Morukuru Family | River House

Luxury privatebush house with river view
A luxury house perched 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.

Private bush house
Morukuru River House comprises of three double en-suite bedrooms, each featuring every comfort, including super-king size beds, romantic fireplaces (Gas fires), cooling and heating A/C, and large tree-shaded private decks. The spacious bathrooms have tubs with bush views and indoor as well as outdoor private showers. Four children can be comfortably accommodated in the separate family room/study with bunk beds, where they have access to recreational facilities such as satellite TV, Playstation, computer with internet and DVD’s.

Want to know more about the layout of the Morukuru River House? Have a look at the FloorPlan.

Holiday luxuries
Like the Owner’s House, River House combines European styling with handpicked African pieces, wonderful indoor and outdoor flow, plenty of al fresco dining and unwinding opportunities, and the ultimate of holiday luxuries: a staff of 7 or 8 to 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.

Note: River House enjoys a completely private location, yet surprisingly enough is within strolling distance of Owner’s House – an ideal combination should you wish to book both for a larger party that requires shared gatherings coupled with maximum privacy.

Rates inclusive of 15% VAT • South African Rand • Subject to Availability
Exclusive-use, occupancy: up to 6 adults & 4 children (Children of all ages are welcome)	LOW SEASON 6 May- 31 May '24 28 Oct - 19 Dec '24	HIGH SEASON 22 Mar - 5 May '24 1 Jun - 27 Oct '24	PEAK SEASON 20 Dec '24 - 5 Jan '25 Min of 4 nights 4 guest per night
3 bedrooms en-suite + children's bedroom	Infants (under 2 years) are accommodated free of charge
Minimum house rate / night (includes 4 guests )	R 48 000	R 65 000	R 145 650
Additional adults pay the extra adult rate per night (16 years and over)	R 9 000	R 12 000
Additional children pay the extra child rate per night (2 to 15 years)	R 4 500	R6000

Rates inclusive of 15% VAT • South African Rand • Subject to Availability
Exclusive-use, occupancy: up to 6 adults & 4 children (Children of all ages are welcome)	LOW SEASON 6 Jan - 6 Feb '25 3 Mar - 3 Apr '25 5 May- 29 May '25 3 Nov - 18 Dec '25	HIGH SEASON 7 Feb - 2 Mar '25 4 Apr - 4 May '25 30 May - 2 Nov '25	PEAK SEASON 19  Dec '25 - 4 Jan '26 Min of 4 nights 4 guest per night
3 bedrooms en-suite + children's bedroom	Infants (under 2 years) are accommodated free of charge
Minimum house rate / night (includes 4 guests )	R 60 000	R 80 000	R 160 000
Additional adults pay the extra adult rate per night (16 years and over)	R 10 000	R 10 000
Additional children pay the extra child rate per night (2 to 15 years)	R 5 000	R 5 000

Experience the thrill of catching your own fish and then setting it free again.

Going on Morukuru Fishing Safaris at the Marico River, that runs through the Madikwe Game Reserve, which is the largest natural source of water in the province, pumping one million litres per day: the river is clean and the fishing is good, though as any fishermen knows, patience will be required!

Species you may encounter at the end of your line include Yellow Fish, Catfish, Bream, Eel, Paper Mouth, Three Spot Tilapia and Carp. If you (or your younger guests) have never tried their hand at fishing before, your ranger is on hand to provide guidance.

Peace, lulled to a deep, alpha state by the gurgling waters of the Marico River and the somnambulant calls of riverside birdlife. Guests can give in to total indulgence and relaxation with one of the Morukuru Massages in the Sala Area, built as a treatment spot, overlooking the water.

All worries and everyday concerns simply melt away as the tension leaves one, with soothing  aromatherapy and carrier oils, in this bush idyll. Here, what sort of massage to treat oneself with, really, can be the biggest concern of the day.

