Leopards & Louries Lodge

About

John Jackson (the owner) is a descendant of two old KwaZulu Natal colonial families. John's  great grandfather on his mother's side was Sir Frederick Moor, the first Administrator of Natal.  The Jackson family have spread throughout Natal - with many varied achievements in the field of sport. John matriculated at Hilton College in 1975 and went on to serve in the military where he qualified as an officer from the Infantry School in Oudtshoorn. He served a further year in the military in Namibia - South West Africa - with the Natal Carbineers. He then studied agriculture for four years at the University of Natal - before leaving to take up a position at the world famous Mala Mala Game Reserve - for a period of two years. John spent a further year working for Grosvenor Tours in the Kruger National Park. During this time - John searched for a  suitable piece of land on which to farm. He has now retired from farming to pursue his passion for wildlife. He has spent virtually all his leisure time in the Game Reserves and wild areas of  Africa. He is fluent in English, Afrikaans and Zulu and has a close relationship with the indigenous people of the country of his birth.

John is a certified tour guide and offers personalised tours all over Africa. A few examples are Maputoland - The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park (a World Heritage Site), Ndumo, Mkuze,  Umfolozi, Hluhluwe Game Reserves, Thembe Elephant Park, Kozi Bay. uKhahlamba-  Drakensberg Park (another World Heritage Site). The famous Kruger National Park. The  Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift Battlefields. Coastal tours - whale and dolphin spotting. On the  Lodge’s doorstep - Tala Game Reserve. Neighbouring countries - Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho  - the famous Sani Pass, Kenya, Tanzania.

John decided on the name Leopards &  Louries because the valley which the Lodge overlooks was once called Luiperdskloof -  meaning Leopard Valley. Leopards still inhabit the area - but they are very secretive animals. The Lourie is a beautiful bird with incredibly bright plumage - also common to the valley. Since early childhood - John has always had a favourite animal and bird - the leopard and the Lourie.

The Lodge is beautifully decorated in a  "rustic but smart" style with a wildlife theme.  Magnificent views overlooking unspoilt valleys and bushveld with KwaZulu Natal's Table Mountain in the background. Several species of game may be spotted from the Lodge - and the birdlife is exceptional. The bedrooms all face the view and are en-suite. DStv, tea/coffee trays, ceiling fans, the internet and email facilities are available. Wide shaded verandas complete the ambience. Undercover parking is catered for in a secure garden with a remote- controlled gate.