Play By Your Own Rules At This Otherworldly South African Villa

Travelling to South Africa or simply need a weekend escape in Gauteng? The Observatory Bush Villa at Leobo Private Reserve in the Waterberg Mountains is the answer to all your holiday accommodation and adventure needs. Being only a few hours drive from Johannesburg, it’s the perfect city break.

Walkway leading to The Observatory Bush Villa

The Observatory Bush Villa is African-glam at its best

The private reserve, owned by British entrepreneur Rory Sweet, boasts impressive architecture, unspoiled views and activities to keep all ages entertained for days on end. The villa sleeps six adults and three children and includes two master bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, as well as an interconnecting children’s room.

The beautifully decorated bedrooms are a welcome retreat after a day spent exploring

On the roof terrace, guests can relax in a hot tub while watching the sun set and sipping on cocktails and the large infinity pool is perfect for lazing around on balmy summer days. The villa also has a private chef who works out a menu with each group, meaning meals are completely catered to your specific needs and dietary requirements.

The hot tub is situated on the roof terrace

What makes this exclusive property stand out from others you might ask? The answer is easy, the activities available to guests are out of this world. Whether you prefer game viewing, fishing or even skydiving, you’ll find it at Leobo Private Reserve. There’s also kayaking, mountain rope adventures and fresh water swimming available to guests, so you’re guaranteed to have the time of your life.

The open dining area has a luxe African feel

Morning coffee is best enjoyed on the covered patio

Explore the African bush

Whether you prefer to view wildlife from the comfort of a Land Cruiser, on a quad bike or on horseback, the options are endless. For those who want to get deeper into the bush, game walks can also be organised.

A different style of camping

Go hippo camping and get up close and personal with these amazing animals, while staying safe at the same time, of course. Guests will spend the night in a treehouse, equipped with a four-person tent, overlooking the dam where hippos spend most of their time.

Spot wildlife from a helicopter

A helicopter trip over the reserve will offer game viewing opportunities unlike any other. Spot giraffe, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and more, plus guests will have access to secluded picnic spots on the reserve only accessible by helicopter.

Explore like never before

The reserve’s impressive Cross-Country Polaris vehicle is the most fun you’ll have on four wheels. The machine can take on any terrain, from dirt tracks and rocky roads to bush – it even travels through water and across rivers.

Go on a starlit safari

The Waterberg Observatory houses two types of telescopes; a 20-inch corrected Dall-Kirkham and an 8-inch Hydrogen-Alpha scope. The fact that there is hardly any light or air pollution in the area makes it the ideal spot to spend hours observing the galaxy.

What more could you want? Days are spent getting your fill of everything the reserve has to offer, while evenings are for sitting around the boma and soaking in the sounds of the bush, and, of course, stargazing.

Observatory Bush Villa, Vaalwater, 0503, South Africa, +27 11 884 6990

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