The best moments in life are the ones when we feel most connected to self in harmony with nature and the world around us. Morukuru carefully selected Africology as the  product line used throughout our relaxing Spa Treatments. Africology uses only organic ingredients with their products free from toxic chemicals, including dangerous preservatives. At a location of your choice within your personal villa, be it the sala overlooking the Marico River, the deck of your room or by the pool enjoying the sounds of nature whilst relaxing with a treatment of your choosing.

What would an African safari be, without the typical sound of African drums beating at night? Now is your chance to master the rhythm and send a powerful message out the bush, to rival the roar of the African lion.

A true Safari Drumming master will teach you and your family how to play the drums, starting with the basics, but taking it a step further as well. Sitting around the fire you will not only play the drums together, but you will also listen to some wonderful stories about the various tribes of South Africa.

This will certainly be an evening to remember and one thing is for sure, after the session your hands will be warm!

Just outside the Madikwe Game Reserve Park, at the local Molatedi Dam, our Morukuru boat awaits you, ready for you to enjoy an afternoon of water fun. Be it fishing, water skiing or soaking up the sun there is something for the whole family.

It is a full day excursion including the delights of a scrumptious lunch prepared by your private chef, relaxing at the waters edge whilst drinking an ice cold drink, digging your toes into the sand, reading your favourite book, or for the super eager jumping straight in and relishing in the water activities of the day.

As the sun sets across the dam, painting the sky with indescribable beauty, enjoy quiet sundowners as you cruise across the dam before heading back into Madikwe to your very own safari home.

Note: this excursion is seasonal and weather dependant.

Traversing the reserve in a comfortable safari vehicle allows one to cover thousands of kilometers in search of exhilarating game sightings, but for a true taste of Africa nothing beats being on foot in the midst of the wilderness. On a bushwalk you smell, see and hear so much more, and getting up close and personal with insects and plants, with a ranger explaining their survival techniques, can be fascinating (such as the Acacia robusta’s ability to let off a stinky pheromone when it senses an animal grazing on its leaves!).

Bushwalks in Madikwe are not for the fainthearted however – you are on foot in a wilderness area where predators roam free. You are of course protected by the presence of your fully armed ranger and the bush knowledge of your tracker, but to be on the safe side children under the age of 16 may not participate in bush walks and for those over the ages of 60 require a doctor’s certificate of good health. Alternatively a stroll through the near by 100 hectare fenced in area home to general game can be enjoyed by the entire family subject to availabily. Bush walks are also limited to a maximum of eight people.

Note: Bushwalks at Ocean House do not require armed guides and are open to all ages with no limit on numbers.

The patter of feet, clapping of hands and the joyous dance movements executed with grace and joy by our local dancers is a captivating sight. The dancers are selected from the nearby primary school of Molatedi Village, one of our nearest community partners.

The Morukuru Family, strives to support and encourage this local community at every given opportunity. The school children who perform the richly colorful and entertaining dances, provide such an occasion for our visitors to also support and encourage these talented youngesters through a small contribution.

Maximum 6 adults and 4 children
 
On the banks of the peaceful Groot Marico River – River House

•  The House can accommodate 6 adults and 4 junior guests
•  The 3 suites are adorned with king size beds, sumptuous bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, fireplace for chilly nights and private wooden balconies
•  Junior guests are accommodated in our kids’ room (also used as a study) which is equipped with facilities like television, a DVD player and board games.
•  The House is fully air-conditioned and also offers the option of ceiling fans, guest safes, internet , satellite television, small library of topical books and a selection of DVD’s and CD’s
•  A heated infinity pool with inviting loungers, a boma for bonfire feasts, wooden veranda with romantic nooks and cosy views of the Marico river and an al fresco dining garden make this bush home a true haven
•  The living space consists of a dining room, lounge, double view fire place and fully equipped kitchen which is available to guests at all times for snacks and drinks at their leisure and of their choice.  

Activities
Morukuru Family is entirely centered on guest experience and delighting them. We can offer game drives, bush walks (children under 16 will have bush walks on non big five private Morukuru Family property), fishing, bird-watching, fun outdoor mini-adventures like supervised exploring for junior guests, romantic starlit sleepovers at the double-storey bird hide for adults, creative meal settings and options like bush breakfasts, pizza picnics, candle-lit dinners and memorable barbeques at the riverside. Local dancers from the nearby Molatedi village are also a firm favourite. We also offer guests the possibility of having massages during their stay with our onsite therapists. 

