Written by Courtney Drysdale

Morukuru Family is a collection of luxury lodges across South Africa – from the safari paradise Madikwe Game Reserve on the border of Botswana to the pristine De Hoop Nature Reserve just outside Cape Town. All of the lodges offer luxurious accommodations, personalised service, and access to world-class wildlife viewing. Each exclusive-use property offers a unique experience, including malaria-free safaris, river-side relaxation, and beachfront adventures. All the while, Morukuru Family stays implement a range of sustainable practices with 2 key focus areas: conservation and education.

Read on to find out why the Morukuru Family stays are top sustainable destinations…

Morukuru Goodwill Foundation

To continue the legacy of ‘Operation Phoenix’ – the initial conservation plan in Madikwe Game Reserve – the Morukuru Goodwill Foundation was established as a non-profit organisation. The Foundation’s mission is to empower the people of South Africa, particularly those in rural and disadvantaged communities, through education and access to opportunity.

Education at Morukuru Family Lodges

The Morukuru Goodwill Foundation seeks to bridge the gap between the wealthy and the poor and to reduce poverty in South Africa. It also aims to create a more equitable society based on mutual respect and understanding. Some of their key initiatives include Pack for a Purpose and specific outreach programs in each location. In Madikwe Game Reserve, the Foundation is involved in the Molatedi school and Mfoloe Learning Centre. The Foundation supports Ouplaas Primary, Elim House and Nuwerus Nasorg in De Hoop Nature Reserve. The Foundation supports the Village Safe Haven and Hearts of Hope in Johannesburg. 

Conservation at Morukuru Family Lodges

Morukuru lodges are committed to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable tourism. The group works to ensure that their guests have a low impact on the environment while still enjoying the natural beauty of their lodges. They have established Safaris for Purpose program that offers guest responsible wildlife viewing and provide educational and interpretive activities to help guests understand the importance of conservation. The Foundation also continues its support of Cape Nature, along with various wildlife conservation efforts focused on rhino protection, elephant collaring, jackal research and much more!

Some of our favourite Morukuru Stays

Morukuru River House

Morukuru River House is a luxurious safari stay in the Madikwe Game Reserve. Situated on the banks of the Marico River, the exclusive-use house offers guests a unique and unforgettable experience in a natural African paradise. River House is designed to provide guests with a secluded and peaceful sanctuary, comfortable and luxurious accommodations, exquisite cuisine and superior service. Guests can enjoy game drives, bush walks, sundowner safaris, and an opportunity to spot the Big 5. River House also offers a range of spa treatments and massages for guests to relax and unwind.

Morukuru Owner’s House

The Morukuru Owner’s House is a luxurious, private-use house located in the Madikwe Game Reserve. It is an ideal setting for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a group excursion. Guests at the Owner’s House will enjoy the private and peaceful environment, with a private pool, private game drives, and a private chef. The Owner’s House also offers a range of activities and experiences, including game drives, bush walks, spa treatments, and evening entertainment. It also has its own private airstrip and helipad, making it easily accessible from Johannesburg. Guests can expect to enjoy luxurious accommodations, excellent cuisine, and a range of activities and experiences that will make their stay here unforgettable.

Morukuru Farm House

The Morukuru Owner’s House is a luxurious, private stay in the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa. It is an ideal setting for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a group excursion. Guests at this exclusive-use house will enjoy the private and peaceful environment, with a private pool, private game drives, and a private chef. The Farm House also offers a range of activities and experiences, including game drives, bush walks, spa treatments, and evening entertainment. The Farm House also has a private airstrip, making it easily accessible from Johannesburg. Guests can expect to enjoy luxurious accommodations, excellent cuisine, and a range of activities and experiences that will make their stay here unforgettable.

AtholPlace House & Villa

Athol Place House & Villa is a luxury boutique stay located in the heart of Johannesburg. This exclusive-use villa is well-appointed with modern amenities and a range of services to suit the discerning guests' needs. AtholPlace is located just a short distance from many of the city's main attractions, including galleries, shops and fantastic restaurants. It offers guests a unique experience that combines luxury, convenience and comfort. Guests can enjoy a range of facilities and services, including a full-service restaurant, a swimming pool, a spa, a fitness centre, and a business centre.

Morukuru Ocean House

Morukuru Ocean House is a luxury beachfront villa in the De Hoop Nature Reserve. It features four spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a separate living and dining area, a private pool, and a game viewing deck overlooking the Indian Ocean. Guests can enjoy activities such as whale watching, game drives, and swimming with dolphins, as well as access to the reserve's unique flora and fauna. The villa also includes a fully-equipped kitchen, complimentary breakfast, daily housekeeping, and a personal chef.

Morukuru Beach Lodge

Experience the beauty of the De Hoop Nature Reserve in luxurious comfort at Morukuru Beach Lodge — a boutique-style eco-lodge that offers five suites, ideal for couples and families. The lodge borders a pristine coastline and is situated just 1 km from the exclusive-use Morukuru Ocean House. Guests can take a short walk to the beach, where they can enjoy whale watching in season and partake in activities like mountain biking, fynbos walks, tidal walks, snorkelling, swimming in protected rockpools, sand-boarding and nature drives. The lodge is powered by solar panels, making it entirely off the grid.

So whether you’re on the lookout for a beach holiday, a malaria-free safari escape or the perfect cultural getaway, The Morukuru Family has everything you could wish for, with a sustainable ethos at the heart of each stay. 

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