TSWALU The Motse | Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve
The Motse is the perfect camp, drawing guests in with its sociable atmosphere and generous-hearted service, organic-luxe design and nurturing, earthy spaces. Backed by the Korannaberg foothills, the Motse is in the west of the reserve, where the mountains give way to grassy plains and red dunes dotted with pans. Heading out to explore the area is made easy with a private vehicle, and the undivided attention of a guide and tracker to arrange game drives, nature walks, horse riding, meerkat encounters, hands-on conservation, or an introduction to one of the many research projects supported by the Tswalu Foundation. Between activities, the camp’s nine well-spaced legae - a Setswana word meaning ‘home’ - are private sanctuaries to retreat to, offering every imaginable creature comfort. Dining is a highlight, from a picnic breakfast and poolside lunch to a boma barbecue, a lantern-lit dune dinner, or the provenance-led culinary journey which unfolds at Restaurant Klein JAN on one special night.
A ‘village’ of just nine houses (three of which feature a second bedroom for children), The Motse captures the soul of the Kalahari in its design and materials. Private spaces flow effortlessly into waterhole views and beyond to the savannah.
The architecture of The Motse aligns beautifully with Nature to create moments of warmth and coolness, seclusion and shared memories. Bedrooms are illuminated by the sun rising over the ridge behind The Motse, and indigenous trees create pools of shadow. Each space at The Motse invites you in, just as Tswalu beckons you to explore and investigate your surroundings.
Luxury is a given when you are on safari at Tswalu. At The Motse, just 18 adults are accommodated in nine individual legae (suites) made from desert sand, rock and thatch, with every comfort imaginable – open fireplaces, outdoor showers, private sun decks, spacious living areas, separate dressing and study areas and wireless internet.
We have three family legae (suites) which have 2 en-suite bedrooms separated by a large lounge and deck.
At the main lodge elevated decks around the freeform pool, allow panoramic views of the surrounding Kalahari landscapes, and a waterhole popular with wildlife. A spacious lounge and dining area, library, spa, fully-equipped gym, impressive wine cellar and traditional boma complete the luxury facilities.
Motse legae
The Motse camp is a secluded ‘village’ of nine “legae” (the Tswana word for ‘dwellings’) including three family legae, accessed from the main building along wooden walkways which wind through the quiver trees and camel thorns. They are situated to ensure that each one is private and secluded and built using natural materials from the area.
Each thatched legae has an open viewing deck and starbed which look across the savannah to a waterhole which attracts a variety of wildlife. The luxury accommodation meets the highest standards of aesthetics and design but is, at the same time, unpretentious with a focus on simplicity and comfort. This is in keeping with Tswalu’s focus on land restoration and conservation which is honest, authentic and inspirational.
The Motse evokes a mood of intimacy, quiet, and authenticity, a home from home atmosphere. Interiors are cool and spacious with king-size beds swathed in romantic mosquito nets and orientated to maximise the views through sliding glass doors. Each room has a fireplace and a separate dressing area with ample cupboard space. The bathrooms have been created with private gardens, luxurious bathtubs and both indoor and outdoor showers.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Heated Towel Rails, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Sala, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Services
Babysitting Service, Room Service
With your own dedicated guide and vehicle, you can experience Tswalu exactly the way you want to. There are no fixed schedules or time limits at special sightings – during your stay, the dunes and grasslands are yours to explore the way you want to, and each wildlife encounter can unfold at its own pace.
Just like the sands of the Kalahari, we understand that your priorities can shift during your time at Tswalu. That’s why we’ll never try and shoehorn your experience into a fixed schedule.
Tswalu is unquestionably one of the best places in southern Africa to see cheetah in the wild – the vast open spaces and antelope herds of the Kalahari readily lend themselves to high-speed pursuits. Visiting Tswalu also gives you front-row seats for sightings of species that prove elusive elsewhere, from aardvark and pangolin to Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra.
Tswalu’s ecotourism ventures have a notably low ecological impact while also contributing significantly to the sustainability of the reserve and its achievement of its conservation and community upliftment goals. By remaining honest to our guiding principles, we can deliver a safari experience of startling authenticity.