Morukuru Kids
Morukuru Family is extremely child friendly as we welcome children of all ages. We have based our whole ethos around hosting families or groups of close friends. Our junior guests are allowed on game drives throughout the Madikwe Game Reserve and are able to enjoy every magical aspect of being on safari with their parents. Our children receive a Morukuru Kidz Backpack filled with Safari treasures. We offer the service of a Nanny for those parents that wish to have a little time to themselves allowing them to relax knowing their children are being cared for. Children are kept busy with baking, kiddie-adventures,
swimming, fishing and much more.

Food and Wines 
Our chefs are meticulously trained and can provide a wide array of catering options from traditional, formal and nouvelle cuisine to utterly relaxed and casual snacks on demand and everything in between.
We encourage our guests to eat al fresco as much as our beautiful African weather allows and believe that every meal is an occasion. Guests are also able to personally select wines from our wine cellar to accompany and compliment their meals.

Morukuru  Goodwill Foundation 
The Morukuru Family believes in giving back to Africa and to her wildlife, in the form of preservation and conservation and to her local communities through education, empowerment and encouragement.
We are involved in various Wildlife and Community projects: removing alien vegetation from the Madikwe Game reserve, assisting the Molatedi school library with book donations as well as soccer kits for the up and coming soccer stars, recycling initiatives, and assistance with Parks Board projects like darting, collaring and relocation activities. 

Wildlife
Madikwe is a Big 5 reserve (top 10). Its extensive grass plains are home to game such as Gemsbok and Springbok and over 340 species of birds. The rich diversity of vegetation ensures a wide range of game and wildlife as well as a terrain and topography that offer ideal game viewing and photographic opportunities.

Climate
Weather
The climate is typified by hot summers (September to April) and cool dry Winters (May to August).
Summer: 25˚C(77˚F) – 40˚C(104˚F) and Winters: 3˚C(38˚F) – 23˚C(73˚F)
Rainfall
Classed as a semi arid region, rainfall amounts to about 500mm (19.5inches) per year, with most of the
rain falling in the summer months.
Malaria
Madikwe Game reserve is malaria free. No Malaria medication is necessary for your stay at any of the Morukuru Family private houses, but we do advise the use of insect repellant

Facilities

• All ages are welcome
• All inclusive
• Child friendly
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Dining Room
• Electronic safe
• Exclusive use of the house
• Fireplace
• Fully air-conditioned
• Heated infinity pool
• Indoor & outdoor showers
• King size bedrooms
• Morukuru Freedom Concept
• Nanny service
• Outdoor dining
• Private Butler
• Private chef
• Private Game Drive Vehicle
• Private Guide
• Study
• Wooden decks

We are unable to accommodate guests that arrive early or depart late, unless an additional night is booked.

All our rates are quoted in South African Rand and include VAT.

Rates are subject to change without prior notice.

A minimum stay of 4 nights is required for stays at Morukuru Family Madikwe for reservations during Christmas/New Year “PEAK SEASON”.

Infants under 2 years old are accommodated free of charge

Inclusions for Morukuru Family Madikwe:

• VIP Meet & Assist at OR Tambo International Airport
• Private and exclusive use of the houses
• Complimentary Wi-Fi (limited bandwidth)
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
• Local softdrinks, water, juices, coffee, tea
• Local house wines & local spirits
• Private chef, butler, host and housekeeping staff
• Private guide & tracker
• Private game drive vehicle
• Private bush walks (16 years and older)
• Sundowner drinks
• Picnics
• Road transfers within Madikwe Game Reserve
• Entrance fee / reserve gate fee
• Laundry service
• VAT / taxes

Exclusions for Morukuru Family Madikwe:

