Monwana

Monwana is located in the private 14,000-hectare Thornybush Game Reserve, and is part of the Greater Kruger National Park, a natural ecosystem of almost 2 million hectares with some of the most exciting wildlife viewing on earth. Here the symbiotic partnership between tourism and conservation has created a spectacular wilderness where animals have learned over time that they are safe and respected. In return, we are invited into their sacred kingdom. Enjoy an unhurried Big 5 private safari – personal and uncrowded, with close contact animal encounters in the safe hands of expert guides and trackers. The wildlife density on this tract of land is quite extraordinary, thanks to the rivers, landscapes and vegetation. Game drives head out early morning, and late afternoon into the evening. Guided bush walks are also on offer.

The lodge was designed to be lived in, where the outside is invited in. Double volume vertical space, massive cathedral windows and doors that open wide mean that you are part of the bush wherever you may be.

The lodge’s facilities have been carefully designed to allow for sociable spaces and privacy in equal measure. Facilities include a lounge, bar, wine cellar, wraparound wooden deck, pool area, gym, spa and safari boutique.

Between the hours when you are out on safari, the choice is utterly yours as to how you experience Monwana. You may choose to be sociable at the poolside or the bar. Or perhaps you’d prefer a moment of your own in quiet reflection in the swing chair on the deck, or reading a good book at the cosy fireside in the lounge?

You’ll surely want to try a private wine tasting in the cellar, and a dinner for two under the stars. Or a personal picnic somewhere special may be more up your alley… Of course there are never enough hours in a day when it comes to healing and revitalizing body, mind and spirit in the sanctuary of the spa. a gentle sensual sanctuary of elements, including stone, water, air, metal and wood. Relax completely at the hands of our professional therapists, with nothing but the sound of running water, leaves rustling in the wind or the splash of an antelope drinking from the pond outside your treatment room.

With never more than 8 rooms occupied, with a maximum of 16 guests, Monwana’s environment is always intimate and private. You have the choice between Suites, Residences (Woodland and Savannah), and the exclusive Monwana Villa.

Each of the rooms occupies its own unique space in the African bush, where you will feel as if it is just you in this vast natural habitat. We know how magical the atmosphere is, and have created spaces for you to enjoy it. Recline on the deck, take a shower in the open or cool off in your private plunge pool. Every amenity has been personally tested – from thread count to body lotion to slippers – to ensure every creature comfort is met.

Suites

(2 ROOMS)

2 spacious Suites accommodating 2 guests. The 90m2 under-cover suites are fully centralized air-conditioned and include ceiling fans. Suites feature a walk-in dressing room, lounge area and a drinks station comprising of both hot and cold beverages, en-suite bathroom with heated flooring and heated towel rails, separate bath and double showers as well as an outdoor shower. The outdoor deck area includes a heated plunge pool.

Savannah Residence

(2 ROOMS)

2 Savannah Residence, with 1 Suite having the capacity of accommodating 2 adults and 2 children between the ages of 12 - 16 years in 2 separate en-suite bedrooms. The 2nd Suite features a separate lounge area. These 118m2 under-cover centralized air-conditioned suites including ceiling fans and 1 walk-in dressing room, lounge area and a drinks station comprising of both hot and cold beverages. Bathrooms offer heated flooring and heated towel rails with the master bathroom affording a separate bath and double shower with an outdoor shower. The second bathroom includes a shower and water closet only. Outdoor deck areas include heated plunge pools.

Woodland Residence

(2 ROOMS)

There are 2 spacious Woodland Residence accommodating 2 guests in each. The 118m2 under-cover suites are fully air-conditioned and include a ceiling fan and walk-in dressing room as well as a separate lounge area with drinks stations comprising of both hot and cold beverages. The lounge area may be closed off from the bedroom area by means of cavity slider doors. The en-suite bathrooms offer heated flooring and heated towel rails and include a separate bath and double shower as well as an outdoor shower. Outdoor deck areas include a private heated plunge pool.

Monwana Villa

(1 ROOM)

The magnificent internal 310m2 fully air-conditioned Monwana Villa offers 2 en-suite bedrooms each with a private entrance and including a lounge area with a drinks station affording both hot and cold beverages, ceiling fans and a walk-in dressing room. The en-suite bathrooms include separate bath and double shower, heated flooring and heated towel rails as well as outdoor showers. Both suites open to individual private deck areas with a heated plunge pool.

The Villa’s main entrance is flanked by 2 stunning water features with bedrooms separated by a communal lounge with a fireplace and dining area which leads to the 210m2 outdoor informal lounge and dining terrace with the standout fire pit and larger heated plunge pool.

Early morning and late afternoon game drives

The day starts as dawn breaks over the African bushveld. After an early morning wake-up call, coffee, tea and rusks are served on the main deck. Shortly after, depart in an open Land Rover with experienced Rangers and Trackers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush. These drives are undertaken at times best suited for game viewing which varies depending on the season but typically starts early morning. Where applicable you may be invited out of the vehicle to see tracks, examine certain plants and follow spoor. The afternoon game drive is preceded by high tea and extends into the evening to view seldom seen nocturnal species by torchlight.


Guided Bushveld Walks

After a sumptuous Breakfast is served either back at the camp or in the riverbed or bush, guests are offered walks to suit their interests and fitness levels and are accompanied by an armed ranger and tracker.

Walks allow guests a better chance to see some of the smaller creatures of the bush as well as an opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region, and to have a chance to follow tracks in more detail.

Monwana Spa

The Spa at Monwana is the very essence of nature and tranquility. A fresh breeze from the bush blows across the pond through sheer linen curtains; the sound of birdsong is a sweet accent to running water; and the sensual fragrance and texture of omumbiri, baobab and kigelia gives expression to Africa’s regenerative natural ingredients. Walls of glass let the outside in, and the combination of light, tarnished copper and timber set a tone of peace. The enchanting presence of water is felt everywhere –
be that in the wrap-around reflection pool, cascading over metal, or in a beautiful copper slipper bath with its own view of the surrounding bush.

Each one of our treatments begins with a foot and scent ritual, followed by a short meditative exercise.
African foot ritual is an invigorating yet relaxing foot ritual to activate tired legs after a long travel or a full day out in nature – the perfect way to start your treatment.

Hot Air Balloon Excursion

One-hour long flight over the scenic, Lowveld section of the Blyde River. As the sun rises, the landscape, the vegetation and, if you're lucky, some wildlife will provide photo opportunities. Game spotting cannot be guaranteed but on most flights, we see plains game such giraffe and wildebeest. Terms & Conditions apply - additional cost.

For more information on Monwana, click HERE