Luxury Conservation Safari

This shorter trip is designed for private groups seeking a luxury conservation experience. You’ll stay at the exclusive Melote House, located within the 50,000-hectare Lapalala Wilderness Reserve. The house accommodates up to 16 guests, making it ideal for large family groups. The Lapalala is a conservation success story, transforming the land from degraded farms in the 1980s into a thriving ecosystem with reintroduced species like elephant, rhino, and large predators such as lion, cheetah, and wild dog. The house features 3 swimming pools, a spa, a large dining and braai (BBQ) area, and a sundowner deck overlooking a waterhole. Your stay is fully staffed, with chefs, butlers, private guides, and hosts to ensure a remarkable experience.

Melote House is part of the Lepogo Lodges collection, a non-profit where all proceeds support conservation efforts. This includes anti-poaching initiatives, endangered cheetah reintroduction, and the creation of the world’s first purpose-built Pangolorium. This facility rehabilitates trafficked or orphaned pangolins before releasing them back into the wild—a process that can take up to two years. During this time, the pangolins are cared for by a carer and monitored by a specialist vet. Guests can visit the center, see the pangolins, meet the carers, and learn about the efforts to protect this endangered species. The facility is made possible by tourism revenue, showcasing the power of sustainable travel.

During your stay, participate in vital conservation work, such as collaring rhino, cheetah, or wild dog, or tracking lion, buffalo, and elephant. The projects vary depending on the reserve’s needs, so there is no fixed menu of experiences; however, all activities involve the reserve’s team of vets, rangers, and conservation experts. Most experiences fall into two categories: procedures that need air support (helicopter) and those requiring ground support (safari vehicles). You can travel with the support teams, learn about the process, and be at the forefront of wildlife conservation in South Africa. Many activities involve sedating animals, providing a unique opportunity to safely observe large mammals up close.

Beyond conservation activities, enjoy safaris in this expansive protected area, where limited visitor numbers ensure intimate wildlife encounters. Start the day with an early morning game drive with your ranger, likely spotting rhino, lion, cheetah, and a variety of plains game. In the afternoon, choose another drive or explore more of Lapalala’s offerings, including walking safaris, boat trips with fishing, and tracking cheetah on foot. The reserve is home to ancient rock art, scenic river spots for bush meals, and plateaus offering panoramic views of the Waterberg Mountains at sunset.