THE OBSERVATORY AT LEOBO PRIVATE RESERVE

Escape to a new kid of island….

OVERVIEW

Surrounded by the diverse Waterberg region and overlooking the Palala Valley lies Leobo Private Reserve, an 8000 hectare (20,000 acre) estate encompassing rugged rocks, savannah, natural streams and an abundance of wildlife. Teeming with plains game, birdlife and a crocodile named Stevie, there are no time constraints, no rules (except safety) and no limits. It is one of only a handful of sole-use private reserves in allowing guests full access to the entire estate and all its facilities. Complete privacy and exclusivity is what Leobo Private Reserve is all about.

Leobo, which is the name for chameleon in Northern Sotho is a fitting name for this reserve. Just like this enchanting creature, guests can change their day at the drop of a hat, pretty much do whatever they want and be accommodated by the most obliging staff!

This magnificent, malaria-free destination provides the setting for an exclusive private house, The Observatory, designed by award-winning architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens. The three-suite retreat, originally built as the owner’s family escape, is a chic villa that caters to the well-heeled, discerning traveller in search of absolute privacy, relaxation and a whole lot of adventurous fun! A maximum of 9 people (6 adults, 3 children) can be accommodated in 2 luxury bedrooms. A triple bunk room leads to a separate guest room for a nanny; this self- contained nursery space has a separate bathroom and kitchenette. Supplementary rooms for additional guests, family or nannies are available at the lodge on the reserve which sleeps a maximum of 18 (14 adults and 4 children).

All bedrooms and bathrooms are luxurious spaces. Both main bathrooms have baths and showers and the master bedroom features an outdoor shower. Towels, slippers and robes are provided and all electrical outlets cater for appliances from the UK, South Africa and Europe. Each bedroom has a private safe.

The astounding expanse of the living area allows guests to enjoy an uninterrupted panorama. The veranda leads to a heated infinity pool which blends in beautifully with its natural surroundings. You can relax in comfortable sun beds and enjoy the best Africa has to

offer. The deck has a covered veranda where guests can unwind (or doze) in front of an open fire in the evenings.

Whether you’re dining under the chandelier or relaxing in front of the fire, the open spaces are perfect for entertaining and relaxing. There is a mezzanine level ideal for children and, provides an entertainment space for TV or games, furnished with enormous cushions and fur throws.

A flight of stairs will take you to the sun deck. With its comfortable sofas, it is a wonderful place to enjoy a drink. On cooler evenings, you can relax in the jacuzzi and take in the panoramic views of the Palala Valley

The Dome houses a fully automated 20-inch telescope. Due to the reserve’s remote location, the sky is extraordinarily clear. A local astronomer can be booked for starlit safaris or, for the more experienced user, we have a selection of state-of-the-art astrophotography equipment for deep sky imaging.

Nestled under the dome of the Observatory, the library has two levels separated by a staircase. You’re welcome to enjoy any of our books during your stay. This space is also an office, with an open fireplace for relaxing with a drink.

Gourmet meals are created by a renowned and expert chef who will be flown in especially to cook epicurean cuisine meeting every guest’s preference and requirement. Fresh, local produce is used. A butler is also on hand to attend to all beverages and to administrate the household staff.

Activities include thermal imaging equipment for night time game viewing, 4 x quad bikes, 2 x 700cc racing quad bikes, and an electric camouflage golf buggy. If you want to add to the sounds of the bushveld, there is a multi-room music system and a starlight safari by local astronomer Dr Phil Calcot will captivate you, as he picks out the various planets and stars with a high powered laser pointer.

Target shooting with sniper rifles is an exhilarating activity overseen by an expert ranger; if guests prefer a quieter pastime, there is excellent bass fishing in the nearby dams, accompanied by the sounds of the laughing hippos dotting the water’s surface.

The estate’s private helicopter can be booked for airport collections or for a heady chopper ride to spy a variety of game. Guests can be dropped off at assorted locations for a gourmet picnic.

The emphasis at The Observatory is on a personal experience as opposed to a more commercial one found in any other luxury hotel in the world. The Observatory affords the guest the opportunity to get involved in exciting escapades on offer. The sheer freedom of going off on your own expedition to explore the surroundings and doing what the spur of the moment offers is exhilarating in itself. This differentiates this particular destination from all others and makes the adventure that much greater.

ACCOMMODATION

THE OBSERVATORY

The Observatory – designed by award-winning architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens – is a masterpiece, ideal for couples or for families. This remarkable house is state of the art, with breath taking views and the ultimate in luxury. Serviced by a butler, maid and chef, it also has a heated infinity pool and jacuzzi on the roof. There is an automated Observatory that is perfect for stargazing.

The Observatory is booked on an exclusivity basis only. It can accommodate a maximum of 9 people (6 adults and 3 children). Supplementary rooms for additional guests, family or nannies are available at Leobo Lodge which sleeps a maximum of 18 (14 adults and 4 children).

