Category: Blog
An Armchair Safari at Molori Mashuma, Mana Pools
An armchair safari is exactly what it sounds like. No vehicle. No rush. No chasing the next sighting. Just you, settled into a chair on a shaded deck, watching the wild go about its business. It’s safari at a gentler pace, where the front-row seat is built into camp and nature sets the schedule.
At Molori Mashuma, this way of safari feels entirely instinctive. Set on the edge of Mashuma Pan within a private concession of Mana Pools National Park, the camp is positioned so that the landscape does the moving. Animals come and go throughout the day, light shifts across the pan, and life unfolds in front of you while you simply remain still.
This is not a replacement for game drives, but a quiet counterbalance to them. It’s often the in-between moments – the unscripted encounters – that stay with you longest.
The Joy of Staying Still | Mashuma Pan
The outdoor decks at Molori Mashuma overlook Mashuma Pan, a natural magnet for wildlife, particularly in the dry season when water becomes scarce elsewhere. From this elevated yet intimate vantage point, the pan is rarely empty.
Elephants are frequent visitors, often wading through the shallows or approaching close enough that you can hear water dripping from their trunks. Buffalo arrive in numbers, shifting and grunting as they drink, while zebra and impala gather cautiously at the water’s edge, ever alert to what might be watching from the tree line.
Predators follow the rhythm of the pan, too. In the softer light of early morning or as dusk settles, lions may appear to drink, their presence changing the mood instantly as antelope scatter. Leopards, more elusive but no less present, are known to move quietly through the area, sometimes revealed only by alarm calls or a fleeting silhouette reflected in the water.
The pan also draws smaller, equally captivating characters. Warthogs trot in with tails raised, baboons gather noisily nearby, and bushbuck and kudu step delicately out from cover. Birdlife is constant and varied – from kingfishers darting across the surface to herons, storks and eagles scanning the shallows for opportunity.
What makes the experience extraordinary is proximity. You are not watching from afar or through binoculars from a vehicle. You are level with the wild, sharing the same space. Conversations soften. Time stretches. You may arrive on the deck intending to stay for a moment, only to realise hours have passed.
Stay With Us
Mana Pools is renowned for its raw beauty and remote feel – a place where safari is not measured by distance travelled, but by how deeply you settle into your surroundings. At Molori Mashuma, this sense of stillness comes naturally. So we invite you to sit down, look out and stay awhile.
Let’s Chat About Your Safari
M: +27 (0) 82 613 5723
E: reservations@molorisafari.com
5 Lessons We Can Learn From Nature
The wilderness is a wonderful teacher: Ancient, patient, and infinitely wise.
At Molori Safari, in South Africa’s Madikwe Game Reserve, and Molori Mashuma, in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, we are confronted with numerous lessons every day, which we strive to weave into our ethos as a collection. During your stay, you may find that nature’s teachings touch you, too.
Here are five lessons from the wild to consider before joining us on the safari of a lifetime in two of Africa’s most remote and pristine landscapes.
Lesson 1: Patience Is A Virtue
It’s like the old saying goes…
A leopard waits in the tall grass, tail tip twitching. Her muscles are coiled, but her breathing steady – eyes fixed on the impala grazing ahead, waiting for her moment to pounce. In this waiting lies a quiet form of intelligence, an understanding that timing is everything. The wild is never in a hurry; it knows that life unfolds at its own pace.
At both Molori Safari and Molori Mashuma, patience is felt in the unhurried rhythm of the day. Our guests learn, without realising it, that anticipating a sighting can be as rewarding as the event itself!
Lesson 2: Adaptation
When the rains fall in Mana Pools, the landscape transforms almost overnight. Dust becomes delta, and dry channels fill with streams of water. All the animals of this wilderness must learn to navigate the shifting terrain and they do so beautifully and without complaint. Adaptability isn’t a choice here; it’s a way of being.
So too, in the Madikwe Game Reserve, where seasons shape guest experiences, the summer rains bring green foliage and newborns finding their feet, while winter sharpens the air and draws wildlife to waterholes. Nature never resists change. It bends, adjusts, and begins again.
This is one of the quiet lessons of the bush: Harmony requires movement and change, not stagnation.
Lesson 3: Depending On Others
In both Madikwe and Mana Pools, survival depends on connection. The river feeds the soil, the soil nourishes the grass, the grass sustains the herds, and the predators, in turn, keep the herds’ numbers under control. Every life touches another. Even the smallest termite creates a mound that shapes the landscape.
