Molori Safari Lodge

Molori feels like where dreams come true. The wildlife viewing was unbelievable and the staff so passionate. Between the luxurious rooms and the food, which kept tempting us back even after we'd had enough, the stay was unforgettable.

I felt incredibly lucky to stay somewhere unlike anywhere I've been before. My presidential suite was like a large villa, and the accommodation was stunning. We had great game drives, amazing food, and a lovely range of settings for family meals. They were also completely flexible with our young children.

I arrived at Molori with high expectations and left deeply disappointed. My room had no working bathroom light, and I fell in the dark at night. They knew about the problem before I arrived but assigned me the room anyway, then claimed all rooms had the same issue. That's an unacceptable excuse for a world-class lodge. There was no hot water either. Being near the kitchen meant constant noise from the extractor fan and cooking smells, so there was no peace or privacy. The service was just as poor. The fish I was served was undercooked, but nobody apologized or replaced it. I waited 40 minutes for the chef to confirm what was obvious. I was also charged for a 90-minute massage I never had, and the spa facilities were embarrassingly basic. The safari was uninspiring, with flat, forgettable scenery and no passion or detail. As a solo traveller, I felt invisible; nobody tried to make the stay feel welcoming or personal. Everything seemed like box-ticking, with gimmicks standing in for real hospitality. I was prepared to pay for excellence, but there was no safety, care, or professionalism. Molori didn't deliver a luxury experience or even the basics of service and quality. I can't recommend it. South Africa has other safari properties with far better warmth, service, and authenticity, often for much less.

For us as a couple, the people are what made this trip unforgettable. The plains of Madikwe were serenely beautiful, and the lodge and our apartment felt elegant, but it was the warmth of the Molori team that stayed with us. From the gracious managers and attentive front-of-house staff to the chefs' beautifully planned menus and our ranger's deep knowledge of the ecosystem, everyone made a difference. Every minute seemed thoughtfully arranged, every meal carefully cooked, and each outing felt magical. Brendon, Andrew, Ernest, Herman, JD, and the chefs, we'd give you a gazillion stars if we could. You made the trip worth taking. Thank you all for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.