Sarah & Jacob Dusek, the founders of Under Canvas, a pioneering name in U.S. glamping, have expanded their vision with the launch of Few & Far Luvhondo, a new carbon-neutral safari lodge nestled in the Soutpansberg mountains of Limpopo.
Surrounded by the UNESCO-listed Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, the six-suite lodge seamlessly blends luxury with sustainability.
Sarah Dusek, who co-founded Under Canvas with her husband Jacob, sees this venture as a natural progression 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 lodge’s main structure, designed in collaboration with Nicholas Plewman Architects and Ohkre Collective, incorporates sustainable materials and features a distinctive tree-topped canvas roof, ensuring harmony with the natural surroundings.
Few & Far Luvhondo offers immersive experiences that connect guests to the local ecosystem. Traditional game drives showcase iconic African wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and leopards, while guided nature walks provide a closer look at the region’s biodiversity.
Guests can also engage in conservation activities like removing poacher snares and assisting in wildlife tracking.
Designed as a regenerative tourism initiative, the lodge operates entirely on solar power, sources water from on-site wells, and follows a strict zero-waste policy. Future plans include transitioning all vehicles on the property to electric models to further minimize environmental impact.
Beyond sustainability, conservation remains a priority. The lodge is situated on previously degraded land, with efforts underway to restore natural wildlife corridors. This commitment makes Few & Far Luvhondo a compelling example of sustainable luxury hospitality, aligning with the growing trend of eco-conscious tourism.
An upcoming solar-powered aerial cable car, spanning 24 miles across the reserve, is set to provide breathtaking views while reinforcing the lodge’s environmental commitment.
Culinary experiences at Few & Far Luvhondo celebrate local flavors, with chef Nhalkanipho Soxhela crafting farm-to-table dishes that range from traditional South African braais to European-inspired tasting menus.
The lodge also caters to families, offering 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 focus on engaging guests of all ages.
As demand for experiential travel continues to grow, Few & Far Luvhondo sets a new standard for sustainable tourism, demonstrating how luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist.