Much of Tswalu’s beauty can be found in the smaller details: the ripples left by the wind on the crest a sand dune, a yellow flower opening to face the sun, or the tracks of a porcupine digging for roots. Walking at Tswalu gives you the opportunity to see these and other signs of the abundance of the southern Kalahari, as well as following the tracks of larger species.
Another exciting game viewing option at Tswalu is a horseback ride
Horseback safaris allow guests to explore the dunes and savannahs on our well-schooled and well-mannered horses, which are suitable for all ages and all levels of experience.
There is no better way to get close to nature and the wildlife. On a horse safari in at Tswalu, you become part of the landscape and many of the animals react differently to your presence. No-one who experiences this kind of closeness with wildlife ever forgets it.
Our equestrian guides are well trained in the Kalahari ecology, and will lead you on a true safari where you can ride alongside antelope, buffalo, zebra and giraffe, or watch them from a distance without detection.
Children are welcome on horseback safaris. Both trail and English saddles are available and every piece of necessary equipment is provided, in every imaginable size.
Children are welcome at Tswalu and the reserve is well equipped to cater for them. Tswalu believes that they too can be part of the conservation vision.
The youngsters will be introduced to the Junior Ranger programme and given a backpack with guides and tools to help them learn about the Kalahari. During their stay they will make their own bow and arrow for archery, learn how to identify spoor, and track game on foot.
In between game walks and drives there are activities at The Motse specially designed to occupy the kids while mom and dad relax. Tswalu’s stables will create a special “pony camp” for any child who shares their passion for horses. There is no malaria in this part of the Kalahari and the pool is a big attraction. They can chat to the rangers, decorate cup cakes and even cook their own bush dinner in the special children’s boma. A separate children’s menu caters for their individual tastes.
Babysitters can be arranged for younger children if parents want time alone.
The Spa and Gym at The Motse provide both relaxation and stimulation for body and mind, with inspiration coming from the savannah views and the use of organic materials both in the construction of this space, and in the spa treatments.
Join a group of habituated meerkats as they emerge from their burrows and warm themselves in the rising sun or meet up with them as they return home at the end of the day and groom and play at dusk.
Their gregarious nature and amusing antics (think early morning sunbathing and playing chicken with scorpions) have made meerkats extremely popular as subjects of wildlife documentaries. Our two habituated colonies have accepted the presence of humans without letting it disrupt the important business of grooming and foraging.
Meerkats are just one of the smaller predators which abound at Tswalu: aardwolf, African wild cat and caracal are also frequently seen.
Join your guide in trying to puzzle out the hidden meanings in millennia-old rock engravings of animals, birds and abstract shapes. Today, no one knows whether they were created as memories, prayers or maps, but their beauty and mystery endure.
Every moment of every meal at Tswalu reflects the culinary heritage of South Africa and is carefully designed to be as inclusive as possible. Sustainability is key: we forage for Kalahari ingredients and work with local suppliers who share our low-impact ethos.
We believe that luxury is found in contextual, relevant flavours rather than wasteful over-abundance. Our food offering helps tell the story of Tswalu – it’s inspired by and captures the essence of the Kalahari.
As well as being an incredible community of flora and fauna, Tswalu is also an extended human family of people from the Kalahari and beyond. We find strength in our diversity, and because we all share the same vision for the future of Tswalu, we can combine our energies and passion to make Tswalu’s vision a reality.
The Tswalu community consists of our staff members and their families, researchers, visiting doctors that support the healthcare centre, visiting artists in residence, and each of our guests, alongside a wider community of neighbours, conservationists and everyone who cares about the restoration of the Kalahari.
The Tswalu Foundation exists primarily to support ecological research at Tswalu. Through accumulating a growing body of quality output on the fauna, flora and the unique habitat of the southern Kalahari we have been able to make informed conservation management decisions to better support our shared vision.
This information has been made freely available to our neighbours and other interested parties so that, as we seek to add to our shared understanding of this rich and diverse landscape, they too can care for their land in the best long-term interests of the wildlife and people of the Kalahari.
During your stay at Tswalu, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with researchers studying both iconic and more obscure species and witness scientific conservation in progress.
