Polokwane - Imagine being immersed in an evergreen safari, crimson rich soil at your feet, an antelope herd grazing in the distance, under the warm blanket of a clear African sky.
This is a glimpse into the scenic vistas at Izingwe Lodge, where world famous stars such as Oprah Winfrey have stayed during their visits to South Africa.
Izingwe, meaning leopard in Zulu, is the private residence of internationally renowned architectural interior designer Trisha Wilson.
She is recognised around the world for Wilson Associates' iconic projects including the South African landmarks Palace of the Lost City, the Zimbali Forest Lodge and The Blue Train among many other luxury hospitality hotels and lodges throughout the African continent.
Nestled in the heart of Limpopo, overlooking the lush, deep valleys of the Welgevonden Game Reserve, Izingwe is a Southern African haven.
This exclusive luxury residence is set on a 100 000-acre game reserve and boasts a remarkable, diverse ecosystem. Settled in the African Bush, the lodge shares its home with an abundance of flora and fauna including the much loved Big 5. Izingwe is designed to blend in with the land abundant with wildlife, luxury and innovation.
A photo posted by Izingwe Lodge (@izingwelodge) on Sep 3, 2016 at 3:24am PDT
The Izingwe game lodge consists of five main parts: the lodge with a large living and dining area, a veranda and bar; three guest private villas, personal quarters, an office and a state of the art fitness centre.
As part of the bespoke experience, the villa offers a full-time chef, concierge and housekeeping services. During the day guests can enjoy a picturesque game drive or relax by the infinity pool while relishing the incredible views.
This luxury private lodge offers guests the opportunity to celebrate the native culture, exquisite cuisine, remarkable architecture and rich nature of the Waterberg Mountains.
At Izingwe, Trisha Wilson and her design team were dedicated to preserving the natural essence of the Welgevonden Game Reserve and Waterberg Mountains. Their use of eco-friendly, innovative designs, hand-crafted pieces and furnishings sourced from both international and local artisans forms part of the lodge's unique charm. She is well versed in South African design and aesthetic.
The earthy yet vibrant interior décor is largely influenced by the natural surroundings creating the perfect juxtaposition of modern with an enormous sense of authentic native style in the heart of remote Limpopo.
Currently based in her native state of Texas, Izingwe is Trisha's “home away from home” where she often hosts VIPs, celebrities and royalty from around the world.
A member of the prestigious Interior Design Hall of Fame, a recipient of the coveted Hospitality Design Platinum Circle Award, the distinguished Legend Award from Contract magazine, and selected as Hospitality Design's Manfred Steinfeld Humanitarian Award recipient, Trisha Wilson has designed for many high profile executives including music impresario Quincy Jones, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, tennis great Andre Agassi as well as Oprah Winfrey's Leadership Academy for Girls outside of Johannesburg.
Izingwe Lodge is part of the Mantis Owner's Collection. “The Mantis Owner's Collection currently consists of 25 luxury, private villas around the world and we're delighted to showcase a property as special as Izingwe Lodge,” enthuses Sasha Ella, General Manager of The Mantis Owner's Collection.
Adapted from a press release for IOL
* For more information on the individual properties that make up the Mantis Owners Collection, please visit www.mantisownerscollection.com