Spanning 75 000 hectares of pristine bushveld in the North West Province of South Africa, Madikwe offers malaria-free Big Five game viewing and is one of the country’s lesser known game reserves making it a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. Set against a stunning backdrop of riverine forest along the Marico River, the red Kalahari soil and the vast open plains of grasslands, woodlands, rocky outcrops and single mountains, the Morukuru Family is located in a private concession inside the reserve making it perfectly poised to offer unrivalled exclusivity and luxury in incredible scenic surrounds.
Owner’s House is an exclusive use private house nestled under the leafy canopy of an ancient Morukuru tree. The gorgeous exterior of wood, stone and glass provide a seamless flow ushering nature indoors with several luxuriously furnished shared spaces and two huge en-suite bedrooms which are ideal for honeymooners, couples or a small family who appreciate the finer things in life. Take a dip in your sparkling infinity pool, soak up the sun on your private elevated ‘sala’ or bathe al fresco under the stars of the African night sky with complete privacy. The house also offers many peaceful nooks to relax with a good book, which you can find in the library or settle around one of the romantic fireplaces with a glass of wine sourced from a superbly stocked wine cellar. Additional amenities include home office facilities, wi-fi, air-conditioner, a stereo system, DVD’s and CD’s making this a perfectly decadent, ultra-luxurious home away from home.
River House is a luxury private bush house perched on the banks of the Marico River with glorious river views accompanied by the blissful sounds of cascading water. Like Owner’s House, River House combines wonderful indoor and outdoor flow, where you can lounge beside your private infinity pool by day and enjoy al fresco dining or stargazing around the fire pit in your private boma in the evenings. Three double en-suite bedrooms are a haven to retire to at the end of the day where you can drift away in an opulent super-king size bed in front of a romantic fireplace. Enjoy a morning coffee or sundowner on your large tree-shaded private deck before reveling in your spa-like bathroom, an oasis featuring tubs with bush views and indoor as well as outdoor private showers. A separate family room/study can comfortably accommodate four children in bunk beds, where they have access to recreational facilities such as satellite TV, DVD’s, PlayStation and a computer with internet access. Both Owner’s House and River House enjoy a completely private location yet are within strolling distance of each other – an ideal combination should you wish to book both properties for a larger party. Shared gatherings can be accommodated while still maintaining maximum privacy.
Located on the other side of the mountain from the sister houses within the Morukuru Family private property, Farm House is a bright and stylish contemporary African homestead, offering the perfect private setting for families and larger groups. The five suite Farm House is lavishly furnished and is beautifully designed, with bespoke items produced by local artists and craftsmen in a neutral African inspired palette. The five huge en-suite bedrooms – linked to the main area by a covered walkway – are all equally luxurious boasting outdoor baths and showers. Spend special occasions celebrating in the Farm House bar or dine al fresco by your private swimming pool. Farm House is an oasis surrounded by lush green lawns and set within a safe 100-hectare fenced-in area which means kids can play and roam at will, and you have the freedom to walk and explore.
The ultimate holiday luxury is having a staff of 7 or 8 to look after you – Morukuru will provide your own chef, butler, hostess, nanny (if required) housekeepers and a private safari guide and tracker. Operating according to the ‘Morukuru Concept’ means there are no schedules which allows you to choose what you want to do, in your own time and at your leisure. Your private staff come highly skilled and are trained regularly, ensuring that they cater to your every desire.
Hop onto your private vehicle and head out for the ultimate safari adventure. Set off on an early morning drive and watch the sunrise over the bushveld or marvel at the wildlife as the sun sets across the African skies with a refreshing gin and tonic in hand.
If you are an adrenaline junkie a bush walk safari will delight, for a true taste of Africa nothing beats being on foot amid the wilderness. This not for the fainthearted however, while you are protected by a fully armed ranger you are still on foot in a wilderness area where predators roam free.
The Morukuru hide is the perfect spot to spend the night in the wild. Set next to the water’s edge, the hide is protected by an electric fence and equipped with a spotlight. Experience the magic of being left alone within a vast plain where wildlife roam free. A sleepover in the hide while still enjoying complete comfort is a great setting for romance, stargazing or making unbelievable memories with friends or family.
For guests staying longer than five days and subject to water levels being high enough the Morukuru boat is available for fishing, water skiing or just soaking up the sun at Molatedi Dam just outside the Madikwe Game Reserve Park. Relax beside the water’s edge with refreshing drinks and enjoy a delicious lunch especially prepared for you by your private chef and after a full day of fun in the sun enjoy quiet sundowners as you cruise across the dam at sunset before heading back into Madikwe,
Experience the thrill of catching your own fish and then setting it free again on a Morukuru fishing safari at the Marico River. Species you may encounter at the end of your line include Yellow Fish, Catfish, Bream, Eel, Paper Mouth, Three Spot Tilapia and Carp. If you (or your younger guests) have never tried their hand at fishing before, your ranger is always on hand to provide guidance.
Madikwe’s landscape is simply magical, and its varied biomes home to more than 350 species of birds, including many interesting raptors. From the cool dawn chorus to the dramatic shrieking of Nightjars in the dusk, the birdsong alone is wonderful; spotting the exotic beauty of birds like the Carmine Bee-eater and Lilac-breasted Roller may turn even amateurs into ‘twitchers’.
Indulge in a heavenly massage in the Sala Area, a bush idyll overlooking the Marico River as you relax to the sound of birdsong and swirling waters. Or you might prefer a massage in your personal villa, on the deck or by the pool. Choose from a menu of spa treatments and fragrant aromatherapy oils and feel all your worries and everyday concerns simply melt away.
What would an African safari be, without the typical sound of African drums beating at night? At Morukuru a true Safari Drumming master will teach you how to play the drums sitting around the fire. As you master the rhythm the sound of your beating drums will echo across the bushveld and you will be regaled by many wonderful stories about the various tribes of South Africa.
Be entertained by the patter of feet, clapping of hands and the joyous dance movements of the youngsters from the Molatedi Village. For a small contribution you get to enjoy the captivating and richly colourful traditional dancing while supporting the local community.
Children of all ages are welcome at Morukuru Family.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
