Laluka Safari Lodge
“Staying at Laluka Safari Lodge meant an unforgettably personal experience of this incredible corner of the world! They have exceeded my expectations, it’s truly such a hidden gem in Welgevonden Game Reserve.”
Laluka is a small family-owned and operated luxury lodge in the heart of Welgevonden Game Reserve in Limpopo, South Africa.
We found it one of the best experiences regarding accommodation in the north of South Africa, Laluka is truly a place that you can call home. They put such effort in fulfilling your dreams and wishes, even our 10-months old son could go on a safari with us: the best memories! The staff was so adorable with our little one too. When you stay at Laluka, you become a part of the family.
The design and interior is to die for being a true bohemian style addict, we could recognize things that we have at our home too. I loved every little thing about it, all the details blended in the surrounding so perfectly. The lodge itself, but also the little homes that you stay in. Hello private plunge pool, having those is one of my soft spots! Laluka offers six luxurious suites, complete with private patios, plunge pools, air-conditioning, outdoor showers and unique bushveld vistas; Laluka’s rooms make for an ideal space to relax and reinvigorate.
We loved our guide Koenraad, he is super knowledgeable and talks all about the big and small things, which we love. We went on many game drives, but Thomas also experienced the intimate encounter that a walking safari offers. And after a long day of bush walks, game drives and hours in the hide – you’re going to need to unwind. Enjoy a massage at their spa or spend the afternoon lounging on the pool deck, taking in the views – and a couple of cocktails never hurt!
Another unique feature is their waterhole, spotting elephants and zebras up close was unforgettable! Laluka overlooks one of the reserve’s best watering holes, but if you want to get even closer they have this eye-level hide that is mere centimeters from the water’s edge. Every photographer’s dream!
There is an incredible view of the valley from the lodge and the rooms and there is a seasonal fresh water stream that runs through the piece of land. The tranquil, quiet feeling of being at peace with the world around us: everything about Laluka is guided by that unmistakable feeling and it’s their aim to have every guest leave rested, connected and invigorated by the magnificent African bushveld. Part of delivering an authentic, intimate experience is ensuring that our footprint is as subtle as possible, a huge pre for being featured on The Boho Guide. They have implemented numerous strategies to lower Laluka’s impact on the environment. The lodge uses only filtered borehole water, every meal is prepared with vegetables from their own organic vegetable garden and they even have their own cows, chickens and sheep. They have a strict recycling protocol and are committed to completely eliminating single-use plastic in 2022.
About that food. Oh, still drooling over the pictures! A perfect mix between South African, Belgian and Italian food. Add up the fact that most of the ingredients are home grown at their own Laluka farm, and it’s worth some stars.
Are you a photographer? They are loving photography too. They offer photography lessons, equipment rental, specially kitted trucks and even a printing studio back at the lodge – fully equipped for every level of photographer!
The Laluka family: backstory
The Laluka story starts with a young Simon Eeman. As a child, Simon was obsessed with travel and the outdoors and would eventually leave his home country of Belgium to fulfill a lifelong dream: becoming a safari guide. He enrolled in safari guide school in South Africa, where he met and fell in love with his girlfriend Giulia. Giulia Avanzi was born in Italy where she studied tourism. After completing her studies Giulia travelled the world and eventually landed in Africa: her search for a new home was over.
At some point during their 1-year course, Simon’s father Didier flew over to visit. Didier Eeman was a successful commercial banker in Belgium but after a short stay in Africa, he was ready to give his career a 180 degrees turn, the intoxicating energy of Africa had won his heart.
Over the next few years, Simon, Giulia and Didier would spend their time dreaming up their perfect safari lodge. Comfortable and luxurious but deeply connected to the landscape.
The highest international standards but rooted in a love for Africa. A place where you could spend as much time marvelling at a pride of lions as you could a dung beetle.
A family-run lodge where the personal touch makes for an unforgettable stay. In 2020 after years of planning and strategising, that dream came to life in a place they called Laluka!
