Raising the Luxe Bar ~ Molori Safari Lodge, Madikwe, South Africa

By Dian Hasan | October 4, 2009

Of late, discerning travelers who yearn for an African Safari have been spoiled for choice. A smattering of new luxury lodges have been sprouting like mushrooms in the rainy season across Africa’s Safari Destinations. Private villas with pools, personal butlers & chefs, designer linen & furniture, luxury spa & wellness treatments, philates & yoga, and exotic gourmet cuisine, are quickly becoming the norm.

A clear departure from classic turn-of-the-century Country Club-like safari accommodation of the past. Collectively referred to as “Bush Chic” these new lodges not only are fluent in both luxury and eco-responsibility. A clear inspiration from Asian Luxury Villas. Molori Safari Lodge is one fine addition to the brood.

The word Molori means “To Dream” in the local Setswana language, a tribe from this part of South Africa, which perfectly embodies the image of Molori Safari Lodge, South Africa’s latest offering of Luxury Safari Accommodation, that has raised the luxe game a few notches.

Located 400 kms northwest of Johannesburg in South Africa’s Northwest Province, Molori sits in a reserve close to the Botswana border, offering a views of the magnificent  views of the Dwarsberg Mountains and the expansive valley.

South Africa’s Molori Safari Lodge is the epitome of the new luxury safari style. Situated on a 185,000-acre game reserve on the border with Botswana, the lodge features five luxe bungalows with spacious wooden decks, private infinity pools and floor-to-ceiling fully retractable glass walls. A staff of 44, including a chef serving local delicacies like pan roasted gazelle, looks after a maximum of 14 guests. Upon arrival the Lodge’s butler unpacks your bags, presses your safari suit, provides a selection of Aqua di Parma toiletries and stocks each suite with an assortment of homemade cured meats and dried fruit. Up at the main lodge a well-stocked library also features a great selection of whisky, brandy and cigars, while the wine cellar is of course stocked with the finest South African vintages. There’s also one of the largest private telescopes in southern Africa as well as a holistic indoor-outdoor spa.

Inspiration: Luxist & Duncan Quinn