EXETER BECOMES DULINI

The name “Dulini Leadwood” might lead to a little confusion. Why? Well for many years the lodge was called Exeter Leadwood and fell under the well-known andBeyond stable. However, mid-2016 saw the lodge’s management and marketing switch to the boutique but top-notch Dulini brand where it promises to reach even greater heights.

STUNNING RIVERSIDE LOCATION

And Leadwood certainly has plenty going for it! For a start there’s the lodge’s superb location in the famous Sabi Sand reserve where it lies tucked into a loop of the Sand River just as it is joined by the smaller Mabrak river. Here the 4 luxurious suites and impressive main lodge buildings lie under a stand of impressive Leadwood trees from which this luxury lodge takes its name. The rocky banks of the river lie right at the foot of the lodge’s main deck (itself huddled beneath the shady of a vast Jackalberry tree), from which you can catch sight of passing game, including herds of ellies as they filter down to the river to enjoy a refreshing drink (whilst you do likewise back on the comfort of the deck courtesy of one of the ever-helpful bar staff!)

IS THAT 3 ROOMS OR 4?

We mentioned previously that Leadwood boasts 4 gorgeous suites, but in reality only 3 of them are usually occupied at any one time. The reason for this is simple – restricting bookings to only 3 rooms means a maximum of 6 guests at any time on your game drive vehicle, thereby guaranteeing that everyone has a “window” seat with more comfort and less crowding (the unused middle seats are handy places to stash cameras and jackets) It is only when a party books the entire lodge on an exclusive basis that the fourth room would be used.

SECLUDED AND PRIVATE

Whilst the gorgeous riverine forest shields your suite from prying eyes and maximises your privacy and seclusion, the design ethos behind the beautifully appointed rooms is a breath of fresh air. And we mean this quite literally too: wide glass doors and windows stretch from toe to ceiling, fully opening onto the private open-air decks, which gives you a feeling of immersion in the bush. Fantastic views of the river greet you at all angles, whether it’s from the comfortable chasms of soft cotton on your massive bed or from the cool waters of your suite’s private plunge pool.

Soft beige and khaki tones are incorporated seamlessly into the décor of the massive rooms, working effortlessly with the muted greys and browns of the stunning stone-clad walls, traditional thatch roofing and wooden pillars to instil an undeniable sense of wilderness inside the house itself. A grand fireplace sits in the far wall, just begging for a chilly night so that it can give you and your partner an excuse to snuggle closer together. And with the heated floors of the bathroom (not to mention one of the largest stand-alone tubs we’ve seen in our many years of visiting lodges!), we’re willing to bet you’ll relax your definition of “cold” just to try out these small delights. Of course, during the sweltering heat of summer then the outdoor shower is just as enticing…

FANTASTIC GAME VIEWING

It’s not just the suites that are exciting; Leadwood’s game viewing also ranks amongst the best in the country! Passionate, friendly, and quick to explain the curious details of bush life to those of us less learned, the professional team of rangers and trackers at Leadwood ensure that drives out into the reserve are a delight and an education wrapped into one. The Sabi Sand is of course rightly renowned for its superb game viewing, with leopards being perhaps its signature speciality. Of course, if you find the hum of a diesel engine sometimes too distracting then why not head off on a guided bush walk - there is no better way to go face-to-face with the African bushveld than with your own personal guide edging you forward in complete silence, slowing inching step by step towards an unforgettable and up-close encounter with some of Africa’s most beautiful animals.

BACK AT THE LODGE…

Upon returning to the lodge after your morning game drive, we’re pretty sure that most guests will choose to hang out in the privacy of their hugely spacious suite, perhaps enjoying a welcome swim in their private pool. Of course, the main lodge public areas are also extremely attractive spaces. Again, the design of the lodge seems to have been designed with intimacy in mind: almost as if they were scared that six (or eight) guests are too many, even the shared areas focus on providing a choice of various private, quiet spaces. Varying levels, steps and clever architecture come together to create cosy little nooks and crannies that honeymooners can tuck themselves into for an evening drink whilst they whisper sweet nothings.

WHERE WILL WE BE DINING TONIGHT?

As you can imagine with such an upmarket lodge, Leadwood’s cuisine and dining atmosphere is also out of the top drawer. As the sun goes down, you’ll find yourself salivating at the prospect of another delicious meal and wondering where it will be served up this time: perhaps outside in the ‘boma’ around a roaring fire, a private dinner for 2 on the privacy of your suite’s deck, or even in the lodge cellar surrounded by the perfect accompaniments for your meal (maybe a sprightly, unwooded chardonnay to complement pan-grilled line fish on a bed of fragrant rice and roast vegetables, or a well-aged Bordeaux-style red to fuse with the rich flavours of your medium-rare seared steak with new potatoes and rosemary with rich gravy.!)

BUILT FOR ROMANCE

In our extensive travels across southern Africa, it’s arguable if we have ever seen a better place to spend your honeymoon or romantic break. The feeling of intimacy and quiet at Leadwood seems almost custom-tailored for this. But whether you come as a couple or as a larger group, with their attention to detail, excellent service and breath-taking rooms and setting, at Leadwood one thing is certain: when you leave this place, you’ll do so with a heavy heart.