A handful of safari lodges have had such a profound impact on me that the privilege to return is an opportunity I will grab with both hands. One such place is Monwana Game Lodge, part of MORE Collection.
Situated in South Africa’s Greater Kruger ecosystem, Monwana is located in Thornybush Nature Reserve, where wildlife moves freely across an unfenced wilderness connected to the Kruger National Park, making it a wildlife destination second to none. When Monwana’s founder, Dirk, first set foot on African soil in January 1999, he developed such a deep love for the continent that he wanted to create a foothold for himself and his family.
That initial visit was also his introduction to the safari sphere, and he knew there and then that a property in the bush would be the realization of a dream. It didn’t take him long to come back. In September 1999, he acquired a rustic property in Thornybush Nature Reserve, which he frequented with his friends and family. “I lost my heart to the bush when I experienced my first safari,” he tells me over dinner at Monwana. “There is nothing quite like it – the fresh air, the wildlife, and staying somewhere which feels like home.”
Which is exactly what was created in 2021 when the old lodge, a 4-star corporate camp, made way for what stands here today – a luxurious 5-star property he is incredibly proud of. “We started from scratch by bulldozing the original lodge and constructing something so much better. Working with an architect and interior designer, our vision came to fruition when we opened Monwana in August 2022. As frequent travelers, we’ve had our fair share of experiences, and we knew what we needed to implement in order to create a standout property.”
Being particularly tall himself, the founder identified that in order to have a good night’s sleep, it was imperative to furnish the beds with 7 ft. mattresses, and guests get to share in that supreme comfort. And who wants to get down on their knees every time you take an item from your suitcase? So they built a walk-in closet, where luggage is kept on a wooden bench, and you can also unpack. They didn’t skimp on anything – there are two showers in the bathroom, a deep soaking tub, double vanities, a private pool, a beautiful bedroom with a seating area, and a lounge complete with a mini-bar and coffee station.
Monwana seems even more spectacular than I remember from my visit in 2022 with my daughter. A wonderful addition that wasn’t open during my previous stay is the spa. A tranquil environment paves the way for a memorable time. Spa therapist Mildred has healing hands, applying medium pressure during my 60-minute relaxing massage with the TheraNAKA™ African Storm body oil. There are many more treatments on offer, tailor-made for your needs – from facials with the TheraVine™ products, to body exfoliations, manicures and pedicures. Gents, there are even some treatments for you!
There is something truly magical about wellness in the wild. Guests at Monwana can also use the fitness room during their stay, whether they want to lift weights or have a workout on the treadmill. With the bush as your foreground, don’t be surprised when an elephant meanders past in the distance. Another lovely touch is the health stop before your morning safari ends, where you can enjoy a calming foot cleanse and massage by one of the spa therapists in the dry riverbed, after which you are treated to muffins, very berry smoothies, a variety of fresh fruit and health shots.
When it comes to cuisine at Monwana, Food & Beverage Manager Lance has his finger firmly on the pulse of all things food-related. Following a stint in Botswana, he is elated to hone his craft somewhere as extraordinary as Monwana. His approach to making delicious meals is to use the freshest ingredients possible and put a lot of love into each dish. “There are a lot of steps entailed in making good food,” he explains. “If you’re just following a certain procedure, it’s important to realize that different cooking methods get implemented. One of the plates perhaps consists of seven different components, which will take a little more time to make. Menus are very seasonal, and working with fresh ingredients is of the utmost importance.”
Dining at Monwana is a journey in itself. Preparation and presentation go hand-in-hand, and you will never go hungry during your stay. Breakfast is served with a view of the active watering hole, where a herd of elephants might decide to join you in quenching their thirst. Nyalas really make the most of the fresh leaves on the property’s grounds, and they will regularly nibble on something close to your accommodation, or almost right next to you while you’re tucking into your eggs Benedict. Lavish lunches and indulgent dinners are hosted in similar settings, and the interactive barbecue is a surefire winner. A qualified sommelier is at hand to suggest the best South African wine pairings to go with your meals.
An incredible facet at Monwana is the encouragement to slow down and rediscover the wonder of everything that guests can experience here, whether it’s going on safari, embarking on a helicopter adventure, stargazing while out in the bush, turning kids into young conservationists with the Mosaba Rangers program, seeing first-hand the sustainability ethos at the lodge or doing a wine tasting in the downstairs cellar. A fantastic highlight is twice-daily safaris in the 35,000-acre reserve, where the Big 5 roam freely, and sightings are magnificent to say the least.
Guide Almero and tracker Nic make the perfect duo to showcase the best of this special part of Greater Kruger. Working together in perfect harmony, Almero is firmly in charge of the 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser, while Nic interprets the tracks spotted in the sand, which often leads them to the animals. This is not as easy as it sounds, as some species have remarkably similar tracks, making the ability to distinguish between them a worthwhile skill to have, especially when finding big cats. Seeing the stunning Saseka perched in a tree is a sight for sore eyes, and she is probably one of the most beautiful leopards I have ever encountered.
Talking of big cats, the Black Dam males and Monwana females have two adorable cubs. On our morning safari, Almero receives word that the females have taken down a buffalo, and as we reach the sighting, all five of the Monwanas are there. When we return in the afternoon, the cubs are clearly having a great time feeding under the watchful eye of their mom and aunts. Both cubs are really cute, and in a different sighting, the one clambers onto a termite mound to survey her surroundings.
Spending three glorious nights at Monwana, it feels like a warm embrace. It’s the fine nuances that remain with you. The way your butler brings your coffee before you’ve even ordered it. Remembering what you like for breakfast. Or the temperature of your steak. Being here stirs emotions. The kindness of the entire staff. Their sincere smiles. From General Manager Drienie joining me for lunch to the little handwritten notes left on the mirror in the bathroom by housekeeper Glory. It really resonates with a feeling of returning home. The saying “Home is where the heart is” has never rung truer. One thing is certain – I left my heart at Monwana.