Molori Private Collection’s philosophy mirrors this interdependence. Each experience, from our bespoke furnishings to the conservation initiatives in which we participate, exist in tandem with the environment. In recognising this web of relationships, guests begin to sense how their own well-being is connected to the endurance of natural spaces like those in which our lodges are located.
Lesson 4: Find Stillness
In a world like ours, silence is rare and priceless, but in the bush, there is plenty of it to be found. We hope you find a moment to be still during your safari with us – it offers true clarity of mind.
In the absence of speech and man-made sound, you will begin to notice other things, like the soft lap of water against the bank of the pan at Molori Mashuma, or the slow appearance of stars overhead at Molori Safari. These moments hold the kind of peace that no luxurious amenities can manufacture. It’s all Mother Nature…
Lesson 5: Reinvention & Renewal
After a veld fire, green shoots push up through the charred ground. After drought, there is migration. The wild renews itself constantly, not by erasing what was, but by moving forward and incorporating the old with the new.
What a lesson to carry forward in our own lives.
Stay With Us
For those who seek the best South African safari, perhaps the truest luxury lies not in what’s seen, but in what’s felt, the gradual softening of pace, the quiet return to presence. A safari at Molori Safari or Molori Mashuma is more than an encounter with wildlife; it’s an invitation to incorporate the lessons of nature into your everyday life.
If you’re eager to book your next safari, get in touch with our reservations team at reservations@molorisafari.com – they would be more than happy to assist with securing dates at either of our properties.
Alternatively, make use of our online booking platform to book your own stay.
We cannot wait to welcome you to the wild spaces of southern Africa!
Why Madikwe is Perfect for a Family Safari
When you dream of an African family safari, you might imagine wide-open bushveld, thrilling wildlife encounters, and moments of wonder shared across generations. What you may not realise is that not all safari destinations are equally suited to children.
For those seeking both adventure and peace of mind, Madikwe Game Reserve offers one of the best family safari experiences in Southern Africa, and our lodge, Molori Safari, provides an unrivalled base from which to enjoy it!
Here’s why…
Malaria-Free Peace of Mind
Travel with children often comes with an added layer of concern for their safety and well-being. One of the greatest advantages of visiting Madikwe South Africa is that it is entirely malaria-free, which means families can relax and immerse themselves in the experience without the added worry of health precautions.
At Molori Safari, parents are able to focus on making memories with their children, knowing the environment is as safe as it is spectacular.
Easy Access from Johannesburg
Logistics matter when travelling with children, and Madikwe South Africa makes it simple. The reserve lies just a short flight or 4 to 5 hour drive from Johannesburg, sparing families the hassle of long transfers or complicated connections. Molori Safari’s team can arrange seamless transfers directly to our private air strip, if so desired, ensuring that the journey is as smooth as possible for all involved.
Adventures Tailored to Young Explorers
At Molori Safari, children are not only welcomed but celebrated as explorers in their own right. Through our Molori Explorers Programme, younger guests step into a world of adventure and discovery, guided by rangers who love sharing their knowledge of the bush with keen little minds.
Molori Explorers enjoy hands-on experiences like identifying spoor, trying their hand at traditional fire-making, or baking and pizza-making alongside our chefs. For quieter moments, there’s fishing, games, and creative expression, ensuring that every child finds their own way to connect with the wilderness. At Molori Safari, these interactive experiences keep young adventurers engaged, enabling mom and dad to relax and maybe even find time for an afternoon nap!
Learning Through the Wild
Safaris are powerful classrooms, and Madikwe provides endless lessons under the open sky – a world away from screens and smart technology. Here, children come to understand animal behaviour, predator-prey dynamics, and the delicate balance of ecosystems, not through reading, but by seeing; watching elephants at a waterhole or following a trail of pawprints in the dust.
At Molori Safari, our guides are skilled storytellers who share these lessons in ways that captivate young minds, sparking a sense of responsibility and respect for the natural world.
Family-Friendly Luxury at Molori Safari
While the wilderness offers adventure, Molori Safari ensures families have the perfect retreat to return to.
Little ones are happy to be where mom and dad are, but us older folks tend to be slightly more discerning, which isn’t a problem at Molori Safari, where our main lodge and suites are among the most luxurious you’ll find in South Africa.
