Walking
Meander through pristine bushveld at a peaceful pace, discovering indigenous flora and abundant birdlife in absolute tranquility.
- Guided bush walks
- Indigenous flora & birdlife
- All fitness levels welcome
About us
A working farm that learned to host
Our story, our values, and every last thing there is to do between sunrise and the fire.
The lodge
Built from the farm it stands on
Lelapa Lodge sits on Farm Rooiheuwel, an hour outside Thabazimbi. The main lodge was built from stone quarried on the property and timber salvaged from the old cattle sheds, with thatch cut on the northern boundary.
Nine suites are spread far enough apart that you rarely see your neighbours. Each has a private veranda, an outdoor shower and an uninterrupted view over the bush. The camp is unfenced on the game side, so kudu and warthog wander through most afternoons.
The team is small and mostly local guides, trackers, cooks and housekeepers who grew up on this land and know exactly where the leopard likes to drink.
What we stand for
Our values
Conservation first
Every rand from a drive or a hunt goes back into anti poaching, water points and habitat rehabilitation.
Farm hospitality
Nine suites, one long table. Guests are hosted by the family, not processed by a front desk.
Ethical & legal
Fully permitted operations, professional hunters and a strict fair chase code, no exceptions.
Quiet luxury
Comfort without pretence good linen, good food, and space to hear nothing at all.
4.9
Guest rating
312 reviews
9.4
Booking platforms
Exceptional
98%
Would return
Post stay survey
3 400
Hectares
Private conservancy
"We came for two nights and rebooked for five. The drives were superb, but it was the dinners around the fire that we still talk about."
Activities
Everything there is to do
Running Trails
Follow curated, scenic pathways through quiet natural surroundings, blending an invigorating morning routine with serene landscape views.
- Curated scenic pathways
- Quiet natural surroundings
- Perfect for morning routines
Mountain Biking
Explore winding farm tracks and open terrain, offering an immersive, active way to take in the vast beauty of the reserve.
- Winding farm tracks
- Open terrain routes
- Immersive active exploration
Game Drives
Embark on private open vehicle safaris led by expert guides, offering intimate wildlife encounters and quiet golden hour bush sunsets.
- Private open vehicle safaris
- Expert guides
- Golden hour bush sunsets
Hunting
Participate in exclusive, ethically managed hunting excursions tailored with refined detail and privacy for the discerning sporting enthusiast.
- Exclusive excursions
- Ethically managed
- Private & refined detail
Swimming
Recharge beside the crystal clear pool overlooking the open bushveld, a secluded oasis designed for total relaxation.
- Crystal clear pool
- Open bushveld views
- Secluded oasis
Winter season
Hunting at Lelapa
From May through August the farm opens for managed hunting safaris. Every animal on the quota is selected with our wildlife management plan , older males past breeding age, and numbers set by an annual game count.
Hunts are walk and stalk, fair chase, and always accompanied by a registered professional hunter. Rifle and bow are both catered for, with a 100 m range and two permanent bow hides on the property.
Trophy handling, dipping, packing and export documentation are arranged through our partner taxidermist. Non hunting partners are very welcome and can join the normal lodge programme.
Season & species
May – August. Kudu, impala, blue wildebeest, zebra, waterbuck, warthog, blesbok and eland, subject to the annual quota.
How it works
Daily rate per hunter plus trophy fees. Rifles available for hire; all permits, licences and firearm import assistance handled by the lodge.
Our code
Fair chase only. No put and take, no captive bred predators, no unethical practices. Meat is distributed to staff and the surrounding community.