Page 14 - Irene Farm Villagers Issue 2_2023

1. A sense of home Guests who’ve never experienced the fascinating
Originally a private family retreat, Molori has retained its dynamics of elephant families from the safety of an
feeling of intimate familiarity, which is one of many reasons underground hide are always spellbound here. They’re
that multigenerational families love booking the lodge endlessly fascinated as guides explain how elephant
exclusively. It sleeps up to 16 guests in five individually rumbles can be heard up to 12 kilometres away, and why
decorated suites, and children of all ages are warmly they flap their ears constantly and shower themselves with
welcomed. sand. It’s the ultimate close encounter that creates lifelong
Small numbers and a highly experienced and passionate memories.
team allow this intimate safari experience to be entirely The hide does double duty as a gin and whiskey tasting
flexible, which makes for a superbly relaxing retreat, bar, and guests can also have meals in the adjacent glass-
especially with little ones in tow. walled dining area.
Immersive one-day encounters at Madikwe offer guests
2. Focus on the kids the rare opportunity to experience collaring or rhino
From popcorn stops on game drives to steaming notching events with the wildlife vet and conservation
outdoor jacuzzis to enjoy, plus animal-print manicures officers. Molori also offers one-day and overnight
(understandably, the most popular treatment on Molori’s experiences at the K9 facility at its sister conservation
spa menu), children are in for a treat. Each child receives lodge in the Magaliesberg, Moledi Gorge, which specialises
an interactive safari book on arrival, but they soon discover in anti-poaching programmes across the continent.
that their guide is a gifted storyteller, identifying everything
from dung to footprints and alarm calls along the way. 4. Star gazing
Back at the lodge, parents can happily retreat to the spa Molori offers a private astronomy experience to all
or reading deck, knowing that the kids are in good hands guests, including children, through the technologically
while doing a cookery course or making pizzas with the advanced Meade telescope. Set on a giant tripod on a hill
chef. behind the lodge, the telescope enables stars, comets,
planets and galaxies to take on new meaning as the entire
3. Unparalleled wildlife experiences family gets the chance to view the moon’s craters up close
This starts with the superbly experienced and entertaining or discover that Saturn’s rings are clearly visible at over 1.2
guides. They’re the secret to a great safari: they have the billion kilometres away.
ability to change what could be an indifferent experience A boma evening or bush dinner under the inky blackness
into a truly wild, educational one that is tailormade to of a star-strewn sky will never be the same again…
guests’ interests.
With one of the most active waterholes in the game-rich 5. Personalised service
75 000-hectare Madikwe reserve – no fewer than three There is nothing staff at Molori like more than to surprise
elephant herds quench their thirst here daily – there’s no their discerning travellers with a personalised stay and
doubt that Molori’s sunken hide gives it the edge, especially genuinely caring, off-the-charts service. As one guest
for seasoned safari lovers. noted: “We travel a great deal and have been blessed to stay

12 • Issue 2 2023 • The Villager