Morukuru Family Madikwe

Madikwe Game Reserve is the fifth largest game reserve in South Africa – 75 000 hectares of pristine, malaria-free bushveld located in the North West Province, just a 4 hour drive from Johannesburg or a 1 hour flight. It is also still one of the lesser known parks in South Africa, which makes it a hidden gem.

The reserve is run as a three-way partnership between the State (represented by the North West Parks and Tourism Board), local communities and the private sector. The reserve offers the opportunity of a malaria-free Big Five game experience, as well as offering good opportunities to see the endangered African wild dog.

OPERATION PHOENIX
Prior to the reserve’s proclamation in 1991, the area consisted of largely-degraded cattle farms. A feasibility study showed that developing the area into a game reserve, linked to wildlife-based tourism development, was the most efficient form of land use and the most beneficial to the local communities.

These days the lodges in the reserve offer employment to many people from the local communities.

The process of reintroducing wildlife to the area began in 1992 under the codename ‘Operation Phoenix’ which relocated entire breeding herds of elephants, Cape buffaloes, black rhinos and white rhinos along with various species of antelopes.

Following Operation Phoenix, the reserve has also successfully reintroduced predatory species such as lion, cheetah, spotted hyena and the endangered African wild dog. Madikwe also boasts an incredible 350 bird species, making the reserve a paradise for any enthusiastic birdwatcher.

SCENIC BEAUTY OF MADIKWE GAME RESERVE
These days Madikwe Game Reserve not only offers the Big Five (or indeed the ‘Magnificent Seven’ including cheetah and African wild dog) but also an incredible scenic beauty thanks to the riverine forest along the Marico River, the red Kalahari soil and the vast open plains of grasslands, woodlands, rocky outcrops and single mountains.

The area is bordered in the south by the Dwarsberg Mountains. From several high vantage points the views are absolutely stunning.

ACCESS
Access to Madikwe Game Reserve is easy. Federal Air offers shuttle flights from Johannesburg twice daily, or it is possible to book a private charter flight. Madikwe Game Reserve has 2 airstrips inside the reserve.

For those that prefer to drive, access is possible with a 2WD vehicle, preferably with a slightly higher ground clearance. A 4WD is not necessary.

BEST TIME TO VISIT
There is not just one best time to visit Madikwe Game Reserve. Each season has it’s specific benefits. The dry and sunny winter months (May-September) offer prime game viewing, but the nights can get chilly. In October and November the first thunderstorms signal the arrival of the summer rains.

From December until April the landscape looks lush and green, thanks to the afternoon rain storms. This is also the time for the animals to give birth to their babies. For birdwatchers these summer months are the most attractive, thanks to the arrival of the migratory birds.

OWNER’S HOUSE

Love for Luxury, within the Madikwe Game Reserve. Tucked under the leafy canopy of an ancient Morukuru tree (Tamboti tree), on the banks of the Marico River, lies this perfectly decadent, ultra luxurious home away from home.

Exclusive use private house
Ideal for honeymooners, couples or a small family, Owner’s House was built by the owners as their own private retreat, with two huge en-suite bedrooms and a choice of shared spaces.

Nestled in between the Morukuru trees, surrounded by decks and balconies, Owner’s House offers plenty of peaceful nooks to hide off alone, or to gather for wonderful al fresco meals.

Whether reclining together by your infinity pool, or alone in your private elevated sala, or just lying in bed with the doors wide open, the combination of dappled shade and the sound of nature is deeply restorative.

Personal design in Morukuru Owner’s House
The Owner’s House combines contemporary European styling with handpicked African pieces, and every luxury – including a team of 8 staff at your service, home office facilities, a superb wine cellar for your perusal, Wi-Fi connection, stereo system, dvds, cds, a small library stocked with topical books and the opportunity to bathe outside under the stars.

Wood, stone and glass provide a seamless design flow between the in- and outdoors. Note: While the location is completely private, Owner’s House is within strolling distance from River House using a wooden walkway – ideal should you wish to book both houses for a larger party that requires a combination of shared gatherings with maximum privacy.

RIVER HOUSE

A luxury house perched on the banks of the most important river in the Madikwe Game Reserve, the Marico River, where the sound of cascading water will coax you into a permanent state of restful bliss.

Private bush house
Morukuru River House comprises of three double en-suite bedrooms, each featuring every comfort, including super-king size beds, romantic fireplaces (Gas fires), cooling and heating A/C, and large tree-shaded private decks.

The spacious bathrooms have tubs with bush views and indoor as well as outdoor private showers. Four children can be comfortably accommodated in the separate family room/study with bunk beds, where they have access to recreational facilities such as satellite TV, Playstation, computer with internet and DVD’s.

Holiday luxuries
Like the Owner’s House, River House combines European styling with handpicked African pieces, wonderful indoor and outdoor flow, plenty of al fresco dining and unwinding opportunities, and the ultimate of holiday luxuries: a staff of 7 or 8 to look after you – including your own chef, butler, hostess, babysitter (if required) housekeepers and a private safari guide and tracker for you to personalize your itinerary completely.

Note: River House enjoys a completely private location, yet surprisingly enough is within strolling distance of Owner’s House – an ideal combination should you wish to book both for a larger party that requires shared gatherings coupled with maximum privacy.

FARM HOUSE
A modern contemporary African homestead, offering the perfect private setting for families and larger groups.

Located on the other side of the mountain from the sister houses within the Morukuru Family private property, the five suite Farm House is an oasis, surrounded by luscious green lawns, and set within a 100-hectare fenced-in safe area which is home to general game, so kids can play and roam at will, and guests have the freedom to walk and explore.

Luxury house
Furnished by well-known South African interior designer, Sumari Krige, the Farm House is bright and stylish, with bespoke items produced by local artists and craftsmen in a neutral palette.

