Description
None of the Kruger National Park private game reserves top Sabi Sands for scenery and game. And none of Sabi Sands’ various lodges top Leadwood for indulgence, service or exclusivity. This private paradise has just four pool suites, all nested above a wooded fork of the Sand and Mabrak Rivers. The bijou size makes Leadwood hugely romantic, and also enables exclusive hire by groups of friends or family.
Accommodation
Spaced out among elegant jackalberry trees, those thatched, two-person suites each afford their own plunge pool, wraparound verandah and outdoor shower. Inside are fireplaces, vast bathrooms with freestanding tubs, lazy lounges and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a busy watering hole. Wildlife-watching in your dressing gown? You betcha.
Facilities
A larger pool offers another opportunity to cool off from the hot African sun, or simply for sun-speckled slumber between safari jaunts. The main lodge contains elevated dining and sitting areas, providing dramatic river views, with the top-notch cuisine – flavours from around Africa – also served in a traditional boma around roaring fires, or out on the bush itself.
Activities
Included in the board are early-morning and late-afternoon game drives in 4x4s. The latter conclude with sundowner cocktails, sometimes magically pre-hung from tree branches and waiting for you. Thrilling walking safaris led by experienced rangers and trackers are available, too, offering an insight into everything from the Big 5 to tiny, incredible insects via unusual flora, animal alarm calls and spool evaluation. Hire the lodge exclusively, and you’ll receive your own private rangers, along with a butler, chef and vehicle.
Child Policy
Normally, the lodge is only open to children aged 8 and over. However, when hired exclusively, all ages are welcome and the WILDchild programme encompasses interactive activities, log-books, crayons and safari-themed toys. Children over six cannot participate on game drives, but babysitting is available.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