Naledi, which means ‘star’ in the local Tswana language, is Tswalu’s back-to-nature star bed experience in the Korannaberg mountains. Elevated above a valley with wraparound views, Naledi is for the true adventurer who yearns to sleep beneath the southern Kalahari’s brilliant blanket of stars in safety and seclusion. Spending a night in a star bed, with nothing between you and the night sky, has become increasingly sought after as travellers search for authentic, unfiltered experiences immersed in nature. Naledi has purposely been kept very simple so as not to detract from its private and remote setting in the southern reaches of the reserve. Sleeping in the open, under the stars, is as old as time.
A balmy summer night is a perfect time to sleep under the stars in the middle of the Kalahari. The Malori is Tswalu’s under canvas experience with comfortable beds, an open-air bathroom and a spacious deck area for dining, dreaming and stargazing.
Whether reserved for romance or for family bonding time, a Malori sleep-out is about tuning out so that you can soak up the solitude, tune into the silence and count shooting stars. With comfortable beds, an open-air bathroom and a spacious deck area for dining, dreaming and stargazing, the tent is perfect for two but spacious enough to invite the family. The Malori sleep-out is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences you will never forget.
A night at Malori needs to be booked in advance, carries an additional cost, and is offered subject to availability and prevailing weather conditions.
From a late breakfast at the pool, a picnic in the dunes, a feast in the boma, or sundowners and snacks on your private deck... guests will delight in the delicious gourmet meals prepared by Executive Chef Marnus Scholly.
Every moment of every meal at Tswalu reflects the culinary heritage of South Africa and is carefully designed to be as inclusive as possible. Sustainability is key: we forage for Kalahari ingredients and work with local suppliers who share our low-impact ethos.
We believe that luxury is found in contextual, relevant flavours rather than wasteful over-abundance. Our food offering helps tell the story of Tswalu – it’s inspired by and captures the essence of the Kalahari.
Working in partnership with Michelin-starred South African chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, our chefs look to reinterpret the flavours they find around them and create unique taste touchpoints at every turn. Our choice of ingredients is only half the story; the context from which they come and in which they are served completes the picture.
Tswalu offers a number of dining options for guests who can dine indoors or out, in the dining room or at the pool deck, and can enjoy their meals at times that suit them.
Tswalu's wine list has been carefully selected from the best South African wines available and guests will enjoy the food and wine pairing menus.
All guests now have the once in a lifetime opportunity to experience Restaurant Klein JAN.
The opening of Klein JAN restaurant at Tswalu is the culmination of nearly three years of research by South African-born chef, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, into the culinary traditions and ingredients of the cultures and communities that call the Kalahari home. Creating Klein JAN has been Jan Hendrik’s great homecoming project.
His vision? To tell the stories of the Northern Cape region on every plate - stories rooted in the ancient wisdom of this remote, off-the-radar place of extremes and dramatic, vast landscapes. It is a region of South Africa where life is determined or measured by the absence or presence of rain, where resources in a year of plenty are carefully stored or preserved for leaner times.
Jan Hendrik felt an instant connection to the vastness of the Kalahari, and knew that the time had come to elevate the unsung heroes of the Northern Cape and their superior produce and products to their rightful place. Opening Klein JAN at Tswalu, rather than in South Africa’s foodie capital of Cape Town, added authenticity and sustainability clout to the venture, echoing the importance of local expression, provenance and procurement that Jan and his team have nurtured at Restaurant JAN in Nice, France, since it opened in 2013
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included
Your Rooms
Fast Facts
5 Star
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English, French, German
No. Rooms: 9
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
Leeu House | Franschhoek
Leeu House is a private five-star destination with 12-rooms and a suite, in the scenic Franschhoek valley. An oasis of comfort and luxury exclusively offered to adults of 18 and above. Leeu House’s appeal is its country guesthouse feel on the main street of vibrant Franschhoek village, within easy strolling distance of award-winning restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and many other attractions. This unique hotel also offers sole use of the property options.
An average size of 32m²/344ft², two of these four comfortable and spacious rooms have full bathrooms; the other two have large walk-in showers.
An average size of 43m²/462ft², one of these two spacious rooms is situated on the ground floor looking onto the manicured gardens, the other on the first floor with lovely mountain views.
At an average size of 53m²/570ft², these rooms have their own private terraces, one of which has easy access to the pool. They also boast en-suite bathrooms with modern finishes and fittings.
