I have spent the last six weeks exploring South Africa, and Evan, from Nala Africa Safaris, has pulled out all the stops to find me some genuinely amazing lodges. Every single one has been perfect in its own way, but only one could be my favourite, and that accolade goes to Leopard Mountain.
Its unpretentious luxury suited me perfectly. Every last detail had been considered, yet I always felt “at home”. Travelling to safari lodges solo can sometimes be lonely since most people come in pairs or as a family, yet I felt the team at Leopard Mountain went out of their way to ensure I was never alone.
Jian, Sean and Persy took every opportunity to talk to me if they ever saw me alone. We discussed everything from safari ethics, overcrowding of animals in other parts of Africa and whether fences are better than no fences. It didn’t feel like “staff taking care of the solo guest”, instead it felt like I was chatting with friends.
Meanwhile at dinner, Graeme, the safari guide, drew the short straw and kept me company, keeping me amused with hilarious tales from the bush!
But it wasn’t only the staff who made Leopard Mountain special; it was the other guests, too. Did I just get lucky? Or does Leopard Mountain bring out that friendliness in people? I think the latter!
Disclaimer: Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge hosted me for free. However, I entered my agreement with them on the understanding that the words I wrote would be an honest and accurate representation of my experience, for better or worse. Therefore, this Leopard Mountain review is based solely on my honest opinion. This post may also contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I will earn a small amount of commission at no extra cost to you.
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Introduction to Leopard Mountain
Leopard Mountain is a 5-star, award-winning, family-run safari lodge located in the heart of the Manyoni Private Game reserve, which is home to the Big 5.
This eco-friendly lodge, powered entirely by solar energy, offers an intimate and exclusive experience with just nine luxury suites. At the time of my visit though, they were renovating half of it so it was an even more intimate experience!
The lodge sits above the winding Msunduze river with the Lebombo Mountains in the distance. It is said that it has the best views in Zululand, and although I haven’t visited enough places to say whether this is true or not, I can tell you that the views are fantastic!
What really stood out at Leopard Mountain was the holistic approach to the safari experience. We had close encounters with the largest and smallest animals on the reserve. Our guide brought alive the flora and fauna, the mammals and the insects and created a thoroughly interesting and enjoyable experience that boosted my knowledge and left me with a much greater understanding and appreciation for South Africa’s wilderness.
A family business
Leopard Mountain was started in 1997 by a family with no experience in hospitality. However, they were passionate about conservation and determined to offer their customers exceptional customer service which propelled them to establish what is now one of the best lodges in South Africa.
The lodge’s construction was a community effort, with the family utilizing stone and locally sourced materials while training local members in building techniques. The lodge still works closely with the community, empowering and developing locals and has won various awards for the positive impact that they have.
In 2003, Clive Vivier began sharing his vision of creating an expansive conservation area with neighboring landowners, resulting in the establishment of the 58,000-acre Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Subsequent years brought a series of exciting developments, turning the reserve into a sanctuary for the Big Five and endangered species such as the black rhino and wild dog.
In 2022, the family celebrated 25 years of dedication and hard work from their team of 40 highly professional staff, led by Ryan and Joe Vivier. This extended family is deeply passionate about their work and upholds the values and ethos of Leopard Mountain, something I witnessed first hand while there.
Unique Wildlife Experiences at Leopard Mountain
One of Leopard Mountain’s main attractions is its superb wildlife experiences. The lodge is situated in a prime location within the Manyoni Game Reserve, home to the famous “Big 5″—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes.
Morning and evening game drives offer a thrilling opportunity to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Led by experienced guides, these safaris take you deep into the wilderness, where you’ll witness the raw beauty of Africa and its incredible biodiversity.
But Leopard Mountain offers more than just Big 5 sightings. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the diverse avian species that inhabit the area, while those interested in smaller wildlife can explore the fascinating world of insects, reptiles, and plants. Every game drive is a chance to discover something new and awe-inspiring.
Luxury Accommodations and Amenities
At Leopard Mountain, luxury is taken to new heights. Each of the lodge’s nine stone chalets is designed to provide the utmost comfort while blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment. With private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and spacious decks, you’ll have everything you need to relax and rejuvenate.
