More than just another safari, from the Morukuru Family
These indulgent South African escapes includes expertly-designed accommodations, conservation efforts, safari excursions, and an unparalleled art collection.
Morukuru Family is a luxury hospitality group, that started in 2005 and strongly believes in giving back to Africa and its wildlife, in the form of preservation and conservation, and to the local communities through education, empowerment and encouragement. And yes it’s true, that is easy to say and many many of these lodges and safaris say that - but I found in my time at Morukuru that they are ACTUALLY doing the work, not just paying lip service or conservation-washing. These people are putting in the hard work that South Africa needs.
Morukuru Family has a property in Johannesburg (AtholPlace Hotel & Villa), three properties in Madikwe Game Reserve (Morukuru Owner’s House, Morukuru River House, Morukuru Farm House), and two properties in De Hoop Nature Reserve (Morukuru Ocean House, Morukuru Beach Lodge). Plus they are part of the esteemed Relais & Châteaux collection.
Located in two environmentally sensitive locations
Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province, is a 75 000-hectare partnership by tourism stakeholders North West Parks and Tourism Board, local communities, and private sector. ‘Operation Phoenix’ in 1992 saw entire breeding herds of elephant, Cape buffalo, black and white rhino, along with various antelope and predator species including lion, cheetah, spotted hyena, and critically endangered African wild dog relocated to Madikwe Game Reserve. Madikwe is home to the ‘Magnificent Seven’ namely the Big Five, cheetah, African wild dog, 350 bird species and, staggering biodiversity. And let me tell you, it’s gorgeous. Every morning Michael and I would wake up with the elephants…
On the other side of the spectrum is De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape is 34, 000 hectares of fynbos, beaches, dunes and vlei wetlands, flanked by the Potberg Mountains and the Indian Ocean, and under the management of CapeNature. This is very close to where I have spent my entire childhood going on beach vacation at our family holiday home. So the area feels like a second skin to me.
This specific reserve is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of six Floral Kingdoms of the World, with fynbos and renosterveld, and hosts a diversity of animal species and birdlife. It is also a World Heritage Site and critically important Marine Protected Area. One of the largest congregations of migrating southern right whales visit the shores of De Hoop from Antarctica to mate and calve, and it offers sanctuary to Bryde’s whales and the rare humpback whale plus pods of dolphins, all regular visitors to this Marine Protected Area. And guess what, I have seen them all over decades of my life.
Morukuru Family De Hoop and Morukuru Family Madikwe operate off-grid, using solar power alone. Combined with intelligent grey water systems, and numerous sustainability initiatives, their footprint upon these fragile ecosystems remains as light and sustainable as humanly possible.
They are also involved in various wildlife and community projects related to the reserves: assistance with Parks Board in projects like darting, collaring and relocation activities; rhino anti-poaching support; supporting the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation in turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and research; leopard monitoring at De Hoop with Landmark Foundation, removing alien vegetation in both reserves; coastal clean-up initiatives and recycling; support of Molatedi School (Madikwe) and OuPlaas EK Primary School (De Hoop). .
Guests can become a part of the work, by voluntarily donating goods or funds towards any of the projects through Morukuru Goodwill Foundation. They are also part of the Pack for a Purpose global initiative.
It is also possible for guests to be involved in some of the nature conservation projects through the Safaris with a Purpose and Coastal Conservation with a Purpose travel packages.
In Madikwe Game Reserve they have been actively involved in anti-poaching, relocation and rewilding projects and support of invaluable research. They participate in rhino notching and specialist projects working with lion, wild dog, and cheetah. These initiatives include inspecting the animal collars, collecting DNA samples, and assessing if any further check-ups are needed.
Morukuru Goodwill Foundation has partnered with the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, specifically for their Turtle Conservation program. They have sponsored turtle rescue signage in De Hoop Nature Reserve, as well as rescue and rehab at their Turtle centre, and a satellite tag for tracking of a released green turtle, Bheni. Nori is their next sponsored candidate for release. They have witnessed firsthand the impact of micro plastic on turtles with many dying because of intestinal blockages so playing their part is critical.
Guests, and day visitors, to De Hoop Nature Reserve are encouraged to keep the coastline clean through annual beach clean-up weekends and a Plastics 4 Coffee initiative at their restaurant Bites Beach Café.
They recognise the importance of local communities in the tourism value chain. By sourcing goods and services locally, hiring staff from nearby communities, and supporting education and healthcare initiatives, they aim to ensure that the benefits of tourism are felt by all. They believe our guests gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of the region through their interactions with our staff and our community projects
And here is a little background – Morukuru Goodwill Foundation
Owners, Ed & Anka Zeeman (from the Netherlands) started Morukuru Family in Madikwe Game Reserve in 2005, they immediately began supporting nature conservation in partnership with North West Parks Board and they also forged strong relationships with the nearby village of Molatedi.