An average size of 65m²/699ft², one of these two rooms with terraces offers a double walk-in dressing room and offers easy access to the lounge and conservatory facilities, the other has a patio with outside seating.
An average size of 59m²/635.07ft², the private suite located separately from the main building has a lounge area with fireplace, and a walk-in closet with sit-down vanity desk. The outside seating area offers views of the tropical paradise-inspired Leeu House pool, and the mountains. Here too is the perfect place to consider sculptor Dylan Lewis’s Leopard On A Rock.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Battery Charging Facilities, Gym (nearby), Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Detached Private Bathroom, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Hair Dryer, Heated Towel Rails, Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Underfloor Heating
Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Chauffer Service, Credit Card, Room Service (24 hours), Travel Desk
The Great Heart Wines Boutique recalibrates the notion of an ‘intimate’ and ‘personalized’ wine tasting with availability for a table that sits four guests at a time for Le Quartier Français and Leeu House guests only. Non-resident guests are welcome to enjoy the tasting option by making a booking at Protégé (right across from the Boutique). These wines can also be purchased at the Boutique.
Great Heart is the staff empowerment project of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, known for their multi-award winning Leeu Passant and Mullineux wineries. Aimed at improving the livelihoods of those who work for the company as well as their families, the Great Heart wine brand is collectively owned by the winery staff, and a portion of all sales under this label go directly to them.
Set among the vineyards, Leeu Spa by Healing Earth is an immersive wellness sanctuary that offers holistic treatments and experiences by expert therapists. The tailor-made offerings are inspired by Africa’s rich natural resources, with a unique focus on the myriad therapeutic benefits of South Africa’s unique Pinotage grape. Pure and premium natural products from leading holistic wellness brand Healing Earth are used in the memorable treatments.
Leeu Spa is situated at Leeu Estates, a 3km drive from Leeu House. Transport between our properties is available.
Indaba – The Meeting Place at Leeu Estates is a state-of-the-art multipurpose event and meeting venue available for all in-house Leeu Collection guests. The light-filled space, with its open roof trusses, tall windows, timber floors and natural finishes, perfectly complements the collection of art and sculptures.
The well-appointed venue can accommodate up to 60 guests (cocktail) both inside and on the terrace overlooking the beautiful valley and mountain landscape for a variety of private parties, exhibitions and product launches.
Press briefings, seminars, business meetings and management think tank sessions for up to 20 guests can be accommodated in boardroom, schoolroom or U-shaped seating. Cinema seating can accommodate up to 60 guests. Indaba, which is 140 square metres (1 510 square feet) in size and has its own lift, boasts audio and video conferencing equipment, a 203-centimetre (80-inch) television screen and high-speed Wi-Fi. Catering for Indaba is done by The Dining Room culinary team.
Indaba is situated at Leeu Estates, a 3km drive from Leeu House. Transport between our properties is available.
The Wine Studio offers a truly immersive wine experience. Housed on Leeu Estates, it is run by the Mullineux & Leeu team, whose knowledgeable tasting room staff will guide guests in the finer nuances of these handcrafted wines.
Complimentary wine tastings are offered to Leeu Estates guests only.However, Leeu House guests are welcome to book a tasting should they wish with our concierge team.
Other activities within Franschhoek that can be arranged via our Concierge includes:
- Franschhoek Wine Tram (www.winetram.co.za)
- Hiking in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve (www.montrochellehiking.co.za)
- Franschhoek Motor Museum (www.fmm.co.za)
- Various full day and half day wine tours
- Franschhoek Huguenot Monument (www.museum.co.za)
Leeu House offers a delicious menu available exclusively to resident guests. Breakfast is served from 07h00 to 10h30. The all-day dining menu (available from 11h00) features light meals with a focus on local produce, served in The Conservatory or al fresco on the terrace, seating up to 24 people.
At sister Franschhoek property – Leeu Estates, guests staying at any of our Leeu Collection properties can look forward to an avant-garde approach to a list of favourite novelty dishes at our exclusive in-house dining option, The Dining Room. From our gardens to your plate our chefs use the seasons as their inspiration while preparing food full of flavour, with many of the ingredients coming from the Leeu Locally Grown initiative.
