Four-hour's drive north of Johannesburg on the Botswana border, Madikwe Game Reserve is one of South Africa's largest Big Five reserves that also offers a chance to see wild dog and cheetah. Molori Safari Lodge is set on thorn-scrub hillside with views across the valley toward the Dwarsberg Mountains, and the landscape is as beautiful and dynamic as the wildlife. But what really sets Molori apart is the fantastic attention to detail. From the wakeup calls by your private butler, to creative, personally-tailored meals, and star-gazing safaris in the evening, Molori has artfully integrated high-end hospitality with traditional touches to create the creme de la creme of safari.
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The large, open-plan main area incorporates a lounge with several cosy seating areas, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, and a lovely bar at which to enjoy a handpicked South Africa label from the wine cellar. The decor throughout blends traditional African elements with chic modern furnishings, and sparkling glass doors open up to the beautiful valley beyond. On the deck, enjoy a swim in either the hot spa bath or the twin infinity pools, and then fall into the spa with its wide array of treatment options, from massage to aromatherapy.
There are five individually designed suites, each incredibly private and rather like your own, five-star bush home. Rooms each have floor-to-ceiling glass walls that can fold away entirely to connect to the outdoor deck and infinity pool. All have indoor and outdoor showers, splashy ensuite bathrooms with deep bathtubs, fireplaces, mini-bars, air-con - we could go on! The two presidential suites are even more spacious with two bedrooms (sleeping up to four), an extra bathroom and an additional kitchen, dining area and library, for greater privacy, exclusivity and luxury.
Activities here are focussed on morning and afternoon game drives, though the guides are always happy to mix things up. Take a guided walk to find some of the smaller species and learn about native plants and track game, get involved in rhino conservation, search for nocturnal life on a night drive, and even try your hand at star gazing. There's also a good population of wild dog in the area, so spend some time tracking them down. Then, when you're safari-ed out, take some time out for a treatment or two at the Molori Safari Spa.
The food. There is no set menu here and instead your chef will discuss different options with you in the morning, depending on what you fancy. Prepare for a taste adventure!
Don't miss out on an evening at the Star Deck. The night sky here is spectacular and when there's a high-tech telescope to view it through, it's even better!.
The lodge has just about every luxury you could want - cigar bars, whisky tastings, infinity pools, spa bath tubs - all of which are fabulous, but definitely don't conform to the traditional idea of a safari!
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Molori Safari Lodge can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made South Africa trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended South Africa trips featuring Molori Safari Lodge or get advice and suggestions from one of our South Africa specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Molori Safari Lodge start from around $1.6K, or US$1.6K, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
It’s easily accessible, malaria-free and you’ll spot the Big Five – what’s not to love?
