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.
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 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.
What should I pack and bring with me?
Cool, breathable clothes are advisable for the summer months. During the winter months (May to September), warm clothes are essential.
Comfortable walking shoes, sun hats, sunglasses, sunscreen/block, cameras and binoculars.
In summer: lightweight clothing, bathing suits, warmer clothing for game drives In winter: light clothing for day time, bathing suit for the warmer spells, very warm insulated jackets for game drives.
What Activities are Available at Leobo?
Leobo Private Reserve has a huge array of activities on offer to guests of all ages. Just some of the highlights include:
Does Leobo cater for families with young children?
Children are very welcome at Leobo. The Observatory has a self-contained nursery room complete with bathroom, kitchenette, triple bed bunk bed for the children and a room for a nanny.
The Reserve has been established to provide great enjoyment for families whereby children have the opportunity to encounter wildlife close by and learn about the bushveld. Identity tracks of a giraffe, walk on a rock-hard ant hill and hold a lizard.
Children activities:
Why is Conservation so important at Leobo Private Reserve?
Responsible Tourism
Operating villas and lodges in protected ecosystems in Africa alongside local communities and wildlife comes with a great deal of responsibility.
Leobo Private Reserve is committed to responsible tourism. They conduct their business in a manner that benefits the environment and wildlife conservation, the people who work there and their neighbouring communities. In this way their tourism operations and your presence, has the capacity to protect natural wildlife areas, alleviate poverty through good employment practices and contribute positively to the local community.
A Fixed Wing Flying Safari is a unique concept of travel in Africa. It introduces another dimension to a typical African safari, that of the beauty of the continent from the air. Accompanied and guided by experienced pilots who are also experienced safari guides a Fixed Wing Flying Safari is a truly memorable and exclusive experience.
Epic helicopter journeys exploring corners of Africa that few have been to or even ever heard of. We specialise in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, the Congo and Namibia. Our tailor-made safaris cover wild and spectacular mountains, valleys, forests and deserts, with a focus on ‘remote and unknown, unexplored and unforgettable’.
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour and catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore – Dream – Discover - Mark Twain - You can view clips of some of our own favourite discoveries here.
- Utterly designed and tailored around you and your requirements
- Totally unique every time you travel with us
- The very best hand picked guides which can make the difference between a good and an outstanding holiday
- Established over 30 years ago we have been around longer than most
- Our specialists come from, have lived in or travelled extensively in the regions we cover
- Unparalleled knowledge provides you with the best possible experience
- Philanthropy is our philosophy
- Our founding principle is to always ‘put something back’
- An amount from each holiday is donated to our selected conservation and humanitarian charities
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By Marcela Kunova - 20th April 2017
Nicola Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, organises unusual trips for HNW and UHNW clients ranging from birthday parties at an Indian Maharajah's palace to reliving Sir Vivian Fuchs's 1950s expedition to the South Pole. Citywealth caught ...
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Leobo Activities
