Hotel reviews: Leopard Hills

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

Opened in 1998, Leopard Hills is owned by the Kruger family, which gave its name to the world famous national park which borders the Sabi Sands. Like many other camps, it does some excellent work not only with its staff, teaching essential skills, but also in the local community. It has built a day centre and crèche for kids in a local village to which it donates all kinds of equipment and all excess food. If you would like to help in any way or even visit the facility, please ask at reception. They, and the kids, will be delighted!

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

It was quite a welcome committee that greeted us as well came into camp, four of them in total, each one displaying a smile as wide as the reserve itself. After being ushered inside, under the thatched roof of the main lodge, you'll be offered a refreshing face towel and a hot chocolate infused with that South African tipple Amarula. The sense of arrival is perhaps underwhelming in comparison to some other lodges due to the modest entrance and absence of any lounge or equivalent, but this means that there is more to discover later. Just outside the entrance is a small gazebo with a bench and parasol while just inside are a pair of suspended chairs, the reception desk and a small curio shop. On the walls are hanging several leopard artworks as well as hunting trophies and lizard themed lamps. You'll notice the other side of the entrance building that there is a staircase and steepish boardwalk leading up to the bar and dining area (see 'Food and Drink'). Out the back is a deck and observation point, complete with telescope, with one of the finest views of any lodge. Overlooking both the bush and a watering hole, you can spot some of the Big Five wandering around in front of the lodge, stopping off to take a drink. This really is one of the best possible ways to start (sunrise) and end your day.

The library is arguably the heart of the lodge, where guests can come and relax and read or enjoy a drink after their game drives. There's no mistaking where you are in the world, thanks to the typical African décor which features animal skin rugs, upholstery with traditional motifs and a host of carvings, decorative objects and paintings and photographs of animals and bush landscapes. This most comfortable of living spaces also boasts a working fire place, a library, complimentary sherry and a computer for guests' use. The bare tree trunks used to frame the doors and act as columns add an even more rustic feel to the place.

In terms of the facilities at the lodge, Leopard Hills has the complete range, even if it pretty basic. The pool is perhaps a little small for the number of guests that can be accommodated at Leopard Hills however it is surrounded by a deck with table and chairs and sun loungers and has a pretty good view. Quite well shaded by the encircling trees, it is another great place to unwind in after your morning game drive. Just next to the pool is the modest treatment room where massages, facials, skin fresheners, stone therapy, manicures and pedicures are carried out. With floor-to-ceiling windows looking over the wilderness, there are few better locations in which to enjoy a treatment! The same goes for the gym which overlooks the same bushveld and must be one of the finest motivators for a good workout to get your day started.

The lodge as a whole is kept in excellent condition and it is easy to move around and find your way to your room. The staff, whether it be the rangers, the management or the kitchen team, is a delight and will without doubt make your experience a truly memorable one thanks to their passion and kindness. It is no wonder why Leopard Hills receives so many repeat guests.

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

The camp offers a total of eight suites, each of which enjoys spectacular views onto the bush below through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Every suite boasts a king bed with beautiful linens and is decorated with cushions and a plaid laid diagonally across the bed as well as a mosquito net which runs round its entire perimeter. At the bed's foot are two trunks for storage on top of which are your towels with their paw motif. To one side of the bed is a seating area featuring an outward looking sofa and foot rest while just behind is the minibar and snack tray complete with tea and coffee and snacks. Decorating the space are ostrich egg lamps, tall vases with decorative branches and equally slender candle holders so you can create a soft ambiance once the night arrives. On the other side of the bed is a chunky wooden wardrobe in which you will find your safe, bathrobes and all the mosquito protection products necessary. There is also a small desk with a make-up mirror as well as a comfy leather armchair to sink into. Just outside the room you'll find your spacious terrace complete with armchairs and sun loungers so you can take in not only the view but also some air. For the ultimate cool down, jump into your private pool and watch the animals do the same at the watering hole (from suite number 8 anyhow). The bathrooms, whose walls are partly made from bamboo, are accessed through a doorway made from tree branches and while not in the same proportions as the room, they do boast a double vanity (whose sinks are painted with animals and whose plugs are also animal-shaped), a free standing claw foot bath and large walk-in monsoon shower. If however you'd prefer to wash outside then hop onto the deck where you'll find another double monsoon shower on the deck. All toiletries are from Charlotte Rhys.

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

Located at the top of the camp, the dining room and bar of the lodge may not be the smartest or best decorated, but what arrives on the plate and the people who serve it are both fantastic. The half of the room which houses the two heavy wooden communal dining tables has a working fireplace as well as watercolours of some of the Big Five and chandeliers featuring ostrich eggs. Meals will be served here from time to time bringing together all clients, particularly when the weather is bad. If however there are only a few guests in house, then dinners may be taken in the other half of the room in the lounge area, slightly sunken the other side of the bar. The sofas and armchairs will be removed and an intimate table set up where we can enjoy a meal in private or with your ranger. Just outside is the wonderful deck overlooking the bush and watering hole which is where your post-morning game drive breakfast will be taken more often than not (if it is not taken in the bush that is). After helping yourself to a continental spread, you will enjoy a hot dish one of which will be a daily special (ours was scrumptious). Other meal locations include the library and the traditional boma, used for dinners only and where you will eat at least once during your stay (presuming it is longer than just one night). If, however, you feel like eating in your room, on your terrace, privately in any of the locations or have special requests, dietary or otherwise, the staff will be delighted to cater to your wishes as best they can. Indeed, if you happen to be the only family/couple at the lodge, it is more than likely that the staff will ask you when, where and how you would like to eat! In addition to the main meals, you will be given hot drinks and a snack during the morning game drive and a tipple and another snack during the evening drive.