In these challenging times full of serious news, uncertainty and societal change – we all need some comfort. In response, we are baking up batches of our favourite chocolate-chip cookies – the ultimate comfort food – and a long-time favourite of guests. These cookies have been enjoyed with a cup of coffee before setting out on… [Read More]
Today we celebrate International Day of Happiness (20th March) which is a United Nations endorsed initiative encouraging the pursuit of happiness. It probably goes without saying that we all want to be happy – but how do we achieve this, especially during this very challenging time. Self-quarantining and social isolation could mean loneliness, depression or… [Read More]
If you dig out an English dictionary you will see that the definition of the word “Safari” is a trip to watch, photograph, or hunt wild animals in their natural environment. Hunting is definitely not on our agenda, but watching and photographing animals very much is, as well as the wilderness where children can explore, learn and discover by immersing… [Read More]
Meet our Magic Maker Tau Hlomai, an extremely valuable member of the AtholPlace team. Tau is willing to help out in any of the departments within the hotel but is passionate about the guests he works with in his capacity of Tour Guide. You spend a lot of time on the road – tell us… [Read More]
Every day in the Madikwe is a privilege…but some days just blow you away. Our ranger Johan Taljaard tells us in his own words, how a recent sighting of two male giraffes has made it onto his GOAT (greatest of all-time) list! “My guests and I were on our way back from another great morning… [Read More]
Welcome to Johannesburg! While you are staying at AtholPlace Hotel & Villa why not set aside some time to explore? AtholPlace is very centrally situated and there are a number of nearby places of interest to visit. One of our favourite spots is Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, which is a short car ride… [Read More]
As a butler at Morukuru Beach Lodge one of your jobs is to create amazing experiences for your guests…tell us some of the secrets you use? Do you have any tricks up your sleeve? My biggest secret is to smile all the time and show guests that I really enjoy what I do. I have an… [Read More]
The African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus) which also goes by the names Cape Hunting dog or Painted Dog, is a highly endangered species. Threats to these animals include persecution by man, susceptibility to diseases like rabies and loss of their natural habitat. Wild Dog populations also suffer losses through clan clashes and other predator attacks,… [Read More]
With 2019 done and dusted and the new decade already in full swing … we thought it would be fun to give you an insight into some amusing; interesting and quirky facts and figures from the past year. 2019 was a year to remember with many highlights and now we are excited to focus and… [Read More]
Trevor van Laun and Louis Jansen van Vuuren have taken over the reins as General Managers of Morukuru Family De Hoop. Both have extensive experience in the hospitality industry, most recently in running Rijks Country Lodge in Tulbagh. We sat down with Trevor and Louis to find out how they plan to further develop our… [Read More]
As 2019 draws to a close and we focus on the start of a new decade we would like to wish our friends, guests, travel partners and the tourism industry a very happy Festive Season, as well as express huge gratitude for all the support we received from far and wide. It has been a… [Read More]
Here at Morukuru Family Madikwe, we are immersed in the bush and get to witness amazing sightings of the Big Five, interesting sighting of the Little Five and unusual sightings of everything in between. We feel lucky and grateful … and often feel we are living our dreams. Other members of our Morukuru Family like… [Read More]
One of your main responsibilities is to make sure all your guests are satisfied during their stay at AtholPlace Hotel & Villa – tell us how you interact with guests and find out how they are doing? My main goal is to deliver an outstanding guest experience. It is important for me to know my guests, even… [Read More]
Since the Middle Ages, pilgrims have walked the Camino de Santiago for spiritual growth and enlightenment. Nowadays religious reasons are still a consideration but many choose the Camino as a unique experience, as a personal challenge or simply to take a break from everyday life. Morukuru Beach Lodge along with Lekkerwater are offeringour very own… [Read More]
When you are spending a couple of days at AtholPlace Hotel & Villa, en route to other destinations like Morukuru Family Madikwe or Morukuru Family De Hoop, you might want to get out an about and explore some local neighbourhoods in Johannesburg. AtholPlace is very centrally situated and there are a number of nearby locales… [Read More]
We are excited to introduce you to our new Management Couple at Morukuru Family Madikwe – Anne-Marie and Armand Steyn. Give us a brief background of your career in the hospitality industry? We both started in the industry at Mabula (Limpopo) in 2007, Armand as a Trainee Guide and me as a Reservationist. We quickly moved… [Read More]
Condé Nast Traveler has announced the results of its highly anticipated 32nd annual Readers’ Choice Awards with all the properties within The Morukuru Family being featured! Morukuru Family Madikwe came in at no 3 on the Top Resorts in South Africa (27th in the world) with Morukuru Beach Lodge at no 6 (40th in world) and Morukuru… [Read More]
