If you have dreamed of waking in your own safari lodge to the call of francolins at first light, Makweti is the place for you! Overlooking the Makweti gorge and with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, this beautifully-located safari lodge is to be found in the pristine, malaria-free Welgevonden Private Reserve, just 250km or 3 hours drive from Jo’burg.
The camp is unfenced so guests at the intimate Makweti Safari Lodge should expect the unexpected. Days may bring elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo and giraffe right up to the waterhole at the lodge. Whilst night time game drives offer the chance to see brown hyena, leopard, porcupine, civet and other fascinating nocturnal species.
Access
Makweti is located just 260 kilometers from Johannesburg – journey time is anticipated at 3 hours. The route is an easy drive on mostly highway and good quality provincial roads. There are toll fees on route and should be paid in cash.
Makweti
There is a place in the Waterberg Mountains that follows a different pace.
Surrounded by pristine wilderness and attuned to the gentle rhythm of the earth. Makweti Safari Lodge breathes grace and elegance while allowing a glimpse of old Africa.
Spectacular scenery and excellent game viewing await you.
If it is evocative ancient Africa you love, rugged beauty and distant horizons unfolding around then this place of the giant Makweti tree will enchant you.
Accommodation
The Camp
Combining local materials to produce luxurious comfort is testimony to Makweti’s commitment to living in harmony with nature. The main lodge is built from natural rock with teak decks overhanging the Makweti gorge.Rare African art, stylish furnishings, rich woods leather and woven textures create a rich elegance in the Zebra Bar, lounges and library.The Indaba lounge overlooks a waterhole frequented by game.The camp is unfenced. Close encounters provide unique photographic opportunities.Sparkling plunge pools offer a cool retreat on hot days.
The Lodge
The main lodge is the central meeting place and area to relax and enjoy a feeling of colonial times.You will be entertained royally whether sipping cocktails in the Zebra Bar or perusing a book of African stories from our library.
The Suites
Five unique, secluded suites, individually decorated with antique treasures and plush furnishings ensure an intimate, romantic experience.Amenities offered include indoor and outdoor showers, Victorian bathtubs, log fires and private decks with plunge pools.
All suites enjoy sweeping views of the bushveld.
Wildlife
The Safari
The reserve is home to Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhino.We have the largest population of White Rhino in a private reserve.Other rare species such as Brown Hyena, Aardvard, Honey Badger, Cheetah and Blue Cranes find refuge in this conservation conscious area.
Game Drive Safaris
Take full advantage of the best times of the day for game viewing, dawn and dusk. Open safari vehicles with expert guides offer prime viewing experiences and an educational opportunity.
Walking Safaris
Walking Safaris with armed guides are by request. Close inspection of insect rituals and the identification of tracks are some of the myriad possibilities presented on these safaris.
Cuisine
Makweti’s cuisine has been recognized for excellence by Chaine des Rotisseurs and featured in Chefs of Distinction.
Candlelit gourmet dinners are served in our formal dining room or under a starry night sky in the boma by a flickering campfire. Our creative chefs will delight you. Makweti’s cuisine reflects an artful fusion of exotic spices of the ancient trade routes. Home made soups, game meats and wide assortment of health conscious choices are served.
Fine South African estate wines from our cellar and exquisite desserts complement every dinner.
Mammals: Marakele is home to most of the large mammals synonymous with the African bush, including elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo, leopard and cheetah. Large Predators such as cheetah, wild dog, brown hyena, leopard and now also lion, occur in the park.
Birds: Arguably the Park’s biggest birding attraction is the largest colony of Cape Vultures in the world (around 800 breeding pairs). However the park is also appealing to birders as it falls within the transition zone between the dry western regions and the moister eastern regions of the country. Read More
While touring in the North West Province visit:
Madikwe Game Reserve Madikwe is a Big Five Game Reserve covering some 75,000 hectare. It is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa. Read More
Pilanesberg Game Reserve Explore the nearby Pilanesberg Game Reserve - in an ancient volcanic crater "The Volcano that gave birth to a game reserve" Read More
Top Destinations
Cape Town Hotels
With Cape Town's spectacular geography and its amazing vibe it is not hard to see why it is consistently voted amongst the world's best cities. It is also South Africa's oldest city, the point at which South Africa as we know it today started.Read More...
Garden Route Hotels
Travel to South Africa and visit the Garden Route. The Garden Route is one of the most scenic parts of South Africa. Situated on the Southern Cape Coast almost midway between Cape Town...Read More...
Pilanesberg Game Lodges
The crater of a long extinct volcano is the setting of Pilanesberg National Park - a fascinating alkaline complex produced by volcanic eruptions some 1300 million years ago...Read More...
Addo Elephant National Park
The first settlers in the Addo region immediately decimated the big elephant herds, because they frequently devastated their fields and plantations. So the number of elephants continuously decreased...Read More...
Johannesburg Hotels
A city of astonishing contrasts, a huge metropolis where opulent wealth and desperate poverty live side by side: Johannesburg is the intriguing, dynamic heart of this turbulent country...Read More...
Day Tours and Scheduled Tours
Scheduled Tours and Day Tours from selected african destinations...Read More...
Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park is the primary destination in South Africa for many international tourists. Each year more than half a million visitors are registered...Read More...
Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe is a Big Five game reserve covering some 75,000 hectare. It is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa.The rich diversity of vegetation ensures a wide range of game and the topography offers ideal game viewing opportunities.Read More...
Durban Hotels
Delightful Durban is the largest city of the vast and varied Kwa-Zulu Natal province of South Africa. A coastal port with a more than equable sub-tropical climate and wide golden beaches washed by the warm Indian Ocean, Durban is a holidaymaker's paradise...Read More...
• Entrance from 7:30am to 4:00pm
• In summer gates close at 6:00pm
• In winter gates close at 5:00pm
Handy Hints
Remember to bring a camera, binoculars, bird and wildlife reference books, a hat and sunscreen lotion. Take along medicines such as anti-histamine and lotion for insect stings and bites. Cool clothing for summer and warm for winter are advised as the region is subject to sudden weather changes, particularly in the mountains. Remember charcoal or wood as this is not available in the park. Visitors should also remember to take a torch along as the camp has no illumination at night.
Office hours
• 7:30am - 5:00pm – 1 May to 31 August
• 7:30am - 6:00pm – 1 September to 30 April
Wheelchair Access
Marakele is a wilderness area with limited tourism facilities for everyone. Much of the park requires a 4x4 vehicle. The safari tent camp has 10 units, one of which is accessible to people in wheelchairs, equipped with an access ramp and adapted ablution facilities (roll-in shower). No accessible facilities are available at the Bush Camp. The new reception block comprises of a unisex ablution block for the use of people with mobility impairment. One of the 3 circles at the camping sites is also equipped with access facilities.
This website is not affiliated, associated or connected in any way with The Welgevonden Game Reserve nor the Welgevonden Landowners Association. Its purpose is to provide great accommodation deals, news, information and opinion on the Welgevonden Game Reserve.
Mammals: Marakele is home to most of the large mammals synonymous with the African bush, including elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo, leopard and cheetah. Large Predators such as cheetah, wild dog, brown hyena, leopard and now also lion, occur in the park.
Madikwe Game Reserve 
Pilanesberg Game Reserve 
