Welcome to

Leopard Mountain

Multi Award Winning 5 Star Big 5 Safari Lodge

Imagine waking up to a symphony of birdsong, the crisp African air invigorating your senses. As you draw back the curtains of your luxurious stone chalet at Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge, a breathtaking panorama unfolds before you.

Lush, unspoiled bushveld stretches as far as the eye can see, meeting the majestic silhouette of the Lebombo Mountains in the distance. This is Zululand, a place where conservation and luxury unite.

The Vivier family’s dedication is evident in everything here, from the award-winning service to the intimate wildlife encounters you’ll cherish forever. Plunge into your private pool, the African bushveld your breath-taking backdrop.

At Leopard Mountain, Unforgettable memories aren’t just promised a, they’re guaranteed.

Experiences

Discover romance and adventure in the African wilderness

Experiences

Your Stay at Leopard Mountain

A soulful retreat where the wilderness whispers its secrets.

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Manyoni

Experience The Wild Beauty

Leopard Mountain is located in the magnificent Manyoni Private Game Reserve, one of the largest privately-owned reserves in KwaZulu-Natal. This 54,000-acre endangered species reserve is a A vast expanse of wilderness, and offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in nature's grandeur. This sanctuary is a haven for the majestic big five, as well as endangered species like pangolin wild dog cheetah, black rhino.

Community and Conservation

Preserving our wildlife heritage and supporting local communities through the Zululand conservation trust

African Safari Blogs

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Celebrating Global Luxury: African Safari Collective Lodges Shine at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2024

At the African Safari Collective, we believe that luxury isn’t just about opulence; it’s about delivering unforgettable experiences in some of the world’s most spectacular settings. We are thrilled to...

Unforgettable Experience: Celebrate Spring with a Safari through South Africa

From blooming flowers to big 5 sightings, here’s why spring is the best time to visit our lodges...

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Safari

Manyoni Private Game Reserve is home to the Big Five, along with cheetahs, African wild dogs, and an array of bird species. Each safari is tailored to provide intimate wildlife encounters, offering guests a deep connection to the area and its inhabitants.

Lioness walking in front of vehicle

Spa

Rejuvenate at Leopard Mountain Lodge's Africology Spa, nestled in the heart of the Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Embrace eco-friendly wellness with treatments inspired by Africa's traditional healers, using indigenous plants and minerals.

lady getting a foot massage

Special Occasions

Create lasting memories with tailored experiences like private candlelit dinners and sunset bubbly, or have a unique wedding location for an authentic African experience, whether exchanging vows in a sycamore-fig-lined riverbed or amidst breathtaking bush views, we ensure that your special day is unforgettable.

Animal Tracking

Join us on a wildlife monitoring session. Learn about the use of telemetry equipment and track down one of the collared animals on Manyoni. You will get to know the team as well as gain insight into animal behaviour and wildlife management. You can participate in either elephant, lion, cheetah or wild dog tracking. An afternoon or morning session can be booked.

Rhino Horn Trimming

Join our wildlife management team for a unique, heart-warming rhino dehorning experience, proven to deter poaching. Get up close to wild rhinos while assisting in DNA sampling and measurements, all contributing to species protection. The procedure is not harmful in any way and our veterinarian and wildlife management team is highly experienced ensuring the welfare of the rhino during the procedure.

Pangolin Walks

Experience the thrill of encountering one of Africa's most elusive creatures on Leopard Mountain's Walking with Pangolins activity. This exclusive guided walk offers guests a rare opportunity to track and observe the critically endangered pangolin in its natural habitat. Led by expert rangers, the walk combines education and conservation, providing deep insights into the behavior and challenges faced by these fascinating, armored mammals. This unique experience not only connects you with the wild on a personal level but also contributes to the ongoing efforts to protect these incredible creatures. A truly unforgettable addition to your safari adventure.

School Game Drives

Manyoni’s environmental education programs foster a sense of ownership among local youth to conserve our natural world. We collaborate with nearby schools and invite Grade 7 pupils for a day on safari during June or July. These game drives, led by field guides and teachers, allow children to experience wildlife firsthand, enjoy a picnic lunch, and take home a wildlife safari ID booklet featuring both English and Zulu names of animals. This memorable day encourages younger students to excel so they can participate in the future. To support this initiative, visit the Zululand Conservation Trust site to learn more or donate.

kids on the back of a game vehicle

Community Creche Support

In partnership with the Zululand Conservation Trust, Manyoni has established four early learning centers in the Mandlakazi Community. These centers provide a safe space for 150 toddlers to play, learn, and receive a warm, nutritious meal daily. We support the facilities' maintenance and teachers’ salaries. Additionally, the Mandlakazi Food Security Project, funded by Roots Up, has developed sustainable vegetable gardens managed by the teachers. These gardens, featuring hardy vegetables and fruit trees, ensure nutritious food for the children.

Feeding Our Communities

The Covid-19 pandemic devastated the tourism industry, leaving many in and around the game reserves unemployed. Many families struggled to provide for their children. In response, we collaborated with traditional leaders to identify households in dire need. Partnering with the Do More Foundation, Kingsley Holgate’s Feeding the Wildlife Community, SA Rugby Legends, and The Domino Foundation, we supplied food parcels and sanitizing products to those affected. As the project's scale grew, so did our commitment. Even after the pandemic, we continue to provide essential food, sanitizing products, and more to households in need.

Black rhino range Expansion

Black rhinos, once widespread across Africa with a population of 100,000 in 1960, are now critically endangered, with wild populations having plummeted by 97% by 1994. Efforts to reverse this decline include the translocation of black rhinos to new reserves since 1947, resulting in a gradual recovery to an estimated 3,610 individuals by 2004. To further support this recovery, the Black Rhino Range Expansion Project (BRREP) was launched as a partnership between Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife (EKZNW) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), focusing on relocating rhinos from overpopulated parks to secure private and community reserves, thereby expanding their range and boosting population growth.

Endangered species re-introduction

Since 2009, Manyoni Private Game Reserve has made significant strides in wildlife conservation, starting with the successful reintroduction of cheetahs, growing their population to an estimated 25 individuals today. The reserve also introduced African wild dogs in 2015, a critical step in conserving this endangered species, and while we currently lack a pack, efforts are underway to reintroduce them. Additionally, Manyoni has bolstered local populations of endangered species like leopard tortoises and Red-billed Oxpeckers, both of which have thrived under our careful management, showcasing our commitment to biodiversity and conservation.