• Road transfers to/from Madikwe Game Reserve
• Flights to/from Madikwe Game Reserve
• Massage treatments
• Cellar wines (Premium list)
• Local dancers
• African drummers
• Conservation activities
• Day trips outside Madikwe Game Reserve
• Curio shop purchases

Morukuru Goodwill Foundation Conservation & Community Fee R 100 pppn for adults R 50 pppn for children under 16

NOTES:

• All combinations are permitted.
• A minimum stay of 4 nights is required at the exclusive use houses, for reservations during Christmas/New Year “PEAK SEASON”
• Infants from the ages of 0 till 2 years are accommodated free of charge

AIR & ROAD TRANSFERS:

The Morukuru Family reservations team will gladly assist with any road transfer or air transfer requirements you might have. Quotations on request. These transfers are performed by independent third parties. Therefor we can’t assume any liability for irregularities or changes made by these third parties.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES:

Regular check in time is from 14:00 PM, regular check out time is strictly 11:00 AM. We are unable to accommodate guests that arrive early or depart late, unless an additional night is booked.

CHILD POLICY:

Morukuru Family gladly welcomes children of all ages in all properties. We have fold away beds, baby cots, highchairs and car seats available. Our junior guests are allowed to participate in game drives, no matter their age.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:

Please ensure that you are in possession of a valid ID and a valid visa (if applicable). It is a condition of booking that the sole responsibility lies with the guests to ensure that they carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover themselves, as well as any dependants/travelling companions. This insurance should include full cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities: cancellation or curtailment of the safari, emergency evacuation expenses medical expenses, repatriation expenses, injury, death, damage/theft/loss of personal baggage, money and goods. The company, their representatives, employees and agents will take no responsibility for any costs, losses incurred or suffered by the guest, or guest’s dependants or travelling companions, with regards to, but not limited to, any of the abovementioned events. Families travelling with children under 18 years old should check the immigration regulations for South Africa, as additional documents may be required.

EXTRAS:

All clients shall settle their extra account prior to departure from the premises unless otherwise arranged.

SPECIAL DIETARY / MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:

If guests have any medical problems, disabilities and/or allergies that may affect their holiday, please inform us before confirming the booking so that we can advise as to the suitability of the arrangements we provide. In any event guests must give us written details before booking. If we reasonably feel unable to accommodate the particular needs of a guest we reserve the right to decline the reservation or, if full details are not provided at the time of booking, we may need to cancel the reservation when we become aware of the situation. Normal cancellation policy will apply. We cannot be held responsible if we are not advised at the time of booking.

Deposit Policy

• For all bookings made within 45 days of travel
• Full payment Is required within 48 hours of your booking. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).
• For all bookings made more than 45 days of travel
• A 50% deposit Is required within 48 hours of your booking and the balance 30 days prior to arrival. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).

STANDARD CANCELLATION POLICY:

• All cancellations must be made in writing. No telephonic or verbal cancellations will be accepted.
• If a booking is cancelled after confirmation, the applicable deposit will be forfeited.
• Cancellation within 60 days before arrival – 50% of full amount
• Cancellation within 30 days before arrival – 100% of full amount
• A 10% admin fee will be retained for cancellations made after the card has been charged.

PEAK SEASON CANCELLATION POLICY:

• Cancellation within 90 days before arrival – 50% of full amount
• Cancellation within 60 days before arrival – 75% of full amount
• Cancellation within 30 days before arrival – 100% of full amount
• A 10% admin fee will be retained for cancellations made after the card has been charged.

All meals, drinks and activities are included when booking one of our exclusive-use houses.

FORCE MAJEURE

In the event of a stay being rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable by weather, strike, war, epidemic, pandemic, seismic activity, government interference or any other cause whatsoever (‘force majeure’), the expenses incurred as a result thereof shall be the responsibility of the guest. We strongly advise guests to take out Trip Cancellation Insurance that includes ‘cancel for any reason’.

NOTE:

The booking and all services carried out with regards to the reservation will be subject to South African law and the jurisdiction of South African courts. Morukuru Family reserves the right to change rates without prior notice subject to the implementation or variation of taxes or levies by any relevant authority or by the government.