Here in South Africa, we have just celebrated Heritage Day (24th September) which prompted us to stop and reflect on our own very interesting story. Morukuru is the Tswana word for the Tamboti tree and we are lucky enough to have an exceptional example growing right outside Morukuru Owner’s House. If you want to get… [Read More]
Sum up your culinary journey – what inspired you to pursue a career in food? From an early age, I watched my Gran cooking and baking. I was always interested in what she was doing and how she did it. Once I finished school I started my culinary journey by enrolling in an intimate hotel school… [Read More]
I’m sure you’ve walked into someone’s house and seen one of those posters proudly displaying the Family Rules. This is a cute way to publicly state what’s important to your family and probably more important, it’s a great way to remind everyone what your family values are. At Mourkuru Ocean House and Morukuru Beach Lodge,… [Read More]
Finding the perfect souvenirs to take back home for family and special friends can be a challenge. Discovering keepsakes that connect to local culture is fun and we think items which are functional, sentimental or downright quirky are the way to go. Here are some tips to get you started. Make sure you understand your… [Read More]
We can’t believe it’s been a year since we welcomed our first guests to Morukuru Beach Lodge with four Ocean View Suites and a secluded Honeymoon Suite. This new addition to our family was exciting for many reasons, but one of the highlights has been the opportunity to introduce our spectacular location and spacious,… [Read More]
Congratulations! You have planned and booked your bucket-list trip to South Africa to enjoy a Safari. Here’s some basic information to get you prepared. What to pack: Your time at Morukuru Family Madikwe will be casual so you can keep your luggage light and uncomplicated. Early morning and evening drives will be cooler and you will… [Read More]
Morukuru Ocean House and Morukuru Beach Lodge offer guests a unique opportunity to see the rare Cape Vulture in its natural habitat. The chance to hike the Potberg trail, which is in the Eastern part of the nature reserve, and view Cape Vultures in their only remaining breeding colony is not for the fainthearted. You… [Read More]
The winter months are a special time of the year at Morukuru Ocean House and Morukuru Beach Lodge! The skies are bright and the landscape bursts into colour as the endemic fynbos springs to life, following the start of the winter rains. It’s also when we see the return of the gentle giants of the… [Read More]
If you are looking for an incredible adventure as well as the chance to make a real impact, then a luxury safari holiday offering wildlife conservation and interaction with local communities should be on your bucket list. Edward Abbey, the American environmental advocate and author said: “sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul”…. [Read More]
Our oceans are in crisis! Overfishing, climate change and pollution are all contributing to the destruction of ecosystems and marine biologists are seeing the extinction of marine species. Looking more closely, we can see the devastating effect of industrial fishing practices which began back in the 1950s. With the development of technology, global fish populations… [Read More]
Condé Nast Traveler has opened the voting for the 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards and we would like to invite all our guests to cast their votes, so we can hopefully be featured on the list of winners again this year. These awards are all about you, the traveller, so share your thoughts and make your opinion count… [Read More]
There’s a highway of stars across the heavens The whispering song of the wind in the grass There’s the rolling thunder across the savanna A hope and dream at the edge of the sky Johnny Clegg (Spirit of the Great Heart) The African skies are among the world’s darkest ,and there arefew sights as beautiful… [Read More]
It’s about more than the Rhino … one million animal and plant species are under threat! Endangered Species Day is celebrated on the 17th May and is an opportunity to highlight the importance of protecting endangered animal and plant species. Morukuru Family is built on principles of conservation and we are committed to everyday actions… [Read More]
Brunch is breakfast without an alarm clock and the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day this year. Our team, under the leadership of our Head Chef Scott Dressels has created a delicious brunch menu which will impress your mum (and your family and friends)! All this talk of brunch got us thinking about the origins of… [Read More]
You are a Lodge Host. Tell us what that means? My job is to make sure that all guest requirements and expectations are met. This means I coordinate with each department and relay information so that guests experience their dream holiday. You live and work at Morukuru. Does this wonderful environment inspire you to tackle… [Read More]
Easter is a sensational time to visit Morukuru Family Madikwe! April is a temperate month in the Madikwe, with beautiful warm days and cool evenings, without the nip of winter. Easter is also traditionally a time for lots of treats and seasonal dishes… think Easter confectionery, hot cross buns and roast lamb. This year our… [Read More]
