Hello Lifestyle Magazine Winter 2023

SAFARI MOON

THE IDEAL LUXURY LODGE TO EXPLORE HOEDSPRUIT FROM

Safari Moon Luxury Lodge might be located in the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, but it still offers you the opportunity to experience nature. Whether it’s from the comfort of your luxurious room, looking out into the lush bush filled with bright green hues, or from the stools on the first step of the swimming pool, listening to the birds from under an overhanging tree branch.

TOM CRUISE APPROVES

It’s understandable why a well-known celebrity like Tom Cruise would choose Safari Moon as his home away from home during his recent filming trip to South Africa. It’s secluded and safe, yet it still offers a sense of freedom. And, even in the estate itself, you might just be lucky enough to spot an Aardvark or perhaps a pangolin since here, there are far less predators pouncing around. The boutique luxury lodge was envisioned by decorator and owner, Nicola Leitch. Together, she and her husband, Guy have been playing host to guests from all over the world since 2020. Nicola and Guy’s larger than life personalities have been imprinted in everything they do at Safari Moon – from the rooms’ unique décor and the Ardmore collection in the lounge, to the attention to detail when it comes to high teas, dinners, drinks at the bar and even treats for the road.

Our stay at Safari Moon would not have been a proper stay if we hadn’t had the opportunity to join the hosting couple for drinks and dinner. In fact, they are generally the life of the party. Nicola – a redhead with limitless amounts of energy – had loads of stories to tell about how the lodge came about, where she sourced the décor from and what their plans were for the future.

The luxurious rooms have all been fitted out with unique décor pieces, silky soft bath robes, beaded accent pieces and lovely scatter cushions that add a touch of home.

A BIG FIVE SAFARI

The name, Safari Moon might leave you baffled when you see that it’s based in town. The word safari instantly transfers most of us to a luxury tent or a bushveld chalet in the heart of the Kruger National Park or another African reserve – somewhere where you can spot the Big Five.

Safari Moon is just around the corner (in fact, they have a gate with access) to Balule Reserve, which is adjacent to and practically part of the Kruger. Therefore, a Big Five safari is still possible even though the lodge is based in an estate. A safari company will conveniently pick you up at the lodge and take you on either a morning or afternoon game drive (or both). You will most likely also be spoiled with some game drive treats from Safari Moon’s kitchen.

In search of a spotted cat or two, we got to see a leopard in a tree one night. We also saw the rainbird – so apt, considering we were driving in a drizzle. And, as we returned to the lodge, a glass of bubbly was waiting, together with some warm hospitality.

@safari.moon.lodge

by Renate Engelbrecht