Bonded by a shared passion for nature and a deep respect for Africa’s landscapes, culture and wildlife, Dutch father and son, Michel and Don Perridon, began a journey that would eventually lead them to South Africa. Their connection to the land grew over many years of travel across the continent, driven by curiosity, admiration and a desire to contribute meaningfully to conservation.
At just nineteen, Don travelled through Southern Africa while recovering from a serious accident. The experience left a lasting impression on him: the resilience of the land and its wildlife became a source of strength in his own path of healing. Together with his father, the two returned regularly to Africa, drawn by its wild beauty and the desire to help protect its fragile and unique ecosystem.
What began as an idea, the thought of finding a piece of land to restore, slowly became a vision: To bring the landscape back to its original state, untouched by human interference, where wildlife could once again roam freely as it once did.
Years later, that vision began to take shape. The family acquired and restored what is now approximately 20 000 hectares, an area once divided into 33 small farms. Nearly 800km of internal fencing was removed, old buildings and waste sites dismantled, and the land rehabilitating process continues. Slowly, nature began to return. Today more than 330 species of animals, birds, reptiles and endangered felines call Maloba home once again.
Frustrated by the growing pressure of mass tourism and commercial safaris, the Perridon family longed to create an experience of something unique, something genuine, 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.’
This is the spirit behind Maloba, meaning “the day before yesterday” a reformed and rejuvenating ecosystem for those seeking the true, untamed magic of Africa: a place where the picturesque backdrops of the land’s beauty and freedom are restored, where time stands still, and where a new conservation legacy continues to grow.
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.