Leobo Lodge
An award-winning hand-built lodge in one of Africa’s most remote locations.
The House
of Stone
Set atop a rocky ridge in the heart of the Waterberg, Leobo Lodge was a feat of artistic collaboration, craftsmanship, and logistical willpower.
Leobo Lodge is more than just a luxury escape—it’s a piece of sculptural architecture carved into the wilds of the Waterberg. Conceived in collaboration with renowned architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, this lodge was built to push boundaries both in design and in construction.
Known as the “Handbuilt House of the Waterberg,” Leobo was crafted using traditional techniques, local materials, and an extraordinary team of artisans. The stonework drew on traditional Zimbabwean methods, complemented by intricately hand-carved woodwork inspired by Zanzibar’s architectural heritage, while the walls were finished in a textured adobe-style plaster, all applied meticulously by hand. One-of-a-kind finishes defined every inch of the space, bringing soul and texture to the lodge’s every surface.
A memorable feature of this build was the installation of a full hippo skeleton, meticulously suspended above the dining room table. Equal parts engineering and storytelling, it encapsulates the spirit of Leobo: bold, unusual, and unforgettable.
In 2014, Leobo was named “Best Safari House in Africa”—a well-deserved title that speaks to the craftsmanship and vision poured into every square metre. For our team, this project remains a highlight: proof that wild ambition, when combined with skill and vision, can result in something truly timeless.
