Located in the heart of the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa, the Molori Safari Lodge is a luxurious five-suite game lodge and a retreat. The creators/owners of the lodge are Kirk Lazarus and Ivor Ichikowitz. The lodge was built in 2002 in the middle of the 75,000ha Madikwe Game Reserve located 400km away from Johannesburg, South Africa on the borders of Botswana.
The lodge is spread across in 36.4ha area, consists of five suites and a main lodge, and can accommodate a total of 14 guests.
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In 2007, the lodge owners decided to open it to the public, (before which it was used only by the owners) and undertook a complete renovation. It was officially opened to the public in October 2008.
Accommodation
The lodge houses two premier suites, two presidential suites and an executive suite. Apart from these, there is also a main lodge.
The Ngwedi and Lesedi suites are the two premier suites in the lodge. The 232m² Ngwedi suite can accommodate two people. The interior furniture of the suite has been selected eclectically including a contemporary chair by Kenneth Kobonpue and a rustic bench from Belguim. A free-standing copper bath is unique to the Ngwedi suite. The Lesedi suite is also 232m² in area and can accommodate two people. Handcrafted furnishings, stone clad fireplace, porcelain claw-footed bathtub and outdoor shower are some of the highlights in this suite.
The single executive Sephiri suite is 307m² in area and accommodates four people. The suite is designed in a neutral colour palate and showcases custom contemporary furniture. Unique to the Sephiri suite is a bedroom on the second floor, which is provided with a separate entrance, a private bathroom and a terrace.
Metsi is a presidential suite spread across 593m². It features a Saligna wood deck, private infinity pool, jacuzzi and an alfresco dining area. The suite encompasses a formal dining room, a living room, lounge area, library, office, master bedroom and walk-in dressing room, rim-flow bath and outdoor shower.
The other presidential suite, Molelo, is a two-bedroom suite with attached private bathroom and accommodates four people. The suite is equipped with dining area, a service kitchen, spacious lounge, a walk-in closet, a rim-flow bath, an outdoor shower, a private infinity pool and jacuzzi.
VIP airport handling with expedited customs clearance and helicopter arrangements are offered for the guests. The main lodge features a large living room, four dining areas, a library and a bar. Butlers are provided in presidential suites.
In-room amenities
Kirk Lazarus crafted local-chic interiors and furniture by Fendi, Kenneth Cobonpue and Philipp Plein are featured inside each suite. Telescopes, Bose iPod docking systems, espresso machines, wireless internet, portable DVD players and mini-bars are the other amenities provided.
All the five air-conditioning suites are equipped with floor-to-ceiling retractable glass walls, indoor and outdoor showers, free-standing baths, custom furniture, indoor/outdoor dining options and mini-bars.
The Metsi suite also provides a flatscreen TV, DVD player and National Geographic magazine collection dating back to the 1940s.
The Molelo suite also features a satellite TV with DVD player and National Geographic magazines dating back to the 1940s.
Dining facilities
The finest international and South African wines are selected to go with the dining. Brunch is available either on the star deck overlooking the waterhole or at the al fresco dining area, in the main lodge. There is a South African braai – or barbeque – in Boma and there is also a multicourse meal offered in the formal dining room.
Golf and other entertainment facilities
A stay at the Molori Safari Lodge includes meals, soft drinks, local alcoholic beverages, laundry and wireless internet. The suites and the main lodge are both open to the twin infinity pools and a heated jacuzzi located outdoor.
The lodge provides game walks and drives – adventures by foot or vehicle accompanied with specially trained guides. Two game drives per day, game reserve entrance fees and tourism levies, use of fitness centre, sauna and steam room, and transfers to and from the airstrip are included as well.
The Madikwe reserve consists of several prides of lion, large herds of elephant, black and white rhino, countless buffalo and more than 340 bird species. It is also home to the endangered cheetah and the brown hyena. The game drives at night exhibit active nocturnal wildlife, which includes the leopard, and safari walks with guides give the guests experience of bush tracking.
Stargazing is provided at the lodge’s planetarium with a fully automatic digital telescope, one of the largest privately owned telescopes in southern Africa.
Culinary classes from the expertly trained chefs are available for one-on-one cooking sessions. Cooking classes can be booked 24 hours in advance. Fishing can be done in some spots in the Groot Marico River which runs through the park.
The lodge also features a spa, golf course and a fitness centre. The fitness centre is air-conditioned and is well equipped with all the required machinery and yoga equipment. There are also a steam room and a sauna available at the lodge.
The spa
The spa features various massage and aromatherapy treatments in an environment co peaceful music, contemporary décor, and indigenous incense. The spa services can be availed either in the serene treatment room, outdoors on daybeds, or in the bush massage area. Guests can also enjoy private spa treatments in their own suites.
