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The more the merrier
Molori tops the ‘family safaris’ holidays bucket list
he family holiday is experiencing a from dung to footprints and alarm calls
decided upswing, with both close along the way.
Tand extended relations looking Back at the lodge, parents can happily
to rekindle and deepen connections. retreat to the spa or reading deck knowing
Togetherness is key, with renewed vigour that the children are in good hands while
for life and appreciation of family ties very doing a cookery course or making pizzas
much top of mind. with the chef.
The need to experience nature at scale
and to reconnect with the earth and each 3. Unparalleled wildlife experiences
other finds the perfect match in a family This starts with the superbly experienced
safari. Molori Safari, the jewel of Madikwe, and entertaining guides - the secret to a
is the perfect location. Exclusively booking great safari: they have the ability to change
all five of Molori’s private villas for one large what could be an indifferent experience into or discover that Saturn’s rings are clearly
family is paradise found, and the answer to a truly wild, educational one that is tailor- visible at over 1,2 billion kilometres away.
today’s holiday needs. made to guests’ interests. A boma evening or bush dinner under
The luxury lodge is primed to host family With one of the most active waterholes the inky blackness of a star-strewn sky will
groups who can communally experience a in the game-rich 75 000-hectare Madikwe never be the same again…
safari of a lifetime in this malaria-free Big reserve – no fewer than three elephant herds
Five reserve. Along with new-look interiors quench their thirst here daily – there is no 5. Personalised service
boldly refurbished over the past two doubt that Molori’s sunken hide gives it the There is nothing staff at Molori like more
years, the lodge now features an expanded edge, especially for seasoned safari lovers. than to surprise their discerning travellers
art offering from the private Ichikowitz Guests who have never experienced the with a personalised stay and genuinely
Heritage Art Collection, and new ‘art rugs’ fascinating dynamics of elephant families caring, off-the-charts service. One guest
especially commissioned and handwoven from the safety of an underground hide are noted, ‘We travel a great deal and have been
by master craftsmen. And Molori’s new spa always spellbound here. They are endlessly blessed to stay at some spectacular resorts
is a heavenly sanctuary under the trees, with fascinated as guides explain how elephant across the globe, but Molori astounded us
the original treatment room refurbished rumbles can be heard up to 12 kilometres in every way. Literally every member of staff
in soothing olive greens, greys and natural away, and why they flap their ears constantly embodies an authentic spirit of gregarious
woods. and shower themselves with sand. It’s hospitality and an unrelenting commitment
Here is more of what sets Molori apart. the ultimate close encounter that creates to service of the highest order’.
lifelong memories.
1. A sense of home The hide does double duty as a gin and 6. Seamless air access
Originally a private family retreat, whiskey tasting bar, and guests can also Private charters with Federal Air
Molori has retained its feeling of intimate have meals in the adjacent glass-lined dovetail perfectly with international flight
familiarity, which is one of many reasons dining area. arrival times and fly in twice daily from
why multigenerational families love Immersive one-day encounters at Johannesburg to the Madikwe airstrip, a ten
booking the lodge exclusively. It sleeps up Madikwe offer guests the rare opportunity minute game drive from the lodge.
to 16 guests in five individually decorated to experience collaring or rhino notching
suites, and children of all ages are warmly events with the wildlife vet and conservation 7. Absolute privacy
welcomed. officers, while Molori also offers one- Of particular interest to celebrity families
Small numbers and a highly experienced day and overnight experiences at the K9 (and honeymooners) is the privacy afforded
and passionate team allow this intimate facility at their sister conservation lodge by the luxurious Presidential Suites, Metsi
safari experience to be entirely flexible, in the Magaliesberg, Moledi Gorge, which (593m2) and Molelo (619m2). Set apart
which makes for a superbly relaxing retreat specialises in anti-poaching programmes from the rest of the lodge, each has its own
– especially with little ones in tow. across the continent. private game vehicle, and may be booked
with a personal butler and chef. The two
2. Focus on the kids 4. Star gazing bedrooms are thoughtfully located at
From popcorn stops on game drives to Molori offers a private astronomy either end of each suite, giving parents and
steaming outdoor jacuzzis to enjoy, plus experience to all guests, including children, children space. Both suites have a study and
animal-print manicures (understandably, through the technologically advanced library area for working parents who need
the most popular treatment on Molori’s spa Meade telescope. Set on a giant tripod on a to keep in touch, and an additional bed for
menu), children are in for a treat. Each child hill behind the lodge, the telescope enables an au pair can be arranged. dw
receives an interactive safari book on arrival, stars, comets, planets and galaxies to take
but they soon discover that their guide is a on new meaning as the entire family gets the www.roraprivatecollection.com/molori-
gifted storyteller, identifying everything chance to view the moon’s craters up close, safari/
dw • Issue 262 9

