Overview
A luxurious private game reserve in the Western Cape (less than a two hour drive from Cape Town), Melozhori offers a unique and unparalleled introduction to safari for families – we can’t think of anywhere better for a first big adventure for tiny travellers
The environment has been created for peace of mind for parents. Free from both predators and malaria, the surrounding wilderness is a true haven – to 38 species of game and 129 species of birds, allowing guests of all ages to immerse themselves in nature (there is no other civilization in sight!). While this isn’t a childcare or babysitting kinda spot, you will find everything you need to travel with little ones, minus the stress – think fully equipped kitchens, huge bathtubs, separate sleeping spaces & cots and highchairs
With just five sparingly scattered accommodation options there’s rarely more than 20 guests at a time, meaning you can expect a reassuringly personal and private stay. Choose from the expansive lodge (on an all inclusive basis, with your own private chef!) or a semi-or-self catering cottage or eco pod (both drop dead gorgeous). Embark on private game drives during the day, spotting zebras, antelope and giraffes amongst others, while night time is a wonder to behold, soaking in a private hot tub beneath unbelievably starry skies
Venture beyond the surrounding Cape Fold mountains, and the team can help you plan adventures from whale watching to wine tastings (and again, the kids are invited with lots of juice flights on the menu!). Melozhori is a magical place to enjoy quality time together, and make memories that will last a lifetime
Mama
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Flight
11 hour 45 minute flight from Heathrow to Cape Town International airport (bonus points for it being a direct flight, with very little time difference too!)
Transfer
It is just under a 2 hour drive from Cape Town International airport – which feels super accessible for an adventure of this scale! Melozhori can help arrange private transfers, with age appropriate car seats (or if you book through Tiny Travel Agency, the team can take care of all the logistics for you)
Best time to visit
Melozhori is open all year round, with great Game experiences regardless of when you visit. Meaning really, it is a matter of personal preference (as you can see from the monthly temperature guide below, average highs don’t tend to fall below 20°!). The South African summer runs from November to February if you like your breaks truly sun blessed, while shoulder season (March-May and September-October) promises pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds and potentially lower prices… Did someone say Easter escape?!
January: Average highs of 31°
February: Average highs of 31°
March: Average highs of 30°
April: Average highs of 26°
May: Average highs of 23°
June: Average highs of 21°
July: Average highs of 20°
August: Average highs of 21°
September: Average highs of 22°
October: Average highs of 25°
November: Average highs of 27°
December: Average highs of 29°
Favourite room
With only 5 spaciously scattered accommodation options at Melozhori, and no other signs of civilization in sight, this is wilderness at its most serene and spectacular. Imagine the starriest skies you’ve ever seen, and panoramic views of the mountains – any and every way you look
For families of three – Families of three have the choice between either the Cottage or one of two Eco Pods. While all have their own fully equipped kitchens, the Cottage also boasts a small private pool, wood fired hot tub, fire pit, pizza oven & viewing deck (the perfect star gazing spot). Inside, you’ll find two en-suite bedrooms as well as a separate living area. As standard, stays at the Cottage are on a self catered basis but semi-catered can be arranged upon request
And then we come to the Eco pods (in our opinion, the name really doesn’t do them justice!). This is barefoot luxury at its finest. Think achingly chic, modern interiors with exposed concrete and lots of rich woods. These can sleep two adults and one child across one bedroom and an open plan kitchen / living space, whilst outside there’s a wood fired hot tub, pizza oven and jumbo rope hammock, inviting you to sprawl beneath the stars
For families of four – It’s the Cottage you’ll want (take a quick look right above for a more detailed description!).
For families of five or more – The flagship of Melozhori’s accommodation options, The Main Lodge is what you call a ‘wow’ destination, sleeping up to 8 adults plus 4 to 6 children & infants in total, across four stunning en-suite bedrooms. First and foremost this is a family home (albeit an exceptionally beautiful one) so you needn’t worry about feeling out of place with the kids. Stays here are on a fully inclusive basis, with menus specially planned around any dietary requirements by a private chef, whilst also including all drinks, snacks etc
Nearby
Beyond offering stunning safari experiences for the whole family, Melozhori is the perfect base to explore the beauty of the Western Cape, located less than 2 hrs from Cape Town and halfway to the Garden Route. From whale watching adventures to unforgettable vineyard wine tastings, the team can arrange an array of memory making experiences nearby
Price
From £177 per night in low season and £190 per night in high season for a pod, which can sleep a family of three (semi catered option costs an additional £36 a night per adult)
From £165 per night in low season and £190 per night in high season for the cottage, which can sleep a family of four (semi catered option costs an additional £36 a night per adult)
From £1,880 per night in low season and £2,300 per night in high season for The Main Lodge (on an all inclusive basis), which can sleep up to 8 adults and 6 children/infants. Please note, this cost is for 4 adults. Each additional adult costs an extra £330-£350 per night in catering costs
Meet the family...
Faye
Parent to Tiny Travellers aged 5 months, 3 and 7
We stayed in the stunning self catering cottage, which offered uninterrupted views of the breathtaking panoramic landscape. We were treated to our own wood fired hot tub, fire pit, pizza oven, braai and swimming pool. We spent the nights watching the stars and toasting marshmallows whilst listening out for animals in the bush - an experience I will never forget
Worth waking the baby for
01
Franschhoek
For lovers of good food and wine, it’s hard to beat Franschhoek, the country’s culinary capital. The charming highstreet is home to a host of (surprisingly family friendly) Michelin star restaurants & boutique bars. The vintage hop-on, hop-off wine tram is a great activity with kids and many vineyards have playgrounds, ‘juice flights’ and plenty of space to run around
02
Whale Watching
Hermanus, fondly known as the whale watching capital of South Africa, is just over an hour down the road. A charming, beautiful little town in it’s own right, it also promises breathtaking views out over the ocean, a stunning mountain backdrop, windswept white sand beaches and laid back, boho vibes (think great independent restaurants and plenty of art galleries to explore)
03
Cape Aghulhas
Famed as the place where two oceans meet (the Indian Ocean & the Atlantic), you can pose for a pic next to the stone plaque marking the spot, explore the quintessential white-and-red striped lighthouse, and take a dip in the L’Agulhas Tidal Pool (don’t forget to explore the smaller rock pools too, where you can spy crabs, sea snails and tiny fish)
Reviews from other parents
We really enjoyed our stay at Melozhori, a luxurious lodge that’s a great family friendly introduction to safari. We loved our private morning drive and Astrid got to see real life Sophie giraffes! Including a 3 week old baby, which was really special
Mama Katie, Tiny Traveller aged 10 months old
