Wide view of a luxury safari lodge with an outdoor pool, featuring expansive terraces and abundant glazing, surrounded by lush vegetation.
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Melote House: A Luxury Safari Lodge in Limpopo, South Africa

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Located within the Lapalala Wilderness of Limpopo, South Africa, Melote House showcases exclusivity and sustainability. It was initially conceptualised by Yuji Yamazaki of YYA Architects and then designed by Black Sable, luxury safari lodge Architects with Copper Leaf Studio as the interior designers, this exclusive-use property provided uncompromised luxury.

Embedded into the hillside with impressive rammed earth walls, Melote House blends into its natural surroundings with its curved monolithic structures providing an unparalleled level of privacy and serenity. Sleeping 12-16 guests across three tiers, the main house and adjacent cottage offer spacious accommodations for families, friends, and safari enthusiasts alike.

Wide view of a luxury safari lodge with an outdoor pool, featuring expansive terraces and abundant glazing, surrounded by lush vegetation.

Melote Lodge stands as a testament to the power of form and material, blending seamlessly into the landscape with its curved, monolithic structures. Through the innovative use of rammed earth and living roofs, we’ve crafted a design that not only minimizes its ecological footprint but elevates the natural grandeur of its setting. Each space, from the subterranean elegance of the Main Melote House to the fluid grace of the Spa and Reception, is a curated experience of luxury woven into the wilderness.

Black Sable

Boasting amenities such as a private pool, gym, spa, and outdoor living spaces, Melote House ensures guests experience comfort and relaxation. Beyond its exquisite interior, the lodge offers exceptional safari experiences in the Lapalala Wilderness, with ‘Awesome Eight’ sightings.

Every aspect of this safari lodge is curated to minimize its ecological footprint and elevate the natural grandeur of its setting. From elegant bedroom suites to vibrant living areas adorned with works of South African artisans, each detail tells the story of dedication to conservation and appreciation for unique wildlife.

Aerial view of Melote House, a unique architectural complex with circular structures, nestled among dense greenery in a bush landscape. The buildings feature earth-toned walls and round roofs.
Aerial view of Melote House, a unique architectural complex with circular structures, nestled among dense greenery in a bush landscape. The buildings feature earth-toned walls and round roofs.
A stylish living room with modern rustic decor, featuring circular chandeliers, a fireplace, leather couches, and a glass wall overlooking a serene outdoor view.
A stylish dressing room with dark wood shelves filled with clothes and accessories, featuring a large mirror, a desk, and a brown leather chair on a wooden floor.
A luxurious wine cellar with neatly organized wine bottles on wooden shelves and racks, surrounded by warm ambient lighting, featuring a sand-colored stone interior.
Luxurious Melote House backyardshowing the swimming pool, fire pit, and cushioned outdoor seating areas surrounded by natural scenery and a modern home with extensive glass windows.
A woman meditates on a yoga mat on an outdoor platform at Melote House, overlooking a lush landscape, near a gym area with treadmills and wooden accents.
Elegant dining room in Luxury Safari Lodge featuring a long dining table set for a meal, surrounded by modern chairs and circular chandeliers. A bar area with stools and large windows showcasing a mountain view.
A luxurious bedroom in Melote House featuring a large bed with cozy seating. The luxury bedroom also features a skylight over the bed, as well as a ceiling fan.

In summary, Melote House combines luxury and environmental responsibility with its thoughtfully designed architecture and meticulously curated interior. The lodge offers a refined yet sustainable retreat for guests to experience both comfort and conservation.

Melote Lodge is a journey into what’s possible when we dare to dream bigger, blending the essence of luxury with the spirit of ecological stewardship. It stands as a testament to Black Sable’s commitment to redefining the boundaries of architecture and conservation and showcases why we are considered a premier safari architecture firm. Here, guests can immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of the African wilderness while contributing to its preservation.

Black Sable

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Aerial view of Melote House, a unique architectural complex with circular structures, nestled among dense greenery in a bush landscape. The buildings feature earth-toned walls and round roofs.
Aerial view of Melote House, a unique architectural complex with circular structures, nestled among dense greenery in a bush landscape. The buildings feature earth-toned walls and round roofs.
Aerial view of Melote House, a unique architectural complex with circular structures, nestled among dense greenery in a bush landscape. The buildings feature earth-toned walls and round roofs.
Aerial view of Melote House, a unique architectural complex with circular structures, nestled among dense greenery in a bush landscape. The buildings feature earth-toned walls and round roofs.
Aerial view of Melote House, a unique architectural complex with circular structures, nestled among dense greenery in a bush landscape. The buildings feature earth-toned walls and round roofs.
Wide view of a luxury safari lodge with an outdoor pool, featuring expansive terraces and abundant glazing, surrounded by lush vegetation.
Wide view of a luxury safari lodge with an outdoor pool, featuring expansive terraces and abundant glazing, surrounded by lush vegetation.
Wide view of a luxury safari lodge with an outdoor pool, featuring expansive terraces and abundant glazing, surrounded by lush vegetation.
A luxurious bedroom in Melote House featuring a large bed with cozy seating.
Elegant dining room in Luxury Safari Lodge featuring a long table set for a meal, surrounded by modern chairs and circular chandeliers. A bar area with stools and large windows showcasing a mountain view.
A stylish living room with modern rustic decor, featuring circular chandeliers, a fireplace, leather couches, and a glass wall overlooking a serene outdoor view.
A luxurious bedroom in Melote House featuring a large bed with cozy seating and a free standing bath tub.
A stylish living room with modern rustic decor, featuring circular chandeliers, a fireplace, leather couches, and a glass wall overlooking a serene outdoor view.
A stylish dressing room with dark wood shelves filled with clothes and accessories, featuring a large mirror, a desk, and a brown leather chair on a wooden floor.
A luxurious bedroom in Melote House featuring an open bathroom area.
Elegant dining room in Luxury Safari Lodge featuring a long table set for a meal, surrounded by modern chairs and circular chandeliers. A bar area with stools and large windows showcasing a mountain view.
A cozy room featuring a curved sofa, gallery wall with multiple framed photos, a glass partition, and warm lighting. stylish ceiling fan and wooden floors complement the ambiance.
Cozy living room with a leather sofa, framed animal sketches, a green chair, and a window overlooking a serene landscape. A zebra rug and small wooden table add to the rustic charm of the space.
A luxurious bedroom in Melote House featuring a large bed with cozy seating.
Modern lounge area at Melote House with a teal sofa, abstract orange artwork on the wall, and mood lighting in wall sconces.
A luxurious wine cellar with neatly organized wine bottles on wooden shelves and racks, surrounded by warm ambient lighting, featuring a sand-colored stone interior.
Luxurious Melote House backyard with a large swimming pool, fire pit, and cushioned seating areas surrounded by natural scenery and a modern home with extensive glass windows.
Luxurious Melote House backyard with a large swimming pool, fire pit, and cushioned seating areas surrounded by natural scenery and a modern home with extensive glass windows.
An aerial view of a luxurious outdoor pool at Melote House, featuring a wooden deck and seating area, surrounded by lush green trees and a rocky landscape.
A woman meditates on a yoga mat on an outdoor platform at Melote House, overlooking a lush landscape, near a gym area with treadmills and wooden accents.
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