Leobo Lodge

Leobo Private Reserve is a 20,000 acre estate within the beautiful Waterberg mountains, 3 hours drive north of Johannesburg. It is home to the award winning Observatory Private Villa, one of the most exceptional safari houses in Africa, not only from an architectural and style perspective, but also as an experience. At Leobo, things are done a little differently. Our accommodation is rented exclusively to one group at a time and guests are made to feel completely at home, indulging in as much of everything on offer as they please. There are no daily programs or time restrictions; guests are entertained by the team of staff as friends of the owner, and activities seamlessly blend in to one another until you have done so much more than you ever imagined possible.

Owned by an English couple with a huge imagination, sense of adventure, 6 children of their own, and a sense of humour, Leobo delivers a completely unique African experience. Call it the Apres Safari if you like. We believe in more than game drives, and we’ll give you a once in a lifetime experience that you’ll be talking about for years to come. 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.

The lodge has a classic African style with stunning views over the Palala valley. All experiences at Leobo Private Reserve are tailored to ensure that you fully explore everything the reserve has to offer and more. Whether it’s tracking leopards at night, rock climbing the highest mountains, quad biking to various locations, or even discovering new ones, Leobo—meaning "chameleon" in Sotho—can transform into anything you want it to be.

• Visionary Design: The Observatory was designed by renowned architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, known for their work on other luxury properties in Africa. Their design philosophy emphasizes blending with the natural environment and creating unique, immersive experiences.

• Unique Concept: Leobo Private Reserve, where the Observatory is located, was conceived by an English family who wanted to create a one-of-a-kind property that offered both luxury and adventure. The Observatory villa is the centerpiece of this vision.

• Focus on Exclusivity: Leobo is designed for exclusive use, meaning only one group of guests can stay at a time. This emphasis on privacy and personalized experiences is a core part of the Observatory's history and appeal.

• Integration with Nature: The Observatory's design and activities are deeply connected to the surrounding Waterberg region. The name "Observatory" comes from the on-site stargazing dome, highlighting the focus on the natural environment, including the clear night skies.