Whilst at the end of a scenic pathway, La Petite Colombe (sister restaurant to La Colombe in Constantia), offers a world-class dining experience synonymous with this world renowned collective.
At Le Quartier Français, the La Colombe team continues to offer memorable dining experiences, starting with Protégé which recognises talented young chefs and provides them with an opportunity to put themselves on the map. The fresh, seasonal menu is based on an à la carte offering where guests are free to select as many or as few courses as they desire.
At Epice, an array of delectably curated dishes is served in a fine-dining environment. The menu is flavour-packed and inspired by the team’s culinary expedition to India, as well as memories of travels through Spain, Japan, Mexico, Denmark and the US.
Your Stay
1 Night
Bed and Breakfast
All Local Brands (excl Spirits) Included
Fast Facts
5 Star
Hotel
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English, Xhosa
No. Rooms: 13
Special Interests: Cycling, Fishing, Flora, Golf, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Shopping, Wine
Leeu House | Franschhoek
Leeu House is a private five-star destination with 12-rooms and a suite, in the scenic Franschhoek valley. An oasis of comfort and luxury exclusively offered to adults of 18 and above. Leeu House’s appeal is its country guesthouse feel on the main street of vibrant Franschhoek village, within easy strolling distance of award-winning restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and many other attractions. This unique hotel also offers sole use of the property options.
An average size of 32m²/344ft², two of these four comfortable and spacious rooms have full bathrooms; the other two have large walk-in showers.
An average size of 43m²/462ft², one of these two spacious rooms is situated on the ground floor looking onto the manicured gardens, the other on the first floor with lovely mountain views.
At an average size of 53m²/570ft², these rooms have their own private terraces, one of which has easy access to the pool. They also boast en-suite bathrooms with modern finishes and fittings.
An average size of 65m²/699ft², one of these two rooms with terraces offers a double walk-in dressing room and offers easy access to the lounge and conservatory facilities, the other has a patio with outside seating.
An average size of 59m²/635.07ft², the private suite located separately from the main building has a lounge area with fireplace, and a walk-in closet with sit-down vanity desk. The outside seating area offers views of the tropical paradise-inspired Leeu House pool, and the mountains. Here too is the perfect place to consider sculptor Dylan Lewis’s Leopard On A Rock.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Battery Charging Facilities, Gym (nearby), Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Detached Private Bathroom, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Hair Dryer, Heated Towel Rails, Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Underfloor Heating
Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Chauffer Service, Credit Card, Room Service (24 hours), Travel Desk
The Great Heart Wines Boutique recalibrates the notion of an ‘intimate’ and ‘personalized’ wine tasting with availability for a table that sits four guests at a time for Le Quartier Français and Leeu House guests only. Non-resident guests are welcome to enjoy the tasting option by making a booking at Protégé (right across from the Boutique). These wines can also be purchased at the Boutique.
Great Heart is the staff empowerment project of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, known for their multi-award winning Leeu Passant and Mullineux wineries. Aimed at improving the livelihoods of those who work for the company as well as their families, the Great Heart wine brand is collectively owned by the winery staff, and a portion of all sales under this label go directly to them.
Set among the vineyards, Leeu Spa by Healing Earth is an immersive wellness sanctuary that offers holistic treatments and experiences by expert therapists. The tailor-made offerings are inspired by Africa’s rich natural resources, with a unique focus on the myriad therapeutic benefits of South Africa’s unique Pinotage grape. Pure and premium natural products from leading holistic wellness brand Healing Earth are used in the memorable treatments.
Leeu Spa is situated at Leeu Estates, a 3km drive from Leeu House. Transport between our properties is available.
Indaba – The Meeting Place at Leeu Estates is a state-of-the-art multipurpose event and meeting venue available for all in-house Leeu Collection guests. The light-filled space, with its open roof trusses, tall windows, timber floors and natural finishes, perfectly complements the collection of art and sculptures.
The well-appointed venue can accommodate up to 60 guests (cocktail) both inside and on the terrace overlooking the beautiful valley and mountain landscape for a variety of private parties, exhibitions and product launches.
