Imagine watching elephant swim and frolic in the river while you finish your starter. You could call it impromptu bush theatre at its best – or just daily life at River House in the spectacular Madikwe Game Reserve, which spans 75,000 hectares of malaria-free wilderness.
If you’re familiar with Morukuru Owner’s House, River House is simply a larger version with three bedrooms – and by converting the study, it’s easy to create a fourth kids’ room.
While the configuration is different, the contemporary European décor and home away from home atmosphere is continuous with the exclusive-use, two-bedroomed Owners’ House, which is just 300m away
A wooden walkway along the river links the two safari hideaways, should one party book both houses for a celebration or multi-generational safari.
Yet, the houses are just as easily kept completely private for individual bookings, and each has its own dedicated chef, coordinator and full staff complement, along with a private game-drive vehicle, tracker and guide too.
Built around a courtyard and shaded by tall Tamboti trees – or Morukuru trees in the local Tswana language – River House fronts onto the pool with the river just beyond – so game viewing while you go for a dip is effortless, while remaining safely behind the game fence that protects the houses.
A safe and romantic bush getaway
Also riverside along the walkway is a private sala for various spa treatments.
And by evening this sala transforms into a romantic, lamp-lit dining venue for those on a couple’s safari.
Then again, virtually every meal at River House is enjoyed in a different location – all of them enchanting and unforgettable.
How many guests can Morukuru River House accommodate? The house sleeps 10. The study is easily converted into a children’s room with two bunk beds to sleep four children.
River House and Owner’s House are both surrounded by a single protective game fence enclosing a lush area of bush and woodland that is safely accessible to guests.
You can take a walk or a wander, knowing you are safe from dangerous wildlife. It’s a little like having your own private bush reserve to explore at leisure.
Reviewed by Keri Harvey
Edited by Dawn Kennedy