South Africa is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting charter destinations in the Southern hemisphere. However, in addition to your usual winter charter, why not add an extra week or two to your package and treat yourself onshore at the exclusive Leobo Reserve
Thanks to its stunning scenery and miles of coastline, South Africa is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting charter destinations in the Southern hemisphere. Sitting at the southernmost point of the African continent, South Africa is home to some of the most remarkable wildlife in the world. This beautiful country offers charter guests a range of breathtakingly diverse landscapes from lush tropical forests to pristine beaches, world-class wineries and some of the best diving sites on the planet. With so much to discover, this is the perfect place to combine a few weeks of cruising with an extended vacation on dry land.
“An exclusive safari house.”
When it comes to choosing an on-shore package to compliment your charter, we’ve found the ultimate African Bush experience. Just a few hours’ drive from the port of Durban, the Leobo Reserve is a private 23 000-acre estate located in the heart of the beautiful Waterberg mountains. An exclusive safari house with its very own observatory, Leobo is the ideal setting for a luxurious and absolutely unforgettable vacation following your superyacht charter in South Africa.
“Absolute privacy, relaxation and adventure.”
Built as a private family escape and available to rent on a very select basis, the Leobo Reserve caters to guests looking for absolute privacy, relaxation and above all, adventure. There are no time constraints or agendas, and each guest is free to create their own schedule and enjoy the many onsite activities as and when they want, by day or by night. As a visitor to Leobo, you will be welcomed into this remarkable family home, treated like royalty and quite simply shown the time of your life.
“Contemporary African elegance.”
Owned by a British family and designed by the award-winning duo Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, the Leobo Reserve combines awe-inspiring science with contemporary African elegance. In the heart of the reserve, you’ll find the main house with 4 luxurious bedrooms, complete with individual fireplaces and private terraces. Decorated in soft muted tones, the spacious bedrooms in the house feature striking four-poster beds carved from leadwood trees uprooted by the local elephant population. And of course, there are also breath-taking views over the reserve from all the rooms.
“Private playground.”
A short walk away from the lodge are 9 guest chalets which can be used by friends or as staff accommodation while you’re in residence. Created using the signature form, textures and colours of Africa both inside and out, the circular design of the lodge perfectly reflects a traditional South African settlement centred around a kraal. Rented on an exclusive basis only, Leobo’s concept is to offer guests absolute privacy so the entire reserve will be your private playground for the duration of your stay.
“Dedicated and highly-skilled staff”
Whether you’re planning a trip with the family or travelling with a group of friends, Leobo caters for all ages and interests. The dedicated and highly-skilled staff are as discreet as they are charming and will ensure that every member of your party fully enjoys their stay on the reserve. Leobo’s private chef will be at your disposal to prepare delicious meals throughout the day and one of the highlights of the holiday will undoubtedly be sharing a homemade pizza served directly from the wood oven on the viewing deck above a lake. As the sun sinks over the horizon, watch the reserves hippo families swim and graze just below you, this is definitely not your average vacation.
“The ultimate viewing experience.”
Another feature of the reserve is the outstanding Waterberg observatory with its magnificent and fully-automated copper dome. As Leobo is blessed with almost zero light pollution, this is one of the best places in the world to view the wonders of the night sky. Owners Rory and Lizzy have created the ultimate viewing experience, complete with a 20-inch telescope for looking at the stars and an 8-inch solar scope to view the surface of the sun. Dine in style under the one-of-a-kind hippopotamus skeleton chandelier before donning an official spacesuit and taking a starlit safari with an experienced local astronomer; this is one evening you’ll never forget.
“Unforgettable adventures.”
In fact, unforgettable sums up most of the adventures you’ll experience when you stay in Leobo. With no set itinerary and no timetable, there are no limits to what you can do during your visit to the reserve. While you’re in the house, your charming hosts will be on hand to take care of your every need, and out in the reserve experienced field guides are just waiting to take you on wild adventures through the African bush.
“The magic of Africa.”
Jump on a quad bike and race around the plains, go night-time game viewing with special thermal imaging equipment, take a helicopter ride to the top of a mountain to watch the sun set or simply soak up the atmosphere with dinner at one of the outdoor dining decks before enjoying cocktails in the rooftop jacuzzi. From horse riding to helicopter paintballing, tracking cheetahs and leopards to a tug-of-war with a crocodile, anything is possible in Leobo. And with so much to do within the grounds, the emphasis is firmly on getting outside and experiencing the magic of Africa for yourself.
“Spectacular wildlife.”
The reserve itself is a 23 000-acre estate made up of wide open plains, mountains, rivers, forests and clear-water lakes. Hidden away in a ravine which can only be accessed by helicopter, you’ll even find a pristine white sandy river-beach, the perfect spot for a secluded afternoon picnic. And of course, the reserve is also home to some of the most spectacular wildlife in South Africa. Spend the day tracking cheetah with the bush rangers, go horse-riding alongside herds of zebras on the plain, watch graceful giraffes gather around a watering hole or simply enjoy the sight of wildebeest, kudu, buffalo and ostriches roaming freely in their natural habitat.
Unique and exceptional, the Leobo reserve is a truly remarkable destination. With so much on offer for guests to enjoy, a stay in this private paradise is bound to be a once in a lifetime holiday. So, if you’re looking for a very special experience this season, why not plan a cruise to South Africa and add a trip to Leobo to your charter package so you and the family can spend time exploring this fascinating reserve.
