There are few things more precious than a sense of belonging. Experiencing a deep connection to another and to a place. This is what struck Ed and Anka Zeeman when they first explored the vast 75000-ha Madikwe Game Reserve and decided to procure their own 2000-ha tract of virgin bush adjoining Madikwe.

Alone in the untrammelled African wilderness, they naturally slowed their pace, appreciating the primal nature of life and sharing the humbling expanse of wild Africa with friends and family.

The Zeemans built their first luxurious retreat on the banks of the Marico River, stocking the two-suite Owner’s House with every luxury – a superb wine cellar, excellent entertainment system, fabulous kitchen and a team of 8 staff. Within strolling distance but completely private, they then built River House, a four-bedroom home with the same level of luxury. With no fixed schedules for game drives, no rules or expectations, and no other guests, and the fabulous game experience of Madikwe Game Reserve, Morukuru Family soon became known as one of the most relaxing safari destinations on the continent. Both Morukuru Owner’s House and River House have been completely refurbished in 2020.

Unable to meet the inevitable demand, the Zeemans added more siblings to the Morukuru family: Farm House, a five-suite barefoot-chic homestead located on the other edge of Morukuru Family private concession within Madikwe Game Reserve, and set within a 100-hectare fenced-in area.

Next came Morukuru Ocean House, a 4-suite oceanfront exclusive-use house located within one of Africa’s most beautiful coastal reserves: the 36 000-ha De Hoop Nature Reserve, just over 3 hours from Cape Town along the Garden Route..

In July 2018 the 5-bedroom Morukuru Beach Lodge opened it’s doors. This luxury eco-friendly lodge is the ideal option for couples and smaller families and it is our second property in De Hoop Nature Reserve, a mere kilometre west from Morukuru Ocean House. Just 2 years after opening Morukuru Beach Lodge was voted #1 resort in South Africa and #2 resort in the World according to the 2020 & 2021 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. World Travel Awards voted Morukuru Beach Lodge ‘South Africa’s Leading Beach Hotel’ for 2020 & 2021.

AtholPlace House & Villa, a luxurious and intimate urban bolthole in Johannesburg, Africa’s big apple, was added to the collection in 2014 as a hotel and private villa. In 2020 the concept was changed to that of exclusive-use only and guests can book the 9-bedroom AtholPlace House or the 4-bedroom AtholPlace Villa. As with its siblings, AtholPlace House & Villa combines elegance and luxury with a thoroughly unpretentious atmosphere, a home-from-home where everyone, regardless of age or predilection, is made to feel welcome.

In short, Morukuru offers the most exclusive experiences in some of Africa’s most exciting places. Providing a precious space to reconnect with who you are and those you love.

Morukuru Family welcomes children of all ages and children can also join on gamedrives, thanks to the exclusive-use concept.