Molori Safari, located in the 75 000-hectare, malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, has long been recognised as one of South Africa’s most luxurious game lodges.
With us, you will experience the very best of what it means to be on safari, from exhilarating game drives where you will encounter Africa’s large mammals – including the Big 5 and Super 7 – to bespoke service that speaks to the generous and hospitable spirit of our dynamic continent.
On top of your luxury private suite, the main lodge also has plenty to offer the discerning traveller: A library, a hide & whiskey bar, an on-site spa, multiple viewing decks, swimming pools and, most notably for those who are interested in studying the night sky, an observatory.
The very word ‘Molori’ means ‘to dream’ in the local language of seTswana, and we can think of no activity more dream-like than stargazing.
Our Stargazing Facilities
One of the features that sets Molori Safari apart from other luxury lodges in the Madikwe Game Reserve is our observatory with a fully retractable roof.
It is equipped with one of the largest privately-owned telescopes in Southern Africa (16” Meade Schmidt Cassegrain), allowing guests to observe the celestial bodies of the night sky in stunning detail.
The Southern Cross, Orion the Hunter, Scorpius, Leo, Pegasus, and the Jewel Box cluster are just some of the star formations easily visible from our prime position in the bush, where a lack of light pollution greatly enhances visibility – even without the assistance of a telescope!
Our stargazing experience is deepened by our qualified guides who not only have extensive knowledge of the Southern African night sky, but are also excellent storytellers, weaving in tales of ancient African starlore that adds a cultural depth to the overall experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or simply a curious traveller looking to soak up new experiences, Molori Safari’s observatory enables an unforgettable journey through the stars, connecting you with both the natural world around you and the rich cultural history of Africa.
Chatting to Our Guides
Our guides are a veritable fountain of knowledge about the bush, having dedicated their lives to understanding this landscape and the animals that call it home.
All three of our guides have completed an advanced astronomy course to better facilitate and inform our guests’ stargazing experience.
Below we catch up with John D to learn a bit more about his journey with astronomy.
Q&A
When do you first remember being drawn to the night sky?
From the age of 9, I would sit out in the lelapa (courtyard) with my grandfather after sunset, eating dinner. Afterward, he pointed out the stars the Tswana people use for different seasons and the beliefs we hold around the various moon phases.
Could you give us an example?
In seTswana we believe that the four stars of the Southern Cross symbolise lionesses on the hunt as they move towards Sagittarius’ constellation. The two pointers are male lions following the females as they hunt.
You recently completed a course in advanced astronomy. What did you learn?
We focused mainly on light. Everything that we see in the night sky is light that is either reflected, refracted, generated or absorbed by other celestial bodies.
Describe the stargazing experience at Molori Safari.
It begins with one of the guides setting up the observatory before the guests’ arrival. Molori Safari boasts the biggest telescope in the Madikwe Game Reserve and one of the biggest privately-owned telescopes in South Africa (a 16” Meade Schmidt Cassegrain).
The observatory is a fascinating facility with a fully retractable roof that exposes our catadioptric telescope to the night sky.
Once the telescope has been set up, guests are welcomed with beverages and given a moment to settle in. We start by switching off all the lights, allowing guests to experience ‘nothingness’ and give their eyes a chance to secrete rhodopsin – a protein in the retina that brings forth photosensitive rods. These rods enhance our night vision.
One of our trained guides will do an introductory talk about our spiral galaxy and solar system. Constellations, planets and deep sky objects are pointed out using a laser pointer. Finally, we all take turns looking at celestial bodies through the powerful telescope.
What’s your favourite part about this experience?
I love seeing guests’ reactions to the many stars in the night sky in Madikwe Game Reserve – it still gives me goosebumps! It’s also wonderful to see the planets in detail, as well as the moon’s surface, the Milky Way, constellations and meteors. Adding to that, there is something special about the complete darkness of the night in the bush and I like to take a few moments to appreciate that ‘nothingness,’ especially when it’s accompanied by the sounds of nocturnal animals.
Have you witnessed anything noteworthy lately?
We recently witnessed a C2023 A 3 comet passing Earth in mid-October. It only comes past once every 80 000 years, so that was pretty special. We didn’t see it through the telescope; we were lucky enough to see it while out on a game drive with guests!
Is anything exciting happening in the heavens in the upcoming weeks?
On 7 December 2024, Jupiter will be at a point on its orbit where it is closest to Earth. During this time we should be able to see its cloud bands and at least four of its larger moons.
Stay With Us
At Molori Safari, every moment is an opportunity to connect with nature, from thrilling game drives to unforgettable stargazing. With our expert guides and world-class amenities, we offer a safari experience unlike any other.
Browse our luxury suites before getting in touch with our friendly reservations team at reservations@molorisafari.com to assist you with your booking.
Alternatively, make use of our online booking platform to secure your own dates.
Whether you’re exploring the wild or gazing at the stars, we invite you to come and dream with us.