The exclusive-use bush villa, Morukuru will provide you with top class personal service, a warm and hospitable African ambiance and outstanding cuisine from a personal chef who will cater to your specific culinary requests. The three bed rooms in this luxury bush villa, all with en-suite bathrooms connect into the central living area under one continuous roof. The lodge offers the perfect setting for guests to enjoy alfresco dining on the wooden decks shaded by the impressive Tamboti trees overlooking the pool area and the riverbed beyond that, where animals converge to escape the heat of the day and quench their thirst. In the evening enjoy traditional African dinners around an open fire in a secluded “boma” under the stars. Morukuru Lodge is available for the exclusive use by 6 adults, 4 children and is perfect for families, friends and small groups.

The three private houses of Morukuru Family ( Farm House, Owner House, River House ) are situated in the Madikwe Game reserve which is located in the North West Province of South Africa. The reserve covers over 75.000 hectares, offering guests a premier safari and wildlife experience.
It is a malaria-free reserve and one of the biggest game reserves in South Africa.
It can be found between the Botswana border and the area made famous by the South African writer Herman Charles Bosman called the Groot Marico.

A family bush safari or a coastal safari experience
At Morukuru Family a bush safari or a coastal safari is a wonderful family therapy. Regardless of age, the shared thrill of seeing wild animals in their natural habitat is bonding. This is exactly why Morukuru Family welcomes children of all ages, a privilege many of the other accommodations don’t offer. in Madikwe Game Reserve children of all ages can also join on gamedrives, thanks to the exclusive-use house concept.

We are very aware of the fact that different families have different needs – some parents want to be with their kids 24/7, others crave time out. When staying at Morukuru Family, you set the boundaries, and our team will maintain them. We know that parents only truly relax when they know their kids are having a great time, so we offer not only a babysitting service if required, but plenty of exciting things for kids to do as well.

We do not offer a set ‘kiddies programme’, but we rather believe that children should be given the same individual care and attention that we provide for our adult guests, with each child’s particular food requirements, bedding preferences, interests, age and life experiences taken into account.

From the moment you arrive, your children will be handed their very own ‘Morukuru Kidz’ backpack filled with some fun and useful goodies. At the three exclusive-use houses in Madikwe Game Reserve and at Morukuru Ocean House in the De Hoop Nature Reserve we offer a host of child-specific activities, from tracking lessons to baking biscuits, from bush- and/or marine walks to board games. And for those kids who simply can’t live without technology, those properties also offer access to free Wi-Fi, computer stations, DVDs and Playstation.

Morukuru Family was created by a family, for families. We like to welcome our guests into our large extended family, with a real focus on the importance of bringing generations together – grandparents, parents, siblings and children, creating an album of memories to last a lifetime.

Indoors – A home from home for children
Sometimes our junior guests tire of the great outdoors and just want to chill inside. They will find a host of goodies in their Morukuru Kidz backpacks to entertain and educate them simultaneously. These include educational wildlife cards, activity books, epitomizing a fun, interactive learning experience about wildlife, game, birdlife and Africa in general. At the exclusive-use houses in Madikwe Game Reserve and at Morukuru Ocean House in De Hoop Nature Reserve we also have an extensive selection of children’s movies on DVD and other (board)games to keep them playing happily for hours!

Babysitting services – Your African Mary Poppins!
At Morukuru Family we know that our adult guests love to rest, relax and unwind. Sometimes, that can best be achieved knowing that one’s children are in the responsible care of an experienced babysitter. At our exclusive-use houses in Madikwe and at Morukuru Ocean House our staff will gladly tailor their duties to your daily requirements, and are available at any time to ensure that your children are well taken care of and caringly entertained. While you go on a bush walk, enjoy a romantic sunset dinner on top of a mountain or overlooking the ocean (depending in which house you are staying), ….. or just relax with a good book as the peace of Morukuru wraps itself around you, you can unwind knowing that your little ones are happy with their very own “Mary Poppins”.