Review: Melozhori Private Nature Reserve, Western Cape, South Africa

South Africa is rightly synonymous with wild spaces, with plenty of lodges offering a connection to nature. What Melozhori Private Game Reserve offers is something rather unique: a luxurious and exclusive lodge escape, two hours from Cape Town. Wanting to take advantage of this, seven friends and I headed to Melozhori for three days of unforgettable immersion in nature. 

The welcome

From the moment you drive through the Melozhori gates, it feels like the world is left behind with not a car nor building in sight. Only, fynbos-frosted hills, and the occasional curious zebra as you wind through the reserve. Eventually, the lodge comes into view, and entering the parking, I’m warmly greeted by guide Melissa, and butlers Francis and White. After cooling down with a refresher towel and buchu welcome drink, we walk through the acacia trees to experience Melozhori Lodge.

The room

The two principal bedrooms are cavernous spaces with their double volume thatched-roofed ceilings. They also have two-day couches, which are easily converted into beds for children. Another two large rooms span off each of these, with views on two sides. All four rooms have their own decks, with cushioned hammocks to lie on and breathe in the surrounding landscape.

The bathroom

Across the lodge, the bathrooms are havens – and following suit from the large bedrooms, they are also spacious sanctuaries. The two principal bathrooms have tubs that overlook private courtyards, replete with outdoor showers. The last two bathrooms also feature tubs with outdoor vistas – and at the touch of a button, the glass can be frosted for privacy. Amenities are from the much-loved South African brand Healing Earth; their eco-friendly products all infused with the ingredients from the nature.

The facilities

The Lodge is startlingly big – while sleeping a maximum of 8 (or up to 12 with children) it feels as if the space could sustain five times that – meaning there’s plenty of room for everyone to do their thing. Soft bush pastels, natural textures, and wood details create a supremely calming space – and the thoughtfully selected artwork provides focal points but never distract from the main attraction – the living landscape canvas outside. The central living area includes a dining space, fireside lounge and TV area. The bedrooms then span off on the building’s two wings.

Stepping outside is where the postcard beauty leaps out into real life. A large deck with a dining space first comes into view, and stepping down the elegantly cornered wooden stairs, the pool deck is reached. Loungers line the heated pool, partially shaded by the yellow-toned Fever trees. Our favourite space was the cleverly placed firepit, with sunken seats as an insert in the pool itself. At the end of the rim-flow pool, the vast landscape takes over, and with the ever-changing cloud formations, it seemed eager to show off.

A one-minute walk from the lodge is a small lapa or entertainment area with a fire pit, pizza oven and a wood-fired hot tub. Hardly an hour went by without someone sauntering down in the gown and slipping into the hot water, especially welcomed on our winter break. The gentle rain threatening to pause fun was no issue – the staff quickly setup an umbrella, and from the steaming water we could watch the resident giraffe slowly navigate a nearby hill. Lastly, beyond the lodge and entertainment area, a pathway continues down to a dam, with a canoe for paddling, and where catch-and-release fishing is permitted.

The location

Melozhori is located just outside the hinterland hamlet of Bonnievale. From Cape Town, it’s an easy two-hour ride along the N2 highway from the airport, and after one short turnoff winds through a rocky pass, you’re at the front gate. The reserve is an impressive 2500 hectares, home to 38 mammal species, over 129 bird species, and a pristine biome that encompasses fynbos, Overberg Rhenosterveld, and acacia forest. The daily game drives take in this natural spectacle; Melissa’s knowledge was invaluable, as she answered our stream of eager questions. 

Other nice touches

Every day, a gift magically appears in the bedroom for each guest. On our first day, it was a lodge-branded thermal water bottle – the perfect accompaniment for staying hydrated on game drives. On the second day a peak cap embroidered with Melozhori arrived, and on the final day, a thoughtful beaded bracelet – which immediately found its way onto my hand. 

In addition to the Lodge, there are three other accommodation options in the reserve – great for larger groups, or friends who want their own space, but then can easily regather after a short drive. First up is the astounding Treehouse – a double-story designer house, with hot tub, outdoor shower and firepit, and seclusion in a quiet valley. Two modular-styled pods also sleep two each, with hot tubs and every posh trimming. Lastly, there’s a cottage that can accommodate four adults and two small children, with hot tub, braai facilities and a splash pool.

Being the sole residents of your exclusive-use lodge, the programme is yours to decide on. We were given a suggested activity sheet from Melozhori, and my small suggestions were immediately factored in we were able to schedule our game drives at a time that worked best for our group, and meals times accordingly. When the lodge offered an outdoor movie evening, I jumped at the idea. After dinner on our first evening, a large screen and projector were setup alongside the pool, and we lay on the loungers with dessert, watching Grease lightning. I can’t recall the last time we’ve laughed so much as a group – certainly an experience that will never be forgotten.

The cost

The cost for this overwhelmingly generous piece of nature is R55000 for four guests, then R8500 per addition person. The rate is fully inclusive of all meals on your custom menu, snacks, beverages, and the daily guided walks or game drives. This translates to the daily provision of two butlers, a housekeeper, a guide, and a private chef who are available all day – pampering on a completely new level.

The best bit

While you’ll come for the nature, you’ll stay for the food: dining at Melozhori was a marvel and a treat, something we’d never forget. In-house Chef Marthinus Erasmus was the humble and highly talented culinary force behind meals. Our custom menu was sent to us days in advance, and with very little tweaking, we sat back as Marthinus’ magic unfolded. Each meal was modestly introduced, and Marthinus’ pride was tangible, especially as much of the produce came from the farm itself. With a butchery on the premises, and venison any from necessary culling on the reserve, meat from the farm is made on the farm, for the farm only. Honey is from reserve hives, breads are homemade, and fynbos elements are picked and used.

Plus, there’s very little he can’t do – from pizza evenings to sushi – you request it and chef makes it. I’d forgotten to add a poultry allergy to the list, and upon discovering this at breakfast, it couldn’t have taken Marthinus more than 5 minutes to serve up shrimp benedict to a grateful recipient. All food is Halal, ensuring all guests are thoroughly catered for.

The final verdict

Melozhori is one of the rare places where time not only slows but stops and shifts into something more magical. Here, the rhythm of the wilderness dictates activity, and with the privilege of an in-house staff team, all you need to do is accept the invitation to soak up the wild, be nourished by quality time with friends, and then wait for the table call from your private chef. With a short drive from Cape Town, this is undeniably one of the Western Cape’s most compelling stays, and a testament to one family’s commendable efforts to both protect and share South African wilderness.

Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by Melozhori Private Nature Reserve.

Jared Ruttenberg

Jared Ruttenberg is a travel writer from Cape Town, South Africa. He enjoys connecting people and experiences through words, images and social media.