Late morning in the bush, with its characteristic hush, is unlike any other time of day.

At Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve, these quieter hours are an invitation to pause and savour the luxury of space, privacy, and time that is entirely your own. (How often can we lay claim to these things in day-to-day life?)

Between game drives, the lodge offers a host of ways to rest, recharge, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the African bushveld. Here are five ways to make the most of those golden ‘in between’ hours during your safari.

Our gorgeous massage sala, with its own lookout deck and sweeping views of the Sabi Sand, feels like a sanctuary within a sanctuary. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the bushveld, where antelope graze quietly and hornbills flash between branches. Signature massages draw on African-inspired techniques, while facials and body treatments use botanicals that echo the scents outside; wild sage, marula, rooibos. The rhythmic touch of skilled therapists, combined with the soft chorus of cicadas, can leave you feeling as renewed as the land after “the rains down in Africa”. (A little Toto reference for you, but no less true for its cheesiness!)

Every suite at Leopard Hills has its own plunge pool, perfectly placed to take in uninterrupted views of the reserve. Slip into the cool water (Our pools aren’t heated, and in summer you’ll be glad of it!) and let the midday sun warm your shoulders as elephants move through the distant treeline or a lilac-breasted roller lands nearby. It’s an unhurried, languid experience; just you, the water, and whatever your senses can reveal to you about the surrounding bush. A good book and a glass of something chilled on the deck complete the scene.

The best safaris don’t just live in memory; they’re written down, sketched, or somehow captured in the moment. Between drives, find a quiet spot on your deck or in the lounge and bring your morning sightings to life on the page. Maybe it’s a lion’s arresting stare you’ll want to remember, or the way the light caught the dust as a herd of impala passed by. Journalling slows the pace and sharpens the senses, making you more attuned to the smaller details of being in nature; the rustle of dry grass or the wheeling of vultures high above.

The midday hours are perfect for a different kind of safari photography… While the sharp 12 o’clock light might not be great for capturing game from the back of the vehicle, this is an excellent time to hone your skills on smaller subjects. Think: Textures, insects, colours, weaver’s nests and other small details surrounding the lodge. This is an almost meditative exercise that really opens your eyes to what might otherwise drift past unnoticed. From your suite, you might capture giraffes moving like shadows across the horizon. Whether you’re using professional gear or a smartphone, the reserve offers endless still-life opportunities beyond the big game.

Sometimes the truest luxury is the simplest: A comfortable chair, a fine South African wine, and a book that draws you in. Leopard Hills’ wine cellar is stocked with vintages that pair perfectly with a chilly afternoon in front of the fire. Perhaps a crisp Chenin Blanc for a sunnier day, or a bold Shiraz as clouds gather for an afternoon storm.

Feel free to pick something off our bookshelves, or come prepared with one of our recommended safari reads, which you can view here.

You are also welcome to browse all Leopard Hills activities and facilities at your leisure!

The game drives at Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve are unforgettable, but it’s the hours in between that create the lasting impression of your safari getaway.

From a leisurely spa treatment to quiet hours spent with a book turned, we hope you’ll enjoy the stillness of the bush as much as you do the action!

Browse our accommodation options and book your trip online.

Alternatively, get in touch with us at book@leopardhills.com and we’d be happy to help you arrange everything, from check-in to transfers.