OUR STORY
How it all started
The history of Melozhori is the story of the Bhorat family and their search for a getaway in nature to call their own. With no history of agriculture, but a passion for conservation and wildlife, the family acquired an old sheep and cattle farm in 2008 on the historic wagon-trading route between the Overberg and Cape Town.
The property – partly farmed and partly indigenous veld – carried a few dilapidated buildings, no roads to speak of, over-silted dams and no wildlife at all. All the livestock was removed and the unique natural vegetation was allowed to return through an intensive, long-term rehabilitation program under expert guidance. An expansive dam was repaired and work began on the infrastructure for a family’s ‘home away from home’ – what we now know as The Lodge. With care and consideration to historically-occurring species, game was gradually introduced and today the 36 different mammals and 129 identified birds bear testimony to the patience and long-term vision needed for conservation to be meaningful.
“It is an ongoing conservation project and there is always more work to be done but we are proud of how far we’ve come and we love to share it with our guests.”
The Bhorat family soon realised that they wanted to share this natural haven with others, seeing the wonder and joy that it brought, so they started renting out The Cottage (original labourer’s cottage), which did very well. In 2019, they started renting out The Lodge, which also did very well. Eventually, The Eco-Pods were added to further expand the type of accommodations that guests could enjoy. And so, from a dilapidated farm to a truly unique and bespoke eco-destination, this pocket of paradise is now available for all to enjoy.
With only 4 spaciously positioned accommodations for a maximum of 16 guests, without any other signs of civilization in sight, you are completely secluded and immersed in pure wilderness. Choose from an expansive Lodge, a self-catering cottage and two romantic Eco-Pods. Each offering is luxuriously and stylishly fitted for your utmost comfort and enjoyment, including our very popular wood-fired hot tubs and rim flow pools.
From guided game drives to fire-side dining under bright, starry skies, there are so many ways to experience the rejuvenating qualities of Melozhori, a home for all seasons. Do as much or as little as you desire.
Melozhori Private Game Reserve is home to over 30 species of wildlife, 129 species of birds and an abundance of unique fauna and flora. The flora consists mostly of Succulent Karoo, rare and endangered Renosterveld and sections of biodiverse Fynbos in the mountainous areas.
The once endangered bontebok, now protected, thrives on the reserve. Special bird species include the blue crane, black harrier and cape vulture. The reserve also participates in local conservation efforts to monitor and protect the elusive Cape Leopard, which has been spotted on the rare occasion.