lodge
Morukuru River House Heated Infinity Pool

Morukuru Game Reserve

Decadent. Elegant. Peaceful. A perfect place to nest.
Madikwe SafariSouth Africa· 11 Rooms · ££££
With your private staff of 8

The overall sense is kick-off-shoes and curl-up-on-the-couch comfort – the three houses are all equally luxurious.

Madikwe Game Reserve is the fifth largest game reserve in South Africa – 75 000 hectares of pristine, malaria-free bushveld located in the North West Province, just a 4 hour drive from Johannesburg or a 1 hour flight. It is also still one of the lesser known parks in South Africa, which makes it a hidden gem. The reserve is run as a three-way partnership between the State (represented by the North West Parks and Tourism Board), local communities and the private sector. The reserve offers the opportunity of a malaria-free Big Five game experience, as well as offering good opportunities to see the endangered African wild dog.

The process of reintroducing wildlife to the area began in 1992 under the codename ‘Operation Phoenix’ which relocated entire breeding herds of elephants, Cape buffaloes, black rhinos and white rhinos along with various species of antelopes. Following Operation Phoenix, the reserve has also successfully reintroduced predatory species such as lion, cheetah, spotted hyena and the endangered African wild dog. Madikwe also boasts an incredible 350 bird species, making the reserve a paradise for any enthusiastic birdwatcher.

Morukuru has three options for guests in Madikwe Reserve: The Owner’s House, River House and Farm House. The following paragraphs will differentiate between these properties.

Morukuru Owner’s House is under the leafy canopy of an ancient Morukuru tree (Tamboti tree). On the banks of the Marico River, lies this perfectly decadent, ultra luxurious home away from home for private use. It has two huge en-suite bedrooms hosting up to four people, surrounded by decks and balconies with an infintity pool. The style combines European and African décor. Although completely private, the house is a short walk over a wooden walkway from River House.

Morukuru River House comprises of three double en-suite bedrooms for six adults, each featuring every comfort. A separate family room with bunk beds can comfortably sleep four children. on the banks of the most important river in the Madikwe Game Reserve, the Marico River, where the sound of cascading water will coax you into a permanent state of restful bliss. The ultimate of holiday luxuries: a staff of 7 or 8 will look after you – including your own chef, butler, hostess, nanny (if required) housekeepers and a private safari guide and tracker for you to personalize your itinerary completely.

Morukuru Farm House is a modern contemporary African homestead, offering the perfect private setting for families and larger groups. Located on the other side of the mountain from Owner’s and River Houses. the five suite Farm House is an oasis, surrounded by luscious green lawns, and set within a 100-hectare fenced-in safe area which is home to general game, so kids can play and roam at will, and guests have the freedom to walk and explore. Furnished by well-known South African interior designer, Sumari Krige, the Farm House is bright and stylish, with bespoke items produced by local artists and craftsmen in a neutral palette.

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Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024

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