a variety of unique dining experiences, from multi-course bush dinners and traditional boma braai evenings to cookout breakfasts and sundowners under the stars — all designed to immerse diners in the surrounding natural beauty. Complementing the cuisine is a thoughtfully curated wine program by Sommelier Erica Taylor, featuring hand-selected South African wines from sustainable producers.

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The on-site spa offers a restorative retreat that not only relaxes and revitalises guests but deepens the connection to the land and leaves a meaningful legacy of care for the planet through a wealth of curated wellness offerings such as the meditative labyrinth walk, a peaceful pathway that fosters introspection and mindfulness, which is complimented by outdoor yoga sessions and guided mindfulness practices. Guests can also relax with rejuvenating massages and facials crafted with locally sourced, organic ingredients at the spa.

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Few & Far Luvhondo combines regenerative tourism, biophilic design, large-scale conservation initiatives, and immersive adventures to create a profound connection between guests, nature, and local communities. Central to the experience is Solfari, a first-of-its-kind solar-powered aerial safari experience spanning eight kilometres, offering breathtaking views of the wilderness while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint. With its commitment to habitat restoration, biodiversity conservation, and active carbon management, the property is setting a new benchmark for sustainable travel while delivering a transformative experience that invites guests to slow down and rediscover what truly matters.

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“In a post-pandemic world, luxury travel has evolved to encompass sustainability, authenticity, and a deeper purpose, and Few & Far Luvhondo represents a bold new approach to this, offering travelers opportunities to engage with local cultures and landscapes while leaving a positive impact,” shared Sarah Dusek, the eco-visionary Co-Founder of Few & Far. “Unlike most operators who focus solely on preserving existing conservation areas, we go further by actively enhancing the land’s ability to sequester carbon and by integrating active carbon management with habitat restoration, we’re not just protecting biodiversity—we’re regenerating it, ensuring a lasting impact on the environment and local communities.”

Main image credit: Few & Far Luvhondo