Press briefings, seminars, business meetings and management think tank sessions for up to 20 guests can be accommodated in boardroom, schoolroom or U-shaped seating. Cinema seating can accommodate up to 60 guests. Indaba, which is 140 square metres (1 510 square feet) in size and has its own lift, boasts audio and video conferencing equipment, a 203-centimetre (80-inch) television screen and high-speed Wi-Fi. Catering for Indaba is done by The Dining Room culinary team.
Indaba is situated at Leeu Estates, a 3km drive from Leeu House. Transport between our properties is available.
The Wine Studio offers a truly immersive wine experience. Housed on Leeu Estates, it is run by the Mullineux & Leeu team, whose knowledgeable tasting room staff will guide guests in the finer nuances of these handcrafted wines.
Complimentary wine tastings are offered to Leeu Estates guests only.However, Leeu House guests are welcome to book a tasting should they wish with our concierge team.
Other activities within Franschhoek that can be arranged via our Concierge includes:
- Franschhoek Wine Tram (www.winetram.co.za)
- Hiking in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve (www.montrochellehiking.co.za)
- Franschhoek Motor Museum (www.fmm.co.za)
- Various full day and half day wine tours
- Franschhoek Huguenot Monument (www.museum.co.za)
Leeu House offers a delicious menu available exclusively to resident guests. Breakfast is served from 07h00 to 10h30. The all-day dining menu (available from 11h00) features light meals with a focus on local produce, served in The Conservatory or al fresco on the terrace, seating up to 24 people.
At sister Franschhoek property – Leeu Estates, guests staying at any of our Leeu Collection properties can look forward to an avant-garde approach to a list of favourite novelty dishes at our exclusive in-house dining option, The Dining Room. From our gardens to your plate our chefs use the seasons as their inspiration while preparing food full of flavour, with many of the ingredients coming from the Leeu Locally Grown initiative.
Whilst at the end of a scenic pathway, La Petite Colombe (sister restaurant to La Colombe in Constantia), offers a world-class dining experience synonymous with this world renowned collective.
At Le Quartier Français, the La Colombe team continues to offer memorable dining experiences, starting with Protégé which recognises talented young chefs and provides them with an opportunity to put themselves on the map. The fresh, seasonal menu is based on an à la carte offering where guests are free to select as many or as few courses as they desire.
At Epice, an array of delectably curated dishes is served in a fine-dining environment. The menu is flavour-packed and inspired by the team’s culinary expedition to India, as well as memories of travels through Spain, Japan, Mexico, Denmark and the US.
Your Stay
1 Night
Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
5 Star
Hotel
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English, Xhosa
No. Rooms: 13
Special Interests: Cycling, Fishing, Flora, Golf, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Shopping, Wine
Leeu House | Franschhoek
Leeu House is a private five-star destination with 12-rooms and a suite, in the scenic Franschhoek valley. An oasis of comfort and luxury exclusively offered to adults of 18 and above. Leeu House’s appeal is its country guesthouse feel on the main street of vibrant Franschhoek village, within easy strolling distance of award-winning restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and many other attractions. This unique hotel also offers sole use of the property options.
An average size of 32m²/344ft², two of these four comfortable and spacious rooms have full bathrooms; the other two have large walk-in showers.
An average size of 43m²/462ft², one of these two spacious rooms is situated on the ground floor looking onto the manicured gardens, the other on the first floor with lovely mountain views.
At an average size of 53m²/570ft², these rooms have their own private terraces, one of which has easy access to the pool. They also boast en-suite bathrooms with modern finishes and fittings.
An average size of 65m²/699ft², one of these two rooms with terraces offers a double walk-in dressing room and offers easy access to the lounge and conservatory facilities, the other has a patio with outside seating.
An average size of 59m²/635.07ft², the private suite located separately from the main building has a lounge area with fireplace, and a walk-in closet with sit-down vanity desk. The outside seating area offers views of the tropical paradise-inspired Leeu House pool, and the mountains. Here too is the perfect place to consider sculptor Dylan Lewis’s Leopard On A Rock.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Battery Charging Facilities, Gym (nearby), Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Detached Private Bathroom, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Hair Dryer, Heated Towel Rails, Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Underfloor Heating
Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Chauffer Service, Credit Card, Room Service (24 hours), Travel Desk
The Great Heart Wines Boutique recalibrates the notion of an ‘intimate’ and ‘personalized’ wine tasting with availability for a table that sits four guests at a time for Le Quartier Français and Leeu House guests only. Non-resident guests are welcome to enjoy the tasting option by making a booking at Protégé (right across from the Boutique). These wines can also be purchased at the Boutique.
