Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve

Built on a hill overlooking the reserve, Leopard Hills boasts eight newly-renovated and exquisitely-decorated luxurious glass-fronted suites. Complete with their own sundeck and plunge pool, the suites offer superb views of the African bushveld.

The suites are generously spacious and luxuriously appointed with air-conditioning and overhead fans. The breathtaking romantic bathrooms include indoor and outdoor showers, which open to a glorious view of the passing cavalcade.

So if you’re looking for luxurious Sabi Sand accommodation, you’re in exactly the right place!

The comfortable beds are fitted with crisp percale cotton linen, silk duvets and pillows, and gracious mosquito netting. Special touches to each suite include special gifts, weather notes and African poems and a fine array of bath salts and amenities.

An inviting lounge with views over the bush creates the ideal setting to relax with a book or while away the afternoon with a pair of binoculars in the comfort of your air-conditioned suite, a wonderful reprieve from the heat of the midday sun.

Enjoy the privacy of your suite and salute the timelessness of Africa over a drink or snack from your fully-stocked mini-bar. Savour the day on your pool lounger outside on your expansive deck, whilst listening to the tranquil sounds of the surrounding bush.

At this Sabi Sand accommodation option, elements of nature have been incorporated into your suite, to provide the ultimate in luxury while experiencing Africa at its best.

Surrounded by the Sights and Sounds of the African Bush
Our team’s dedication and passion to please each guest according to his or her needs is prevalent in every aspect of the Lodge. The main deck is perfect for whiling the day away with a pair of binoculars or using the spotting scope, in the glorious sun or under the shade of an umbrella.

From this view you may find many untold secrets of the African bush while enjoying a sumptuous breakfast or decadent lunch. When the heat is on, cool down on the open-air verandah with an ice cold drink in hand, or sink below the refreshing surface of our main swimming pool.

The bar and lounge entices guests to pre- or post-dinner drinks and fireside chat with their friendly ranger. Our professional barmen will mix together the freshest ingredients to make interesting and unique cocktails and drinks to suit all tastes.

A nightcap of the finest whiskey, port or South African Amarula is the perfect way to end the day. Silver service dinners are enjoyed in our elegant dining room or under the stars on the deck overlooking the floodlit waterhole.

Our wine cellar situated underneath the dining room is a treat for the wine connoisseur, as well as the learning amateur, and is stocked with a selection of celebrated local wines. Our friendly team will assist you in pairing the perfect wine with the menu for that evening.

The library offers a setting of peace and tranquillity, where you are welcome to browse through a large selection of literature and African journals. In addition there is a secluded alcove where online internet access is available 24-hours a day, enabling guests to connect with loved ones at home.

A television is also available for those wanting to keep up to date with the latest news or sports games. We have a fine selection of documentary DVD’s for those wanting more information on African wildlife and its intricacies.

Our curio shop is stocked with a stunning range of African memorabilia – offering traditional ornaments, handcrafted jewellery and beautiful safari gear. The curio shop is enough to entice any avid shopper and collector.

Bush Cuisine
Our team of dedicated chefs ensure that every meal at Leopard Hills becomes a special occasion. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea-time treats, prepared by our team of chefs, are of unparalleled quality and incorporate flavours from around the globe complemented with an African flair.

Leopard Hills goes to great lengths to accommodate guests with specialist dietary requirements (allergies, vegetarian and plant based diets etc) – delicious meals will be tailored around individual needs.

Traditional full English and Continental breakfasts are served on the main deck after the early morning game drive and are the perfect way to start each day at the Lodge.

Lunches are served under big shady umbrellas, and are an occasion in themselves! The team incorporate the best locally produced ingredients to produce cuisine that satisfies the taste buds.

“Cooking with character” is the highlight of every dinner at Leopard Hills. Here, the personalities of the chef and her team are infused with decadent dining and creative settings.

No dinner will ever be the same at Leopard Hills, from dining under the stars in our traditional boma to fine silver service dinners in our dining room, or out on the upper deck where a cool breeze is a welcome relief from the African heat.

The perfect end to a wonderful safari experience; a private dinner on the deck of your suite is offered to couples wanting to spend time together in privacy. The ultimate in romance, private dinners at Leopard Hills will seduce the senses and soothe the soul.

BUSH BREAKFASTS

After an enthralling morning game drive guests may have the opportunity to appreciate the amazing smells and sounds that flow from a new day dawning in Africa, along with the aromas of a sumptuous breakfast in the heart of the bush.

BOMA DINNERS

After an evening game drive, guests will be drawn to the crackling fire, where a traditional African dining experience is enjoyed in the Boma. Here you will find a hurricane lamp lit ‘dining room’ under African skies, and a feast of delicious cuisine awaits.

