Stargazer pods
Perched on top of the highest ridge at Cypiro Lodge, one finds the ‘Elements of Altitude’Ebony and Ivory, nature centric dwellings in the wildlife-rich Waterberg area of Limpopo
Conceptualised and designed by the owner herself, constructed out of locally sourced material, her vision was to ensure these two one-bedroomed ‘pods’ looked as though they’d grown organically out of the soil and have rested there forever more. The realisation of this dream is a homage to both terra firma and the vast ever-changing canvas of the sky. Ebony and Ivory are defined by the Golden Ratio of nature, the curvature of the millenia-old sandstone shower walls, the perfectly circular cloud mirroring pool. Your eye is constantly drawn to the undulating forms and then captured by the depth of texture that only the cosmos can provide. The final crescendo to this aesthetic symphony is the gleam of the soil dark stucco accent walls enhanced by tones of putty and concrete and the wabi-sabi touches that celebrate the beauty of natural imperfection.
Leisurely waking up in your mountaintop erie, you can amble out to your private deck, freshly brewed coffee in hand, and gaze at the diorama of giraffe, sable and zebra gently traversing the plains below. Alternatively sprawl on the bespoke, cliff dangling net hammocks and be lulled by the graceful air arabesques of the prolific bird life. The evenings bring out the serious theatre, the sunset might be the jaw-dropping first act, but the sheer magnificence that is the African star-studded night scape unfolding in the reverent silence that is only punctuated by the crackle from your fire pit and the clink of melting ice in your G&T, is the most mesmerising and definitive final act.
Celebrating love and lifelong journeys
While the two pods are close enough to each other that groups of four friends could easily enjoy them together, they also offer complete privacy from one another. We cannot envisage a better place to spend your honeymoon or affirm your commitment to each other- with a proud Mother Nature as the gracious hostess.
What we love!
- Setting out for a hike from the top of the mountain, clattering down the mineral-rich-hued rock formations towards the lower pathways.
- Experienced riders can also indulge in horse-back exploration of the primal landscape.
- Peaceful soaks in the Kolkol heated pool, whilst succumbing to the lull of cicada song daydreams.
- An automated skylight directly over your bed to unleash your inner stargazer.
- There is an outdoor wood-burning pizza oven (with ample wood supplied)
- Early morning hot showers in the open, taking in the fynbos scented air and the rich, euphonic sounds of the bush.
What you need to know…
- The Pods are off grid, and great care has been taken to minimise their impact on the environment.
- The retreats are self-catering, there are however myriad delicious catered options available for delivery to you – these must be pre-booked at least two weeks prior to arrival and are subject to availability. There is no restaurant on the premises
- Whilst Marakele Park is adjacent to the property, there are a number of scenic walks and hikes to explore within the 70 hectares of Cypiro Leopard Lodge.
- Game viewing drives are available for Marakele National park (self book via Sanparks website)- ranger will pick you up from the lodge.
- If Ebony or Ivory are not available on your dates, browse our full Cypiro Collection,- Cypiro The Manor House and Cypiro The View
Reviewed by Julie Ragavelas