A superb choice for an exclusive and tranquil safari
Guests can enjoy exclusive game drives led by experienced guides
Location
Tucked away in the private western corner of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Dulini Leadwood offers an intimate and luxurious safari experience in one of South Africa’s best wildlife destinations. Set where the Sand and Mabrak Rivers meet, and shaded by towering leadwood trees, the lodge feels wonderfully secluded, with serene river views and a natural setting... this is the real African bush, where elephants browse just beyond your plunge pool.
Rooms
With just four beautifully designed suites, Dulini Leadwood feels more like a private retreat than a lodge. Each one is a spacious haven, with its own lounge, bedroom and bathroom flowing seamlessly together. Earthy tones, soft linens and floor-to-ceiling glass bring the outside in, creating a sense of effortless, contemporary luxury.
Amenities
The main lodge is a serene space with stylish indoor and outdoor areas designed for relaxation. Guests can enjoy wine from the cellar, unwind in the panoramic lounge, or take in the views from the spacious deck. Home to the largest private heated lap pool of all Dulini lodges, it’s an ideal spot to rest between game drives. There’s also a fully equipped, air-conditioned gym for those who like to keep active between game drives.
Food and drink are always a treat here from From al fresco breakfast platters on the Treehouse Deck to intimate Boma’s under the stars or even your on private dinner at your suite.
Activities
Guests enjoy morning and evening game drives in open vehicles, with no more than six adults per vehicle. Expert tracker-and-guide teams tailor each safari to your interests—whether you’re following a leopard or lingering at a lion sighting. Vehicles come equipped with binoculars, camera mounts and fleece-lined ponchos to keep you warm and ready.
For a change of pace, guided bush walks reveal the smaller details—tracks, birds, bugs and plant life—with the chance of encountering larger animals on foot. Walks are led by armed guides and adapted to your comfort.
Between drives, relax with in-room massages using locally sourced oils, take a dip in your private plunge pool, or simply soak up the setting from your deck.
Families are warmly welcomed, with children’s activities including wildlife tracking, bug catching, baking, storytelling and star-gazing—bringing the bush to life for younger guests.
Sustainability
Dulini Leadwood supports the esiDulini Community Trust, which invests in projects for the neighbouring communities - many of whom are home to the staff who make your stay so memorable. There’s also a sustainability levy that contributes directly to ongoing wildlife conservation in the Sabi Sand Reserve, ensuring that the experience you enjoy continues to protect and benefit the land and people who make it possible.
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South Africa Trip Inspiration
Best places to stay in South Africa
When to go to South Africa
Find out the best time to visit South Africa with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is the perfect time to visit the Cape — hot, dry and buzzing. Lounge on beaches or explore the Winelands and Garden Route in peak summer sun. Inland, it’s the wet season in Kruger, with bursts of heavy rain and vivid green landscapes. It's also the end of the birthing season, attracting predators and creating dramatic wildlife scenes.
February
The hottest month in Cape Town, February is ideal for alfresco lunches in the Winelands or scenic drives along the Garden Route. There are fewer tourists, perfect weather and excellent vineyard experiences. Safari regions remain hot, humid and wet, so it’s better to stick to the coast and cultural highlights at this time of year.
March
March brings settled, sunny days to Cape Town, the Winelands and Garden Route — ideal for laid-back trips and less crowded experiences. In Kruger, the lush landscape and newborn wildlife create brilliant photographic opportunities, with clear skies and dramatic colours. Rainfall eases across the country, making it a great time to combine regions.
April
April’s mild weather and lower visitor numbers make it one of the best months to explore. Cape Town is perfect for hiking Table Mountain or visiting Kirstenbosch Gardens. The Garden Route and Drakensberg are quiet and cool. In Kruger, rutting season begins — male antelope at their most impressive, sparking fierce, fascinating fights.
May
With summer crowds gone and crisp, dry days setting in, May is a peaceful time to travel. Safari viewing improves as vegetation thins in Kruger, and game becomes easier to spot. The Cape has a mix of sunny and rainy days, and the Winelands feel calm and welcoming after the peak season rush.
June
The start of winter brings cool, dry safari conditions — ideal for spotting wildlife clustered around shrinking water sources. Cape Town gets wetter, though days can still be bright. Whale watching begins along the Western Cape, while the Drakensberg is a dream for hikers enjoying fresh air and peaceful trails. Comrades Marathon adds sporting buzz to KwaZulu Natal.
July
July is peak whale watching around Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay, with whales close to shore to calve. It’s also the best time for safaris — cool, dry and clear. Kruger’s wildlife gathers at waterholes, and sightings are exceptional. Cape Town remains cool and drizzly, but it’s a quiet, rewarding time for active or cultural trips.
August
Spring starts to show as wildflowers carpet the West Coast and Namaqualand in vibrant colour — a true spectacle. Game viewing is still strong in Kruger, and whales continue to visit the Cape’s coastline. Temperatures begin rising after winter’s chill, and clear skies return, making this a great time to combine coast, culture and safari.
September
September is superb for combining experiences — wildlife viewing is excellent in Kruger and Madikwe, while whales are frequently seen along the southern coast. Spring flowers are still blooming, and warmer temperatures make outdoor exploration more inviting. In the Drakensberg, snow-capped peaks linger as trails begin to warm up for hiking.
October
October is one of the best all-round months to visit. Cape Town and the Winelands are warming up, with long sunny days and few crowds. Safari conditions remain strong in Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, and the beaches are heating up. Whether you want wildlife, wine or coastline, it’s hard to go wrong this month.
November
Cape Town soaks up the early summer sun, with calm days ideal for exploring. It’s the last chance to see southern right whales before they head off. Inland, the rains return to Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, but afternoon storms are spectacular and short-lived. Visitor numbers increase as the festive season nears — book early.
December
December buzzes with summer energy. The first two weeks are a sweet spot — great weather and fewer crowds. Later in the month, it’s peak holiday season across the country. In Kruger, landscapes burst into colour with flame lilies and baby animals. Book early for Christmas trips — this is one of the most popular times to visit.
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