Where it all Began
Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve, owned by Louis Kruger and Jack Brotherton, opened in March 1998 on the Ululapa Farm, which has been in the Kruger Family since 1983.

Leopard Hills forms part of the western sector of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, and offers over 10 000 hectares of traversing which includes access to the perennial Sand River to the north and the Savannah plains to the south.

The lodge was initially built with five luxury suites and in September 2000 another three suites and the library were added. In 2004 the treatment sala and gym were built which completed the lodge.

In 2003 Leopard Hills formed a school on the premises, providing the children of managers and staff throughout the Sabi Sand Reserve with the opportunity of an education.

Since its inception, Leopard Hills has prided itself in delivering some of the best game viewing experiences Africa has to offer. Our philosophy is to offer guests the ultimate safari experience in a sustainable way, ensuring the safety and security of wildlife for generations to come.

Duncan and Louise Rodgers, Operations Director and General Manager of Leopard Hills, have dedicated themselves to making every guest’s visit an experience of unsurpassed luxury.

With 32 years in the game lodge industry, they believe that Leopard Hills is by far the best camp they have ever had the privilege of being associated with, not only for its location and facilities, but most of all for the amazing staff and owners associated with this establishment.

Leopard Hills’ mission is to offer exceptional hospitality and superb game viewing; while at the same time creating a wonderful atmosphere, where guests become part of ‘the family’.

Giving Back at Leopard Hills
Leopard Hills have taken responsibility for looking after and building a day care centre/crèche for under-privileged children and orphans in the area. With the support of our guests, we have been able to raise sufficient funds to build a new facility in the local village.

Through additional donations of books, clothing, writing materials and blankets, we have also gone a long way to improve the lives and learning of these children. Leopard Hills, in conjunction with our partners, will continue to support this project with the aim of continually making a difference.

GOOD WORK FOUNDATION
Leopard Hills recently partnered with the Good Work Foundation (GWF) to launch a digital learning campus in the nearby rural village of Dumphries. The GWF is an NGO focused on digital learning opportunities for young adults and scholars living in rural communities.

Launched on 26 July 2019, the Dumphries Digital Learning Campus is the latest addition to the “Hazyview Cluster” – a collection of five digital learning campuses in Mpumalanga providing various levels of skills and training.

Sabi Sand Game Reserve
The Birthplace of Sustainable Wildlife Tourism in Southern Africa
The 65,000-hectare Sabi Sand Game Reserve is located on the south-west corner of the world famous Kruger National Park. The Reserve is adjacent to the Kruger National Park and consists of numerous private game reserves.

There are no fences between the Kruger Park and Sabi Sand Reserve allowing the wildlife to roam freely between the reserves.

Two perennial rivers (which the reserve is named after), the Sabi and the Sand flow through this game park, sustaining the diverse fauna and flora of the area, which boasts one of the highest and most bio-diverse wildlife populations of any area in Africa.

Due to the integrity of the environment there is a large population of animals in the area year round. There is limited migration between the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park which has ensured genetic diversity with an integrated biodiversity within the entire 2,7 million hectare protected area.

This area is in the process of being enlarged further by incorporating it into the Peace Park concept where it will be with protected areas in Mozambique and eventually Zimbabwe.

History of The Sabi Sand Game Reserve
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve dates back to the 1950’s when the landowners initiated dropping the internal fences and sharing a common environmental management programme.

This association is administered by a Warden who reports to the Park Management Committee. Prior to this, there were a number of landowner pioneers in the 1920’ and 1930’s who initiated the conservation of the area’s wildlife.

Today there are no less than six of these families who are now third and fourth generation landowners – a credit to the foresight of their forefathers who loved and cared for Africa’s dwindling wildlife. Their legacy is possibly the best area in which to view southern Africa’s extensive biodiversity.

Due to considerate game viewing practises where clients remain within the ‘profile’ of the open vehicles and the animals have priority, trackers and game rangers from the surrounding lodges are able to offer exceptional game viewing of wide variety of game species, as well as the ‘high profile animals’.

The success of viewing leopard is legendary and allowing sufficient time in this area animals such as elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and a vast variety of antelope and other species, may be closely observed.

This greater area is home to 336 tree, 49 fish, 34 amphibian, 114 reptile, 507 bird and 147 mammal species. Many of the animals are likely to have never encountered a fence as they exist, free ranging, in this pristine corner of Africa.

Leopards are a main attraction in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, and especially at Leopard Hills. The Leopards are so accustomed to vehicles that they do not take much notice of them.

Even when hunting, a leopard in the Sabi Sands will not mind a vehicle following it, even if this means following it off-road though the bush. Chances of seeing the ‘Big 5’ (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) are excellent in this reserve.

Weather
South Africa has some of the sunniest weather in the world and we are privileged to have warm, temperate conditions for most of the year.

