MOLORI SAFARI LODGE AN ULTRA-EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE RETREAT IN SOUTH AFRICA
The word “molori” means “to dream” in seTswana and truly captures the essence of the Molori
Safari Lodge, arguably South Africa’s most luxurious game lodge. This five-suite retreat,
originally built as the owners’ corporate and family escape, was constructed in 2002 in the heart
of the 75,000-hectare malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. In 2007 the owners decided to
open the property to the public, at which point the retreat received a complete makeover
transforming it into the intimate, local-chic Lodge it is today. Situated 400kms northwest of
Johannesburg in South Africa’s Northwest Province, the reserve borders Botswana. The lodge
offers breathtaking views of an expansive valley and the Dwarsberg Mountains, as well as of an
abundance of game.
Catering to the well-heeled, discerning traveler in search of absolute privacy, relaxation and a
genuine connection to their local surroundings, Molori Safari Lodge is anything but a typical
safari camp. Guests who have experienced much and expect the very best will find in Molori a
retreat without the pretense – one whose essence stems from extraordinary personalised
service, style and comfort. The Molori experience is about every need being anticipated from
beginning to end and is continuously evolving to provide repeat guests with a fresh perspective.
The lodge strives to maintain personal relationships with each guest – before, during and well
after the experience – from arranging a personal VIP airport greeting and expedited customs
services at O.R. Tambo International Airport – to providing highly-customised game drives and
gourmet meals in unique settings.
The Retreat
Boasting an aesthetic that blends local elements with well-placed international design, the
Lodge’s warmth, charm and comfort reign supreme in the five meticulous open-air suites,
thoughtfully distanced from each other to offer maximum privacy. All of the suites boast
spacious wooden decks, private infinity pools and floor-to-ceiling glass walls which fully retract
to let nature in. Kirk Lazarus crafted local-chic interiors to soothe guests with neutral palates,
streaming natural light and exceptional furniture by Fendi, Kenneth Cobonpue and Philipp Plein.
Additional in-room amenities include telescopes, Bose iPod Docking Systems, espresso
machines, wireless Internet, portable DVD players and mini-bars.
Both of the Premier Suites (named Ngwedi and Lesedi) measure 232 square meters each
(inclusive of indoor/outdoor space) and the Executive Suite (named Sephiri) measures 307
square meters (inclusive of indoor/outdoor space). All suites feature a large living area,
bedroom and bathroom with heated flooring for the cooler months. The split-level Sephiri Suite,
ideal for families, has two bedrooms, each with their own private bathrooms. The decks that
extend from these suites are outfitted with luxurious Dedon daybeds for ultimate relaxation.
Molori’s two Presidential Suites, the Metsi Suite, which measures 593 square meters (inclusive
of indoor/outdoor space) and the two-bedroom Molelo Suite, measuring 619 square meters
(inclusive of indoor/outdoor space) are breathtaking, both in size and opulence. While the Metsi
Suite contains one master bedroom and bath, the all-white Molelo Suite features two bedrooms,
each with their own private bathroom. Each Presidential Suite also features one or two dining
areas, a service kitchen, spacious lounge, walk-in closet, rim-flow bath, an outdoor shower,
private infinity pool and Jacuzzi. Both suites boast their own library/study equipped with a laptop
and a collection of National Geographic magazines dating back to the 1940s, as well as a flat
screen television equipped with Satellite TV and DVD player.
All guests are encouraged to take advantage of the two infinity pools and heated Jacuzzi at the
main lodge, as well as the retreat’s second rim-flow heated Jacuzzi, situated on the highest
mountainside deck for optimal wildlife viewing. Guests can truly unwind with a cocktail, a book,
or a cigar on Molori’s many relaxation decks, including the prized reading and star decks which
also feature Dedon daybeds. The main lodge library offers a large selection of popular books,
and a well equipped humidor for guests to choose from various imported cigars (available at an
extra cost). Also available in the main lodge is Satellite TV and DVD player (portable DVD
players are available upon request).
Activities
All guests are encouraged to live out their dreams at Molori Safari Lodge, seeing and
experiencing the vast African landscape themselves. The Molori team is happy to suggest any
number of activities and can customise each to fit every guest’s own personal schedule.
Game Drives and Walks – For close encounters with nature, Molori offers game drives twice
daily that aim to leave guests with memories of much more than just the “big five”. The
75,000-hectare reserve boasts several prides of lion, large herds of elephant, black and white
rhino, countless buffalo and more than 340 bird species, as well as the endangered cheetah,
brown hyena and a healthy population of wild dogs. Night drives showcase an array of
nocturnal wildlife, including leopard and various smaller members of the cat family, and
guided safari walks give guests the exhilarating experience of bush tracking.
Star Gazing – For a more celestial experience, guests can take advantage of Molori’s
observatory. With a fully retractable roof the observatory is equipped with a fully automatic,
digital telescope (one of the largest privately owned telescopes in Southern Africa) to explore
the cosmos and the Southern Hemisphere’s remarkable night sky.
Culinary Excellence
Molori’s mouth-watering cuisine is under the direction of gourmet chefs inspired by both Eastern
and Western influences and most meals are discussed with guests prior to preparation. All
meals are created from the freshest local ingredients, selected from either the lodge’s own
organic garden or from premium items flown in from Johannesburg, in accordance with personal
preferences. The finest South African wines and top-shelf liquors accompany all meals; fine
imported wines and special vintage whiskeys and cognacs are available at an incremental cost.
