Leadwood Manor House at Tala Collection Game Reserve is ideal for celebrations

Located within the Natal Midlands, at Tala Collection Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, this four-bedroomed house has been magically transformed into an ultra-sleek venue following a refurbishment by Dream Hotels & Resorts (DHR) earlier this year.

The property also has a great comeback story, being part of a greater restoration project to accentuate the reserve’s reputation as a premier safari destination. Back in 2017, the mixed-use accommodation group stepped in to help with a business rescue, thereby continuing the Tala legacy.

Leadwood in a league of its own

In speaking to Greg Allan, the general manager for Tala Collection Game Reserve, it’s clear that while the reserve has been given a new lease on life, they have been careful to ensure that it has retained an authentic wilderness character.

Spanning a 3,000-hectare malaria-free area, the Tala Collection features a mix of accommodation and conferencing options catering to different budgets and group sizes. To name but a few, there’s the self-catering Fishermen’s Cottages, set to steal your heart with their enduring charm, and Paperbark Lodge, forged from the wonderfully-restored ‘Old Farm Barn’.

At Aloe Lodge, one can wake-up to views of warthogs on patrol, but it’s the Leadwood Manor House that Allan says stands in a league of its own.

“With the recent refurbishment, Leadwood Manor House accommodates a maximum of eight guests with bedrooms cleverly designed to ensure absolute privacy and all-out luxury,” he says. “Traditional tones, brighter spaces and a natural colour palette create a contemporary design, further enhancing the warm and inviting atmosphere that Tala is celebrated for.”

The main lounge is open-plan, lofty and streamlined, while the sleek new bar is just the place for guests to top up on sundowners before the sun slips below the horizon. Allan notes other stand-out features includes “a private chef and an exclusive-use restaurant, which overlooks a sparkling-new lap pool and the bounds of the reserve.”

And while Tala has always welcomed families with children, Leadwood Manor House has purposely been re-designed to accommodate adults only.

Activities and value-adds

Upon arrival at Leadwood, guests can sink back into one of the comfortable couches with a welcome beverage, while the on-site staff swiftly handles check-in. With the recent refurbishment, the service has also levelled up, and there is always someone on hand to attend to your needs before you even think to ask.

“From milestone anniversaries and boutique one-day meetings to birthdays and even small, intimate weddings, the Tala team is willing to create just the sort of occasion you'd like, be it relaxed, adventurous or a bit of both,” says Allan.

“Leadwood Manor House is completely exclusive, so your group may plan your days as they wish. Activities can be also arranged at leisure and guests have total flexibility with the help of the in-house concierge,” he adds.

Business does indeed meet pleasure here, and Tala Collection Game Reserve is jam-packed with new safari experiences – from archery and fishing to morning- and evening-guided game drives. The reserve is well-stocked with a bounty of wildlife, including giraffe, zebra, warthogs, kudu and other antelope species. Birdwatchers are in for a treat with the area's prolific birdlife.

Cycling routes are another excellent opportunity to take in the sights, sounds and smells of the Tala bushveld, but if guests don't want to leave the sheer comfort of Leadwood Manor House in between meals and meetings, they can spend the day soaking up the surrounding views, poolside.

“It’s inspiring to see local South Africans supporting Tala,” adds Allan. “And we’re excited to diversify our product to help showcase this exquisite local reserve to more guests from the meetings, events and incentives sphere,” he concludes.