Our lodge’s family-friendly accommodation options provide privacy and space, while amenities like pools, a hide, a library, and an on-site spa allow everyone to relax in their own way. Meals are flexible and thoughtfully prepared, with options that cater to both adventurous palates and younger, fussier eaters. The Molori Safari team excels at creating an atmosphere where both parents and children feel at home, enveloped in luxury, yet grounded in personalised care.
Stay With Us
At Molori Safari in Madikwe South Africa, every detail is designed to make a family safari not just a holiday, but a shared memory to cherish for years to come.
Whether it be watching a lion pride at dusk, sharing stories around a fire, or gazing at a canopy of stars, these are the moments that linger long after the journey ends.
Get in touch with our helpful team at reservations@molorisafari.com to secure your family vacation dates. Alternatively, feel free to enquire online and one of our team members will be in touch to help you plan the getaway of a lifetime.
We look forward to welcoming you and yours to the Madikwe Game Reserve!
NOTE: All images are credited to @lifers_and_lodges.
The Symbolism of Africa’s Iconic Baobab Tree
Whether you are or aren’t familiar with the African continent, the odds of your having seen a baobab tree – at least in silhouette on a photograph – are excellent! You know the one we’re talking about; it has a fat trunk with branches resembling roots twisting skywards – as if the entire tree was planted upside down.
Across Africa, the baobab has long held a special place in the lives and imaginations of those who live alongside it. For guests of Molori Mashuma in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, encountering a baobab in the wild is often a quiet moment of deep enjoyment; a brush with something enduring. This may sound odd, but just you wait – there’s no denying that these trees are true sentinels of the bush.
But what does the baobab truly represent? What stories and meanings have grown alongside it?
Below we’ll explore the symbolism of a true African icon.
The Tree Of Life
The African baobab (Adansonia digitata) is unmistakable. Towering and gnarled, it often stands alone, silhouetted against the horizon. Astonishingly, baobabs can live for more than a thousand years; with some estimated at 3000 years old. (Perhaps this longevity adds to their mystique…) In dry climates, this tree stores water in its trunk, allowing it to survive long periods of drought. The baobab’s bark regenerates after damage and its leaves fall in the dry season (another water-saving technique), which gives it that upside-down appearance that has inspired so many myths.
To see one in the bush, perhaps on a morning drive from Molori Mashuma, is to witness nature’s endurance in action. Sometimes the wild is loud and mighty, but in the case of the baobab, stillness and resilience reign supreme!
For centuries, the baobab has stood at the centre of African storytelling and belief. In one tale, the gods, angered by the tree’s pride, planted it upside down. (Hence the root-like-branches.) In others, the hollow trunks are said to house spirits; a place where the living can connect with their ancestors in the spirit realm. Among the Shona people of Zimbabwe, baobabs are sacred, and it is frowned upon to cut them down. In parts of West Africa, they’re community anchors; places of gathering, storytelling, and ceremony.
The baobab’s symbolism isn’t only spiritual, it’s practical, too. Often called the “Tree of Life,” it offers sustenance, shelter, and medicine. Its nutrient-rich fruit is now recognised globally as a superfood and its bark has been used for rope and cloth.
Beneath the Baobabs
In Mana Pools, baobab trees are part of the landscape as much as the elephants that wander between them. Their broad silhouettes stand out against the horizon, and when the sun begins to sink, their long shadows and twisting forms make for unforgettable photographs.
On our private concession, a few of these giants hold a special place. One in particular has become a favourite sunset spot, ideal for enjoying a sundowner while capturing the soft evening light. They also form the natural backdrop for our bush dinners, where guests dine under the stars, often with a full moon casting its glow across the scene. It’s hard to imagine a more atmospheric setting.
Our guides love sharing the stories and traditions tied to baobabs, weaving humour and history into tales that make these trees feel even more alive. Many guests also choose to join a guided ‘tree walk,’ a gentle and rewarding way to get up close, learn more about their significance, and, of course, take some incredible photos.
These experiences aren’t just about the trees themselves, they’re about the moments they create. A guide pausing to tell a story, a photographer catching the last light, or a guest simply standing still and realising that this memory will stay with them long after the safari ends.
This is the unique presence of the baobab, an icon of the African landscape, and one of the many reasons a safari here feels so special.