You wake up in a comforting cocoon, stretch under a luxurious duck-down duvet and stroll over to your private balcony. Your mind clicks into gear and you think about how to spend the perfect Saturday in Jozi. First things first, fuel up with a delicious breakfast prepared by our chef and then you are set… [Read More]
Someone in the know once said breakfast is only worth having when someone else makes it for you! Morukuru Family has a portfolio of properties in three very different locations and we will make your breakfast any way you like. Starting off at Morukuru Family in the Madikwe where an outdoor bush breakfast is what… [Read More]
Morukuru Ocean House and Morukuru Beach lodge are surrounded by vast stretches of indigenous Fynbos which at first glance seems pretty unimpressive. But these shrubby, bulbous plants with hardy, thick leaves are pretty distinguished. Fynbos is only found in a small belt of of South Africa where it thrives in coastal, mountainous areas with a… [Read More]
Tell us a little bit about yourself… I was born in Zimbabwe where I was lucky to have had an idyllic childhood. My dad was transferred to South Africa so our family moved here when I was a youngster.Gardening is my hobby and my solace and love spending time in my green space.I’m fortunate to have a… [Read More]
Any time of the year is perfect for a safari but the Winter months add an extra special dimension to the experience. Here’s why… 1: Climate: The Winter months in the Madikwe are generally dry and mild. Plus there is low humidity. With average daytime temperatures in the mid 20’s ( Celsius), loads of clear skies and… [Read More]
Morukuru Ocean House and Morukuru Beach Lodge are most definitely off-the-grid, but we are absolutely plugged in when it come to food and wine. You have probably heard the popular saying:“Life’s too short for bad wine” and we totally agree! Fortunately we are surrounded by excellent wine producers right here in the Overberg.This region… [Read More]
According to the Calendar of Saints, the 6th of February is the Feastday of St. Amand, the Patron Saint of winemakers, beer brewers, merchants, innkeepers and bartenders. International Bartender Dayhonours St. Amandand we celebrate all our bartenders who dedicate themselves to the world of mixology to create magical combinations. Raise your glasses and say sip,… [Read More]
These days sustainable travel is becoming the new normal and this mind-set means travellers are searching for ways to holiday in a fulfilling and fun way. More and more travellers are conscious of the environment and want to tread lightly on our planet and give back in a positive way. Morukuru Family De Hoop (Morukuru… [Read More]
One of the objectives of the Morukuru Goodwill Foundation (MGWF) is the promotion of education for youngsters from within the Madikwe community. The Madikwe Academy and the Molatedi Primary School are centres of learning which receive ongoing support from MGWF, so that children can be taught in safe and productive environments. MGWF works together with… [Read More]
As 2018 draws to a close we look back on the year that was a challenging year for tourism in South Africa, due to the water shortage in Cape Town earlier in the year, but thankfully the rains have been good and the dams and reservoirs in the Western Cape are almost full again, bringing… [Read More]
When staying at AtholPlace Hotel & Villa, put some time aside to go on an inner city guided walking tour. Recently, our team was lucky enough to join Gerald Garner from JoburgPlaces which is an inner-city based tourism business. Our tailor-made walking tour took in some amazing public sculptures, the 1 Fox precinct including Little Fox… [Read More]
What could be nicer than a a slice of delicious, homemade cake? Well two slices of course! Our fabulous moist chocolate takes yumminess to the next level – with the addition of sophisticated, subtle citrus flavours. Today we are celebrating International Cake Day (26th November) by putting on our aprons, getting out our mixing bowl… [Read More]
With South Africa firmly marked, in permanent ink, on your travel bucket list you could be agonising over the choice between the ultimate beach holiday or an amazing African safari in the bush. Let Morukuru Family put and end to your dilemma by suggesting a win win situation. You don’t have to choose. Our mantra… [Read More]
You are now the Head Waiter at AtholPlace Hotel & Villa…tell us how started in the hospitality business? I come from the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe and have a wife and two beautiful daughters. Growing up, I always wanted to work in the hospitality industry especially hotels. In 2005 I came to South Africa and… [Read More]
Bradley Dicks, one of our guides at Morukuru Family – is a passionate photographer and a dedicated bird watcher. We sat down with him and found out more about the wealth of bird life in the Madikwe and how to get the most out of your birding safari experience. Guests are spoilt for choice when… [Read More]
One of the reasons for choosing Morukuru Ocean House or Morukuru Beach Lodge is that there is so much to do …or not. From mountain biking; bird watching to walking; relaxing at the pool to catching up with a great book. We don’t suggest you do anything … except consider all the options and choose… [Read More]
Scott Dressels, Head Chef at AtholPlace Restaurant sums up our food philosophy by saying “we have a seasonal approach to our menu, using locally sourced produce to create modern South African cuisine with a Asian/French twist”. We caught him somewhere between breakfast and dinner service and asked him to expand on this … Seasonality is very… [Read More]
