Community first, Service always: Leopard Sands in Kruger redefining sustainable luxury; eyes India growth

This Marriott Autograph Collection property, opened in December 2023, is already gaining global traction. Although India is not yet included in Leopard Sands' top 10 source markets, the General Manager, Van Heerden Haasbroek, believes that tapping into the burgeoning Indian market is an exciting priority. In the next five years, he sees Leopard Sands as a flagship lodge drawing international travellers, and as for India, he asserts: “We are ready.” Read more…

Located at the doorstep of South Africa's legendary Kruger National Park, Leopard Sands, a Marriott Autograph Collection property unfolds like a quiet dialogue between wilderness, luxury and comfort. From the moment you step onto the property, the rhythm of greenery surrounds you, the calls of birds, the rustle of trees, distant rumble of elephants, far sight of bathing rhinos, food that feels crafted just for you and the anticipation of seeing the Big Five take you in. It is this moment when you realise Leopard Sands is not simply another lodge near Kruger; it’s Marriott’s ethos of hospitality brought to life in the heart of African wilderness. 

This lodge, which opened in December 2023, is already gaining global traction and for its General Manager, Van Heerden Haasbroek, tapping into the burgeoning Indian market is an exciting priority. Following a warm welcome at Leopard Sands, Kruger Park, T3 spoke with Haasbroek and learnt more about the USPs and future plans.

Building a luxury Safari Haven 

Leopard Sands’ journey has been as inspiring as its setting. When Haasbroek arrived in August 2023, the lodge was little more than a construction site: “no furniture, no kitchen, nothing.” With just four months until opening, his team worked tirelessly every day to meet Marriott’s deadline, Haasbroek told T3. By December, the lodge welcomed its first guests with just one room ready, expanding to 18 suites in early 2024. 

Part of the lodge’s distinctiveness lies in its community-driven ethos, asserted Haasbroek. Almost all employees are hired locally, many of whom did not speak English when joining and now the focus going forward is to upskill them. Thanks to their joint efforts and impeccable service; the lodge today averages close to 200 room nights per month and has already secured repeat international guests. 

The lodge, notably, is almost 30 km from Skukuza Airport, located near the Kruger National Park’s main camp. This beautiful, little airport, has direct scheduled flights now connecting travellers to Skukuza Airport, making Kruger Park one of the most accessible safari destinations globally. Importantly, the airport operates under a comprehensive environmental management plan, with flight routing and infrastructure design carefully aligned to minimise ecological impact while ensuring sustainable access. One is indeed captivated by the terminal interior that combines modern African aesthetics with natural motifs, the use of locally inspired materials, and designs that visually merge with surrounding foliage.     

India has enormous potential, right trade activations needed

Being candid with T3 in an exclusive conversation, Haasbroek shared, “India is full of potential. There are more Indians willing to travel than many other markets we target. We simply need the correct trade activations.”

He shared that India has been on agenda of lodge’s strategy meetings. Besides, with the annual platforms such as Africa's travel INDABA and Marriott's broader network, Leopard Sands aims to actively pursue partnerships with Indian tour operators and travel agents. 

“We would like to welcome the Indian market with open arms. All the guests we have here are VIPs, irrespective of where they are from. We would love Indian travellers to enjoy true South African hospitality,” he said. 

Although India is not yet included in Leopard Sands' top 10 source markets, the resort has already received Indian families and couples, adapting food experiences and culture for them. Coming to the other top revenue-generating markets, the best five for Leopard Sands are the United States, South Africa, Germany, the UK, and broader Europe. There is new traction coming from the UAE, China, Russia, and Korea. India, though, is “a market waiting to open.”

Quality, not quantity; privacy on top 

As Marriott’s Autograph Collection demands the highest standards, Leopard Sands stands apart as one of the five-star lodges between Mpumalanga’s town Hazy View and Kruger Park. Its 18 suites each come with private plunge pools facing Sabie River, necessary and luxury amenities, complemented by a main lodge, Boma for traditional African performances, among other things. 

When at Leopard Sands, don’t miss their freshly baked, buttery croissants served along a tempting cheese platter— a perfect post-safari indulgence and a prelude to the culinary delights that follow. Another best part about dining at their riverside area? It’s a wildlife theatre coming alive! Also, signature activities like Boma or bush-dinner nights complete with African entertainment as well as options for private picnics make the stay experience as memorable as the game drive themselves.  

Besides spectacular dining options, the lodge offers exclusive in-house safari vehicles, group transfers, and soon-to-open spa and gym facilities (expected June 2026). 

Another thing that made our stay with Leopard Sands unique and memorable was the in-room spa services which remain popular, especially among privacy-seeking travellers from the UAE and something that would also interest the India market, anticipates Haasbroek. 

He further shared that the guests can also indulge in a wide spectrum of experiences beyond the traditional safari. These include elephant interactions, river cruises, walking safaris, hot air balloon rides, helicopter flights, and the famed Panorama Route with waterfalls, canyons, and God’s Window. The property also offers an Adventure Package, available via Marriott.com, combining safaris with curated activities like elephant interactions and the Panorama Route.

“For us, it’s not just about quantity, it’s about quality. If the quality is correct and consistent, the numbers will come automatically,” the GM asserts. 

Service as the true fifth star

While many luxury hotels rely on extensive infrastructure, Leopard Sands believes its true distinction is service. 

“Five stars don’t come from buildings—they come from people. The grading council can give us four stars for facilities, but the fifth star only comes from staff service. That’s why I remind my team: the smile, the willingness to work, and never saying ‘no’ is what makes Leopard Sands truly a five-star.”

This ethos is reflected in guest reviews and repeat visits, an encouraging sign for a property barely two years old, he added. 

Looking Ahead

Leopard Sands has a 1,000-day plan to stabilise occupancy, revenues, and guest experience. While it is a new property, the lodge is already mapping out a full renovation to further improve its positioning, Haasbroek said.

In the next five years, Haasbroek sees Leopard Sands as a flagship lodge that draws international travellers but also benefits local communities and provides memorable experiences for all guests. And as for India? “We are ready. Indians will find everything they want here—luxury, flexibility, cultural warmth, and food that feels like home,” he asserted.