Following the owners’ brief to create spaces where families with children of all ages can completely relax, the overall sense is kick-off-shoes and curl-up-on-the-couch comfort.

The five huge en-suite bedrooms – linked to the main area by a covered walkway – are all equally luxurious, because Morukuru Family believes that a family holiday should be special for every family member.

Multi generation travel
If you love the bush, space and South African surroundings. Morukuru Farm House is the place to be. Multi generation travel, families and groups of friends, of all ages, have already found their way to Morukuru Farm House, and celebrated life to the fullest. Anniversaries, birthdays or, most important, spending quality time together, this exclusive-use house is sublime.

Your private staff of 8, including you own private guide, tracker, hostess, chef, butler and housekeepers will look after every single wish. They are highly skilled and are trained regularly, ensuring they can give you the best.

Morukuru Farm House is also the perfect home for celebrations with large groups of friends getting together in the featured bar area.

SAFARI DRUMMING – MADIKWE
What would an African safari be, without the typical sound of African drums beating at night? Now is your chance to master the rhythm and send a powerful message out the bush, to rival the roar of the African lion.

A true Safari Drumming master will teach you and your family how to play the drums, starting with the basics, but taking it a step further as well. Sitting around the fire you will not only play the drums together, but you will also listen to some wonderful stories about the various tribes of South Africa.

This will certainly be an evening to remember and one thing is for sure, after the session your hands will be warm!

HIDE – MADIKWE
The Morukuru hide is set next to the waters edge and protected by an electric fence. Provided with a spot light a sleepover at the hide is perfect for the daring to spend a night in the wild.

For a romantic evening with a partner or for family members and friends a magical experience of being left alone in the a vast plain where the wildlife roam free, in perfect comfort, yet surrounded by the African wilderness is not to be missed.

For those less daring an evening stop at the hide during game drive is a sublime spot to look up at the sparkling night sky and star gaze.

FISHING SAFARIS – MADIKWE
Experience the thrill of catching your own fish and then setting it free again.

Going on Morukuru Fishing Safaris at the Marico River, that runs through the Madikwe Game Reserve, which is the largest natural source of water in the province, pumping one million litres per day: the river is clean and the fishing is good, though as any fishermen knows, patience will be required!

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 on hand to provide guidance.

LOCAL DANCERS – MADIKWE
The patter of feet, clapping of hands and the joyous dance movements executed with grace and joy by our local dancers is a captivating sight. The dancers are selected from the nearby primary school of Molatedi Village, one of our nearest community partners.

The Morukuru Family, strives to support and encourage this local community at every given opportunity. The school children who perform the richly colorful and entertaining dances, provide such an occasion for our visitors to also support and encourage these talented youngesters through a small contribution.

BIRDWATCHING – MADIKWE
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’.

Game drives are certainly enriched when guests show a keen interest and appreciation in the birdlife. On request your staff can set up a romantic starlit sleepover at the Morukuru bird hide, providing you with an elevated vantage from which to view the dawn.

BUSHWALKS – MADIKWE
Traversing the reserve in a comfortable safari vehicle allows one to cover thousands of kilometers in search of exhilarating game sightings, but for a true taste of Africa nothing beats being on foot in the midst of the wilderness.

On a bushwalk you smell, see and hear so much more, and getting up close and personal with insects and plants, with a ranger explaining their survival techniques, can be fascinating (such as the Acacia robusta’s ability to let off a stinky pheromone when it senses an animal grazing on its leaves!).

Bushwalks in Madikwe are not for the fainthearted however – you are on foot in a wilderness area where predators roam free.

You are of course protected by the presence of your fully armed ranger and the bush knowledge of your tracker, but to be on the safe side children under the age of 16 may not participate in bush walks and for those over the ages of 60 require a doctor’s certificate of good health.

Alternatively a stroll through the near by 100 hectare fenced in area home to general game can be enjoyed by the entire family subject to availabily. Bush walks are also limited to a maximum of eight people.

Note: Bushwalks at Ocean House do not require armed guides and are open to all ages with no limit on numbers.

MASSAGES – MADIKWE
Peace, lulled to a deep, alpha state by the gurgling waters of the Marico River and the somnambulant calls of riverside birdlife. Guests can give in to total indulgence and relaxation with one of the Morukuru Massages in the Sala Area, built as a treatment spot, overlooking the water.

All worries and everyday concerns simply melt away as the tension leaves one, with soothing aromatherapy and carrier oils, in this bush idyll. Here, what sort of massage to treat oneself with, really, can be the biggest concern of the day.

The best moments in life are the ones when we feel most connected to self in harmony with nature and the world around us. Morukuru carefully selected Africology as the product line used throughout our relaxing Spa Treatments.

Africology uses only organic ingredients with their products free from toxic chemicals, including dangerous preservatives.

At a location of your choice within your personal villa, be it the sala overlooking the Marico River, the deck of your room or by the pool enjoying the sounds of nature whilst relaxing with a treatment of your choosing.

GAME DRIVES – MADIKWE
Hop onto your private vehicle at a timing of your choosing and head out for the ultimate safari adventure. With your personal experienced guide and tracker enter the beauty of Madikwe home to the Big 5, Wild Dogs, 350 bird species and other wonders.

Every game drive is equipped with a variety of snacks and drinks so on crisp mornings watch the sunrise whilst wrapping your fingers around a hot drink and be in awe of the nature that surrounds you.

For evening game drives enjoy the sunset that engulfs the African skies revealing a sheath of colour and warmth with a gin and tonic in hand. As the only guests on the vehicle, game drives are tailored to your preferences.

Website: www.morukuru.com

Rooms: 10

Price: from 1.400 EUR per night