Molori Safari Lodge

This intimate lodge has a lot of wow factor, and kids of all ages are welcome.

• The observatory, which boasts a large, powerful telescope for stargazing
• Spa with heated and chilled baths, sauna and yoga deck
• Large pools in each of the five bedrooms

If judging the quality of a lodge were a matter of hardware alone, Molori wins, hands-down, at least in the remote reaches of Madikwe. For a tiny lodge with just five bedrooms, Molori has a lot of facilities. The main house features a very large infinity pool that wraps around the front part of the house; there is a proper spa with a sauna, steam room, a heated/chilled spa bath, and a yoga deck; plus, there is an observatory with a retractable roof, housing a powerful telescope for stargazing. The lodge also has its own helipad on property, for guests who prefer to fly direct from Johannesburg.

Formerly a private lodge, Molori is still run like a home. Guests are greeted warmly upon arrival with the entire staff gathered for a song and dance, and the chef comes by to ask if you’re craving anything, and if he can, he’ll whip it up for you. There are only five bedrooms attached to the main building, and it’s a cozy, intimate setting –so much so that the bedrooms do not come with keys; doors are meant to be unlocked here, which is idealistic but impractical.

Rooms are luxurious: there is a hearth at the center of the room, a copper tub in the bathroom, and the entire bedroom is encased in floor-to-ceiling glass windows that open up to a large wooden deck and an even larger swimming pool. No bathtub-sized plunge pools here – you can swim short laps when not lounging in the day bed or looking for animals through the telescope on the deck.

The staff at the lodge also works hard to provide memorable experiences for its guests, such as organizing a special breakfast setting and always gathering upfront to greet guests returning from a game drive.

Anyone looking for a five-star experience in Madikwe won’t be disappointed here. This is a fantastic option for families, especially if booking the entire lodge.

Note: Unlike most lodges, there is no minimum age for children here, so this is a great option for families, especially as a take-over.