Welcome To Mhondoro Lodge, Welgevonden Game Reserve, Limpopo
A short 2.5 hour drive or 1 hour flight from Lanseria Airport is all that separates the fast-paced metropolis of Johannesburg from the calm green eden that is Welgevonden Private Game Reserve.
Cool refreshments await your arrival at the main gate where you will transfer to your open game vehicle and leave the city behind.
Welgevonden Private Game Reserve consists of 42 000 hectares of unspoiled African bushveld ranging from rocky outcrops where the leopards watch from their hidden crevices to wide open savannah where the herds of Zebra, Wildebeest and Impala abound.
The Reserve is transected by the three main rivers that meander quietly through densly wooded areas on their way to joining the mighty Limpopo River.
It is part of the larger United Waterberg Biosphere and is entirely Malaria Free. Founded in 1993, The Reserve is one of the largest private investments in conservation in the world.
Lodge
The paths to the main game lodge and between the chalets offer tantalizing glimpses of the waterhole situated just in front of the game lodge.
The main game lodge has a large viewing sundeck where guests are welcome to bide away the time. The crystal clear swimming pool is blessedly cool and inviting on hot summer days under the African sun.
The central dining room, bar, outdoor boma and gym are all situated in or around the main game lodge and are easily accessible from the chalets. A nearby chalet houses a well stocked library and entertainment centre that also serves as an exclusive venue for small corporate retreats.
Accommodation
Four luxuriously appointed private game lodge chalets are located along the ridge overlooking the waterhole and adjacent plains with the Waterberg mountains in the distance. A maximum of 10 guests may stay at the game lodge, ensuring personal attention and care from your hosts at all times.
Each chalet has its own elegant sense of style and décor, designed to make you feel pampered, spoiled and special. Large double sliding doors exit onto your private viewing sundeck where you can relax and watch Africa pass by below you.
The en-suite bathrooms have a choice of indoor shower, hippo sized bath or a secluded outdoor shower where you can pelt yourself with steaming hot water.
The master game lodge chalet has two separate double bedrooms, both with bathrooms ensuite and outdoor showers, linked by a central sitting room. The large viewing sundeck has a private jacuzzi.
Cuisine
Dining is an experience at Mhondoro. Breakfasts, after your early morning game drive, are either full English breakfasts at the lodge or 'bush breakfasts' in the wild. Picnics en route or lunches at the lodge are available for those arriving mid-day.
Afternoon tea will be served shortly before your afternoon game drive. Four course dinners range from superb international cuisine served at the lodge's dining room to braais served in the open air boma around a wood fire under the African skies. Mhondoro boasts a wine cellar fully stocked with the best South African wines
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
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Madikwe Game Reserve
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• 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.
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 
