‘Built on a 20,000 acre completely private conservancy with mountains, rivers, open plains, 250 kilometres of sandy tracks, lakes and waterfall and dubbed James Bond in the bush, Leobo Private Reserve has of all the toys for every generation to enjoy. From two resident helicopters, a fleet of quad bikes (including high speed racers for the more adrenaline thirsty to children’s mini quads for the more juvenile petrol heads), a Polaris buggy, five horses, dirt bikes, mountain bikes and kayaks, you name it, Leobo has it.’
With his close to 18 years in the travel industry Toby Warren, Founder of Exceptional Travel, thought he’d seen most angles, when it came to new safari properties, until he visited Leobo in South Africa’s Waterberg 2 months ago.
‘One of Leobo’s key differences is that where many African lodges focus on safari and conservation, Rory decided that the backbone of the property should instead be on science and quite simply good, honest fun (although the safari and conservation elements are thrown in for good measure too).
The science in question is astronomy and I don’t mean star gazing through any old telescope. Leobo has a revolving, fully automated observatory dome with a 20 inch research grade telescope and, with barely any light pollution in the Waterberg Mountains, the astrophysics experience at Leobo is both internationally renowned and is certainly unrivalled in any private property you will visit in Africa.’
But you don’t have to be interested in far off galaxies to enjoy Leobo’s own private galaxy.
‘the real key to Leobo is, and I make no excuses about saying it again, the fun of having a private reserve where there are no rules (except minor ones which may just about save your life), there are no time constraints and there are absolutely no limits to what you can do. Guests are encouraged to play hard and enjoy all that nature’s playground has to offer. And that is exactly what we did.
From being dropped off by helicopter for sundowners on an impossibly remote kopje, sipping cocktails in the roof-top Jacuzzi whilst drinking in the endless panoramic views and then helicopter paintballing (yes you heard me correctly) whilst your friends try to avoid being splurged on quad bikes below, our weekend at Leobo was something that only few can dream of, let alone do.
Designed by Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, famous for creating the infamous North Island in the Seychelles, their skill of blending design and interiors with the surrounding landscape, combined with owners Rory and Lizzy Sweet’s imagination, appreciation of adventure, and wicked sense of humour, has resulted in a property which not only breathtakingly beautiful, but which is also a feast for the senses.
Rory is passionate about the reserve that he owns and loves, and who says in his own words “it is my favourite place in the world and I want others to enjoy it too”. And he really means it. His enthusiasm for sharing the experience with others resonates around Leobo, its staff and its atmosphere and it is quite clear that this is no commercial enterprise but rather a personal invitation to enjoy something a little different.’
For all these reasons Leobo has maintained its top spot in the Safari Awards Best Safari House category for 2 years running and is already a nominee in a number of categories for the upcoming 2016 Safari Awards.
Want to feel like a secret safari agent in your very own award winning hideaway in Africa? Here’s your chance, take advantage of Leobo’s incredible helicopter packages for next year. Get in touch to find out more.
