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

The footprint spans four unique safari reserves — Sabi Sand, Kruger, Thornybush, and Marakele — and a hotel in the vicinity of one of the Natural Wonders of the World, Table Mountain. Properties include Lion Sands Game Reserve (Mpumalanga), Marataba Game Lodges and Monwana Game Lodge (Limpopo), and Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel (Western Cape). MORE Collection is committed to protecting the environment, community development, sustainability principles, and delivering life-enriching experiences for 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 guided bush walks bring guests closer to this amazing natural world. Highly qualified field guides and trackers share their diverse knowledge, with 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 an 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 guests feel part of the bush. The main lodge is designed as a space to socialise or find a quiet spot to call your own. 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 guests feel as if it’s just them in this vast natural habitat. Recline on the deck, take an outdoor shower or cool off in your private plunge pool.

Our Suites

There are six spacious suites — four 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. Guests are pampered with the highest quality linen, towels, gowns and luxurious amenities.

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. A dedicated team includes a private chef and residence butler, plus a private game viewing vehicle and dedicated field guide team — making for a memorable African adventure experience. Additional guests can also be accommodated in 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.

The 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 the 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 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, 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 recommend consulting with your doctor regarding anti-malarial prophylactics before visiting.

W: MORE Collection