Escape to a romantic bush getaway
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.
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 was created to be a game farm with a home away from home feel that’s cosy and cocooning.
This is no typical 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 a beautiful safari hideaway, 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 safari accommodation.
You also have your own safari team comprising a private game viewing vehicle, personal game ranger and tracker, while at the house the chef, personal coordinator and dedicated resident staff ensure everything flows smoothly. Who could ask for more, but there is …
The ultimate carefree, luxurious safari experience
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.
What we love!
- The Morukuru Goodwill Foundation, established in 2007, invests in anti poaching resources, predator management and rhino protection.
- Additionally, the foundation supports local communities in Madikwe, such Molatedi Village. The foundation supports local dancers, who perform at the Morukuru Family exclusive use safari houses.
- Originally started in Madikwe Game Reserve, but since 2010 this has been extended to include the De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Overberg. Guests at De Hoop’s luxury coastal escape Morukuru Beach Lodge have the option to attend the annual beach clean up.
- The Morukuru Freedom Concept: When was the last time you were able, even encouraged, to do what you want, when you want? To make sure that you are in charge of your own happiness, all Morukuru’s exclusive use properties are run according to the ‘Morukuru Freedom Concept’ which translates to mean that you are supported in having your best holiday.
- The big hearted family ethos at Morukuru. “Created by our family, for yours” is a tagline that governs that the Morukuru approach to travel. When it comes to family, Morukuru insists that, the more the merrier. Every age is welcomed, making Morukuru a great place to plan that once in a lifetime family get together of grandparents, grandkids, aunts and uncles, cousins.
- Spending hours peering through binoculars on the decks with comfortable seating overlooking the Marico River
- Having conversations under the stars at the built in seating around the fire pit.
- That this is Big Five accommodation. Rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard and elephant are frequently seen on game drives, as well as less common wildlife such as cheetah endangered wild dogs.
- The eco-inventiveness of the hanging curtain of recycled wooden planks encircling the secluded boma
What you need to know…
- Please note Morukuru Owner’s House can only be booked for sole-use by you and your loved ones, and not on a room by room basis.
- Owner’s House is one of 3 exclusive use Morukuru family properties in Madikwe, including Morukuru River House and Morukuru Farm House. Owners House and River House are connected by a 300m walkway and can be booked together or separately.
- Federal Air operates daily flights from Johannesburg to Madikwe, or guests can drive in.
- The house is game fenced and air conditioned.
- A babysitting service is available.
- 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.
- If Morukuru Owner’s House is unavailable to book for your dates, browse our other perfect safaris in Madikwe Game Reserve, our perfect hideaways in the North West province, or our perfect safaris in South Africa.
Reviewed by Keri Harvey