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The Observatory Villa is set on an 8000 hectare (20 000 acre) wildlife reserve within the beautiful Waterberg mountains of South Africa, just 3 hours drive north of Johannesburg. The estate is encompassed by rugged rocks, mountainous areas, bushveld savannah, rivers, gorges, an abundance of wildlife and rich in archaeological history and Bushman paintings.
The reserve teeming with plains game, as well as hippo, is one of only a handful of sole-use private reserves in Africa, allowing guests full access to the entire estate and all its facilities. There are endless things to do as the reserve offers a range of exhilarating outdoor experiences that are possible due to the fact that Leobo is not a Big 5 reserve.
This magnificent, malaria-free destination provides the setting for the exclusive and private safari house, the Observatory Villa, designed by award-winning architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens. An exceptional design, not only from an architectural and style perspective, but also as an experience. Built from stone and glass it offers a luxurious interior and exterior including a suspended Lounge, a heated infinity pool and a rooftop jacuzzi with breath-taking views out over the Palala Valley.
One of the most unique features of the Villa is that it houses an Observatory where guests can enjoy the most wonderous Starlight Safari through two different telescopes. One for tracking stars and planets, and the other allows one to look directly at the sun. There is no light pollution due to the remoteness of the reserve which assists with expansive and clear views of the night sky.
The Observatory Villa is a veritable feast for all the senses, an inimitable space with its bespoke interiors and African cutting-edge style that compliments the beauty and grandeur of the Waterberg. As a result of the owner’s spirit of adventure together with the visionary architectural design, this unique destination will undoubtedly leave you spellbound.
It is designed especially for the discerning traveller looking for adventure and a desire for the luxury of selectivity. It is the perfect, ‘must do add-on’ to your Big 5 African experience (we call it Aprés Safari). Our completely tailor-made, sole-use of the reserve experience will perfectly compliment the scheduled, luxury game lodge experience you have just enjoyed. There are no daily programs or time restrictions. Imagine no 5 o’clock morning wake up calls and no other guests to consider. A place for you to do as much, or as little as you please. You don’t need to be adventurous or an adrenalin junkie, just a family or a bunch of friends who believe in enjoying themselves and value quality time together in a private setting.
Sleeps 6 adults and 3 children in 4 Bedrooms
Features and Facilities:
About the Reserve
Situated in a malaria-free area, there is an abundance of wildlife and birdlife at Leobo, and viewing can be done from a Land Cruiser or quad bikes. It is also possible to do bush walks at any time of day. We predominately have plains game as well as Hippo and Crocodile. Lion, Rhino, Buffalo and Elephant are not present on the Reserve. Leopard and Wild Dog do occur, infrequently, on the reserve as they traverse the vastness of the Waterberg. Guests have access to 8 kms of the Palala River, Tafelkop Mountain and the rest of the entire property. The concept at Leobo is that you should be able to go anywhere on the Reserve and feel safe.
Guests can partake in a variety of activities such as Fly Fishing, Cave exploring, Mountain roping adventure and more. Kayaking is also offered, depending on the water levels of the river.
Should guests want to experience the Big 5 this can be arranged – in advance and subject to availability on a neighbouring Big 5 Game Reserve.
Exclusive use concept
We accommodate only one booking at a time on the reserve for the duration of the guests stay, offering a completely private experience across the 8000 hectare (20 000 acre) property!
Fully inclusive concept
Fully inclusive rate including all meals and beverages, Butler, Game Ranger and Chef – and a host of activities. Additional activities are also available at additional cost.
Meals and dining
Our dining experience is not only limited to the Villa. We set up dining experiences, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner at various locations on the reserve including on top of Tafelkop Mountain and at Hippo Dam.
All children of all ages are welcome
All children of all ages are welcome
