WHERE NATURE MEETS THE MOUNTAIN

The Buys family lives on a working farm in the heart of the KZN Midlands. The family is the magic behind Leopard’s Lair Lodge. To them, you aren’t just a guest, you’re family! They will turn your stay into a memorable experience. This is a “real, working farm”, offering all kinds of Agri tourism attractions.

The perfect place if you’re looking for a genuine farm stay, to escape the rat race or to enjoy the great outdoors!

Leopard’s Lair also now offer the perfect venue for intimate get togethers, birthday parties, reunions, family functions.

Location:

Central Drakensberg near to Giant’s Castle

Accessibility:

20 Km from Estcourt, last 10km is unpaved and more suited for vehicles with good ground clearance.

30 km from Mooi River, last 10 km is unpaved.

Activities offered:

Bass, bluegill, and tilapia fishing from any of three of our well stocked dams.

Hiking trails and trail running starting from the lodge.

With the farm being 827ha, there is plenty of space so bring your mountain bike and try out our farm trails.

Interaction with farm animals – Peppa the micro pig; guinea fowl, ducks, Kit Kat the rescued Siamese.

For those guests who really enjoy a challenge of a different kind, we boast a long-range shooting range, which is registered with Natshoot. Targets start at 450m to 1 200m.  The current “One mile” champion utilizes our range to practice. Exclusive use of the range by guests enjoying our accommodation can utilize the range, so there is no unnecessary noise or safety risks.

Other:

Leopard’s Lair Lodge proudly shares its home with many rare and endangered species. We have three rare and endangered butterflies who are only found in a 26km radius worldwide. These include Estcourt Blue, Mooi River Opal and Dingaan’s Widow. We enjoy annual visits from the local lepidopterist society members.

We are also home to reedbuck, oribi, Grey Rhebuck, blesbuck, secretary birds, blue cranes, blue swallows, Cape Vulture to name a few.

Fishing

Right here on the farm there are some great bass fishing opportunities. And then the area is renowned for the superb fly fishing opportunities for rainbow and brown trout.

Catch and release Bass fishing available in one of our three well-stocked dams

Butterfly tours

Like the beautiful and serene butterfly, our butterfly tour seeks to introduce visitors to the lush and peaceful Midlands countryside and Drakensberg foothills. Our tours are led by a local guide who is keen to share his extensive knowledge about local rarities like the Midlands Widow, Estcourt Blue, The King Blue and the Mooi River Opal which are endemic and only found within a few km radius. We also talk about our local communities, its people, and traditions. Visitors will have the opportunity to encounter and experience farm life at a comfortable pace, away from the usual tourist hotspots.

Mountain biking

Bring your own mountain bike and explore the farm and area. Lots of single track trails available.

Long range gong shooting range

Leopard’s Lair is one of the few (if not the only!) private establishment to offer a long range gong shooting range, directly from our Lapa. Gongs start at 450m, then 550m, 650m, 750m, 1000m and a whopping 1200m! Bring your long range rifles and put your skills to the test!

Please note that certain booking terms and conditions apply for the exclusive use of the range.

Accommodation

Leopard’s Lair offers affordable family accommodation on a dinner bed and breakfast basis.  Accommodation available for up to seven persons. Self-Catering accommodation options available too.

1 Main unit

This unit is double story and sleeps seven. It includes a spacious lounge, with a wood burning fireplace, a large bedroom with a double bed and single bed (upstairs) and four single beds (downstairs).

Upstairs bathroom includes a slipper bath, toilet and hand basin. Downstairs bathroom includes a shower, toilet and hand basin.

The unit also boasts its own private lapa, sealed with glass sliding doors to keep you warm and an indoor braai and dining area. You have the option of either sitting inside or outside on the private patio, all overlooking the farm.

Pre-cooked meals (for guests choosing the self-catering option, but prefer not to cook):

For those guests preferring not to cook, we do offer delicious, home cooked heat and eat meals that are easy to heat up in the oven. Once a guest has confirmed their booking, a menu will be sent out. Pre-cooked meals are available by ordering in advance only and at additional cost.

Dinner, bed and breakfast:

Step into our cozy dining room and enjoy meals that are prepared with love and care, just like they used to be on the old family farm. We use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients – preferably from right here off our farm. From hearty breakfasts to mouth-watering dinners, every meal is a delicious celebration of heritage and flavours of the countryside.

Guest Room Details:

220V plug points for charging equipment.

Each bed has a ready fitted electric blanket, linen and an extra warm blanket.

Lodge Description:

Owner run establishment where sustainability and responsible tourism are a huge part of the ethos of our lodge. Almost every piece of furniture has a story behind it. From the chandelier crafted from Bernard’s great grandfather’s ox wagon wheel, to the welcoming entrance constructed from an old combine wheel that Bernard remembers from his childhood.

We also understand the importance of sustainable tourism and majority of our furniture is made from eco-friendly recycled plastic. As far as possible, we try to support local small businesses in our area.

Rates:

Valid from 01.11.2023 – 31.10.2024

Main unit – R1 180.00 per person per night which includes Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Valid from 01.11.2024 – 31.10.2025

Main unit – R1 300.00 per person per night which includes Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

 Valid from 01.11.2023 – 31.10.2024

Main unit – R650.00 per person per night Self catering

Valid from 01.11.2024 – 31.10.2025

Main unit – R710.00 per person per night Self catering

Extras

Children under 12 years are 50 % of room rate

Babies under 2 years are not charged for

Admin Fee:

• R55.00 once off admin fee per reservation.