Welgevonden Game Reserve

Tailor-made safaris that include Welgevonden Game Reserve.

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Where to stay

Lodges in Welgevonden Game Reserve.

3 lodges across this destination, ordered by what guests pick most. Rates per person sharing, per night.

  1. Mhondoro Safari Lodge
    Live availability
    01 Premium

    Mhondoro Safari Lodge

    Mhondoro offers a sophisticated yet sustainable safari experience, making it a perfect choice for those seeking an intimate and luxurious African adventure.

    Per person sharing, per night, from

    Rย 12ย 290

    Current offers

    Stay & Pay

    June 2026: Pay For 3; Stay For 4: Applicable mid-weeks (Sunday to Thursday) for the Lodge and the Villa. This value offer does NOT apply to the Exclusive Use Rates, and is not combinable with any other special offer.

    Combo

    The perfect fusion of wild safari luxury and sophisticated city living: enjoy 3 nights at Mhondoro Ownersโ€™ Villa and 3 nights in the Labotessa Presidential Suite, plus a complimentary fourth night at Labotessa valid until 19 December 2027. *Ts & Cs apply.

  2. Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway
    Live availability
    02 Affordable

    Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway

    Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway is an intimate eight-suite lodge perched on a rocky ridge in the malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg. Each suite has a private plunge pool, indoor and outdoor showers, and sweeping views over the Sterkstroom River valley. Twice-daily open-vehicle game drives explore Big Five country, three hours from Johannesburg.

    Per person sharing, per night, from

    Rย 9ย 660

    Current offers

    Honeymoon

    Two-night stay in a luxury suite; three dining experiences each day; two wilderness safaris each day; selected beverages; one romantic turn-down during stay. Honeymoon rate: R5,796.00 per person sharing per night (vs standard R7,728.00 per person sharing per night).

  3. Marataba Mountain Lodge
    Live availability
    03 Lux

    Marataba Mountain Lodge

    Marataba Mountain Lodge is an intimate five-room retreat perched above Waterfall Valley in the malaria-free Waterberg, within Marakele National Park. Scandinavian design meets African wilderness in a solar-powered hideaway where vast views, deep silence and a quiet, attentive team make space to genuinely disconnect.

    Per person sharing, per night, from

    Rย 14ย 080 Rย 21ย 120

    Current offers

    Stay & Pay

    Book three nights and only pay for two. Valid for travel between 1 June โ€“ 31 August 2026

The basics

Why, when, and where.

Escape to a realm of opulence and tranquillity amidst the untamed wilderness of Welgevonden, home to some of South Africa's most luxurious and sustainable accommodation options. Nestled within this vast sanctuary is a selection of private 5-star lodges, each offering an exclusive haven limited to a maximum of 10 guests.

Immerse yourself in the serenity of the South African bush while relishing in the unmatched peace and privacy offered by Welgevonden's lodges. Indulge in panoramic vistas of unspoiled wilderness, savouring moments of pure bliss away from the bustle of city life.

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Why

Accessibility

Escape the urban chaos and immerse yourself in the serene wilderness of Welgevonden, one of South Africa's most accessible premier reserves. Situated just a convenient 2.5-hour drive or a quick 45-minute flight from Johannesburg, Welgevonden offers a swift and unique retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

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Luxury Lodges

Within the reserve, you'll find a collection of spectacularly luxurious, secluded, and eco-conscious lodges, each accommodating a maximum of 10 guests. These lodges are meticulously designed to harmonize with the surrounding environment, ensuring a sustainable and immersive experience.

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A Personal Wildlife Experience

Experience wildlife like never before as Welgevonden is home to over 50 different mammal species, including the iconic Big 5. From kudu and giraffe to cheetah and brown hyena, the reserve boasts a diverse array of wildlife, complemented by close to 300 bird species. Thanks to the limited number of vehicles permitted in the reserve and its non-hunting policy, the animals remain unphased by human presence, allowing for intimate and up-close encounters you won't soon forget.โ€

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When

The climate of the Waterberg region is typically characterized as warm and temperate, featuring three distinct seasons.โ€

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May to July:

โ€The driest period in Welgevonden typically occurs during the heart of winter. Although daytime temperatures average a comfortable 22ยฐC / 72ยฐF, the nights and early mornings can plummet to below 3ยฐC / 37ยฐF, often resulting in ground frosts. It's advisable to dress in layers during game drives as mornings and evenings can be quite chilly.Winter months are regarded as prime time for wildlife viewing in Welgevonden. The shorter, less dense grass and savannah make it easier to spot animals, which tend to congregate around remaining water sources. This increases the likelihood of rewarding sightings.

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โ€August to October:

โ€Temperatures gradually rise, with mean daily maximums reaching around 27ยฐC / 81ยฐF and minimums around 9ยฐC / 48ยฐF. Although predominantly dry, occasional thunderstorms may occur in the late afternoons, providing dramatic photo opportunities and clearing the air of dust and smoke from bushfires.โ€

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November to April:

โ€With temperatures averaging just below 30ยฐC / 86ยฐF during the day and rarely dropping below 15ยฐC / 59ยฐF at night. Rainfall peaks in December and January, attracting migratory birds and prompting plains game to give birth. This can lead to heightened predator activity, offering thrilling wildlife encounters.During summer, it's essential to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against the sun's rays. Bringing along a waterproof jacket is advisable in case of unexpected rain showers. Remember, even in the rain, wildlife may still be active and waiting to be discovered.

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Where

Within the Welgevonden Game Reserve, a diverse array of lodges awaits your selection, offering some of the most opulent, secluded, and environmentally sustainable accommodations in South Africa. These options cater to various preferences, including self-catering, mid-range, luxury, exclusive-use, child-friendly, and conference facilities, ensuring a tailored experience for every guest.

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Imagery

Welgevonden Game Reserve, in pictures.

Recent travellers

Word from people who have just been to Welgevonden Game Reserve.

Quotes pulled directly from Trustpilot. Where we have specific reviews mentioning Welgevonden Game Reserve, those come up first. Otherwise these are recent five-star notes from across the trips we have planned.

"i will have to say i had a pleasant time on my trip, full of fun experiences, that is something that i can say that i can knock out of my bucket list"
June 2026 ยท France ยท Verified on Trustpilot โ†—
"Very easy to book with Safari.com. It looks as though it will be a fantastic trip."
June 2026 ยท United Kingdom ยท Verified on Trustpilot โ†—
"I had an amazing experience working with Monica H. from Safari.com while planning a very special family safari in South Africa. From the very beginning, she was incredibly patient, responsive, and knowledgeable. I initially felt overwhelmed trying to coordinate different lodges, dates, and availability during high season, but she helped me find the perfectโ€ฆ"
June 2026 ยท USA ยท with Monica Havemann ยท Verified on Trustpilot โ†—
"This is our first time (possibly the only one) booking a safari trip and it is a very big deal for us. We were able to to find something that met our needs and budget. Monique P was very helpful and responsive throughout the whole process. Definitely appreciate her assistance. We are off on our safari in a few days, so now weโ€™ll just need her to keep us safeโ€ฆ"
June 2026 ยท USA ยท with Monique Plaatjies ยท Verified on Trustpilot โ†—

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