If you’re planning a trip to South Africa and you’re not including a game drive on your itinerary, you’re making a big mistake…
Trust me, I know from experience. My partner and I were searching for an exclusive, authentic, and personal game reserve where we could explore the beauty of nature while still enjoying luxury accommodations. And we found it – Melozhori Game Reserve.
Spread out over 2,300 hectares of undulating hills and mountains, Melozhori offers breathtaking panoramic views that will take your breath away and make you feel like you’re in a scene straight out of “The Lion King”.
We stayed in a self-catering Eco-Pod located on a secluded spot, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of magical. Our pod featured a wood-fired hot tub, an outdoor pizza oven, and a massive 14m hammock where I spent most of my time watching the game browsing nearby or gazing at the beautiful starry night skies.
One of the things that made our experience at Melozhori so special was the intentional low guest capacity. We spent our days in complete peace and tranquillity, and we didn’t meet any other tourists while we were there. As a result, we felt like we had the entire reserve to ourselves. It was like we were in our own private “Out of Africa” adventure.
We spent our days meditating with views of the valley, cooking delicious pizzas in the pizza oven, braaing and having long soaks in the wood-fired hot tub under the Milky Way. It was the perfect honeymoon spot for us. We were also provided with a full self-catering set which included a cheese/snack platter for two on arrival, pizza bases and a selection of toppings, desserts, continental breakfast selection, and a big braai pack.
We dedicated one day to a game drive led by an experienced guide. We left the property early in the morning and spotted wildlife such as giraffe, zebra, sable, bontebok, and wildebeest. It’s worth noting that Melozhori Private Game Reserve is home to over 30 species of wildlife, 129 species of birds, and an abundance of unique fauna and flora. The flora consists mostly of Succulent Karoo, rare and endangered Renosterveld, and sections of biodiverse Fynbos in the mountainous areas.
One of the things that touched me the most during our game drive was learning about the reserve’s conservation efforts. They care deeply about protecting endangered species such as the bontebok, the blue crane, the black harrier, and the cape vulture. The reserve also participates in local conservation efforts to monitor and protect the elusive Cape Leopard, which has been spotted on rare occasions.
Overall, our experience at Melozhori Game Reserve was nothing short of magical. It was the perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and romance. If you’re ever in South Africa, I highly recommend visiting this incredible reserve. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.