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There’s a warm welcome from all the staff, who have gathered to hail your arrival at Morukuru Owner’s House with lilting song. It feels like a homecoming, even on your first visit, because this house was created to be a home that’s cosy and cocooning. Tucked amidst ancient Tamboti or Morukuru trees on the banks of the Marico River in Madikwe Game Reserve, Owner’s House is a spectacular bush escape for romantics – or a family of four.

This is no usual luxury bush getaway, though. There is complete privacy and exclusivity, yes, but also complete freedom to choose how, when and where to spend your time. No schedule is fixed at all, so you can decide on your game drives, meal times and menus, if you wish. Ahead of your arrival you’ll also receive a wish list to ensure your experience is as personalised as can be. Morukuru simply epitomises the pinnacle of professional individualised service. 

Owner’s House is certainly beautiful, a modern marriage of raw stone under thatch and with colours that reflect the changing afternoon light in Madikwe. Décor is contemporary European which complements the carefree, unfettered feeling of the house. You also have your own safari team comprising a private game-viewing vehicle, ranger and tracker, while at the house the chef, personal butler and dedicated resident staff ensure everything flows smoothly. Who could ask for more, but there is …

Owner’s House has an exquisite wine collection in Morukuru Family Madikwe’s only cellar, and Morukuru is one of only two private concessions in the reserve – which means guests have special privileges, like the option of bush night drives and guided bush walks in a Big 5 area. Evocative, lantern-lit bush dinners under the Southern Cross are another unforgettable privilege for Morukuru Family guests. 

By day you can enjoy a private cooking class with your chef, go bird watching for over 350 species, try your luck fishing in the Marico River, or kick back and enjoy a body therapy in a choice of locations. After dark, local dancers from nearby Molatedi village may entertain you or you could learn traditional African drumming techniques. Maybe you’ll enjoy an outdoor bubble bath under the stars, or choose a luxurious and romantic sleep-out in the hide – safe and to the sounds of wild Africa. Whatever you choose to do, it will be beautifully luxurious and the ultimate carefree, safari experience. 

Reviewed by Keri Harvey

What we love:

• the Freedom Concept, where guests are completely in control of what they do when
• decks with comfortable seating overlooking the Marico River
• the built-in seating around the fire pit
• that cheetah, lion, leopard, elephant and endangered wild dogs are regularly seen on game drives
• the hanging curtain of recycled wooden planks encircling the secluded boma
• The Morukuru Goodwill Foundation, affording guests the chance to make a difference in the local community, and Safaris with a Purpose which support the local community and important conservation efforts

Need to know

• Owner’s House is one of 3 exclusive-use Morukuru Family properties in Madikwe
• Federal Air operates daily flights from Johannesburg to Madikwe, or guests can drive in
• the house is game fenced and air conditioned
• there are baby sitting services
• the swimming pool can be covered on request
• children under 16 can enjoy guided nature walks, but not Big 5 walks
• there is an office space for two people to work
• Owners House and River House are connected by a 300m walkway and can be booked together or separately
• Check-in is strictly from 11am and checkout by 2pm to enable housekeeping time
• Sleeps 4