Molori Safari Lodge guests can choose to have their meals served in a wide variety of dining
areas, from brunch on the Star Deck overlooking the water hole (which frequently attracts
elephants in search of fresh water) to the al fresco dining area in the main lodge, which boasts
an authentic pizza oven. Molori also offers guests the opportunity to experience a true South
African braai, or barbeque, in the Boma, or those seeking privacy and romance can always
choose to dine on their private deck. Aspiring chefs can learn how to prepare their favorite
indigenous dishes on-site, from selecting and preparing ingredients, to cooking and presenting
a meal. Cooking classes can be booked 24 hours in advance.
Total Body Wellness
The Molori Spa & Fitness Center encompasses the natural beauty of the surrounding African
bush. Peaceful music, contemporary décor, and indigenous incense set the relaxation stage for
various massage and aromatherapy treatments. All spa services are available in either the
serene treatment room, outdoors on daybeds, or for a truly unrivaled experience, in the bush
massage area. Alternatively, guests can enjoy private spa treatments in their own suites.
The air-conditioned fitness center is well equipped with state-of-the-art treadmill, bike and
crosstrainer machines, dumbbells and weight machines, as well as Pilates and yoga equipment.
A steam room and sauna overlook the chiller pool and are the ideal complement to any workout
or treatment.
Realising the Dream
For families and groups of friends or those wanting complete and total privacy, Molori Safari
Lodge is the perfect choice due to its intimate scale of a maximum of fourteen guests. To
appreciate all the resort has to offer, a minimum of a four- to five-night stay is recommended.
All meals, soft drinks, local alcoholic beverages, laundry, two game drives per day, game
reserve entrance fees & tourism levies, use of fitness center, sauna and steam room, wireless
Internet and transfers to and from the airstrip are included.
At an additional cost, daily shuttle flight services are available, from Johannesburg’s O.R.
Tambo International Airport to Madikwe Game Reserve’s private airstrip. Guests wishing to
arrive incognito may request the use of a helicopter, which flies directly to Molori’s own helipad
from O.R. Tambo International Airport. Additionally, guests have the option of chartering their
own flights, directly to Madikwe Game Reserve’s private airstrip.
For more information, visit www.molori.com.
For further press information please contact:
Keri Kirschner, The Brandman Agency T: + 1 212 683 2442 | E: [email protected]
Ashleigh Flemming , Beth Cooper Public Relations
T: + 44 (0) 1483 222 676 | E: [email protected]
MOLORI SAFARI LODGE RATES
RATES FOR 01 DECEMBER 2010 THROUGH 01 DECEMBER 2011 Ngwedi Suite (sleeps 2): R 22,000 per night Premier Suite Lesedi Suite (sleeps 2): R 22,000 per night Premier Suite Sephiri Suite (sleeps 4): R 32,000 per night Executive Suite Metsi Suite (sleeps 2): R 49,500 per night Presidential Suite Molelo Suite (sleeps 4): R 60,500 per night Presidential Suite Entire Lodge (maximum 10 pax): R 165,000 per night Rates are quoted per suite, per night in South African rand (ZAR) and are subject to availability and change. Rates include: All food and beverage (local wines and select spirits included); two game drives daily; game reserve entrance fees and all tourism levies.
FACT SHEET
Location:
Madikwe Game Reserve, Northwest Province, South Africa Size:
Molori Safari Lodge concession – 36.4 hectares (total fenced area)
Madikwe Game Reserve – 75,000 hectares
Entire property can accommodate between 10 to 14 guests Official Opening Date:
January 2009
Owners / Creators:
Kirk Lazarus and Ivor Ichikowitz
Main Lodge:
Molori Safari Lodge comprises of five unique suites and a main lodge which includes four dining areas, a library, a large living room and bar – both of which open to an outdoor heated Jacuzzi and twin infinity pools.
Suites:
2 Premier Suites, Ngwedi and Lesedi (232 square meters each, inclusive of indoor/outdoor space)
1 Executive Suite, Sephiri (307 square meters, inclusive of indoor/outdoor space)
2 presidential suites, Metsi (593 square meters, inclusive of indoor/outdoor space) and Molelo (619 square meters, inclusive of indoor/outdoor space)
All suites have floor-to-ceiling retractable glass walls, which fold away completely, connecting each suite’s interior to a private deck and infinity pool. All feature indoor and outdoor showers, as well as free-standing baths; custom furniture, indoor/outdoor dining options, mini-bars, Bose iPod docking stations and air-conditioning.
Both presidential suites follow the indoor/outdoor style of the other suites on a grander scale. Additionally, each has a unique kitchen and dining area, a rim-flow bathtub by Philippe Starck, a walk-in dressing room, and a library/study. The Molelo Suite has an additional bedroom with ensuite bathroom.
Designer(s)/Furnishings:
Interiors by Kirk Lazarus. Completed the project in October 2008
Furniture by Fendi, Kenneth Cobonpue , POINT, Philipp Plein and many others
Fittings by Hansgrohe, Philippe Starck, Flaminia and others Activities:
Game drives (day and night); game walks; bird watching; spa treatments, steam room and plunge pool; cooking classes; photography; swimming; star gazing; (observatory and telescope).
Getting There:
Daily shuttle flight services are available, from Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) to Madikwe Game Reserve’s private airstrip. Guests wishing to arrive incognito may request the use of a private helicopter, which flies directly to Molori’s own helipad from O.R. Tambo International Airport. Additionally, guests have the option of chartering their own flights, directly to Madikwe Game Reserve’s private airstrip.
Property Staff:
Field Manager – Greg Lederle
Operations Manager – Riana Lederle
Executive Chef – Pierre van Zyl
Website:
www.molori.com
Booking information:
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Phone: +27 14 778 8000
Mobile: +27 82 613 5723
Photography by Elsa Young
Photography by Elsa Young
Photography by Elsa Young