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Observatory Luxury Villa, Leobo Private Reserve, South Africa


This remarkable house is state-of-the-art, with breath-taking views and the ultimate in luxury. Serviced by a butler, maid and chef, it also has a heated infinity pool, and a Jacuzzi on the roof. There is an automated Observatory that is perfect for stargazing.

At Leobo, things are done a little differently. The accommodation is rented exclusively to one group at a time and you are made to feel completely at home, indulging in as much of everything on offer as you please. There are no daily programs or time restrictions; you are entertained by the team of staff as friends of the owner and activities seamlessly blend in to one another until you have done so much more than you ever imagined possible, all arranged for them at the drop of a hat and ideal for couples or for families.

Leobo Private Reserve is a vast nature reserve located within the malaria-free Waterberg region of South Africa. The Waterberg is a hugely diverse environment offering an abundance of wildlife and is rich in archaeological history. It is considered to be one of the geological wonders of the world. Set within 12,000 acres and overlooking the Palala Valley, Leobo Private Reserve can offer guests a unique holiday experience.

It is your playground for the duration of your stay and what a playground it is. Leobo offers you an extensive range of activities from quad biking to helicopter rides and sky diving, to star gazing from the observatory telescope and games drives throughout the day. Malaria-free and with an abundance of activities for children, Leobo Private Reserve works particularly well for a family safari.

Where is Leobo Private Reserve located?

Leobo Private Reserve is an exclusive 12,000 acre estate set within the beautiful Waterberg Mountains of South Africa, 3 hours’ drive north of Johannesburg. It is home to the award winning Observatory Private Villa, one of the most exceptional safari houses in Africa, not only from an architectural and style perspective, but also as an experience.

International flight to O.R. Tambo International Airport followed by a one hour helicopter flight to the lodge or a three and a half hour drive. Alternatively there is a small landing strip for light aircraft.

What sort of accommodation is available at Leobo Private Reserve?

Leobo Private Reserve has two very different accommodation options within a five minute drive of each other. The state-of-the-art Observatory is a four bedroom private house with two main bedrooms, each with their own bath and shower. There is a separate nursery room for children with a triple bunk bed and a bedroom for a nanny or extra guests. The Leobo Lodge provides extra accommodation for larger groups. The Lodge can sleep up to 18 guests in eight private cottages overlooking the Palala Valley. All of the cottages are en-suite and have their own private deck with spectacular views. Rooms can accommodate children on request.

  • Observatory private villa

The Observatory, designed by award-winning architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, is a masterpiece, ideal for couples or for families.

This remarkable house is state-of-the-art, with breath-taking views and the ultimate in luxury. Serviced by a butler, maid and chef, it also has a heated infinity pool, and a Jacuzzi on the roof. There is an automated Observatory that is perfect for stargazing.

The house sleeps 6 adults and three children in 3 double rooms and a children’s triple bunk room. There is space to eat both inside and outside as well as a spectacular sunken fire pit.

  • The Lodge

The lodge has a classic African style with stunning views over the Palala valley.

Accommodation comprises 9 chalets sleeping a maximum of 20 people comfortably.

It is fully staffed, complete with multiple lounge areas, bar, snooker table, Wi-Fi, boma, sunken fire pit and a stunning heated swimming pool built into the side of the mountain which is fantastic for children.

It is rented exclusively so is perfect for families or a group of friends and also can be rented along with the Observatory as an overflow for additional guests or staff.

When is the best time to visit Leobo Private Reserve?

The best game viewing is from May to the end of September. Summer (November to March) days can get quite warm (up to 28-32 degrees on average) but it is a dry heat. Summer rainfall, normally in the form of thunder storms are usually in the evening, however, the African climate is still always unpredictable. Autumn (April to May) days can still be warm but the evenings cool down. Average day time temperature 22-28 degrees. Evenings 10-15 degrees. Winter (June to August) days are warm (temperatures in the mid-twenties) evenings and early mornings very cold with average early morning temperatures 5-12 degrees. It very rarely rains at this time when the bush is golden and dry. Spring (September, October) days start getting hotter, evenings and mornings could still be crisp but not as cold. A very slim chance of rain.

For further information, please do feel free to contact Nicola directly or at The Explorations Company for further inspiration and unforgettable safaris and holidays to Africa, Asia, and Latin America

Or, if you would like to just dream some more for now then you can by visiting our Video Library.

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As a guide, the cost of our extraordinary and utterly bespoke journeys tends to start from $1200 per person per day excluding international flights.

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