And talking of relaxation, they offer the most amazing massages! Make sure you book one!
The interiors are tastefully decorated with African-inspired furnishings, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The king-sized beds, plush linens, and modern amenities ensure a restful night’s sleep after a day of adventure.
Dining at Leopard Mountain is a culinary delight. The lodge’s chefs prepare gourmet meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, catering to all dietary preferences. Enjoy a delicious breakfast on the deck, a picnic lunch in the garden, and a romantic candlelit dinner under the stars.
Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
Leopard Mountain is not only dedicated to providing a luxurious experience but also to protecting the environment and supporting local communities. The lodge’s commitment to sustainable tourism is evident in its eco-friendly practices and conservation efforts.
Something I loved was their water bottles. Many 5 star lodges give you a water bottle, which is nice, but let’s be realistic. They get thrown away or forgotten somewhere because how many water bottles does one really need? At Leopard Lodge they lend you a refillable water bottle. That to me speaks genuine sustainability!
The lodge also uses solar power to reduce its carbon footprint and has implemented water-saving measures to preserve this precious resource. Additionally, Leopard Mountain supports various wildlife conservation projects, including anti-poaching initiatives and rhino protection programmes.
The two causes they support are Zululand Rhino Orphanage and Zululand Conservation Trust.
Zululand Rhino Orphanage
The Zululand Rhino Orphanage is a dedicated facility specializing in the care and rehabilitation of orphaned rhino calves. Established in 2017 by the Zululand Conservation Trust, this orphanage was created in response to a tragic poaching incident that highlighted the urgent need for such a sanctuary.
The orphanage operates with a committed team providing 24-hour care to ensure the well-being of the rhinos. They aim to offer comprehensive support for rhinos which often includes many sleepless nights tending to the needs of these vulnerable animals. This specialized facility focuses on nurturing and rehabilitating orphaned and injured rhino calves, preparing them for eventual release back into the wild.
Zululand Conservation Trust
The Zululand Conservation Trust (ZCT) is deeply involved in a variety of community-centered projects aimed at fostering sustainable development, improving education, and promoting conservation awareness in the Zululand region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Some of their key initiatives include running educational programs to teach local children about conservation and wildlife protection; providing scholarships to promising children from disadvantaged backgrounds; supporting local enterprises and providing vocational training for community members; and engaging in wildlife monitoring and anti-poaching initiatives.
Above all, they work closely with local communities to develop sustainable practices that benefit both people and wildlife.
By choosing Leopard Mountain, you are contributing to these important efforts and helping to ensure the preservation of South Africa’s natural heritage for future generations.
Personal Account
My stay at Leopard Mountain was nothing short of magical. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with warm smiles and exceptional hospitality. My guide, Graeme, played a pivotal role in making this trip memorable.
Graeme’s extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna, combined with his passion for conservation, made every game drive an educational and exhilarating experience. While on a game drive, you don’t always see what you hope to see, yet thanks to his passion, there was never a dull moment. From playing “spot the chameleon” to learning the meaning of animals names in zulu, there was always something to be enjoyed and learned.
I was also very impressed by his ability to spot elusive wildlife. As we were coming back to the lodge one evening, in the pitch black, he stopped the truck and pointed out a “stick” hanging from a tree. “There, a genet!” To me, it looked like a stick, but sure enough, after a few minutes, the genet moved, proving that it was indeed its tail that Graeme had spotted!
One of the other highlights of my stay was the daily visits from the resident nyala. A male, female, and tiny baby would come to my deck every day to drink from my plunge pool, completely unperturbed by the fact that I was sitting on the lounger watching their every move.
My final thoughts on Leopard Mountain
A visit to Leopard Mountain is more than just a luxury getaway; it’s an opportunity to connect with nature, learn about conservation, and create lasting memories. For luxury travellers and wildlife enthusiasts, Leopard Mountain offers an unparalleled experience that combines comfort, adventure, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Ready to experience the magic of Leopard Mountain for yourself? Get in touch with Evan from Nala Africa Safaris!