MORE Collection owns and manages a collection of luxury safari lodges, boutique hotels, and exclusive-use residences in South Africa, offering seamless itineraries between our properties. Led by custodian and CEO Robert More, ours is a fourth-generation family business – our origin dates to 1933 when our great-grandfather Guy Aubrey Chalkley purchased the land that Lion Sands Game Reserve was later established on. We now have four luxury lodges at Lion Sands.

Our footprint is in four unique safari reserves – Sabi Sand, Kruger, Thornybush, and Marakele – and our hotel is in the vicinity of one the Natural Wonders of the World, Table Mountain. Our properties include Lion Sands Game Reserve (Mpumulanga), Marataba Game Lodges and Monwana Game Lodge (Limpopo), and Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel (Western Cape). We are committed to protecting the environment, community development, sustainability principles, and delivering on our purpose of creating life-enriching experiences for our guests.

About Monwana

Thornybush Nature Reserve is part of the Greater Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and richest protected wilderness areas. It is home to the famed Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo), and countless other beautiful creatures in their natural habitats. The reserve has many species of large mammals and is well-known for the quality and quantity of its sightings of Africa’s most elusive cat – the leopard.

Being part of a private 14,000-hectare reserve means that guests enjoy personal, uncrowded, unrushed, and close contact sightings. The wildlife density on this tract of land is quite extraordinary, thanks to the rivers, landscapes and vegetation, and the unfenced border with the Greater Kruger National Park.

Morning and afternoon game drives and our guided bush walks bring our guests closer to this amazing natural world. Our highly qualified field guides and trackers share their diverse knowledge and we throw in a few surprises along the way.

About The Lodge

Monwana Game Lodge embodies the spirit of coming home, home to the body, mind and soul in this incredible natural world that allows for breathing space and reconnection. Monwana is a luxurious lodge, which promises an utterly customised private safari experience in Africa.

The main lodge has double volume vertical space, massive cathedral windows and doors that open wide so one feels part of the bush. The main lodge is designed as a space to socialise or find a spot to call your own, whatever is preferred. There is a lounge, bar, wine cellar, boutique store, a large wraparound deck, a spa, fitness centre, and a lap pool.

Monwana’s environment is always intimate and private, and each of the Suites occupies its own unique space in the African bush, where you will feel as if it’s just you in this vast natural habitat. We know how magical the atmosphere is and have created spaces for you to enjoy it. Recline on the deck, take a shower in the open or cool off in your private plunge pool.

Our Suites

We have six spacious Suites – four Suites that can cater for two adults, and two Family Suites with a second en-suite bedroom that can comfortably accommodate two adults and up to three children.

All Suites have their own private shaded deck, with an incredible bush view that can be enjoyed from the temperature-controlled plunge pool and outdoor shower. There is central air-conditioning and overhead ceiling fans to ward off the summer heat, while underfloor heating and heated towel rails in the bathroom take the edge off a chilly winter’s evening. With the highest quality linen, towels, gowns and luxurious amenities, to ensure our guests feel pampered and spoiled.

About The Residence

Monwana Residence is a large, exclusive-use living space with sweeping views over the bushveld, with two en-suite bedrooms that cater for four adults and two children. The Residence includes a fully equipped interactive kitchen, lounge, and dining area. The wide deck, barbecue area, and fire deck are perfect for relaxing after a fantastic day in nature. There is a dedicated team that includes a private chef and residence butler, plus a private game viewing vehicle and a dedicated field guide team, making for a memorable African adventure experience. As part of this intimate residence environment, additional guests can be accommodated at one of the luxury suites.

Highlights

Thornybush Nature Reserve shares an unfenced border with the Greater Kruger National Park, with an abundance of non-migratory species, including the Big 5, that guarantee an exceptional safari experience all year round

There is an active waterhole and a dry riverbed in front of the lodge that sees the passage of a diversity of wildlife

An intimate lodge environment that caters for a maximum of 24 guests

Exceptional, FGASA-accredited Field Guides and highly knowledgeable Trackers

Only six people per safari vehicle

A private open safari vehicle is allocated to Monwana Residence guests, and to families travelling with children staying in a Family Suite

Exceptional dining in beautiful locations – no two dining experiences are ever the same

Our food ethos is designed around an authentic and informal bistro ambience, with fresh, healthy, sustainably and ethically sourced produce

All dietary needs are accommodated – Vegan, Vegetarian, Reducetarian, Halal, etc – and Kosher can be arranged with advance notice (at an additional cost)

Wine tasting experiences in our amply stocked wine cellar

A spa with a range of treatments, and a fitness centre that offers weightlifting, cardio, and yoga

Daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Hoedspruit Airport

Federal Air daily shuttle flights from major game reserves

For Federal Air shuttle flights and private charters, the closest airstrip to Monwana is the Thornybush Airstrip

Easily accessible by road from Johannesburg and Nelspruit

Seamless itineraries can be arranged between the MORE Collection properties

Location

Monwana Lodge is located on Guernsey Road in Thornybush Nature Reserve, a private 14,000-hectare reserve that shares an unfenced border with the Greater Kruger National Park in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. GPS co-ordinates: 24°24’50”S | 31°09’30”E

Weather

The average maximum temperatures range from 24°C/75°F in July to 33°C/90°F in January, with the lowest average minimum occurring in July at 8°C/46°F. The average annual rainfall is 350mm (14in), most of which occurs during midsummer (December – February). Rain is usually in the form of thundershowers, where a downpour is experienced, very seldom lasting longer than a few hours.

Best time to travel

A year-round safari destination • The animals in Thornybush Reserve are non-migratory, and variation in the safari experience is season-, rather than location-, related • The best period for birdwatching is from October to April.

Health info: Malaria

Thornybush Nature Reserve is located in a low-risk malaria area, but we do recommend that you consult with your doctor regarding anti-malarial prophylactics before visiting.

W: MORE  Collection