On the border of South Africa and Botswana, Madikwe Game Reserve is a hidden jewel in the safari sphere that should definitely be explored.
It was here that Morukuru Family owners Ed and Anka Zeeman’s love for South Africa originated. They instantly fell in love with Madikwe Game Reserve when they visited for the very first time in March 2003. Securing a piece of land and building their own lodge further cemented their adoration for the African continent. With a portfolio of seven stunning properties – three exclusive-use safari villas in Madikwe Game Reserve, a lodge and a private villa in De Hoop Nature Reserve, as well as a boutique hotel and private villa in Sandton- they have created the most extraordinary accommodation for guests who truly appreciate the beauty of contemporary style and private-use properties.
Morukuru Family has been around for two decades. It comes as no surprise that the exclusive use of Morukuru River House falls in the Ultra-luxury lodge category. Three individual homesteads sit in a private concession in Madikwe Game Reserve’s southeastern corner. These lodges ensure exclusivity and a feeling of coming home.
We arrive at the Molatedi gate after a scenic road transfer between Johannesburg and Madikwe. Guide Jacques meets us with the Morukuru Family Land Rover for the final 40-minute stretch to Morukuru River House. Lodge manager Lara welcomes us, along with the entire staff who will be looking after us during our three-night stay.
Following devastating floods in February 2025, the Morukuru Family owners saw a chance to refresh the interiors. This was done for both the River House and the Owner’s House. “In the bush, nature teaches resilience,” Ed tells me. “What began as a challenging event became an opportunity to reimagine two soulful homes. Our guests will hopefully be delighted to return somewhere familiar in spirit, newly inspired in detail, and as private and flexible as ever under our Morukuru Freedom Concept”.
Morukuru River House comprises three bedrooms en-suite, a dining room, a study which doubles as a kid’s bedroom, a lounge, an outside area ideal for alfresco dining, an outdoor deck with couches and a lap pool, a sala for lunches or dinners, and a spa with views over the river. The house comes with a private chef, butler, housekeeping staff, and a sculler. Sitting down in the lounge, butler Kitso presents us with a refreshing drink. Jacques enquires about what we would like to do during our stay. He suggests a few activities, which are only guidelines. There is no set schedule at any of the Morukuru Family properties – what they call the Morukuru Freedom Concept.
Amy Kidger from South African firm Hinterland Studio was tasked with the new interiors. She went about integrating the client’s brief and instituting various changes. “Both Owners House and River House are situated within dense trees, so the client requested that we lighten the spaces,” Amy explains. “They asked us to incorporate specially commissioned photographic art by Leana Clunies-Ross. These depict beautiful ladies shrouded in striking garments, which set the tone for injecting bold colors into the homes. This approach helped us create what we feel are very warm, cozy, and inviting spaces.”
Taking her inspiration from the lushness of the reserve after the floods, Amy was struck by the vibrant pops of color visible in the landscape, from the trees to the hues in the soil. With both homes located in the African bush, she aimed to draw the energy of the constant flow of life in the river and on land into the spaces, which she successfully did. “This is evident in the colorful fabrics, hand-painted tiles, and textured finishes, such as the light fittings,” Amy continues. “There is also a lot of movement in some fixtures, for instance, the chandelier above the dining table moves and chimes when the wind blows, creating a very special moment.”
When it came to preferred textiles to use for the new interiors, Amy admits that she loves mixing textures. Using a great deal of timber applied in different techniques sits very well against the stone-clad walls. These comprise the bulk of the wall finishes. It was important for the interior team to soften the spaces, given the extensive use of stone. The use of linens of varying grain for drapery had the desired effect. An impressive detail is the inclusion of woven and traditional cultural elements. This can be seen in the beadwork of some mirrors and light fittings, as well as the varying woven rugs, textured wallpapers, hand-sewn bed throws, and authentic artifacts.
The bedrooms are dreamy, with billowing mosquito nets, silky white bedding, and vistas over the river and bushveld. It’s not uncommon to hear and see wildlife around the lodge. Sitting at dinner on our second night, it’s incredible to be privy to the sounds of branches breaking. An elephant is feeding on the opposite side of the river. It certainly adds an air of magic at Morukuru River House. Green and reddish earthy tones in the surrounding landscape served as motivation for the color palette of River House. The ochre and mustard tones in the bedrooms were found in nature and in the stone cladding.
Meals at River House are crafted by chef Thuli, who can whip up the most delicious fare imaginable. Dining takes on a whole new meaning as you seldom feast in the same place twice, unless you want to, of course. We were treated to lunch under the trees, dinner in the sala, a bush breakfast, dinner next to the pool, breakfast at the dining room table, and a bush dinner on our last night, where hyenas wanted to join the party.
A stay at a safari home would be incomplete without going on a few game drives. Madikwe Game Reserve certainly has its advantages – no day visitors are permitted. Only guests booked at lodges are allowed to go on game drives. The reserve is malaria-free, and the topography is magnificent, as are the wildlife sightings. Highlights include zebras that were very entertaining and two cheetah brothers with full bellies at sunset. We also see smelly African wild dogs with unique patterns, a number of giraffes with small foals, spotted and brown hyenas seemingly in a big hurry, and a gorgeous blonde male lion on our morning safari.
Heading out after a restful night and a delicious breakfast, Jacques takes us on one last safari. We have enough time before our charter flight with Federal Airlines from the Madikwe East airstrip. Encountering two male lions and a female lioness resting in the shade of a tree has everyone in awe. One of the males is fast asleep in the sun, and the heat seems to start agitating him. He sits up, seemingly ‘posing’ for us. Will he move to the shade? We sit. We wait. He yawns, a telltale sign that he might get up. He flops down again and continues his slumber.
It’s the perfect send-off, bearing witness to a herd of four elephants coming to a dam for a drink. The gentle giants enjoy the water so much that it turns into a mud bath and a sand dusting. Taking to the skies in the Cessna Grand Caravan, the red earth stretches below me. It is dotted with trees and a mountainous escarpment. I’m suddenly jolted back to the wonderful experience at Morukuru River House, where catchy and playful spaces intertwine, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