Great Heart is the staff empowerment project of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, known for their multi-award winning Leeu Passant and Mullineux wineries. Aimed at improving the livelihoods of those who work for the company as well as their families, the Great Heart wine brand is collectively owned by the winery staff, and a portion of all sales under this label go directly to them.
Set among the vineyards, Leeu Spa by Healing Earth is an immersive wellness sanctuary that offers holistic treatments and experiences by expert therapists. The tailor-made offerings are inspired by Africa’s rich natural resources, with a unique focus on the myriad therapeutic benefits of South Africa’s unique Pinotage grape. Pure and premium natural products from leading holistic wellness brand Healing Earth are used in the memorable treatments.
Leeu Spa is situated at Leeu Estates, a 3km drive from Leeu House. Transport between our properties is available.
Indaba – The Meeting Place at Leeu Estates is a state-of-the-art multipurpose event and meeting venue available for all in-house Leeu Collection guests. The light-filled space, with its open roof trusses, tall windows, timber floors and natural finishes, perfectly complements the collection of art and sculptures.
The well-appointed venue can accommodate up to 60 guests (cocktail) both inside and on the terrace overlooking the beautiful valley and mountain landscape for a variety of private parties, exhibitions and product launches.
Press briefings, seminars, business meetings and management think tank sessions for up to 20 guests can be accommodated in boardroom, schoolroom or U-shaped seating. Cinema seating can accommodate up to 60 guests. Indaba, which is 140 square metres (1 510 square feet) in size and has its own lift, boasts audio and video conferencing equipment, a 203-centimetre (80-inch) television screen and high-speed Wi-Fi. Catering for Indaba is done by The Dining Room culinary team.
Indaba is situated at Leeu Estates, a 3km drive from Leeu House. Transport between our properties is available.
The Wine Studio offers a truly immersive wine experience. Housed on Leeu Estates, it is run by the Mullineux & Leeu team, whose knowledgeable tasting room staff will guide guests in the finer nuances of these handcrafted wines.
Complimentary wine tastings are offered to Leeu Estates guests only.However, Leeu House guests are welcome to book a tasting should they wish with our concierge team.
Other activities within Franschhoek that can be arranged via our Concierge includes:
- Franschhoek Wine Tram (www.winetram.co.za)
- Hiking in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve (www.montrochellehiking.co.za)
- Franschhoek Motor Museum (www.fmm.co.za)
- Various full day and half day wine tours
- Franschhoek Huguenot Monument (www.museum.co.za)
Leeu House offers a delicious menu available exclusively to resident guests. Breakfast is served from 07h00 to 10h30. The all-day dining menu (available from 11h00) features light meals with a focus on local produce, served in The Conservatory or al fresco on the terrace, seating up to 24 people.
At sister Franschhoek property – Leeu Estates, guests staying at any of our Leeu Collection properties can look forward to an avant-garde approach to a list of favourite novelty dishes at our exclusive in-house dining option, The Dining Room. From our gardens to your plate our chefs use the seasons as their inspiration while preparing food full of flavour, with many of the ingredients coming from the Leeu Locally Grown initiative.
Whilst at the end of a scenic pathway, La Petite Colombe (sister restaurant to La Colombe in Constantia), offers a world-class dining experience synonymous with this world renowned collective.
At Le Quartier Français, the La Colombe team continues to offer memorable dining experiences, starting with Protégé which recognises talented young chefs and provides them with an opportunity to put themselves on the map. The fresh, seasonal menu is based on an à la carte offering where guests are free to select as many or as few courses as they desire.
At Epice, an array of delectably curated dishes is served in a fine-dining environment. The menu is flavour-packed and inspired by the team’s culinary expedition to India, as well as memories of travels through Spain, Japan, Mexico, Denmark and the US.
Your Stay
1 Night
Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
5 Star
Hotel
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English, Xhosa
No. Rooms: 13
Special Interests: Cycling, Fishing, Flora, Golf, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Shopping, Wine