Stay With Us
While lions roar and wild dogs race through the bush, it’s often the quiet moments that resonate with us the longest after our safari has come to a close; the hush before dawn, nighttime sounds while we’re lying in bed, the silent outline of a baobab at dusk…
These are the moments that stay with us.
To book your stay at Molori Mashuma, get in touch with our reservations team at reservations@molorisafari.com or make use of our online booking platform.
We can’t wait to share the magic of the bush, and the baobab, with you!
A Look Inside The Tented Suites At Molori Mashuma
If you’re looking for a bucket list safari experience, you couldn’t ask for a better destination than Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the far north of Zimbabwe – famous for being remote and untouched.
It is here, on a private concession, that we have located our tented camp, Molori Mashuma, a Mana Pools accommodation option offering guests an unparalleled luxury safari experience in one of the wildest places on Earth.
Our tented suites, of which there are only six – 2 Villa-Style Tented Suites (2 bedrooms) and 4 Premier Tented Suites (1 bedroom) – provide an intimate connection with the surrounding environment as well as a serene and lavish space to unwind after a day of being out on the reserve.
Allow us to take you on a tour of these extraordinary suites – where style, comfort, and nature meet…
The Layout Of The Land
Each of the 6 luxury tented suites at Molori Mashuma are designed to provide a true sanctuary in the wild, all while allowing you to be fully immersed in the breathtaking landscapes of Mana Pools.
For families or friends travelling together, the Villa-Style Tented Suites offer a generous accommodation option in the form of 2 mirroring en-suite bedrooms leading into a shared living space and large private deck (192m²) with a plunge pool. The spacious bedrooms are designed to offer ample room for relaxation, while the shared living area is perfect for quality time together.
Couples seeking a more intimate experience can retreat to one of the 4 Premier Tented Suites. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or savouring a quiet evening indoors, each area is designed with relaxation and romance in mind. These suites also feature a private deck and plunge pool.
All of our suites are oversized, air-conditioned and balance a quintessential, old-world safari feel with modern luxuries. Note the striking combination of soft linens, plush furnishings and bespoke design elements.
The colour schemes throughout tie in with the surrounding environment’s muted palette and golden hues, but remain fresh and bright enough to surprise!
In the words of our design team from Hesse Kleinloog Studio – a “planned paradox” – speaking to the contrast of decadent luxury in the heart of the remote bush.
Staying Connected To The Wild
When staying in Mana Pools, you want to know you’re staying in Mana Pools! Every tented suite has therefore been carefully positioned along the banks of Mashuma Pan to offer unobstructed views of the surrounding wilderness.
The expansive deck areas extend towards the pan, making these spaces ideal for game viewing. Guests can indulge in the luxury of an “armchair safari”, observing some of Africa’s most iconic species, whether it’s a family of elephants grazing on the pan’s edge or a pride of lions drinking in the evening, from the comfort of their suites.
(At times, animals like elephants will wander right up to one of the decks, curiously sniffing around and eyeing out these strange creatures in their habitat.)
The seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living is one of the key elements that sets our lodge’s suites apart. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to flood the interior, ensuring that the scenic surrounds of the pan are always in view.
No matter when or where, be it first thing in the morning when you rise from bed and make your way onto the deck with a cup of coffee or last thing in the evening when you may opt to dine privately under the stars, nature is infused into your experience.
Your Private Sanctuary
Every aspect of the suites at Molori Mashuma have been carefully curated for maximum comfort. Air-conditioning and ceiling fans keep the temperature exactly to your liking, while mosquito nets ensure a peaceful night’s rest.
Each suite is equipped with a complimentary minibar, a tea & coffee station and a variety of luxurious amenities to enhance your stay, like large, dreamy bathrooms with freestanding tubs, woven seats and beautiful vanity products inspired by the bounty of Africa. With us you will discover the majesty of an outdoor shower, the delight of a shady lounge pocket and the pure bliss of afternoon naps on an outdoor daybed.
The blend of authentic African design and sophisticated luxury makes Molori Mashuma a truly exceptional destination for discerning travellers.
Mana Pools Accommodation: Stay With Us
The opportunity to witness the incredible wildlife of Mana Pools is one of the most compelling aspects of staying at Molori Mashuma.
If you’re eager to book your Mana Pools accommodation with us, get in touch with our reservations team at reservations@molorisafari.com – they would be more than happy to assist with everything from securing dates to organising a seamless transfer to and from our lodge.
