MONWANA

It’s true that all the places we visit make of us who we are. We recently left our hearts at the luxurious Monwana ecolodge - located in the Greater Kruger - and we have since not been the same.

Based in Limpopo’s popular 14 500-hectare Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, Monwana has us pining to return. It is there where our idea of home has shifted, for the better. Monwana’s re-imagined safari experience comes highly recommended, especially if you’re looking to come home to a place where things are balanced; pure. A place of peace.

WELCOME HOME!

Upon arrival, the Monwana team’s welcoming waves had us – perfect strangers from the city – completely baffled. People normally only wave at family they haven’t seen in ages that way. It was only later that we realised once you set foot at Monwana, you become part of the family. “Welcome home!” general manager, Drienie said as we arrived from Hoedspruit Airport. There was a genuine excitement in her eyes, as if she were welcoming long lost friends.

calm way in which the rather full itinerary was communicated. Or, perhaps it was the instant laidback demeanour we all seemed to have adopted as we entered the lodge’s majestic doors.

Sights And Sounds

Located in the Big 5 Greater Kruger with a dry riverbed in front of the lodge, the chance of seeing some impressive wildlife, is pretty much a given. Even when you don’t get to spot the Big 5, there are ample sightings that will make up for it. Sundowners with lone ellies, riverbed rides amidst thousands of fireflies and the trilling of toads, honey badgers breaking loose through bushveld grass only to disappear again – these are all once-in-a-lifetime experiences one could easily expect at Monwana. The game drives take place twice daily, often with a surprise safari stop, and the lodge’s safari team also offers guided bush walks for those keen on exploring the bush on foot.

Humble Luxury

The lodge is luxurious, alright, but in a whole new light. While the accommodation is magnificently luxurious, with everything dressing room, a large bathroom which has access to the plunge pool from either the bath, shower or outdoor shower, and a lovely lounge walking out onto a covered terrace overlooking the bush. There is also a fully stocked mini bar, with an array of snacks – all included – to indulge in.

A brand-new spa has also been added to the lodge’s offering, which comes with a roof venue where guests will soon be able to experience private movie evenings, romantic dinners and more. The spa itself is encircled with glass windows, offering a spa experience complemented by natural light and perhaps even a light breeze. Much of the spa’s décor seems to have been inspired by nature and apothecary, bringing things full circle.

Tasting Luxury

HOW TO GET THERE:

A quick 55-minute flight from O.R Tambo International Airport to Hoedspruit Airport will get you there in no time. From Cape Town, the flight is two hours and 30 minutes. Monwana can arrange transport from the airport to the lodge and back, which normally takes about 45 minutes. You can also drive yourself. Thornybush Game Reserve is six hours’ drive from Joburg, three and a half hours from Nelspruit and 45 minutes from Hoedspruit.

We were taken straight through to lunch under a Leadwood tree, adjacent to a lovely infinity pool overlooking the lodge’s active waterhole. Everything about the lodge’s entrance and its lounge areas spoke to that feeling of letting go. Breathe.

Monwana lodge has been around for many years, but it has recently been broken down and rebuilt into a luxury, sustainable eco-lodge that epitomises the pinnacle of bushveld elegance and an unprecedented love for nature, people and peace. If we could put the stay at Monwana into one word, it would be graceful. From the staff’s gentle way of welcoming and guiding their guests, to the that you might need right at your fingertip, it’s not the glitz and glam that matters here. At Monwana, gold comes in the form of glorious, golden sunsets, glistening grass and genuinely gleaming smiles. It’s a lifestyle one easily wants to live up to – a humble, yet luxuriously comfortable stay with the bonus of submerging yourself in the sounds and sights of nature. Even from the comfort of the Suites, Savannah or Woodland Residences or the beautiful and exclusive private villa, you get to take it all in at your own pace.

The Suites, which we stayed in, are spacious and beautifully decorated, with a separate

Of course, a significant part of the experience is Monwana’s food and wine experience. The food is excellent – from breakfasts, right through to light lunches and lavish, yet perfectly portioned dinners. In addition, Monwana has an impressive underground cellar (spot it through a glass window from the bar) with carefully curated wines. The owners - who are from the Netherlands - have grown very fond of South African wines over the years, with a special interest in Sémillon.

At Monwana, you’ll rarely find that a meal is enjoyed at the same spot as the previous one, which elevates the experience even further!

A visit to Monwana is truly like coming home. Here, you get to slow down and appreciate the good things in life.

Home is often like two arms, holding you tight when you need it most. Similarly, Monwana brings you just that: A metaphoric embrace of love, luxury and the lushness of the bush. H