Leshiba Wilderness

Leshiba Wilderness is a 2,500-hectare private reserve on top of South Africa's Soutpansberg Mountains, part of the UNESCO-listed Vhembe Biosphere Reserve. Over 380 indigenous tree species grow across the reserve, and around 29 per cent of South Africa's butterfly species have been recorded here, many of them endemic. At its flagship Venda Art Lodge, five rondavels and two private suites, each with a plunge pool and valley-view patio, were built in partnership with celebrated Venda sculptor Noria Mabasa, whose gallery here holds the largest dispersed collection of her work anywhere.

Walk the reserve's marked trails unguided among giraffe, zebra and the occasional leopard, or take a mountain bike out on the single-track. Join a guided visit to rock art sites dating back some two millennia, then browse the sculpture collection back at the lodge.