They then founded Morukuru Goodwill Foundation (MGWF) in 2007 as a non-profit charity aligned with Morukuru Family. Morukuru Goodwill Foundation also got involved with the De Hoop Nature Reserve in 2010, offering financial support to the reserve, making sure it would be preserved for future generations. Following very strict building regulations as set out by Cape Nature, the 4-bedroom exclusive-use Morukuru Ocean House was opened in 2014, followed by the 5-suite Morukuru Beach Lodge in 2018.
Both properties are fully off-grid, relying on solar power and borehole water. Local materials were used for the construction and fynbos was removed and re-planted on the roof of Morukuru Ocean House.
When designing Morukuru Beach Lodge to fit the exact footprint of an old farmstead at Koppie Alleen, the architect had to work around a protected Milkwood tree that could not be cut or harmed in any way.
So you’re ready to book, aren’t you? Start with Morukuru Family Madikwe, where luxury design meets nature.
You may have been to South Africa—and you may have been on an ultra-luxurious safari in “the bush”—but have you found yourself far from the crowds in a private villa? Surrounded by nature and carefully curated art and design items? Here Morukuru Family Madikwe shines.
Beyond the obvious hotel accommodation, the property offers something unique: a collection of three exclusive-use private safari villas (with splendid staff to take care of every need, like a private message or a wilderness picnic under the stars, no less). On over 18,000 private acres in the North West Province of South Africa, Morukuru Family Madikwe also offers the Madikwe Game Reserve, located just an hour charter flight away from Johannesburg.
Courtesy of Morukuru Family Madikwe
Expertly-Design Accommodations
The Morukuru private concession offers three choices for where to sleep. First up is the Owner’s House, which melds contemporary European style with African flair. Think minimalist design imbued with elements of natural wood and stone, encouraging inside-outside living that’s perfect as you luxuriate and sprawl. Next is the River House—a luxury three-bedroom safari house that is perched on the banks of the main perennial Marico River, perfect for watching animals. Last but certainly not least, the newest of the trio—right over the mountain from its sister exclusive-use safari houses—is the Farm House. A five-bedroom homestead, it’s designed by the interior designer Janine Butter. Here, a warm respite is complete with a neutral palette and interesting bespoke Afro-chic accents.
Courtesy of Morukuru Family Madikwe
An Art Collection at Morukuru Family Madikwe
The owners of Morukuru Family are avid art and design collectors, and have filled each space with carefully-curated elements to enjoy. Inside the Owner’s House, art from all over the country is seen, including craftwork by Solomon Omogboye, paintings by Leon Muller, a custom-designed leather chandelier by Highthorn, and a sculpture by Anton Momberg. In the River House, guests can find a custom-designed solid oak coffee table by Umdabu and a handmade beaded chandelier in mustard hues by Mash.T Design Studio. And at the Farm House, work by Teboho Makoatsa shines, as does another beaded chandelier by Mash.T Design Studio.
Courtesy of Morukuru Family Madikwe.
Luxury Rooted in Conservation and Philanthropy
“Going to the bush,” as they say in South Africa, is about seeing incredible wild animals up close and personal—but it is also a way to set a mindful foot into the influential realm of conservation. Morukuru Family follows the “low impact, high yield” principle of eco-tourism, causing minimal disturbance to the environment in its operations. By providing guests an opportunity to experience these special places, while contributing to their crucial protection, the company’s important concept is to involve people in conservation work or in community initiatives through immersive experiences. Madikwe is, for instance, home to elephants, Cape buffalos, black and white rhinos, and various antelope and predator species, like lions, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, and the critically endangered African wild dog. This is where Morukuru’s “Safaris with a Purpose” program was born, with animal relocation and tagging operations offered to guests, too.
How to Plan Your Trip
It is true that you go on a safari year-round, however choosing the exact time of year will influence what animals you will be able to see, and what kind of weather you will be glorying in. For Southern Africa, the dry season, May through October, is prime for game-viewing thrills, as the animals habitually congregate at watering holes for social and predatory reasons. However, in the wetter parts of the year, animals are giving birth and it is idyllic for bird watching.
There are often small bush planes to hop around, so first of all, packing light is sensible. A hat with a wide brim is likely the most important item to pack, as the sun is tenacious—but glorious. Wintertime requires a few comfortable layers. You will be happier on the early morning game drives, and for the evenings sitting around a bonfire. For summer, it can get rather warm, so think of light jackets, flip-flops, and natural fabrics. For bush walks, a boot with ankle support is always a good idea. Most lodges are well equipped with bug repellant, water bottles, sunscreens, and more, so save room in your bag for some handmade crafts to take home.
On a South African safari, the abundant variety is wondrous—besides the “big five,” which includes lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and African buffalo—including wild dogs, meerkats, giraffes, and cheetahs. Keep your eyes peeled.
Early mornings are when the bush is very active, as animals migrate, hunt, or stroll about looking for fun, so be prepared to rise before the sun and hop on a game drive. The African bush has its own rhythm—a meditation, if you will. Allow time away from schedules and deadlines comes with a reward, and the bush is the place to embrace exactly that. There will be a moment when you’re sitting under the stars, around the boma (a sort of fire pit), listening to the wilderness all around you. This will ineluctably render a reflection on our inch-perfect cycle of life.
