Just north of Johannesburg, there are many game ranges, resorts and specialty compounds. One of these is the "Leopard Lodge," nestled under the cliffs of the Magaliesberg Mountains. When you turn off the highway, you are confronted with a very high wire gate on a dirt road. The security guard has a list to check you in, and as you enter, you realize that you have left civilization and entered the wilds of Africa.
The only evidence that man is there can be seen through either the two-track dirt road or the line of telephone poles leading up to the top of the ridge. As you drive along, you can see various wild animals on the property. Due to the fact that we were there during midday, most animals were in hiding, trying to stay cool.
As we wound our way to the top of the plateau we came upon paved parking lot. We found a spare tree, shade for the car, and then we climbed the stairs to this hidden oasis in the desert.
Large trees offering shade and comfort ad lounging chairs scattered amongst them. As the four of us found a comfortable spot to relax our waiter arrived for a drinks order. Looking up the cliff wall I could see birds circling high above. The cliffs act as a natural nesting area for the vulture called Cape Griffon. They were to far away to see without the aid of binoculars.
Looking away from the cliffs gave a panoramic view across the valley towards Hartbeespoort and the Dam. The landscape is fantastic, the colors vivid and the water so beautiful (see the pictures below).
Lunch was served under the grass roof area of the main building at the lodge. The resort on Sundays serves a buffet style meal. There is the standard salad bar, with some fruits (in season) and a variety of cheeses and cold meats. The hot food section had various dishes, but my favorite was the ostrich stew. At the lodge they make the stew using the neck of the bird. I know that for two reasons, firstly when eating I had a vertebrae in my portion and secondly I spoke with the owner and verified it. I also learned that on Friday nights (with reservation only) that they serve ostrich steak. Finally the meal ended with a dessert table that had a varied selection for the sweet tooth.
After the meal we retired to the lounge area at poolside to finish our drinks. This was a great afternoon of relaxation. On the return trip out of the compound we saw a herd of blesbuck grazing in a field.
Leopard lodge offers meals and accommodations. There are three buildings on site for staying overnight at, the ‘Motswedi’ sleeps 4 people, the ‘Khaya’ sleeps 14 and the main lodge ‘Griffon’ sleeps 6. This is NOT a place for children to stay overnight. For more information visit their website.