Spring and summer at Leopard Hills is when the bush is thick and lush and it is the best time of the year to see newborn animals. Autumn and winter can be dry, the bush is less dense and waterholes are frequented more often due to the lack of water.

Temperatures range from 20-30 degrees Celsius in spring, 25-35 degrees Celsius in summer, 19-28 degrees Celsius in autumn, and 08-25 degrees Celsius in winter.

This being said, Leopard Hills can be visited throughout the year and weather conditions will not affect your memorable experience of the South African bushveld. The closest town on the weather map to Leopard Hills is Skukuza in Mpumalanga, which experiences similar weather to Leopard Hills.

Conservation
Leopard Hills recognises and embraces the important role it plays in the conservation of its environment.

Every effort is made to use responsible management techniques that protect and enhance the environment for future generations. Leopard Hills strives to secure long-term sustainability of the South African tourism industry and is aligned with Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa.

Activities
Within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, the ‘Big 5’, (elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard), abound and viewing them at close proximity is our speciality. Traversing over 10,000 hectares of incredibly diverse ecosystems makes Leopard Hills the ideal destination to view plentiful game in its natural habitat.

Each day brings something different, as you explore the bush in an open game viewing vehicle. Whether it is a leopard on the hunt, lions roaring at twilight, hippo wallowing in the river, or a crocodile basking on a sandy bank; each viewing will enthrall.

Game Drives
Your knowledgeable and professional ranger conducts early morning and late afternoon/evening game drives, in search of Africa’s big game.

The latest state-of-the-art open game drive vehicles, specifically designed for Leopard Hills, have individual bucket seats and centre consoles, ensuring your optimum safety and comfort.

Leopard Hills prides itself with the best rangers in the business, and they offer a safari experience like no other, from sightings of big game in their natural surroundings, to the smaller flora and fauna, which make this piece of paradise a place we are privileged to call home.

Walking Trails
Exploring the African wilderness on foot provides us with a real sense of place and we become a part of the environment, absorbing every detail, leaving nothing but our tracks behind.

Your senses will become tuned in to the many facets of nature that are often overlooked from a vehicle as you see, smell, hear, touch and even taste the true soul of Africa.

Coming across an attractively marked leopard tortoise, watching a fascinating rhino beetle or a stunningly plumed lilac breasted roller, are just a few of the amazing encounters awaiting you!

Trails are flexible depending on each guest’s requirements. Shorter walks are conducted after the morning game drive and are usually for 1 or 2 hours. Longer walking trails can be arranged anytime and can even be in place of morning game drives.

Our walking safaris are lead by an experienced fully qualified Trails Guide who will tailor your experience based on your specific interests.

After an introductory briefing on the all important “do’s and don’ts” of bush walking safaris, the trail will be structured around the fitness levels of the group. In keeping with safety regulations on guided walks, no children under 16 are permitted.

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

Those with a passion for wildlife photography will be able to get various tips from their ranger on taking the perfect picture, while on their game drive or walking safari.

Our rangers are avid fans of photography, many of them having entered renowned international and local competitions with great results. Please do not hesitate to ask your ranger for assistance in this regard.

PRIVATE GAME VIEWING

For a truly exclusive experience, why not book a private safari vehicle and guide allowing you to set your own pace on your safari. For avid birders or photographers this is a must as you can take as much time as you want on a single sighting. Please note: This is dependant on availability of vehicles and guides

Your Day in the African Bush
An Enthralling Experience Not to be Missed
Your safari at Leopard Hills has been carefully planned around the best game viewing opportunities. The more productive times to enjoy game viewing are first thing in the morning before the heat of the day kicks in, and late afternoon as the day starts to cool down ensuring further animal movement.

During the heat of the day when the animals have retreated to the shade for some respite, you get to enjoy a light lunch and time to relax around the camp, or cool off in your private plunge pool before enjoying the next round of spectacular game viewing.

Not only do you get to see amazing wildlife on your morning drive, but you will enjoy a steaming cup of coffee and muffins in the middle of the African bush, while welcoming the new day. On your late afternoon drive you will stop at a special site to watch the sun set and toast to a spectacular days safari.

Darkness brings about a time of both danger and respite in the bush which allows you to possibly spot smaller carnivores such as genet or civet not usually seen during the day. This is also the time when most predators hunt so your evening game drive could potentially be the most exciting of all.

For more energetic guests wanting to work up an appetite before their hearty breakfast, guided bush walks or trails are offered half way through your morning drive or in place of your morning drive. Here your guide will show you many fascinating things, sharing a secret or two about the bush.

Guests wishing to go on the early morning game drive, will receive a morning wake-up call at 05h00 in Summer and 05h30 in Winter. Tea and coffee is served upstairs on the deck overlooking the waterhole before departing on the drive at around 05h45 in Summer and 06h45 in Winter.

