Leopard Hills: An Unforgettable Return to Rediscover the Magic in the Sabi Sand
I recently, after almost 20 years, had the opportunity to return to the Sabi Sand or the “Sands”, as it is affectionately known, and this time we again visited Leopard Hills. Having worked as a guide in the Sabi Sand in the late 1980’s, it will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the first time I had been on an open vehicle in the African bush, and I will never forget the first time I took guests on a game drive.
I know it sounds cliché, but there is just something about the place. It runs like a superbly oiled machine. Not surprisingly though, as the managers, Duncan and Louise Rogers, have been managers since the inception , and boy do they run a good show. We were treated like royalty, as were all the guests.
There are only 8 suites. Four of them have elevated views and 4 have “bush” views. Our suite had a bush view and, seeing as the lodge is not fenced, the game is able to come right up to the edge of your pool deck. It is not uncommon for the odd leopard to walk through the lodge and elephants to drink out of your private plunge pool. Unfortunately, we didn’t experience either, but we had the most incredible view of a herd of nyala right outside our suite.
Game drives traverse over 10 000 hectares of the Sabi Sand and big five sightings are common, but it certainly isn’t a zoo. Our guide told us that there are days when they spend hours tracking lions and leopards, and then there are days you literally bump into them walking down the road. Either way, viewing a predator from an open game viewer blows tourists away. I had forgotten just how exciting it is for someone who has never been in the African bush to experience the thrill of seeing these apex predators in the natural environment and only a stone’s throw from there they are sitting. There’s always a lot of excitement and nervous giggling and chatting. During our stay we were fortunate enough to see the big five, and the American tourists that were with us could not believe what they had experienced. But we also saw lot of what is considered “general game” such as zebra, lots of impala, giraffe, wildebeest (gnu) and warthogs. We are avid birders, and we added a “lifer” to our list on the form of a beautiful black crowned night heron.
The lodge shares its traversing area with other lodges and sightings are incredibly well managed as there is a limit of 3 vehicles at any one sighting. All the guides are very professional and courteous. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable on all aspects of the bush. He seemed to know something about everything and there was never a dull moment, partly due to his bush knowledge and partly due to his very keen and dry sense of humour and storytelling ability. He also had an incredible relationship with his tracker, which is vital to the success of any safari.
The reason tourists visit game lodges is to see the game, but that is certainly not where it ends at Leopard Hills. The meals were delicious and the service second to none. There was always someone on hand to take a drinks order or serve you another cup of coffee. Nothing was ever too much trouble. The accommodation is spectacular and they certainly have thought of everything when it comes to amenities. Luxury is an understatement. The lodge also has a library where guests can relax during the day and for the more energetic there is a well-equipped gym with a stunning view. For those like us who prefer a little extra pampering there’s a couples treatment room, again, with a spectacular view. Did I mention that everything has been thought of?
If it’s a luxury game lodge with the best food and service you’re after, look no further than Leopard Hills. If it’s big 5 game viewing you’re after, look no further than Leopard Hills. I can promise you, you will not be disappointed.
