Leopard Mountain Lodge
Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge deserves a shout out as a favourite in KwaZulu Natal Province amongst both local and international safari fans. After sending many an avid safari goer to this prestigious lodge we have yet to hear a single complaint. Rather, we have been showered with exemplary compliments and applause for this game lodge that sits quietly on a hillside and looks fondly over the Zululand landscape. So, what makes this lodge so special?
It’s time for us to give them their flowers.
1. The Hospitality
This is number 1 for a reason. It is the single most factor that separates Leopard Mountain from other lodges in its price range. Try to imagine the absolute warmest and friendliest South African hospitality. The staff at Leopard Mountain not only make you feel at home and in total relaxation, but they will go out of their way to ensure your experience there is a special and memorable one. You will leave feeling like you have made lifelong friendships, which is probably why the return guest rate is so high!
Our recent guest and associate Bea Adventurous ( https://bea-adventurous.com/ ), a brilliant and award-winning travel blogger, rated Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge as her favourite experience after visiting some stunning lodges in the Greater Kruger National Park area (South Africa’s premier safari destination), Cape Town, St Lucia, and one or two other stays around South Africa. This should speak volumes to the world class experience it offers.
Staff engage with guests, tell stories, get to know them, all whilst maintaining professionalism and attentive service that is not too over the top and feels natural and in keeping with the relaxing atmosphere of camp.
The entire camp feeds off this positive and energetic attitude from the staff and it creates a wonderfully warm and magical camp atmosphere, which is our next reason why you need to visit Leopard Mountain Lodge.
2. The Camp Atmosphere
As soon as we first walked in to Leopard Mountain and were greeted with the friendliest smiles, genuine joy for our arrival, and of course a delicious welcome drink, we felt that magic that Leopard Mountain has created. As we walked through to the deck, the views almost felt like a bonus to the already sensational feeling of being welcomed by all the staff. The really warm and exhilarating African atmosphere really kicks off at dinner time in the boma, where guests are seated around a big fire, and surrounded by lanterns. Guests are left to dine privately if looking for some privacy and romance, or with their guide who can share some fascinating stories from their time in the bush. Your camp host keeps everyone thoroughly entertained and makes sure everyone has absolutely everything they need. It’s a very special experience and we haven’t even mentioned the mouthwatering food!
We must mention too that the staggering views across the bushveld, coupled with the beautiful suites make this lodge very relaxing, an absolute oasis where you can truly rejuvenate and reconnect with nature and yourself. Each suite even comes with its own hammock and yoga mat, and of course the very inviting private plunge pools. Add in the world-class spa on site and you’ve got yourself a recipe for relaxation!
3. The Best Views in Zululand
Set deep in the Manyoni Private Game Reserve and sitting high up on a hillside, Leopard Mountain boasts staggering views over the bushveld and of the Lebombo Mountains. Sunrise, sunset, and even storms rolling in are simply sensational from this vantage point. It is, of course, a stand out feature of this lodge and one that guests continuously rave about. There is something very relaxing and certainly therapeutic about gazing off into the distance with nothing but pure nature in front of you. The heights also don’t make you feel too disconnected from the bush or wildlife as there are lots of camp visitors, usually in the form of nyala and warthog, that will often visit the guests’ suites. And you can spot wildlife from your vantage point with a pair of binoculars which you will find around camp. Thankfully the weather in Zululand is incredible, so you’ll be able to hopefully catch a few sunrises and sunsets during your stay and afternoon lightening storms in Summer especially.
If you’re a fan of lodges with a view then this is a must visit in KZN!
4. The Suites
If the views weren’t enough to sell you, they come with gorgeous suites to appreciate them from. We found these suites to be very well-equipped to maximise your comfort during your stay. Think multiple plug point options, minibar, indoor/outdoor showers, an expansive deck that comes with your very own plunge pool, and an open front that invites those expansive views in to your comfy bed. This is a place of complete solace and relaxation, where guests can enjoy each other’s company in total privacy and really connect and revel in this stunning environment. It’s actually quite a tough decision whether to stay in the comfort of your own suite, or head to the public areas where one can socialize, chat to the staff and enjoy the views from the ever-impressive main deck. For the introverts, you could spend days on end in these spacious and well-appointed suites so you are in luck!
You’ll get some much-needed rest here after all the excitement out on drive! Which brings us to our final point…
5. The Wildlife
At 23 000 hectares Manyoni Private Game Reserve is large enough for guests to spend a good couple of days’ worth of game drives and not feel like you’re traversing over the same roads and loops over and over again. There is so much to explore and the wildlife on the reserve is abundant! What makes it extra special though is that cheetah, lion, and most notably rhino (both black and white) are very prolific here. It was actually initially formed as part of the WWF black rhino range expansion project and has a strong focus on endangered species conservation. This makes game drives that much more interesting and unique. There are even rhino dehorning procedures that guests may have the option of getting involved in during their stay. An offering that is as personally impactful and exhilarating as it is essential to rhino conservation.
The landscape and vegetation in this area is also worth mentioning as it is varied and absolutely stunning. The views and birdlife would be enough to keep you entertained, but we know what most of you are really after…the Big 5 and other iconic wildlife species. Well, you’re in luck because Manyoni has this in droves. And the good news is that their leopard sightings are also becoming more and more common which is very special for KwaZulu Natal Province, where our leopards do tend to be a bit shyer in contrast to their Kruger National Park counterparts.
At Leopard Mountain Lodge specifically, they take the game drives to the next level by having exceptional guides that not only work tirelessly to track down and find you animals, but also educate you and bring the entire experience together. The more you learn the more fascinating the wildlife and natural environment becomes! I’m sure many of you who have experienced a safari know exactly what I’m talking about. A good guide is invaluable!
We haven’t even mentioned that Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge is a multiple award-winning lodge and a convenient 3-hour drive from Durban City, making it a must on anyone’s KZN and frankly South African safari bucket list.
Their rates are based on BAR (best available rates) and with specific travel dates you can get very lucky with fantastic deals!
Needless to say, this is one of our personal favourites and it is our privilege to be able to plan and fulfil our guests’ safari dreams at such an outstanding lodge.
Thank you to the entire Leopard Mountain team for always being on point and an absolute pleasure to work with.
Check it out for yourself here: www.leopardmountain.co.za
If you’d like help in planning your safari in KwaZulu Natal, or would like some more information about Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us on info@nalaafrica.com.
If you’re loving the sound of KwaZulu Natal Province as your next safari destination then be sure to check out our blog on our 12 favorite KwaZulu Natal safari lodges - https://www.nalaafrica.com/blog-1/12-of-our-favourite-kwazulu-natal-safari-lodges
And if you’re wondering what to pack for your safari in South Africa then check this out - https://www.nalaafrica.com/blog-1/what-to-pack-for-a-safari-in-south-africa
Until next time…
