Spanking new Tulela – Mondzo was created with South Africans top of mind. Imagine gathering up your favourite folks and heading into the bush for a getaway that’s absolutely private, thoroughly peaceful, and entirely on your own terms. Mondzo, in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, is that very place – tailor made for days spent chilling around the pool, braaing under starlight, dining whenever you choose to, and doing game drives, bush walks and a variety of other activities exactly when you please. It’s exclusive use and self-catering. Practical magic, you might say. Frankly, it’s bush bliss for outdoor lovers who prefer to set their own pace.
Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is open onto the greater Kruger National Park, so Mondzo is teeming with wildlife, including the Big Five. Tucked under tall trees and overlooking an evocative riverbed, Mondzo – which means ‘hardekool’ in Shangaan – is a place of soulful sanctuary. It’s a special space to reconnect with loved ones and the natural world. Morning and afternoon game drives on an open game viewing vehicle, accompanied by a guide and tracker, will have you enchanted – and with hardly another soul in sight.
Magnificent Mondzo is safely fenced and entirely yours to enjoy. It’s beautifully stylish, contemporary and understated. Décor is fresh and soothing in washed greens and greys punctuated with natural textures, raw wood and leather. Every room beckons cocooning and a celebration of freedom. Curl up in front of the stone fireplace on a winter evening; dip in the pool alongside the evening braai in summer; eat, lounge, nap or just chill on the deep verandah that is fitted for absolute comfort. It’s also an ideal spot to view resident herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra and impala, maybe even wild dogs chasing past on the hunt.
Inside is space for 10 in four roomy bedrooms, one with bunk beds for the kids. The living area is spacious with a feeling of calmness and connection with surrounding nature, while screeded floors are cool underfoot in the heat of summer. There are fans and air-conditioning throughout and beds are draped in mosquito netting too. Just beautiful.
Bespoke activities are on offer too, such as guided bush walks, tracking or a bush picnic under Big Jack – a shady, 300-year-old Jackalberry tree. But do take just one night to sleep out under the African stars. It can all be arranged for you, and your only job is to savour the experience of sleeping under the open African sky, with a million stars watching over you. It’s part of the magic at Mondzo.
What we love!
- The sophisticated simplicity throughout the lodge is completely relaxing.
- Tree trunks as support struts on the verandah are enchanting.
- Beautiful black and white art photography punctuates the space.
- The huge fire pit is the ultimate evening gathering spot for conversation and banter.
- The huge ‘African’ Frida Khalo artwork completes the verandah.
What you need to know…
- There is a swimming pool with a safety cover.
- Riverbed bowls, target shooting and animal footprint tracking are some of the experiences available for children.
- For an additional fee there is a childminding service.
Reviewed by Keri Harvey