Bonded not only by blood but by a shared thrill for the wild and an unwavering sense of adventure, Dutch father-and-son entrepreneurs Michel and Don Perridon, have long been captivated by the magnetic pull of Africa and nurture a deep love and respect for its culture, the land and its wildlife.
At just nineteen, Don took a much-needed hiatus in South Africa after recovering in the Netherlands from a gruelling accident that had left him wheelchair-bound for a year. During his journey from Zimbabwe to Cape Town, his fascination with the continent grew, and upon his return, he jokingly told his dad, ‘Maybe we should buy a farm in Africa someday.’
Every two or three years, father and son would travel to Africa, bonded by their mutual passion of nature and adventure. Fourteen years after Don’s trip at nineteen, they returned once more to immerse themselves in the rejuvenating essence of the rugged landscape – a stark contrast to the flatlands of Holland. After a week, Don headed home, while his father stayed on. Four days later, Don received an unexpected call: ‘Don, I bought the farm!’ Stunned, Don thought his father had completely lost his mind, but with a reassuring, ‘Son, trust me—this will become an incredible legacy for the entire Perridon family!’ the first 6,000 hectares was purchased.
Acquiring 20 000 hectares (33 farms) in total, and true to his the pioneering spirit of his Dutch ancestors, Michael’s vision was to return nature to its original state. These small farms hindered wildlife migration, so approximately 800 km of fencing was removed,132 derelict farmhouses, buildings, and waste dumps demolished, and the enlarged area enclosed with a new electric fence. Every trace of human interference, carefully undone and as a result, numerous species of reptiles, animals, bird life and endangered felines returned – 330 species in total. The land breathed once more.
The Perridon family, always passionate about safaris and nature, grew increasingly frustrated by the crowds and mass tourism—the kind where tourists line up in jeeps just to glimpse a single animal. They longed for a genuine experience, the Africa of old, where rich wildlife far outweighed the visitors, and where the delicate balance of nature offered up many more layers and mysteries than the overhyped ‘Big Five.’
And so, Maloba – “the day before yesterday” – was born. A sanctuary for those seeking the true, untamed magic of Africa, not only in what you see, but in how it makes you feel—wild, free, and alive – a feeling that, in many ways, mirrors the very essence of the Perridons themselves.’
Maloba, A Legacy in the Making: History & Nature
Maloba embodies more than just a lodge; it is a legacy in the making – a place where history, heritage, and nature merge in perfect synergy. Its interior is deeply rooted in the VOC era, a time when the Dutch first set foot on African soil in 1652, marking the start of a long and intertwined story between the Netherlands and South Africa. This period not only etched a deep bond between cultures but laid the very foundation for Afrikaans, a language that evolved from Dutch and is still proudly spoken today.
The story of Maloba is not only about the Perridon family; it is about stepping back in time and reviving a slice of Dutch history – a heritage that had almost faded but has now been brought back to life in a respectful and relevant way; honouring the deep-rooted connection between the Netherlands and South Africa.
It is not just about acquiring land; it is where adventure meets legacy, where past and present converge. Where nature has carefully been restored to its original state, preserving wildlife and allowing visitors to reconnect with a history that shaped both South Africa and the Dutch identity abroad.
Staying at Maloba offers more than just a luxurious getaway; guests are invited to step into a living narrative, becoming part of a story that began centuries ago, a place where the past is honoured, nature is preserved, and the future is shaped…and with that, the story of Maloba is brought to life.