Leadwood Lodge
In the Sabi Sand Game Reserve
The intimate &Beyond Leadwood Lodge is the ideal choice small groups of friends or family sharing an African safari. Nestled in the fork of the Sand and Mabrak Rivers, &Beyond Leadwood Lodge offers a cosy and serene getaway that is completely at peace with the bush that surrounds it.
With only four suites carefully distanced from each other, Leadwood Lodge is ideal for families or parties of friends who want to share their safari experiences without intruding on each other’s privacy. When booked for individual use, rather than sole-use, we only ever use three suites, so the number of guests on the game drive vehicle is never more than six.
Constructed for maximum privacy, the four suites ensure total serenity and solitude. Simply relax on your private veranda or while away the hours absorbed in the peace of the bush. Floor to ceiling glass windows afford wide views of the animals coming down to drink at the rocky river's edge. The colours and textures of the bush follow you indoors and even the indoor shower is encased in glass.
Shared guest areas are intimate too, with steps and levels creating cosy, secluded areas. Tuck yourself away in a private corner with a book or enjoy a refreshing drink in the shade of a jackalberry tree on the spacious deck. With a granite river bank in front of the lodge, you’re bound to spot a four-legged visitor or two quenching their thirst. When the sun gets too hot, enjoy a refreshing dip in the king size plunge pool on your suite's private deck.
The open-air dining room welcomes you with wholesome aromas and friendly faces. Linger over a leisurely meal under the roughly hewn bush chandelier or join in the hearty fare around a blazing fire in the boma. When the chill of the African night creeps up, retire to the warmth and comfort of the fireplace in your private suite. The deep, free-standing tub in the bathroom beckons and the underfloor heating chases the chill from the smooth rock floor.
A Day at Leadwood Lodge
If you have booked andBeyond Leadwood Lodge for the sole use of your party, you will enjoy the dedicated services of a team of staff, including a ranger and tracker, as well as private 4x4 safari vehicle, and can spend your day as you prefer, instead of following the programme described below.
Morning Game Drive
As dawn breaks over the African bush, a gentle tap on your door will wake you to the delights of a new day. Your ranger will discuss what you hope to see that day over fragrant tea or coffee and morning biscuits or rusks. Set out in an open 4x4 safari vehicle in the company of a ranger and tracker team, who will attempt to track your favourite animals. The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is well known for its leopard sightings and you may well spot one of these elusive cats resting after a successful night hunt. You will stop for refreshments at a scenic spot during your drive.
Lunch
If you wish, you can walk off your breakfast on a short walk near the Lodge, accompanied by your ranger, who will share his insight into the smaller animals and vegetation in the area. Lunch is served in the open air dining room, with its dramatic views of the riverbed.
Afternoon Tea
Cool off with a refreshing dip in your fully sized private lap pool or indulge in an afternoon siesta. Over a late afternoon tea, your ranger will discuss what you hope to see during the afternoon game drive.
Evening Game Drive
This game drive begins in the late afternoon and lasts until after dark, when spotlights are used for a glimpse into the nocturnal bush life. Track spotted hyena as they call to each other on an evening hunt or look out for the beautifully patterned civet. Enjoy sundowners in a scenic location as the sun slowly sinks beneath the horizon.
Dinner
Return to the Lodge for a mouthwatering dinner around a blazing fire in the boma. Linger over dessert and cognac or retire to the warm fireplace in your own suite.
Wildlife at Leadwood Lodge
Abundant species diversity includes elephant, spotted hyena, leopard, large buffalo herds, rhino, hippo and the rare pangolin
Apart from the Big Five at Sabi Sand, other animals, like cheetahs and hyenas are often sighted.
Various antelope species, from impala, waterbuck and duiker to kudu, bushbuck and nyala can also be seen, as can giraffe and warthog. However, it is the leopard that is the real star of the show, with the area well known for some of the best leopard experiences in Africa. This shy and elusive animal, normally the most solitary of the African cats is often viewed both in daylight hours and during game drives.
A number of lion prides have territories at Sabi Sand and are regularly spotted on game drives. In contrast to the leopard, lion are the most sociable of the cat family and prides may consist of up to 12 related females and their cubs, as well as a far smaller number of related males, often brothers. Although not as common as the leopard or lion, the cheetah is also a frequent sight at Sabi Sand.
Built for speed instead of power, this formidable predator generally hunts during the day, occasionally resulting in spectacular sightings of the fastest animal in the world in action.
Night drives are an important part of the game viewing experience at Sabi Sand and provide an opportunity to view many unusual animals, such as the beautifully patterned African civet. Another animal often encountered in night drives is the dwarf mongoose, Africa’s smallest carnivore. Family troops of up to 30 of these little animals live in numerous hiding places in the sides of termite mounds. A typical though hair-raising sound often encountered on night drives is the wail of the bush baby, a forlorn noise that imitates the plaintive cry of a human infant.
Activities at Leadwood Lodge
Cascades and Canyon Spectacular
This spectacular helicopter flight takes off from Hazyview, near the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Soar over cascading waterfalls and along the escarpment to God's Window, with its panoramic views, and on to the Blyde River Canyon. Land at a magnificent viewpoint to enjoy a delicious picnic. After your flight, you will be taken back to your game lodge.
Children
Children over 12 are welcome at &Beyond Leadwood Lodge Suites. All ages are welcome at the Villa, or when the main lodge is booked on an exclusive use basis.
&Beyond's WILDChild Programme
Our WILDchild programme is designed especially for children visiting &Beyond’s lodges. WILDchild is filled with fun, interactive activities that offer opportunities to learn and discover new experiences and cultures. On arrival at &Beyond Leadwood Lodge, each child will receive a WILDchild branded bag containing a logbook, crayons, pencils and a pawprint tattoo. Children under three get an African-themed soft toy as well.
Rates
Please contact us for our latest rates and availability.
Lodges offer varied rates which change from time to time. Rates depend on service levels, the type of lodge or hotel, number and age of guests, the time of year, location and any specials which may apply at time of enquiry.
Included
Accommodation
Three meals daily
Soft drinks
House wines
Local brand spirits and beers
Teas and coffees
Refreshments on game drives
Laundry
Safari activities
1-hour nature walks accompanied by experienced armed trackers (subject to availability)
Emergency medical evacuation insurance
VAT
Transfers to and from the lodge airstrip
Not Included
Telephone calls
Safari shop purchases
Gratuities
All items of a personal nature
Champagne
Cognacs
Fine wines
Premium brand spirits and cigars
Adventures at Phinda
Government bed levy
Conservancy or park fees
Landing fees
Administration fee
Rate Conditions
All rates are inclusive of VAT and in South African Rand.
Suite accommodation rates are per person per night sharing.
Long-stay rates: may be applied for.
Single Supplement: A single supplement of 50% applies from the first single room, throughout the year.
Children under the age of 16 sharing with 1 or 2 adult are charged 50% of the adult rate. This is subject to the availability of triple rooms.
All pricing is indicative and subject change.
&Beyond Trading Terms apply