everthing

South African sanctuary with endangered species lists for $36 million

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

Linked as a “rare opportunity”, a private reserve in Karoo in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, a reserve spanning more than 41,260 hectares, has hit the market for that amount.

Also known as Magic Hills, the site is home to the world’s most endangered species, according to the list. Also known as the iSanti Big-5 Reserve, the animals on land include lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, giraffes, and the African buffalo.

The world’s largest living black rhinoceros is one of the animals in the reserve.

“Magic Hills is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, which is saying a lot as a travel writer. 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,” said Lynette Botha, International Travel Editor at LookBook Studio. “Besides the natural beauty, the luxury lodges make falling in love with the place inevitable.”

The listing has 28 bedrooms and 28 bathrooms, spread over four lodges.
Sotheby’s International Realty
The Sky Lodge consists of seven suites and is located atop the highest mountain of the reserve.
The Sky Lodge consists of seven suites and is located 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 extends 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 extends 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 such as leopards, elephants and rhinoceros live on the property.
Free-roaming animals such as leopards, elephants and rhinoceros 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 shelter.
The compound is also an animal shelter.
Sotheby’s International Realty
Designed in traditional Cape Dutch architecture, ILanga Manor House features a swimming pool surrounded by greenery.
Designed in traditional Cape Dutch architecture, ILanga Manor House features a swimming 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 take a night ride in the reserve, supervised by the reserve’s forest rangers.
Sotheby’s International Realty
According to the list, iSanti is home to the world's largest living black rhinoceros.
According to the list, iSanti is home to the world’s largest living black rhinoceros.
Sotheby’s International Realty

Expansive horizons, vistas and plains frame the landscape and is near Addo Elephant Park, notes of which can be included with the sale.

Magic Hills’ private collection consists of three lodges and one camp for a “deeply rejuvenating safari experience,” the list says.

In a lodge known as Sky Villa, seven suites are laid out on top of the reserve’s highest mountains. “It’s not uncommon to wake up in the clouds,” the list adds.

A second lodge, known as the ILanga Manor House, features 10 suites 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 wildlife screens 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 have private balconies, where residents can enjoy views of the expansive landscape.
The bedroom suites have private balconies, where residents can enjoy views of the expansive landscape.
Sotheby’s International Realty
The reserve is an hour and a half drive from Cape Town on a private helicopter charter.
The reserve is an hour and a half drive from Cape Town on a private helicopter charter.
Sotheby’s International Realty
The Sky Lodge is located more than 800 meters above sea level.
The Sky Lodge is located more than 800 meters above sea level.
Sotheby’s International Realty
There are also three national parks within a two-hour drive from the property, including the famous Valley of Desolation.
There are also three national parks within a two-hour drive from the property, including the famous Valley of Desolation.
Sotheby’s International Realty
A high deck for alfresco dining.
A high deck for alfresco dining.
Sotheby’s International Realty
A floor plan of the entire property.
A floor plan of the entire property.
Sotheby’s International Realty

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

KaKhulu Karoo, the camp, offers seven suites.

In total, the combined homes in the reserve have 28 bedrooms and 28 bathrooms.

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

Kim Cooper of Sotheby’s International Realty is holding the listing.

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