Alternatively, make use of our online booking platform to book your own stay.
We cannot wait to welcome you to magical Mana!
Molori Safari: Artistic Luxury In The African Bush
Going on safari is all about immersing yourself in the African bush, but let’s be honest – the aesthetic of where you stay plays a big role in the experience, too.
Tucked away in South Africa’s malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, Molori Safari is an ultra-stylish retreat that blends incredible wildlife with world-class luxury, and our impressive art collection is just one of the many things that make us special.
From striking sculptures to beautiful paintings, some of the pieces here wouldn’t be out of place in a top gallery, but what really sets the lodge apart is how seamlessly they’re woven into the everyday spaces, making them feel like a natural part of your stay.
Let’s take a closer look at the stunning art collection that adds to Molori Safari’s unique charm.
Where Art Meets Design
From the moment you arrive at Molori Safari, you are greeted not only by the awe-inspiring view of the Madikwe Valley bleeding into the Dwarsberg Mountains, but by interiors that are flamboyant, textured and a bold meeting of art and design. The result of this eclectic, high-fashion space – thoughtfully put together by South African design studio Hesse Kleinloog – is both worldly and entirely of its place.
Owner Ivor Ichikowitz explains the vision behind the lodge’s feel: “We wanted to create something extraordinary that resonates with our guests and speaks to our love for both art and Africa.”
From Ceiling To Floor
While traditional art may find its place on gallery walls, one of the first things you’ll notice at Molori Safari are the colourful, one-of-a-kind rugs dotting the floors – both in the main lodge and in your respective suites.
These vibrant rugs are not your average floor coverings. Each rug is the reimagining of an existing work by some of South Africa’s most influential artists, including Athi-Patra Ruga, Jody Paulsen, and Cameron Platter.
Take, for instance, the iconic ‘Eat Me (Bananas)’ rug by Jody Paulsen displayed in the main lodge. Its bold colors and surreal design immediately capture your attention, adding a playful yet refined atmosphere to the space. Paulsen, known for his provocative work, brings an irreverent edge to Molori’s otherwise elegant aesthetic.
Other artists contributing to the rug collection include Maja Marx, Nabeeha Mohamed, and Koos Groenewald, whose designs bring striking modernity into the lodge’s traditional African setting. The collaboration between the artists and local South African weavers has resulted in rugs that not only represent their creators’ vision but also embody a narrative of community and craftsmanship.
We just know you’ll absolutely love them!
A Family’s Collection
Great art collections and furniture cannot be bought wholesale; they must be curated over time. This has certainly been the case at Molori Safari, where each corner tells the story of the Ichikowitz family’s travels and love of Africa. The lodge’s interiors are a rich tapestry of bespoke, contemporary furniture and rare treasures sourced from around the globe.
“Our bigger asset is our team,” says Ivor, “but we also want our guests to enjoy the story told through the aesthetics of the lodge. Every piece of art, every piece of furniture has a story to tell about the journey of [our] family.”
What can you look forward to?
Iconic pieces like the Fendi Casa chaises longues and the Philipp Plein swing beds, which continue to feature in the presidential suites. These luxury furnishings coexist effortlessly with vintage Louis Vuitton bars and Ethiopian beaded armchairs, creating a space where guests feel as though they’ve entered a private sanctuary that is as sophisticated as it is inviting.
Bonus! The art-lovers among you will be pleased to spot works by big names like Norman Catherine, Lady Skollie and Edoardo Villa dotted throughout the lodge.
Stay With Us
A stay at Molori Safari is an all-encompassing experience. Our lodge offers exciting wildlife encounters, including sightings of rare species like the African wild dog and the cheetah (as well as the Big 5), all within the lush and diverse Madikwe Game Reserve.
We invite you to browse our gorgeous suites and get in touch with our team at reservations@molorisafari.com to secure your dates.
Alternatively, feel free to book your own stay by making use of our online booking platform.
Come and experience the artistic side of a safari in Africa in a way few ever do!
Get To Know Madikwe Game Reserve’s Super 7
The Madikwe Game Reserve is located on South Africa’s border with Botswana and is an unmissable safari destination for those who value quality time in the bush.
Nestled in a private corner of this malaria-free reserve is one of our exclusive safari lodges – Molori Safari.
