Please note Manor House Cypiro Leopard Lodge can only be booked for sole-use by you and your loved ones, and not on a room-by-room basis.
Cypiro Leopard Lodge comprises of the Manor house (sleeps 10), The View (sleeps 4), The Hacienda (sleeps 4) and two POD’ style hideaways, Ebony and Ivory (each sleeps 2). Each dwelling can be booked in isolation, or together. This makes it the ideal destination for multigenerational families, friends reuniting, or just a couple of long-lost-lovers, to gather together in the beautiful, rugged terrain of the Waterberg, and allow an idyllic safari-life to ensue. Please read ‘The Area’ description to gain a better idea of just how idyllic it is here!
The Manor House, ‘la grande dame’ of Cypiro Leopard Lodge, is a beautiful thatched villa which has recently been transformed into a more European-feel home; airy and light on the inside, with natural thermal control keeping it wonderfully cool in summer and warm in winter. Staying at the Manor House you’ll rise from one of the five dreamy en suite bedrooms, each overlooking different aspects of the garden, and begin your morning with a meditative yoga session on the beautiful look out deck, followed by a dip in the swimming pool, mimicking the wildlife as they drink from the dam below. Or you’ll simply sit still on the large deck in front of the house overlooking the verdant garden witnessing dapples of light dancing on the leaves, as you sip on a fresh morning brew. Or perhaps you’d like to saunter around the garden with the owners’ beloved birds of prey. Maybe you’ll decide to rest in bed for a little longer, before you hit those inviting outdoor showers, standing beneath the open skies. That’s the beauty of having your very own hideaway in the wilderness – it’s up to you and your clan to move through the day exactly as you desire. The summers can be hot here, so the sporty amongst the group may challenge themselves to take an early morning run up the hill, encountering wildlife as they wake up around the property and savouring natures’ beauty. If you’d like some guidance the lovely owners are happy to join you or show you the way. They also offer a short drive in their golden oldy Landi game viewer.
Days in the bush are spent in low gear; just relax, reboot and renature. Or indulge in some pampering from the ‘wellness lady’ who comes out to the lodge to offer massage and treatments. On chilly days sink into the wood-fired hot tub which overlooks the majestic mountain range. In summer you may witness the lightshow of a dramatic thunder storm… the summer rain so welcome to cool down and trigger you to dance barefoot in the garden. Experience the freedom of the bush and embrace a slower pace.
Evenings always begin with a salute to the sun, from the long stoep, the magnificent tall lookout deck or around the boma, as you watch the animals slowly making their way to their safe place for the night. As the night skies light up with the expansive blanket of stars, the nightjars start to signify nature’s clock with their song. The fires are lit and the feast is being prepared in the great open kitchen, while drinks are fixed at the curvaceous bar, the perfect spot for all to gather and natter about the adventures of the day before sitting down at the table on the stoep or beside the fire indoors.
After an invigorating day of all that life in the bush brings, and one last jingle at the piano, you’ll climb into bed once again and surrender to the stillness and the subtle sounds of the lion roaring in the distance, as you depict a picture of the new day that’s yet to unfold.
What we love!
- Cypiro Leopard Lodge is not a typical Safari experience, it’s more like having a wildlife farm of your very own. All wildlife roams freely all over the 70 hectare and during your long walks or hikes you will encounter them.
- The views are absolutely spectacular and can be enjoyed from the main entrance of Manor House all the way out to the swimming pool area, and from the lookout deck.
- Early morning hot showers in the open, taking in the fresh air and peaceful sounds of the bush.
- Birdlife is prolific, with around 410 different bird species, and if you are a real flora expert you will love the walks on the lower part of the property which has an expanded collection of indigenous trees and flowers.
What you need to know…
- The town of Thabazimbi is only 10 – 15 minutes away. It has sufficient shops and convenience stores to stock up on everything you’ll need for the duration of your stay.
- Although The Manor House remains powered by Eskom, it has a backup system during loadshedding that keeps the lights and TV on, and the pressure pump too, so guest can still enjoy both indoor and outdoor showers.
- Please keep in mind that you are in the bush though, the animals are wild and must be left alone, particularly when they have babies.
- Bring good hiking boots, socks and hats if you like to hike.
- The owners have some very friendly dogs, and while they do their best to keep them close, they can be mischievous and guests might receive a warm welcome from them!
- If you’ve forgotten your bikes there are three mountain bikes available for those willing to push the adventure up the mountain a little further.
- You are welcome to arrange guided and self-drive game drives within the National Park, just a five-minute drive from the lodge.
- The rental accommodation is self-catering with the aid of daily housekeeping to assist with all those chores we’d rather not bother with when on holiday. Extremely good catered options are available and delivered to you, however, these MUST be pre-booked at least two weeks prior to arrival, and are subject to availability. Please note there is NO RESTAURANT at Cypiro.
- There is also a wine cupboard / cellar should you wish to purchase wine on the property in the event – and we all know it well – that you run out.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie