Welgevonden Game Reserve Hotels

Introducing Welgevonden Game Reserve

The Welgevonden Private Game Reserve nestles in the magnificent Waterberg plateau north of Johannesburg in South Africa's Limpopo Province.  On the reserves 36 000 hectares, visitors may enjoy unlimited traversing through the Welgevonden Game Reserve and experience an environment where biodiversity conservation and game viewing are managed in harmony.

Spectacular rolling wooded mountains cut by deep rocky ravines and majestic gorges make the unique Welgevonden Game Reserve an evocative piece of South Africa.  Translated as  ‘well found’, the Welgevonden Game Reserve is a scenic region of rare and rugged beauty, plentiful wildlife and prolific birdlife. Spectacular scenery and excellent game viewing make the Welgevonden Game Reserve an outstanding safari destination.

Welgevonden is home to over 50 different mammals, including the 'Big Five' which include lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant and leopard.  Furthermore, the Welgevonden Private Game Reserve has one of the largest populations of white rhino on a private reserve anywhere in Africa. Rare and unusual species can also be found which comprise the brown hyena, aardwolf and aardvark, all of which are best observed at night. The grassy plains abound with antelope from the largest eland to the diminutive duiker, and cheetah, lion and leopard are always close by. It is the diversity of habitat at the Welgevonden Private Game Reserve which encourages such a wide range of wildlife as well as over 250 bird species, including rare blue cranes.

Bushman / San Paintings at Welgevonden

Bushman paintings reflect what a person has seen while he was in a trance and visiting their spiritual world. The Bushmen / San are very fond of their dancing and practice their dancing as often as possible. Dancing was also used to drive out illness, control the movement of game and to make rain. During these dances some men will go into a trance and experience the spiritual world. They then used the paintings as a medium to show the rest of the group what they had seen and experienced.

Primarily the Bushman used ochre to paint with but also used iron oxides, white clay, crushed ostrich shells and in the last hundred years coal. They mixed various binders, such as egg white, plant sap and blood, into the paint to ensure that the paint would stick to the rock surface.

The Welgevonden Game Reserve offers guided tours to the bushman paintings. During this activity visitors are informed about the men who went into the trances and painted the paintings, why the paintings are painted in the different ways, how they danced for rain and much more.

Game Lodges in the Welgevonden Game Reserve, South Africa

The Welgevonden Game Reserve in South Africa's magnificent Waterberg region in Limpopo is home not only to abundant wildlife but also to the most luxurious game lodges.

Ekuthuleni Lodge & Tshwene Lodge

The five star Ekuthuleni Lodge and the Tshwene Lodge provide privacy to exclusive groups of up to 10 guests per lodge. Gourmet meals and guided game drives are included in the stay.

Clearwater Lodges : Kudu & Tshetshepi

Guests are invited to discover the beauty and serenity of the untamed African bush in the Welgevonden Game Reserve while enjoying the luxury, comfort and hospitality of the Clearwater Kudu and Tshetshepi game lodges.  Each lodge can accommodate a maximum of 10 guests per lodge.

Makweti Safari Lodge

The exclusive Makweti Safari Lodge accommodates a maximum of 10 guests in thatch and stone suites.  The Makweti Safari Lodge has earned the membership to the Great Hotels of the World - Romantic Collection.

Martial Heights Game Lodge

Situated on the northern side in a pristine wilderness area of the Welgevonden Game Reserve, the five luxurious chalets of the Martial Heights Game Lodge are surrounded by striking Wild Seringa trees and spectacular views from the hill-tops.

Mhondoro Game Lodge

The five star Mhondoro Game Lodge in Welgevonden provides luxurious lodge accommodation combined within a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.  A maximum of 10 guests can be accommodated at the Mhondoro Game Lodge.  

Nedile Lodge 

The Nedile Game Lodge features five exclusive chalets. With a dramatic view over the bush and mountains, each chalet at the Nedile Game Lodge offers a private deck, ceiling fan, in door and out door shower as well as a luxuriously appointed bathroom.

Nungubane Game Lodge

The Nungubane Game Lodge in the Welgevonden Game Reserve offers five luxury thatched chalets, accommodating a maximum of ten guests. Bathrooms are en-suite, and each chalet also has an open-air shower for a sparkling start to the day. Conferencing facilities are available at the Nungubane Game Lodge.

Pitse Lodge

The Pitse Lodge can accommodate 10 guests in 5 luxurious stone and thatch houses.  Each Chalet is equipped with en-suite bathrooms, outside showers and private wooden decks. Two units at the Pitse Game Lodge in Welgevonden are joined by an entrance hall, which is ideally suited for families with children.

Sediba Private Game Lodge

Floating between the towering trees and the forest floor, each of Sediba's fifteen suites, in 2 exclusive lodges, embrace the natural environment, whilst offering the ultimate in sumptuous comfort and tranquility.  Sediba offers guests a fully equipped gym, a helicopter landing pad as well as a health & beauty spa.

Shibula Lodge and Bush Spa  

The five star accredited Shibula Lodge & Bush Spa in the Welgevonden Game Reserve offers 8 superb suites. Voted by Getaway as one of the top 10 most romantic destinations in South Africa, and by Elle and Marie Claire as one of the "Pick of the Best" Bush Lodges, guests staying at the Shibula Lodge are invited to experience a truly relaxing getaway in the bush.

Climate of the Welgevonden Game Reserve, Waterberg

The climate of the Waterberg region on South Africa is characterised by warm temperatures with three distinct seasons.  From May to July it is dry with temperatures ranging between of 22°C and 2°C respectively. Ground frosts occur regularly, particularly in low-lying areas.  From August to October, daily temperatures begin to rise, with temperatures between 27°C and 8°C , and although generally dry, occasional thunderstorms occur during this time of the year.  The annual rainy season is from November to April, with temperatures ranging from 29°C to 14°C respectively.

Directions to  the Welgevonden Game Reserve, Limpopo Province (South Africa)

Take the N1 north out of Johannesburg/Pretoria. Just over 120 km after Pretoria find the Kranskop toll Plaza. Take the R33 off-ramp at the toll plaza (keep in the left hand lane) to Modimolle / Nylstroom.
Drive straight through Modimolle/Nylstroom on the R33 towards Vaalwater. Drive straight through Vaalwater on the R510 towards Thabazimbi.
To Welgevonden Main Gate: Follow the R510 for 24 km after leaving Vaalwater, the gate is on your left hand side (look out for the sign "Welgevonden Main Gate")
To Welgevonden South Gate: Follow the R510 for 6 km after leaving Vaalwater, turn left on the Bakkerspas dirt road, follow it for 34 km, the gate is on your right hand side (look out for sign “Welgevonden South Gate")
To Welgevonden East Gate: Follow the R510 for 13 km after leaving Vaalwater, turn left on the little dirt road (look out for sign “Welgevonden East Gate"), follow it for 11 km.
To Welgevonden West Gate: Follow the R510 for 47 km after leaving Vaalwater, turn left on the Schoongelegen dirt road, follow it for 17 km, the gate is on your left hand side (look out for sign “Welgevonden West Gate")