If you’re in two minds about where to book your next safari adventure, we encourage you to read on and meet the Super 7 (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant, African wild dog & cheetah), a few of Madikwe’s strongest draw cards that symbolise the success of conservation efforts made in this region.
On this reserve you will encounter Africa’s majestic wildlife in a space that is truly pristine and protected for their benefit.
Big 5 vs. Super 7
While many of us have heard of the ‘Big 5’, a phrase that was rebranded by marketing companies to shift the meaning from ‘the five most dangerous animals to hunt in Africa’ to, ‘the five most sought-after animals to see on safari,’ fewer of us know about the Super 7.
Meet Madikwe’s Super 7:
Lions: Known for their powerful gaze and awe-inspiring presence, lions remain one of the main attractions on safari. They are the kings of the savannah, after all.
Leopards: These elusive big cats are harder to spot, but their beauty and stealth make them highly desirable to see. Here at Molori Safari, we have an excellent record of tracking leopards for our guests.
Elephants: You’re almost guaranteed to see elephants while on safari with us. Spending time with the largest mammal on land never gets old.
Buffaloes: Known for their strong, social herds, buffaloes are one of the most formidable animals in the wild. There’s a reason even lions are wary of them!
Rhinos: Both black and white rhinos are found on the Madikwe Game Reserve, but they are critically endangered and highly protected. We ask that sightings be kept private to preserve their safety.
Cheetahs: These fast and graceful predators are an exciting addition to the list. Cheetahs are endangered and face a variety of challenges, one of which is their need for a large territory – an increasingly scarce commodity. Madikwe is one of the few places in South Africa where cheetahs are frequently spotted.
African wild dogs (Painted Wolves): Madikwe is one of the best places in South Africa to see African wild dogs, which are rare and highly endangered, making them an incredibly sought-after sighting.
Read more about the African wild dogs of Madikwe here.
The addition of the cheetah and the African wild dog to the list makes the Super 7 unique to certain reserves like Madikwe Game Reserve. Combine this with a stay in one of the best safari lodges in South Africa and you have an unforgettable holiday in the making!
Madikwe’s Operation Phoenix
Much like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Madikwe Game Reserve had to be rehabilitated to become the flourishing wilderness it is today.
Introducing Operation Phoenix…
In the early 1990s, the South African government launched Project Phoenix – the biggest game relocation project ever staged. 8000 animals were reintroduced to this landscape, including the Big 5—lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos—along with cheetahs, wild dogs, and various antelope. The project aimed to restore predator-prey dynamics and ecological balance to a countryside that had long been overgrazed and over-cultivated.
To ensure long-term success, anti-poaching measures and community involvement were essential. Madikwe became a model for eco-tourism, creating jobs and fostering conservation awareness in surrounding communities.
Today, Madikwe is a thriving sanctuary and one of South Africa’s top conservation success stories.
It’s a powerful reminder that with careful planning, nature can heal and flourish once more.
Up Close & Personal
For guests of Molori Safari, gaining access to the bush and the animals that call it home happens in a number of ways.
Hop on an open 4×4 vehicle for daytime or night game drives, where your experienced guide will lead you on a thrilling adventure to track the Big 5 and other endangered species.
For a more intimate experience, join a guided game walk, where you’ll follow your guide through the bush, learning to track animals on foot and uncovering the hidden wonders of nature.
Exclusively, we also offer a Wild Dog Expedition, where you’ll track this endangered species and learn about their fascinating social dynamics.
For those who prefer to relax, our viewing decks are as great a spot as any to enjoy wildlife sightings! (With a beverage in-hand, of course!)
Stay With Us
Molori Safari, set in the heart of the stunning Madikwe Game Reserve, is one of the best game reserves in South Africa for exclusive, high-end wildlife experiences.
The dry season (May to September) is particularly exceptional, as animals converge around waterholes, offering you prime opportunities to witness nature at its most captivating.
With Molori’s luxurious accommodations and exclusive safari activities, your trip to Madikwe promises unmatched Super 7 encounters, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike.
M: +27 (0) 82 613 5723
E: reservations@molorisafari.com
Molori Safari Highlights:
See the Super 7
Stay in one of the best safari lodges in South Africa
Game drives in an open safari vehicle with a personal guide
Bush walks with a personal guide
Malaria-free reserve within driving distance of O.R. Tambo International Airport
Stargazing: The Stars of the Southern Hemisphere
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.