Adding a touch of magic to South Africa’s safari hub of Hoedspruit, Safari Moon has enchanted guests ever since it opened its doors in early October.
Nestled in one of South Africa’s most sought-after safari destinations, Safari Moon Luxury Bush Lodge provides a cultured and contemporary setting for discerning travellers to discover the wonders of the Lowveld region.
Situated within the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, a stone’s throw away from the Greater Kruger National Park, Safari Moon is the perfect boutique base for guests as they explore the many nearby attractions the area has to offer, including the renowned Kruger National Park, the scenic Panorama Route, the Blyde River Canyon, the Maripskop Mountains and more.
A place where romance and nature meet, Safari Moon offers visitors a magical haven in which to unwind and relax in style. With eclectic décor and fine art draping the walls of the luxury lodge, guests can expect to be transported to a more decadent time as they wine and dine, enjoying freshly prepared nectarous cuisine around the trendy boho pool area or inside the lodge come art gallery, which boasts a 55-piece collection of Ardmore ceramics, as well as impressive Lionel Smit artworks and sculptures.
The visionary behind Safari Moon is none other than the esteemed designer, decorator and owner of the boutique luxury lodge, Nicola Leitch who has always been a step ahead of the trends and with a personality larger than life itself.
Safari Moon is just the latest venture of the Nicola’s and her husband Guy, after having founded and successfully run two coastal boutique properties in the Western Cape, namely Whale-Tide Villa and Penguin Palace, which has just been nominated for the coveted Travel & Hospitality Awards 2020.
After noticing the growing demand for beach and bush holidays, Nicola said they decided to extend their offering and set off for the Lowveld. The couple intended to split their time between the two provinces, however, a six-month stint soon turned permanent, turning the two into full-time Lowveld residents, and they would not have it any other way.
With a passion for travel and a love of art, Nicola began collecting art at the young age of 16. Over the years she has built up an impressive collection consisting of both local works and international masterpieces. “I decided rather than having it all in my house, I wanted to display my collection of art, ceramics, and sculptures for all to see and enjoy,” explains Nicola.
Safari Moon comprises six well-appointed uniquely designed suites, each named after a different wildlife species that are no stranger to the lodge surrounds. No two suites are identical; each has its own style and charm and have been coupled with a vibrant collection of both African and international art.
According to Nicola, she did not plan a specific décor theme other than what she loves, adding a splash of glamour while mixing locally sourced ethically crafted items with French silver and beautiful cutlery and crockery. When a guest requests a cup of tea, Nicola explains they do not just get a cup of tea; they get a silver tea service beautifully laid out with a little aloe on the tray.
She concludes: “We look to create beauty in everything we do, from curating beautiful experiences to creating beautiful memories. It’s all about the small touches that really sets us apart. It is in the detail.”
Safari Moon houses a lifetime worth of treasures collected over the years by Nicola while travelling abroad and locally. To ensure their safety and to keep the lodge as peaceful as possible for guests, children over the age of 12 are welcome. However, if families wish to book out the entire lodge, children of all ages are welcome.
