Leopard Mountain Game Lodge is a four-star multiple award-winning lodge some 44km from Hluhluwe village. Located high up in the wild, secluded hills of the 23 000ha Zululand Rhino Reserve, it has spectacular views overlooking a vast stretch of unspoiled bushland and riverine forests, from the Umsunduze River meandering below to the distant Lebombo Mountains.
Whether you are relaxing in the lounge or bar and enjoying fine cuisine in the dining-room, or swimming in the rock pool, or enjoying the amazing views, your every wish will be catered for.
Accommodation is in nine luxurious stone and thatch chalets, providing a haven of peace and tranquillity. Each chalet is light and spacious, with its own private balcony and hammock, views, en-suite bathroom, mini bar, tea and coffee facilities and mosquito nets over the beds.
Although there is plenty to do it’s tempting merely to lie in your hammock and watch eagles soar at eye-level over the plain below or, at night, marvel at the magnificence of the African sky. But nature really does call and an early start is recommended to take in as much as you can.
The Zululand Rhino Reserve is home to the Big 5 and is the second release site of the WWF/ Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Black Rhino Range Expansion Project, which proudly holds the most successful black rhino breeding project in the world.
There is a variety of antelope, some inquisitive giraffe, as well as jackals, wild dog, genets, hyenas and porcupines in the reserve. Birders will not be disappointed. Being greeted in the morning by a chorus of different birdsongs on opening your door, while enjoying an early cuppa and rusks before a morning game drive, is a delight.
On return to the lodge a full breakfast awaits, after which you can have a leisurely morning at your own pace or join your ranger again to head to the hide at the watering hole. There is also the option of an afternoon or evening game drive in search of the elusive nocturnal animals and birds.
Dining is almost as high a priority as conservation at Leopard Mountain Lodge.
Chef Ashton Mitchell clearly loves her work and there are ample opportunities to enjoy her tasty cuisine – from buffet breakfasts to picnic baskets for lunch, sweet and savoury spreads for afternoon teas while taking in the spectacular sights from the viewing deck, and dinner in the boma under the stars. Local fresh produce is used in food ranging from freshly baked breads to venison potjie and mouth-watering desserts.
For romantic couples there is an open-plan private dining area. Candlelit dinners with special treats are laid on, with a private campfire and blankets to snuggle under afterwards.
With a welcoming lounge, bar and dining room close to hand, you are never at the mercy of inclement weather.
This hideaway is well worth a visit.
Rates are R1 495 per adult sharing, there is no charge for children under four years, and it is R500 per day for kids between four and 12.
Rates include full buffet breakfast, light picnic lunch, afternoon tea (a spread of savoury and sweet), four-course dinner in the boma, two guided game drives and a midday hide experience.
Contact 035 340 1179 or e-mail [email protected]. Visit www.leopardmountain.co.za to find out more.
Leopard Mountain Lodge is a benchmarked member of the Portfolio Collection – www.portfoliocollection.com - Sunday Tribune