South Africa

All three of the lodges have been designed to create a seamless personal connection with nature. The suites and apartments give off a sense of warmth and security, while at the same being freeflowing and open.

South Africa’s Magic Hills: A WILD ESCAPE

A luxury nature reserve promotes conservation efforts, hits the market for $40 million

By Phil Butler

One sad reality in our world is that much of our pristine wilderness is disappearing. Fortunately, it’s possible to support conservation efforts, such as the one at a luxury nature reserve in South Africa’s seemingly endless heartland, the Eastern Cape province.

The Magic Hills property, which lists for 580 million South African rand (US$40,553,202), is made up of the Sky Lodge, Ilanga Manor House, and the Elsa Farmhouse. These houses are set in isolated locations across roughly 50,000 acres (21,000 hectares) of mountain and karoo (semi-desert) landscapes.

In all, there are 24 bedrooms and 24 baths divided across the three residences. There’s also a grotto, a wine cellar, staff quarters, a private lake, several pools, a spa, and even a private airport on the property. A tent-style lodge called ISanti, currently under construction, is intended as part of the hospitality aspect of the preserve.

As for the conservation effort, extensive veld rehabilitation and species diversification have already taken place, and there are plans for expanding the preserve to 42,000 hectares.

Thus far, there’s been a regreening of vast swaths of the landscape, and a fourth luxury encampment is already underway. The overall vision is to link biodiverse sites and to protect sensitive species, including the “big five”—lions, leopards, black rhinoceroses, African bush elephants, and African buffaloes.

The visionaries who began this conservation effort set out to restore the natural balance of this part of the region. The various areas of the property offer breathtaking views out across the rugged mountains and karoo landscapes as far as the eye can see. Thriving in this stunning natural environment are 26 large mammal species, 10 endemic bird species, and more than 7,700 plant species.

Phil Butler is a publisher, editor, author, and analyst who is a widely cited expert on subjects ranging from digital and social media to travel technology.

MAGIC HILLS CONSERVATION PRESERVE EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

$40,553,202 (580,000,000 ZAR) • 24 BEDROOMS • 3 FABULOUS LODGES • 50,000 ACRES

KEY FEATURES: • A UNIQUE WILDLIFE REFUGE • BREATHTAKING NATURE • POOLS, GARDENS, AND EXCLUSIVE LUXURY • PRIVATE AIRFIELD

AGENT GREEFF CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE AIMEE CAMPBELL, FRANCHISE OWNER +27 72 693 4052

Sky Lodge’s main salon features facing fireplaces and custom furnishings to accentuate the panoramic views of the preserve from inside. Outdoors, the lodge features sweeping decks for sunning in the day and stargazing at night. Sky Lodge’s whirlpools, spa, and other therapeutic touches further differentiate this authentic South African experience.

Sky Lodge mountain retreat at Magic Hills, one of South Africa’s largest nature preserves. The lodge features seven lavishly appointed suites and two separate apartments.

Luxurious suites and apartments on the preserve are fitted with every possible convenience, from rainfall showers to WiFi. Each has its own en-suite bath and shower, as well as a private terrace. Safari experiences are a part of the daily routine at Magic Hills. Here rhinos, sometimes called “chubby unicorns” by staff, join other endangered wildlife roaming the preserve.