Leopard Hills
Sabi Sand Game Reserve,
South Africa
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LEOPARD
HILLS -
SABI SAND GAME RESERVE
Leopard
Hills, built on a hill overlooking a natural waterhole
and close to
the perennial Sand River, lives right up to its name
and is perfect for a
South African Safari. From your hilltop sanctuary,
you may be lucky to catch
sight of a leopard on the hunt, a breeding herd of
elephants or a few
gracious kudu. True to the South African Safari experience,
many species of
antelope pass by within view of the lodge while in
the reserve, Africa's big
game abounds. You may see
prides of lion, elephant,
white rhino, buffalo, cheetah, wild dog, hyena and
many more.
Leopard Hills traverses over
10,000 hectares of the world-renowned Sabi Sand
Game Reserve which forms part of the
greater Kruger National Park ecosystem. Each day
can
be different as one explores the endless fascination
of Africa's wildlife.
Hippo wallow in the river, crocodile bask on a quiet,
sandy bank while
overhead, majestic eagles keep watch and at the river's
edge and in the
riverine bush are hundreds of different bird species.
Out walking you may discover a few of the endless
number of fascinating
small creatures of Africa.
Accommodation  For
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Hills
Images
Each of the eight luxurious glass-fronted suites, complete with their own sundeck and rock plunge pool offer superb views of the African bushveld beyond. The suites are generously spacious and immense in stature. Air-conditioning and overhead fans provide welcome respite against the harsh African heat. The breathtaking romantic bathrooms, which include double indoor and outdoor showers have windows, which open to a glorious view of the passing cavalcade below.
The comfortable beds are complete with beautiful crisp percale cotton linen, down duvets and pillows, and gracious mosquito netting. A special touch to each suite is the perfection of final touches provided, from weather notes and African poems, to a fine array of bath salts and other bathroom amenities. An inviting lounge with breathtaking views out over the bush and beyond 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. Or savour the day, either in your hammock or pool lounger outside, whilst listening to the tranquil sound of the surrounding bushveld. Aspects of nature have been incorporated into your suite, to provide the ultimate in luxury while experiencing Africa at its best.
Facilities
Back at camp, you will be spoilt by the highest standards of service. The staff's utter dedication and pure passion to pleasing each guest according to his or her needs is prevalent in every aspect of the lodge, and particularly the central area.
The main deck is perfect for whiling the day away with a pair of binoculars, or 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 the main swimming pool. The bar and lounge entices every guest to a pre or post-dinner drink and fireside chat with your friendly ranger. The barmen will mix together the finest in ingredients to make interesting and unique cocktails and drinks to suit everyone’s tastes. A nightcap of the finest whiskey, port or South African amarula would be the perfect way to the end off a perfect day. The dining room has a beautiful view of a waterhole beyond, and holds the finest in silver service dinners.
The dining area consists of two heavy-set mahogany tables, offering ample space and comfort while enjoying the most decadent of dining one could imagine. The esteemed wine cellar underneath the dining room is a treat for the avid wine connoisseur, as well as the learning amateur, and is brimming with racks of celebrated local wines. The friendly team will assist you in choosing the perfect wine according to 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 send e-mails home to loved ones. A television is also available for those wanting to keep up to date with the latest news or sports game. There is a fine selection of documentary DVD’s for those wanting more information on African wildlife and its intricacies.
Boma
The traditional Shangaan boma is used on alternate nights, and is a truly memorable way to experience an evening under the African night sky. Fine cuisine and wines can be sampled while sitting near a warm crackling fire. On arrival at the boma through a path of flaming torches, you will be welcomed by your ranger, who will be on hand to greet you with a drink of your choice and a pre-dinner appetizer, while guests meet around the fire to tell of exciting adventures had on the game drive that afternoon. Your table is complemented by candles and rustic hurricane lamps, which complete the full experience of true African dining. Starters will be served by your waiter at your table, followed by a main course of unparalleled proportions.
Guests will be invited to choose from a selection of unique South African dishes, from stir fry to game kebabs from the finest in South African fish to dishes served in traditional iron pots, all cooked and served before you, and guaranteed to satisfy every taste. End off the evening with a sumptuous dessert and nightcap before bidding farewell to the simmering fire for the calling of your suite.
Wellness Centre Spa
A fairly new addition to Leopard Hills, the treatment sala and gym have proved very popular among guests. What better way to work up a sweat on the various gym machines, while looking over the bush below, or enjoy an array of massage treatments in the glass-fronted sala, which has a spectacular vantage point off the main pool deck, offering absolute privacy and spectacular views.
One of the highlights of every guests stay at Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve is the array of bush treatments on offer. Treatments are performed either in the newly developed Sala or in the comfort of your suite. The core philosophy of natural health is based on nurture, inspiration and the use of mother Earth’s ingredients, to provide you with the most invigorating treatments imaginable.
Cuisine
Head Chef’s, Jessie Fourie and Shane Johnson, ensure that every meal at Leopard Hills becomes a special occasion, preparing fresh, wholesome and honest cuisine. From breakfast, lunch to dinner, Jessie, Shane and their team serve dishes of unparalleled proportions. Guests will experience “soul food” full of decadent flavours from around the world, finishing with a touch of Africa in every meal.
The Chefs’ meticulous attention to detail and fine finishes complete the experience and are a highlight of your luxury safari experience at Leopard Hills. From fusion food to fulfilling African ingredients, guests will have the opportunity of sampling a full variety of cuisine during their stay.
Traditional Full English and Continental breakfasts on the main deck are notable in charm and fulfilment. Breakfast is served after the early morning game drive and is the perfect way to start each day at the lodge. Guests may also have the opportunity to appreciate the aroma of not only a sumptuous breakfast in the heart of the bush, but also the amazing smells and sounds that flow from a new day dawning in Africa.
Lunches are served under big shady umbrellas, and are an occasion in themselves! The team incorporate the best locally produced ingredients and modernise old classics to produce cuisine that make you feel satisfied in every way.
“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 the traditional boma to fine silver service dinners in the dining room, or out on the upper deck where a cool breeze is a welcoming relief from the African heat. On warm nights in summer, guests may be treated to a three-course meal in the heart of the bushveld. As guests complete their evening game drive, they will be enticed by the essence of a burning fire, to arrive to a hurricane lit ‘dining room’ in the bush. With the finest in cuisine and service excellence, guests will enjoy an unforgettable feast under African starlit skies.
The perfect end to the perfect 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…
Activities
Game Drives
Your knowledgeable and professional ranger conducts early morning and late afternoon/evening game drives, in search of Africa’s big game. State-of-the-art game drive vehicles, specifically designed for Leopard Hills, have individual bucket seats with fold down armrests, 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 Safaris
Walks through the bush take place just after breakfast, on request, and is the best way of experiencing the ‘finer’ aspects of the bushveld. Your knowledgeable ranger will guide you through the fauna and flora of the Sabi Sand Reserve, pointing out insects, grasses, trees, and smaller species that are all an integral part of the greater Kruger National Park ecosystem.
Wildlife Photograph
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. The 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.
Bush Dinners
On warm nights in summer, guests may be treated to a three-course meal in the heart of the bushveld. As guests complete their evening game drive, they will be enticed by the essence of a burning fire, to arrive to a hurricane lit ‘dining room’ in the bush. With the finest in cuisine and service excellence, guests will enjoy an unforgettable feast under African starlit skies.
Helicopter Flights
Swoop over deep and mysterious gorges, liner above roaring rivers and cascading waterfalls, and view the fascinating and dramatic rock formations of the Blyde River Canyon. Capture the spirit and embrace the beauty of Mpumalanga through flight.
Cultural Tours
For those with a passion for Africa and an interest in its diverse and spontaneous culture, tours are offered into the local village, where guests will have the opportunity of embarking on a journey of invaluable knowledge and information on South Africa, its people and their way of life. For more information and tour rates, please speak to the lodge on your arrival.
Community Development
For the last two years, Leopard Hills has undertaken the responsibility of looking after a day care centre / crèche for under privileged children and orphans. Through the help and support of our guests, we have been able to raise enough funding to build a new facility in the local village. Through additional donations of books, clothing, writing materials and blankets, we have gone a long way to improving the lives of these children, who have so little in life. Leopard Hills continues to supply all its excess food to the centre, and through additional donations, we are in conjuncture with our partners in this project, aiming to continually make a difference. For any further information on this project, please contact reception at the lodge.
Wildlife
The lodge
is built on a hill overlooking a natural waterhole
and the perennial Sand River is a sanctuary for
many bird species and host to wallowing Hippo’s
and basking Crocodiles as it gently flows to the
heartbeat of Africa not far from camp. From this
Hilltop Sanctuary, if you listen carefully somewhere
in the distance you may be lucky enough to hear the
roar of a Lion, companionless in his courage, friendless
in his magnificence, or witness the reality of life
and death in its fullness, as your eyes gaze into
a marula tree, only to fall upon the elusive Leopard
devouring the most graceful of all Antelope, the
Impala. Or perhaps you stumble upon the Dung-beetle
during a walking safari and pay homage to the courage
and strength of this little creature, which has throughout
time, competed with the charaxes, whom have always
gained favour for their beauty.
Leopard Hills and the Sabi Sand Reserve
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve was officially founded by its landowners in 1949. The original pioneers, however, date back to the 1920’s, who formed hunting concessions in the dry winter months. Since 1962, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve has transformed its role into one of a commercial photographic safari conservancy, and has become famous for its variety of world-renowned private lodges in the reserve, with service and accommodation of impeccable standards.
Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve opened its doors in March 1998. This unique and fascinating lodge was the brainchild of the Kruger family, who are the owners to this day. The lodge was initially built with five suites, and over time, have added private heated plunge pools, a library, three more suites, a traditional Shangaan boma, gym and sala, creating a five star lodge with the finest amenities.
Duncan and Louise Rodgers, General Managers of Leopard Hills, have endorsed their loyalty to the lodge through their ultimate dedication to making every guest’s visit an experience of unsurpassed luxury. Duncan and Louise have been in the game lodge industry for the last 20 years, and 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 product.
Leopard Hills has recently formed a small junior school on the premises, providing managers and staff throughout the Sabi Sand Reserve the opportunity to provide their children with an education matching the high standards of top South African schools and colleges. This school has proved to be highly popular amongst families residing in the reserve. Children have the opportunity of gaining a top education whilst growing up in the unique bushveld that surrounds them.
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