Letamo Lodge is a family-friendly luxury lodge within the vibrant Waterberg of Limpopo Province. QWABI, meaning ‘African wild cat’ in the local Sesotho language, is a world-class safari destination that has recently been added to the blue chip Newmark Hotels and Reserves portfolio.
Falling within one of only two UNESCO-declared biospheres in Africa, QWABI Private Game Reserve is embedded within the richly diverse savannah biome of the malaria-free Waterberg harbouring more than 5,500 species, including several uncommon birds and animals like white-backed night-herons, aardvarks and brown hyenas. In the Waterberg wilderness, which is believed to be more than 2.5 billion years old, the pay-off is the dramatic scenery, as evidenced in the striking landscapes and the extraordinary wildlife that roams this lush locale, fronted by Africa’s ‘Big Five’ – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros.
QWABI is also a refuge for a thriving white rhino population that is under constant hi-tech surveillance. With these prehistoric beasts a part of the safari offering, Newmark further cements their conservation-conscious reputation and ongoing commitment to the preservation and re-wilding of endemic wildlife, fauna and flora. With such abundant birdlife, QWABI is a twitcher’s paradise and having one of most prolific Cape vulture breeding colonies nearby means these vulnerable raptors can often be spotted. Daily game drives, enjoyed in the sophisticated comfort of a new fleet of 4×4’s, are a thrill for guests as guides unpack the unique attributes of this vast and ancient region.
Letamo boasts luxurious accommodation and amenities include a padel court, two swimming pools – one of which overlooks a serene watering hole – and a luxury boutique bush spa. Dinners under a shimmering night sky are a highlight and with next-to-zero light pollution, the stargazing at QWABI is unrivalled.
Letamo’s thoughtfully curated child-friendly safari offering makes for an impactful family holiday. A specifically devised ‘Junior Conservationists Programme’ encourages a deep, long lasting appreciation of the natural world.
QWABI joins the select Newmark portfolio of privately owned game reserves and is approximately three hours by road from Johannesburg and 60kms from the town of Bela Bela in a malaria-free area. Easily accessible for self-drive visitors, although guests may also fly into the reserve via helicopter. Accommodation at Letamo Lodge is priced from R6,650.00 per person sharing, per night for full board, including daily game drives.
https://bookings.newmarkhotels.com/