Melote - The ultimate private safari adventure
Lepogo Lodges, a completely non-profit safari destination nestled in the heart of Limpopo Province, has proudly unveiled its latest addition: Melote House. This brand-new, exclusive-use safari lodge joins the brand's well-established Noka Camp within the same picturesque South African reserve.
About
Melote House is set in the malaria-free Waterberg region of Limpopo Province, within the pristine Lapalala Wilderness Reserve. This lodge offers breathtaking views of unspoiled landscapes, deep valleys, and cascading streams. It is home to not only the renowned ‘big five’ but also the ‘awesome eight’ - a group that includes the big five plus cheetah, wild dog, and pangolin.
Luxurious Accommodation
Melote House caters to travelers seeking a private and ultra-luxurious safari experience. The expansive Baobab Suite, located on the third tier, boasts 120 square meters of indoor space and an additional 100 square meters of outdoor living area. It features a private sky bed deck ideal for stargazing, along with its own pool, double indoor shower, underfloor heating, outdoor shower, walk-in wardrobe, and a bioethanol-fueled cocoon fireplace. The Marula Suites, situated on the second tier, offer interconnected options perfect for families. Each suite spans 100 square meters and includes a double indoor shower, double vanity, bathtub, and outdoor shower. The Seringa Suite on the main tier offers similar amenities to the Marula Suites. Adjacent to the main house, The Cottage is a separate 250-square-meter dwelling featuring two ensuite bedrooms, a central kitchen, a living and dining area, and a rock pool. The bedroom suites echo those in the main house, and the well-equipped kitchen allows guests the option to dine independently if they wish.
Style
Inspired by the natural curves of the mountain it resides upon, Melote House seamlessly connects each room to the surrounding environment. The lodge leads guests from the wild outdoors into a luxurious sanctuary. The monolithic structures are carved into the hillside, featuring impressive rammed earth walls made from the very soil of the mountain. The soft, curved walls blend harmoniously with the landscape, offering panoramic views from the lodge.
Experience
A stay at Melote House promises the ultimate private safari adventure. The untamed landscapes of Lapalala can be explored through exhilarating game drives, tranquil water safaris on the river, and guided bush walks. Fishing excursions along the riverbanks are also available. For those seeking deeper exploration, options include a conservation vet experience, visits to Iron Age sites, and bushman painting sites. Each itinerary at Melote House is fully personalized to the guests' preferences, incorporating luxury surprises within the enchanting South African bush.
Commitment to Sustainability
Melote House has been meticulously designed with sustainability at its core. All power is generated on-site using photovoltaic panels, and the heating and cooling systems employ an innovative cooling system, significantly reducing energy consumption. Lepogo Lodges offsets the carbon emissions of every guest’s flight from the moment they leave home to their arrival at the lodges. Guests are also given the opportunity to choose from one of three conservation projects to further offset their carbon footprint.
Culture
The project extensively features South African artisans and artists. Artwork by Clive Walker, a legendary conservationist and artist who founded The Endangered Wildlife Trust, adorns the lodge. Walker has painted scenes of the surrounding landscape, which have been transformed into fabric by Evolution Product and featured in the wardrobes. Evolution Product has also interpreted rock art into custom-made bed throws, while bespoke hemp table linen has been hand-embroidered by the skilled women of the Mogalakwena community project. The bathroom tiles reflect the local landscape and terrain. Renowned artists have also created stunning artworks exclusively commissioned for Melote House.
Nightly rates for 2024 from £12,000 - £16,000 per night on an all-inclusive basis, depending on
season and number of guests. For more information on Lepogo Lodges, please visit www.lepogolodges.com.