Leopard Hills Lodge

Perched on an overlook with expansive views of the savannah, Leopard Hills is a good value option for couples looking for a romantic safari experience with a social element.

• Stylish rooms that are great for lounging
• Unobstructed views of a watering hole from an elevation
• Social vibe with nightly communal dinners

Leopard Hills appeals to a specific type of couple on safari: the kind that wants the bells and whistles of a stylish suite to hole up in, but also the opportunity to engage with travelers from around the world. The Leopard Hills model works brilliantly for this exact set up, as there are only 8 suites—a maximum of 16 guests at one time—and the cozy common spaces encourage fraternity amongst its guests. Guides join guests for communal dinners and are often present and engaging over tea or drinks.

The rooms, though, are the main draw. Set on an elevation, the glass-fronted bedrooms feature expansive views of the savannah below, with unobstructed views of a watering hole. A deck with a plunge pool extends from the bedroom, with no walls or barriers, adding to the drama of the view. The bedroom and sitting area are lushly appointed with fine linens, plush furniture and stylish lighting fixtures made from natural materials. Leopard Hills has been open since 1998, and the rooms were refurbished in 2012; the upkeep of the furnishings is a testament to the quality of the materials used.

As with many small lodges in the area, Leopard Hills shares the land with neighboring lodges for game drives. Collectively, Leopard Hills traverses 10,000 hectares (roughly 25,000 acres) of bush, and information on sightings is shared by rangers from the various lodges. Leopard Hills also shares the airstrip at Ulusaba.

Social couples will appreciate this lodge’s mix of stylish rooms with great views and the communal atmosphere, where guides dine with guests each night.

Note: Leopard Hills only takes children ten years old and up, and is often booked in conjunction with Madikwe Hills.