Welgevonden Private Game Reserve
The 5* Mhondoro Safari Lodge is situated in the malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve, which stretches across 35,000 hectares of bushveld and is just a 3 hour drive from Johannesburg.
The scenery in the reserve is a mix of rolling grasslands and rocky mountainous terrain. The mammal population boasts all of Africa's renowned Big 5, including a large white rhino population, as well as cheetah, giraffe, antelope, hippo, brown hyena, honey badger and a whole lot more. Your knowledgeable ranger will be able to tell you everything about the wildlife and other aspects of the African bush on your daily morning and afternoon game drives in open 4x4 game viewing vehicles, staying on the extensive road network (off-roading is not permitted in the reserve). Guided bush walks will take you close up and personal with nature while you explore the area around the lodge and learn more about the wonders of the wilderness.
Unique features at Mhondoro include a custom-built stargazing ‘star deck’, and a waterhole with an underground game viewing hide that is connected with the main lodge by a tunnel. At ground level, the hide provides excellent photographic opportunities from an eye-level perspective, as well as the excitement of getting really up close, anytime day or night, to elephants and other wildlife drinking from the waterhole. Other lodge facilities include a gym and heated swimming pools for all year-round swimming, and a dedicated Spa where a variety of massages and facial treatments are offered, along with manicures and pedicures.
The lodge accommodation includes 2 Luxury Pool Suites, a 2 bedroom Executive Suite, a 2 bedroom Family Suite and a 2 Bedroom Family Deluxe Suite, and a romantic Honeymoon Suite with a private plunge pool and a deck with a daybed.
There is also an exclusive use Villa that can sleep up to 6 guests. The Villa features a magnificent master suite and 2 additional bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, as well as a private gym, yoga room and a heated swimming pool. You also have your own game-viewing safari vehicle with personal ranger and the services of a personal chef, butler and housekeeping staff.
Our standard rates for a 2 Bedroom Family Suite | ||||
Dates | Price | Basis | Type | Nights |
1 July 2024 to 15 December 2024 | GBP 366 USD 472 ZAR 8,241 EUR 429 | per person sharing | Contracted FIT Rate | 1+ nights |
16 December 2024 to 10 January 2025 | GBP 453 USD 585 ZAR 10,203 EUR 531 | per person sharing | Contracted FIT Rate | 3+ nights |
11 January 2025 to 30 April 2025 | GBP 366 USD 472 ZAR 8,241 EUR 429 | per person sharing | Contracted FIT Rate | 1+ nights |
1 June 2025 to 30 June 2025 | GBP 366 USD 472 ZAR 8,241 EUR 429 | per person sharing | Contracted FIT Rate | 1 to 3 nights |
1 May 2025 to 30 June 2025 | GBP 366 USD 472 ZAR 8,241 EUR 429 | per person sharing | Contracted FIT Rate - Pay 3 Stay 4 | 4+ nights |
Prices are on a per person sharing basis (pps).
Special offers for longer stays or when booked as part of a longer itinerary may apply - details on request.Rates Include
All meals; tea/coffee, soft drinks, local beers, local spirits and house wines; 2 safari activities per day (including game drives in open vehicles or walking safaris with a guide); the Welgevonden Conservation Fee; complimentary Wi-Fi in the Main Lodge area; and return scheduled transfers from Welgevonden Reserve Main Gate or airstrip to the Lodge are included.
Children Policy
Children of any age are welcome. Children under 6 staying at the main lodge are not allowed on scheduled game drives unless a private vehicle is taken (additional cost). Babysitting services are available (additional cost) and children's 'bumble game drives' are available upon request inbetween regular game drives (at no extra cost). When booking the Villa there are no age restrictions for children.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided bush walks. The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided bush walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.
Mhondoro is child-friendly, with a dedicated open-air play area protected by an elephant fence and a play room with games where children can enjoy themselves without disturbing other guests. Special children’s activities can also be arranged.
Mhondoro Safari Lodge and Villa Location.
Directions For Drivers
From OR Tambo International Airport: Take the R21 to Pretoria. Take exit 134 onto the N1 North towards Polokwane. When reaching the Kranskop Toll Plaza keep to the very left lane and take the R33 towards Modimolle/Nylstroom. Drive straight through Modimolle/Nylstroom and keep on the R33 towards Vaalwater.
Drive straight through Vaalwater on the R510 towards Thabazimbi.
The Main Gate of Welgevonden Game Reserve is 24 km from Vaalwater on the left hand side (look out for the sign 'Welgevonden Main Gate').
Guests are requested to call the lodge on +27 14 755 4917 when they reach the Kranskop Toll Pass to confirm their location and expected arrival time at the gate. From the toll to the game it is about an hours drive.
As no private vehicles are allowed in the Welgevonden Game Reserve, guests driving themselves are required to park their car at the Main Gate. Safe covered parking is provided at the gate on the inside of the reserve. You will be met here and transferred to the lodge.
PLEASE NOTE: Pick up time from the Main Gate is beween 12:30 and 13:00. Alternative collection times can be arranged and must be booked in advance with the lodge. Should you arrive later than the specified gate pick up times, and have not advised the lodge 48 hours in advance a fee will be charged.
General Information For Guests
All rooms have air conditioning, a fan, a safe, fireplace, a hair dryer, a minibar, a private bathroom with bath and separate walk-in shower, and an umbrella.
The Mhondoro Villa has its own private gym, pool, spa and a yoga room.
Facilities at Mhondoro include a main lodge area with fireplaces, a bar, dining room, restaurant, curio shop, wine cellar, heated swimming pool, as well as a fully equipped gym and infra-red sauna. Another unique feature at Mhondoro is a custom-built star deck with a telescope, to offer stargazing evenings on clear nights.
The Mhondoro Spa is equipped with a private, outdoor spa deck and bath, and treatments (additional cost) that are offered include facials, massage treatments, manicures and pedicures.
The lodge features a photographic game viewing hide at a waterhole that is connected with the Main Lodge by a 65-metre long tunnel.
Activities that are available include bush walks and morning/afternoon game drives.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the main lodge and all suites.
A laundry service is available (additional cost).
Guests will need to arrive at the Welgevonden Main Gate between 12:30 and 13:00 in time for the complimentary transfer to the lodge. After checking out, guests will depart the lodge at 11:00 for the complimentary transfer to the gate. Transfers outside of these hours will be charged at an additional cost per vehicle and may interfere with the first afternoon game drive or lunch depending on how much later guests arrive. The transfer time takes about an hour in an open game viewing vehicle.
Credit cards are accepted.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided bush walks. The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided bush walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.
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If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.