Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa, 11 September 2025 – Morukuru Family has announced the official reopening of Morukuru Owner’s House and Morukuru River House at Morukuru Family Madikwe. Both riverfront homesteads reopen with refreshed interiors following a flooding incident in February, and are now welcoming bookings alongside Morukuru Farm House, which remained fully operational throughout.
In February, extraordinary rains caused the Molatedi Dam to overflow, with the Marico River rising dramatically and impacting the interiors of Morukuru Owner’s House and Morukuru River House. The Morukuru Family team used the moment to renew these much-loved private houses, partnering with interior designer Amy Kidger of Hinterland Studio to lead a thoughtful redesign.
“In the bush, nature teaches resilience,” says Ed Zeeman, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Morukuru Family. “What began as a challenging event became an opening to reimagine two soulful homes. We’re delighted to welcome guests back to the properties, familiar in spirit, newly inspired in detail, and as private and flexible as ever under our Morukuru Freedom Concept.”
Taking her cue from the Tamboti trees that shade the houses (‘Morukuru’ is the Tswana name for Tamboti), the surrounding riverine forest, and a curated collection of bold photographic artworks by Leana Clunies-Ross that were deliberately chosen by the owners, Kidger’s design layers refined comfort with a contemporary African sensibility.
“The brief was to create spaces that feel elevated yet effortless – alive with texture, colour, and craft, and always connected to the landscape,” Kidger, Founder of Hinterland Studio, said. “Expect a palette of ochres, rusts, deep greens, and river blues; grasscloths and woven details; patinated metalwork and natural finishes. The result is a calm and characterful backdrop to the theatre of the bush.”
What’s new:
- Refreshed interiors at both Morukuru Owner’s House and Morukuru River House
- A fitness room available to guests staying at either house
- Enhancements to outdoor living spaces to maximise river views and starlit dining
Set on the Marico River, Morukuru Owner’s House is an intimate two-bedroom retreat for up to four guests, while nearby Morukuru River House hosts up to six adults and four children across three en-suite bedrooms. Booked together for larger gatherings, both offer private pools and generous outdoor living. Completing the trio, Morukuru Farm House is a five-bedroom homestead with expansive lawns, ideal for multigenerational stays. All three operate off-grid on solar power and deliver exclusive-use privacy.
Bookings are open for all three Morukuru Family Madikwe properties. Existing rates and promotions apply.
Ends
For more information, contact Marketing Manager, Rinse Wassenaar: rinse@morukuru.com
Additional images available here.
Morukuru Family
Reconnecting family, friends, nature, and you, is the promise of Morukuru Family, a renowned award-winning hospitality group and a member of Relais & Châteaux. Morukuru Family’s three exclusive-use houses in Madikwe Game Reserve as well as Morukuru Ocean House in De Hoop Nature Reserve, each offer the ‘Morukuru Freedom Concept’ for guests to create a unique and personalised holiday. Morukuru Beach Lodge in De Hoop Nature Reserve can be booked per suite, or on an exclusive-use basis. AtholPlace Hotel & Villa in Sandton, Johannesburg, consists of a 9-room boutique hotel and a 4-bedroom private villa. Morukuru Family is dedicated to securing a sustainable future for the reserves and protecting our planet and offer specialised travel packages – Safaris with a Purpose and Coastal Conservation with a Purpose.
www.morukuru.com
Morukuru Goodwill Foundation
Morukuru Family’s commitment to conservation, community, and sustainability led to the establishment of Morukuru Goodwill Foundation (MGWF) in 2007 by owners Ed and Anka Zeeman. Working in partnership with the Parks Board and CapeNature, and together with local communities we support nature-based projects, educate, mentor and ultimately empower the conservation of Africa’s wildlife sanctuaries. https://morukuru.com/morukuru-goodwill-foundation/
Relais & Châteaux – A Movement with Meaning
Relais & Châteaux, established in 1954, is an association of 580 unique hotels and restaurants throughout the world, owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs–most often families–who are passionate about their craft and deeply committed to forging warm, lasting relationships with their guests. Relais & Châteaux members protect and promote the wealth and diversity of the world’s culinary and hospitality traditions, to ensure they continue to thrive. They are equally dedicated to preserving local heritage and the environment, as articulated in the association’s Vision presented to UNESCO in November 2014. www.relaischateaux.com
