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, bushveld 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 South Africa 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.