Luxury living meets the Limpopo wilderness at this extraordinary off-grid sanctuary. This 70-hectare bush retreat opposite the Big Five Marakele National Park is a true oasis, with panoramic 360-degree views stretching out from each of the seven secluded dwellings over dense bush to the ancient Waterberg mountains

Looking for an idyllic bush lifestyle and also an excellent investment opportunity? Waterberg Leopard Lodge, with its collection of seven sophisticated self-catering dwellings spread strategically around the malaria-free 70-hectare reserve, merges the allure of the bush with high-end elegance. This fully operational lodge near Thabazimbi has bookings well into 2025. Its winning formula combines sophisticated contemporary design and attention to detail with the timeless appeal of reconnecting with nature in a truly unspoilt bush paradise.

Waterberg Leopard Lodge is beautifully located in the heart of the Unesco Waterberg Biosphere – the only savannah biosphere reserve in southern Africa, featuring a mix of rock formations formed over millions of years, significant Bushmen rock-art sites and abundant bushveld plains that in turn support a diverse array of fauna and flora. As you stroll through the tamboti, stinkwood and marula trees on the 70-hectare estate, you’ll encounter some of the 100 wild animals – including sable, zebra, giraffe, kudu, wildebeest, blesbok, impala and more – that roam freely. All of this makes Waterberg Leopard Lodge the perfect place in which to savour the restorative and profoundly relaxing effect of being immersed in nature. Whether it’s melodic birdsong at sunset, the visceral call of lions from Marakele across the valley during the night or the silence that precedes dawn, this is a place in which to rediscover your sense of awe and wonder.

“It’s so special! You don’t have to leave your house to see wildlife,” says the seller. “Animals stroll over the whole area all day long. Right now, there are about 15 kudus and nyala wandering past, and at about 4pm you’ll see giraffe coming past. And the birdlife is astonishing, too!” The estate has direct access to Marakele National Park, so guests who want a Big 5 experience can arrange game drives effortlessly. “When we sit outside around the fire pit in the evenings you can hear the sound of lions, hyenas and jackals in Marakele – it’s always a thrill.”

But this isn’t your average safari lodge; this is a place where you can connect with the wilderness on your own terms and dictate your own pace of life. Each of the seven homes is designed to maximise its glorious surroundings, but – arguably more important – to offer seclusion and every home comfort, so that guests can have their very own hideaway in the wilderness. It’s up to them to move through the day exactly as they desire. The kitchens are superbly equipped, so cooking is a pleasure – but in-house chefs can cater every meal if preferred.

Every one of the dwellings is gorgeous and unique – both in architecture and design, and in its carefully selected location on the estate and astonishing views. “This makes Waterberg Leopard Lodge very special. A lot of our guests return time and again to try each dwelling, as each is so different and in its own exceptional place with fantastic views and different things to enjoy,” explains the seller. “I simply can’t choose a favourite; they all have their unique vibe. When it’s just us, I love The Blogck. But when I have my family over, I love to stay at The Manor House with its big pool – entertaining here is so fabulous. And for that special celebration, Ebony and Ivory ecopods are exceptional.”

“We created Waterberg Leopard Lodge because we were always wanting to stay at a luxurious bush lodge but not feel obliged to live by the rhythm of the staff. At our little paradise you just relax, reboot and renature!”

“It gives you so much peace to stay in a place like this. Once I found this property and looked over the whole area, it felt like I was flying above nature. A big part of the magic of this property is that you are up in the mountains – it’s the most special place on earth.”

Specs:

• Property type: game lodge / hospitality collection
• Farm size: 70 ha
• Accommodation:
  7 distinct self-catering dwellings / total of 15 bedrooms en-suite
  • The Manor House 395m² (5 en-suite bedrooms, 3 with extra alfresco shower):
    large chef’s kitchen with bar, scullery and pantry, walk-in wine cupboard, 28m² viewing deck, 80m² front terrace, 6x5m swimming pool, wood-fired hot tub, large braai (BBQ) area overlooking the valley
  • The View 100m² (2 en-suite bedrooms):
    fully equipped kitchen, dining room, living room, 60m² entertainment deck, 25m² lower deck, Weber braai (BBQ), 10x3m lap pool
• • The Blogck 200m² (2 en-suite bedrooms):
    fully equipped kitchen, 8x3m lap pool, wood-fired hot tub, 2 large entertainment decks (each 100m²), indoor & outdoor fireplace, braai (BBQ) area, enclosed private garden
• • The Hacienda 148m² (2 en-suite bedrooms):
    fully equipped kitchen, fire pit with bench seats, pool with shallow entertainment area, wood-fired hot tub, Weber braai (BBQ), outdoor shower, indoor fireplace
• • Ebony 50m² plus terrace 20m² (1 en-suite bedroom):
    self-catering ecopod with automatic retractible star-gazing roof, large deck with suspended net hammock, firepit, plunge pool (with wood-fired heating), outdoor shower, pizza oven, hot tub shared with Ivory ecopod
  • Ivory 50m² plus terrace 20m² (1 en-suite bedroom):
    self-catering ecopod with automatic retractible star-gazing roof, large deck with suspended net hammock, firepit, plunge pool (with wood-fired heating), outdoor shower, pizza oven, hot tub shared with Ebony ecopod
  • Rancho 150m² (2 en-suite bedrooms)
• Each dwelling has its own pool, a combustion-stove fireplace, braai facilities, fireplace or outdoor fire pit
• 5 dwellings have outdoor wood-fired hot tubs and pizza ovens
• All accommodation is self-catering
• Outdoor bush bar
• All houses are fully off-grid with the exception of The Manor House, which is on Eskom with a back-up inverter
• 3 boreholes 
• Seasonal river 
• 5x4m pool
• 3 staff houses 
• Boundary fence
• Price includes furnishings excluding specific artwork (excluding the furnishings in Rancho).

For the property brochure, please click here

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