The morning drive lasts approximately three hours, depending on the game viewing; whereafter breakfast is served. For the more adventurous, there is a bush walk available after breakfast, which offers an ideal opportunity to explore the smaller aspects of our environment; such as tracks, birds and insects.

Lunch is served from 13h00 upstairs on the deck. After a relaxing afternoon, guests will join their ranger for tea, coffee and cake in the dining room from 16h00 in Summer and 15h30 in Winter.

The evening safari departs at around 16h30 in Summer and 16h00 in Winter. Again the drive lasts approximately three hours. On arrival back at the lodge security guards guide guests back to their room to freshen up.

Pre-dinner drinks are served in the bar, after which dinner follows at 20h30 in Summer and 19h30 in Winter.

Included in Your Daily Itinerary
Spectacular ‘Big 5’ game viewing. Morning and afternoon game drives daily in state-of-the-art open game viewing vehicles. Tea, filter coffee and muffins on morning game drive.

Drinks and canapés at the afternoon game drive. Optional Walking Trails after a shorter morning dame drive. Optional Walking Safari in place of morning game drive.

Weddings
Bespoke Intimate Weddings
At Leopard Hills, we pride ourselves on our reputation for warm, world-class service, and the little touches that make the difference. Emphasis is on ultimate luxury and romantic charm, combined with the priceless gift of privacy.

Weddings at Leopard Hills portray just this. This intimate lodge offers a memorable safari experience for couples and honeymooners alike.

Legality of Foreign Weddings in South Africa
The law in South Africa requires a foreign couple to attend an appointment at the Department of Home Affairs before they can be legally married in South Africa.

Since this is quite a cumbersome task for someone on safari, we suggest that you process all legal marriage documents in your home country and enjoy your ceremony on safari in a more traditional way.

Wellness at Leopard Hills
Indulge in the Ultimate Relaxation
Enjoy an array of spa treatments in the privacy of your suite or in the glass walled massage sala overlooking the surrounding bush. What better way to work up a sweat than on our various gym machines while watching a herd of elephant drinking at the waterhole below?

Or indulge in an array of pampering massage treatments in our glass-fronted sala which has a superb vantage point off the main pool deck, offering absolute privacy with spectacular views.

Our core philosophy of natural health is based on self nurturing, personal inspiration and the use of ingredients provided by ‘Mother Earth’, to provide you with the most invigorating treatments imaginable.

CASCADES & CANYON HELICOPTER FLIGHTS
Experience the beauty of the third-deepest canyon in the world, the Blyde River Canyon in the luxury of a Bell Jet Ranger Helicopter.

Mpumalanga Helicopter Company will pick you up at the lodge and fly you through the ancient cliffs of the Blyde River Canyon and along the escarpment passing the famous landmarks of ‘Three Rondawels’ and ‘God’s Window’.

A delicious picnic lunch will be enjoyed at a secluded spot with spectacular views before returning back to the Lodge for your afternoon game drive. For more information, visit: www.mhelicopter.co.za.

SHANGAAN CULTURAL VILLAGE TOURS

We offer excursions to a local community to witness the village culture of the Shangaan people. This outing includes an insight into the beliefs, cuisine, dance and religious aspects of the local community and is well worth a visit. Times of the excursions are from 10.30 am until lunchtime.

ELEPHANT INTERACTION

An unforgettable interaction with elephants offering the opportunity to touch the elephant, exchange trunk greetings and offer tasty treats. For more information, visit: www.elephantwhispers.co.za.

GOLF ON SAFARI
Golfing enthusiasts visiting Leopard Hills can play a round of golf at a world-famous golf course and be back at the Lodge in time to enjoy the late afternoon game drive experience.

Mpumalanga Helicopter Co. provides speedy air transfers in style for up to 10 golfers, from the Leopard Hills helicopter pad to one of three world-renowned golf courses. A wonderful opportunity to slip in a round of golf and also a fabulous way to see the magnificent beauty of the Mpumalanga Lowveld from the air.

Leopard Creek Country Club

Situated on the banks of the Crocodile River near Malelane and designed by one of the world’s greatest golfers, Gary Player, Leopard Creek Country Club delivers a world-class golfing experience.

Highland Gate Golf Estate

Nestled in the picturesque Steenkampsberg mountain range near Dullstroom, the Highland Gate Golf Estate, Ernie Els’ signature golf course is on the bucket list for many local and international golfers.

Hans Merensky Golf Course

Share a round of golf with resident wildlife visitors in a unique bushveld atmosphere at the award-winning Hans Merensky Golf Course bordering the Kruger National Park.

Website: www.leopardhills.com

Rooms: 8

Price: from 2.297 EUR per night