FEATURES AND FACILITIES:

The Observatory

 Fully Stocked Bar  Heated Infinity Pool  Chef  Butler  Fire Place  BBQ Area  TV Room with 3D TV, DVD player, Satellite and DSTV  Lounge  Indoor and outdoor dining areas  Nursery with a triple bunk bed  Jacuzzi  Research grade observatory with automated 20-inch telescope  Wi-Fi  Inside and outside multi-room music system  Portable music system  Library  Safe  Thermal Imaging equipment for night time game viewing  2 x 700cc racing quad bikes  Polaris Buggy  Quad Bikes  Motor Bikes  Mountain Bikes  Game viewing vehicle  Game ranger  Fishing equipment  Horses

GENERAL ACTIVITIES

There are endless things to do at Leobo Reserve. Our accommodation is rented exclusively to one group at a time. This unparalleled freedom means that you can do as much or as little as you like – and you can do it at your own pace. Here are a bunch of activities which we think you’ll love. Take your pick or enjoy them all...

Quad bike safari With 8000 hectares (20,000 acres) of inescapably beautiful Waterberg countryside and with over 240km of tracks, we have a lot of space to play in. We’ve got six sturdy and speedy quad bikes for to enjoy the African wildlife and countryside at a slightly faster pace. You can career around the farm and get to places you never would in a normal game drive car. You can race wildebeest, stop and enjoy the wildlife close up or just be a big boy as you burn around. There’s even a child’s quad bike as well so your little one can come along for the ride.

Cross Country Polaris We’ve got an army of quad bikes and they’re great fun. But those who like to live life in the slightly faster lane; we’ve got a beast of a cross-country vehicle called a Polaris that takes things a little further. Strap yourself in for the ride of your life! With eye-popping acceleration, super- spring suspension and hi-spec performance, you can pretty much explore every inch of the Leobo Reserve in this awesome machine - on dirt tracks, across the bumpy bush, through rivers, over rocks - wherever you want.

Helicopter flying We highly recommend booking the helicopter for part of your stay. You’ll get the opportunity to see some extraordinary sights from a vantage point that few will see. It also will give your stay a completely different dynamic as some of the most beautiful and remote areas of the estate are only accessible by helicopter.

Clay Pigeon Shooting Take part in a shooting race where you can go and try to shoot at a few clays. We take you out and provide you with clays and cartridges. Take aim at these moving targets, squeeze the trigger and feel the shock wave as you watch a bullet rocket away. A fun time guaranteed!

Riding Safari There is nothing like taking in the sights and sounds of Africa than on horseback. We’ll saddle you up and give you a guide as you walk, trot or gallop around the farm and really get the chance to see the animals in total peace and tranquillity. Walk through dams (avoiding the hippos), take a picnic and truly absorb the heart of Africa on board your very own steed.

GENERAL ACTIVITIES

Star Gazing We are blessed with clear skies with no light pollution. The sky is ink black and you will see stars that you have never seen before. We invite a fascinating local astronomer Dr Phil Cal cot to come and give you a spellbinding tour of the stars. With his laser pen at the ready, he will point out stars, planets and constellations. Ask him anything you want: What’s the Big Bang? Where’s Jupiter? Did man really land on the moon? What’s a shooting star? What is a light year? It really is an evening you’ll never forget.

Gone fishing Our dams are stocked with a selection of bass and trout and we can provide all the rods and bait you’ll need to hook a fish. Fishing experiences are made exciting by the presence of groups of inquisitive hippo. What could be more relaxing than sipping a drink while fishing in one of the dams, listening to the sound of hippos as the sun goes down? We are proud to report that we regularly catch bass over 2kg.

Hippo camping We are lucky enough to have 11 magnificent hippos on the reserve that wallow away all day. And we offer you the chance to sleep just yards away from these magnificent creatures. We have hand-crafted a huge tree house equipped with a 4-man tent above the hippo dam and from here you can feast yourself on a typical South African braai around a roaring fire pit.

Game Viewing Leobo is vast reserve teeming with plains game, birdlife, hippos and a crocodile named Stevie. The reserve has none of the big five, making it very safe for families as the children can explore and learn about the bush from Leobo’s expert guides in absolute safety. The reserve also boasts some archaeological significance and bushman paintings.

Tandem Sky diving If you’re someone who really loves extreme sports, then how about a skydive above the African plains. We’ll take you by helicopter to 14,000 feet as you look down at one of the best views you will ever see. Then prepare for an adrenalin rush like no other as you skydive with an instructor attached and hurtle towards earth.

Kids Fun Even though there is a lot of adult fun to be had, Leobo Reserve is built around the enjoyment of families - indeed the owner himself has four children. Your kids will love being on the reserve, and especially will love seeing animals so close up. They will experience and learn so much - from seeing the tracks of a , to feeling the velvety-soft leaves of the “loo paper” tree; from walking on a rock-hard ant hill, to holding a lizard. They can swim, relax, play, watch TV or do what they want, but they’ll never be bored for a moment and they’ll sleep like babies.

MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES

Accessible only by 4x4, horse or quad bike, the large flat topped mountain offers the most unbelievable 360° views stretching over 50km. Offering an array on adventure and activities, the mountain is the perfect place for adventure and nature enthusiasts.

Cliff Top Mountain and Cave Walks Ringed by 4km of 60m high cliffs containing all kinds of interesting features such as caves, crevasses and huge stone pillars, this area offers fascinating walks at the base of the with unusual vegetation reminiscent of something out of Jurassic Park! This area is largely unexplored and according to the locals, is an important historical site home to bushman paintings and evidence of ancient habitation.

Cliff Top Picnics With the most beautiful sunset and sunrises at different vantage points, there are multiple areas where one can enjoy cliff top picnics and sundowners.

Rock Climbing From sheer cliff faces to large boulders, there is something for every climbing enthusiast with incredible variety, hard rock formations, many long cracks and overhangs. This sport requires a lot of physical fitness, endurance and skill and we have enlisted the services of a local mountain climbing expert who he can be booked for the day; either as a climbing partner for experienced climbers or as an instructor for people wishing to learn the basics. These cliff structures and surrounding areas are largely unexplored and ready for some interesting discoveries to be made.

Cliff Top Camping This dramatic cliff-top position with stunning views over the Palala Valley offers the most remote and secluded camping stay.

RIVER ACTIVITIES

With clear flowing waters of the Palala River, Leobo offers 8km of completely unfenced, pristine and unexplored river terrain. The setting is incredible as the river winds its way through canyons and gorges and arrives at natural sandy beaches in some areas. Accessible only by road to one small part of the river means that the majority of the 8km river section has been untouched by people for a very long time.

Fishing and Heli Fishing Both with fly and spinner, Bass and Yellow Tail are the catch of the day! Some of these areas are only accessible by helicopter.

Fly Camping The river makes an ideal place for fly fishing combined with camping. We offer guests any kind of tailor-made combination such as kayaking downstream, casting line along the way en-route to your camp, already set up for you in a prime position of your choice with an awaiting fire.

Kayaking We have two kayaks that are suited for the 8km stretch of the river. There are long, slow deep parts interspersed by rapids and depending on the rain, river levels may be high enough to get some good white water in some of the sections. The kayaks are equipped with fishing rod holders for those who would like to combine fishing whilst gliding down the river.

Heli Sundowners Choose a remote location of your choice and the Leobo team will have the most delectable sundowner set up prepared and waiting for you.

River Picnics Few things in life rival the bonhomie of sharing a picnic with friend and family. Add a shady spot on a hot summer’s day, delectable treats, and a glass filled with the best bubbly and you’ve certainly got the ingredients of the good life.

DIRECTIONS

By Air

There is a small landing strip at the farm, suitable for light aircraft. The Coordinates are: S24.09.19 E 028.24.06 It is also possible to arrive by helicopter. You can be collected from OR Tambo (Johannesburg International Airport) and flown to the lodge. A flight by helicopter takes about an hour depending on the wind. *Air travel prices to be quoted at the time of booking.

By Road

We can arrange road transfers based on the size of your party. Transfer prices to be quoted at the time of booking. This is a journey of approximately three hours.

From Johannesburg International Airport to Leobo Private Reserve

Take the R21 north to Pretoria, then the N1 north to Pretoria and Polokwane (Pietersburg) Carry on with the N1 past Pretoria heading north. At the third tollgate, exit far left towards Modimolle/Marble Hall (Nylstroom direction) (R33) Drive strait through Modimolle (Nylstroom) towards Vaalwater – about 70km In Vaalwater at the first and only 4way stop turn right. Drive for approximately 33 km past Eventieria/Mpatamacha game pens and take the next turn off to the right that reads Sondagsloop (green sign). This is a gravel road (about 11km) Drive to a T junction and turn right past Waterberg Game Park. 2km further you will go through a security check point. 2km further you will get two signs reading Ditoro, Sediba and Leobo. At these signs turn into the gate on your left. At the next sign reading Leobo, turn right fork. Leobo Lodge will be lying in front of you. Drive around it and come in from the back.

It takes about 3 ½ hours from Johannesburg

CONTACT DETAILS

Central Reservations: Tel: +44 (0) 208 354 0458 Mob:+44 (0) 7779 410481 (Kate) or +44 (0) 7875 025544 (Sacha) Email: [email protected] Web: www.leoboprivatreserve.com / www.waterbergobservatory.co.za

Sales & Marketing - South Africa Claudia B Representation Claudia B: +27 (0) 11 884 6990 Mob: +27 (0) 83 560 3945 Email: [email protected]

Sales & Marketing - United Kingdom Hand Picked Africa Kate Coleridge: +44 (0)7779 410481 Email: [email protected]

Lodge Management: Taryn Lockhart: General Manager: +27 (0) 83 452 9855 Chris Borstlap: Operations Manager: +27 (0) 60 526 9820

Lodge Emergency Numbers: Mob: +27 (0) 60 526 9820 (Lodge) Mob: +27 (0) 83 452 9855 (Taryn)