Leobo Private Reserve

The Observatory is the signature safari house of Leobo Private Reserve, set at the foot of the Waterberg mountains in northern South Africa and overlooking the Palala Valley. It was designed by Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, the architects behind some of Africa's most celebrated lodges, and it sits within a vast reserve taken exclusively by one group at a time.

The house is named for its most remarkable feature: a fully automated observatory with a 20-inch telescope beneath a rotating copper dome, bringing the clear, dark skies of the Waterberg within reach. A heated infinity pool and a rooftop jacuzzi look out over the valley, and there is a library, a fireplace and both indoor and outdoor dining.

Four bedrooms sleep up to nine guests, with a nursery of triple bunk beds for children. The Waterberg is malaria-free, making Leobo especially well suited to families.

Leobo is a playground as much as a safari. Plains game, hippo, crocodile and buffalo roam the reserve, which has no Big Five, and game drives can be taken with thermal imaging at night. Quad bikes, off-road buggies, motorbikes, mountain bikes, kayaks, fishing and target shooting are all on hand, along with cave walks to ancient rock art. A chef, butler and maid look after the house, and all meals and drinks are included. A helicopter and pilot can be on call.

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