HomeTravelSouth African reserve with endangered species lists for $36M

South African reserve with endangered species lists for $36M

June 22, 2022

Instead of going on a once-in-a-lifetime safari in South Africa, there’s now an opportunity to experience one on your own property. The cost? A colossal $36 million.

Pegged as a “rare opportunity,” a private reserve in Karoo in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, one that spans over 41,260 acres, has hit the market for that sum.

The grounds, otherwise known as Magic Hills, are home to the world’s most endangered wildlife species, the listing notes. Also known as the iSanti Big-5 reserve, the animals on the land include lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, giraffes and the African buffalo.

The world’s largest living black rhino is among the animals on the reserve.

“Magic Hills is unlike anything I have ever experienced, which, as a travel writer is saying a lot. The silence, the views, the sheer amount of space – and the stars, oh the stars! There is definitely a different energy at play here… something supernatural,” Lynette Botha, International Travel Editor at LookBook Studio, said. “Besides the natural beauty, the luxurious lodges make falling in love with the place inevitable.”


It has 28 bedrooms and 28 bathrooms spread across four lodges.
The listing has 28 bedrooms and 28 bathrooms spread across four lodges.
Sotheby’s International Realty

The Sky Lodge is made up of seven suites and sits atop the highest mountain of the reserve.
The Sky Lodge is made up of seven suites and sits atop the highest mountain of the reserve.
Sotheby’s International Realty

Interior view of the lounge in the Sky Lodge.
Interior view of the lounge in the Sky Lodge.
Sotheby’s International Realty

The private game reserve stretches over 40,000 acres and has four lodges: the Sky Villa, the ILanga Manor House, Elsa's Farmhouse, and the iSanti Tented camp.
The private game reserve stretches over 40,000 acres and has four lodges: the Sky Villa, the ILanga Manor House, Elsa’s Farmhouse, and the iSanti Tented camp.
Sotheby’s International Realty

Free-roaming animals like leopards, elephants, and rhinos live on the property.
Free-roaming animals like leopards, elephants and rhinos live on the property.
Sotheby’s International Realty

The reserve is one of the most expensive properties currently listed in South Africa
The reserve is one of the most expensive properties currently listed in South Africa.
Sotheby’s International Realty

The compound is also an animal sanctuary.
The compound is also an animal sanctuary.
Sotheby’s International Realty

Designed in traditional Cape Dutch architecture, the ILanga Manor House includes a pool surrounded by greenery.
Designed in traditional Cape Dutch architecture, the ILanga Manor House includes a pool surrounded by greenery.
Sotheby’s International Realty

The current owners of the reserve have spent more than 10 years acquiring and restoring the land.
The current owners of the reserve have spent more than 10 years acquiring and restoring the land.
Sotheby’s International Realty

The reserve is fully protected with Game Fencing, and there is a team of highly experienced conservationists who manage the reserve.
Residents can go on a night drive in the reserve, under the supervision of the reserve’s rangers.
Sotheby’s International Realty

According to the listing, iSanti is home to the world's largest living black rhino.
According to the listing, iSanti is home to the world’s largest living black rhino.
Sotheby’s International Realty

Vast horizons, vistas and plains make up the landscape and is situated near Addo Elephant Park — a South African national park that you can frequent.

The Magic Hills Private Collection consists of three lodges, and one camp for a “deeply-rejuvenating safari experience,” the listing says.

In one lodge known as Sky Villa, seven suites are laid out on top of the highest mountains on the reserve. “It is not unusual to awake amongst the clouds,” the listing adds.

A second lodge, known as the ILanga Manor House, features 10 suites styled in Cape Dutch architecture.


The reserve is fully protected with Game Fencing, and there is a team of highly experienced conservationists who manage the reserve.
The reserve is fully protected with game fencing, and there is a team of highly experienced conservationists who manage the reserve.
Sotheby’s International Realty

A wet bar.
A wet bar.
Sotheby’s International Realty

The bedroom suites come with their own balconies, where residents can enjoy the view of the sprawling landscape.
The bedroom suites come with their own balconies, where residents can enjoy the view of the sprawling landscape.
Sotheby’s International Realty

The reserve is an hour and a half away from Cape Town by private helicopter charter.
The reserve is an hour and a half away from Cape Town by private helicopter charter.
Sotheby’s International Realty

The Sky Lodge is located more than half a mile above sea level.
The Sky Lodge is located more than half a mile above sea level.
Sotheby’s International Realty

There are also three National Parks located within a two-hour drive of the property, including the famous Valley of Desolation.
There are also three National Parks located within a two-hour drive of the property, including the famous Valley of Desolation.
Sotheby’s International Realty

A high deck for al fresco dining.
A high deck for al fresco dining.
Sotheby’s International Realty

A map laying out the entire property.
A map laying out the entire property.
Sotheby’s International Realty

The third lodge, called “Elsa’s Farmhouse,” is a traditional four-bedroom home that has been restored and solar-powered.

KaKhulu Karoo, the camp, offers seven suites.

In total, the combined properties on the reserve features 28 bedrooms and 28 full bathrooms.

Despite its vastness, the property is a 30-minute private charter to the ocean and 90 minutes to Cape Town. Additionally, there are three national parks within a two-hour drive, including the Valley of Desolation.

Kim Cooper of Sotheby’s International Realty holds the listing.

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