Vast wildlife conservation area comprised of former farms offering tours & luxury lodging.
Welgevonden Game Reserve in Tzaneen
Description
Privilege
At Welgevonden, there are numerous lodges within the reserve; some are more catered to families, some are more camping-oriented, while ours (Clifftopwas more couples-friendly (as was Laluka). The grounds are beautiful, situated as the name suggests on the side of a cliff overlooking a ravine. The common area has an infinity pool, large fireplaces for when it gets cold, and various seating areas with great views of landscape. Each guest has a private, very large villa with a massive bed, indoor and outdoor showers, and a plunge pool/cabana. It was as luxurious as we’ve ever stayed. The wifi was fairly slow and a bit spotty, but was functional enough. The staff were extremely accommodating, to the point of traveling into town many miles away to get medication. All meals are included, as are most alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. At lunch you may sit wherever, or they can deliver to your room. At dinner, you rotate between many different spots in the common area. The food, although limited options (usually one meat, one fish, and one vegetarian option per mealdid not disappoint. Portion sizes were average and drink sizes were massive (red wine glass the size of your head).Now on to the safari—the main reason people stay here (most of the days revolve around this, with just relaxation between excursions). Each group of 4-6 is paired with a guide. Ours (Dylanwas incredibly knowledgeable and went out of his way to make sure we saw (and got close toas much wildlife as possible. This included the Big 5 (elephant, rhino, leopard, cape buffalo, and lion), three of the Ugly 5 (wildebeest, hyena, and warthog), as well as zebras, jackals, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, kudus, and baboons. Each game drive was around 3-3.5hrs long, and included one 20-minute drink stop. The drives can be very bumpy on rough roads/terrain, and must-brings are binoculars and a good camera.Highly recommend! Our photos were very similar to the others posted in prior reviews.
MoreAbsolutely incredible reserve with plenty wildlife
We stayed at family camp Tinswalo and had a great time. Nice people and good food. The game drive was wonderful.
MoreAwesome place with amazing guides
We went to Pekwa Lodge which offers a Wonderful luxury bush experience . Many Thanks for Warm Hospitality , Delicious food , Excellent Accommodation and exciting Game Drives much enjoyed by the Little Ones too .
MoreSpecial place with sweeping vistas and so many corners to explore.
Beautiful park with knowledgeable rangers and abundant animals.
One of the most beautiful parks in south africa. The landscape is unique and I have never seen so many rhinos as there. They do really well guarding such valuable animals. Unfortunately we only spent one night there, you could definitely stay longer and we will definitely go to this park again.
MoreNice place, but long ways to the animals wehen we were there.
It has a good and nice spectacular view with a stunning stones
This place is amazing! Fantastic game watching! We stayed at Mziki. Fantastic food and excellent service Roy and Madeleine
MoreSo many rhino. Fabulous place. Very well managed
Its a very unique place with a great view of many things such as animals and a good view of sundowners and sunsets.
MoreWe stayed at Ekuthuleni Lodge, part of Rare Earth collection. Great stay, food was excellent and staff top shelf.
MoreAbsolutely amazing. Will leave here with amazing memories
Had a very nice stay at Sekala lodge. Thanks for the hospitality.
No self drives which is great. Open Safaris vehicle Game drives. Personalised service and attention. Lovely setting in the Waterberg.
MoreAvoid Jamila Lodge. Poor service and lack of customer care.
Limited visitors, abundant game, experienced game rangers
We spend a Weekend at Wild Ivory Lodge. It is a great place to relax and look out in to the nature!
MoreRemarkable experience. Highly recommended. Variety of accommodation.
Incredible weekend in this gorgeous reserve. Highly recommended
The reserve is a gem. Lodges differ, they are all independent, so choose wisely.
Highly highly recommended. We stayed at iBhubesi lodge. Facilities and staff were amazing. The Game driver Nelson was very experienced and knowledgable. The co-operation between the lodges ensured everyone got great sightings. We saw lions, cheetahs, elephants, warthog, beetles and tons of different buck species. Lots of bird species as well for bird watchers as well.
MoreWhat a great bush experience! Cannot get better!
Camp Ndlovu was outstanding. From Sanet the GM to ALL the staff. Thank you for the most memorable stay. Will definitely visit again!
MoreGreat sightings and priceless views!
Awesome team, fantastic food and beautiful lodge.
Tswene lodge,very Nice place.perfect situated. Staff is terrific,especialy ranger April. Perfect food.
MoreA wonderful relaxing week spent with family and friends. Saw a wide variety of animals and birds. Amazing sunsets and sun rises. Look forward to my next bush experience
MoreGreat Experience as the Rangers are so knowledgeable
Every second I was here was an amazing second. If I could go back, I would in an instant. There is always something to see!
MoreGreat location, ready drive from JHB,great hosts, great food, great game drives - all at MZIKI LODGE
MoreWonderful wild game viewing experience.
Amazing Experience
Perfect getaway not too far from JHB.
Making special memories when showing exclusive properties to exclusive clients at my outdoor office @Welgevonden Game Reserve
MoreUnbelievable experience. One of my favorite places on earth.
We have been visiting Welgenvonden since 1994, and will never be tired of the place.The reserve is very well managed and the staff running it brilliantly.
MoreGreat fantastic out door place away from the busy life... Will drive there again and again and again...
MoreBig 5 reserve. Make sure to go on time (park opens at sixto see some early lions. Rhinos and elephants are abudantly. Tip: stay in contact with other cars using their walkietalkies
MoreMost stunning views and beautiful animals, the lodges where absolutely amazing and the most friendliest staff to assist.I cant wait to go back.
MoreThe memories I am having of Welgevonden I will always treasure. Ive had the pleasure to visit this game reserve more than once and every time I left overwhelmed. Our host and guide shared his intimate knowledge of each of the inhabitants being large or small, from running, flying to the crawling ones, indeed a wonderful place to visit and nature at its best.
MoreExcellent.
Incredible accommodation, pool area and hospitality at Nungubane Game Lodge with an all-inclusive package booked through Bushscapes. Morning and evening game drives were spectacular with special mammal sightings (and even a mock charging 🦏as well as birding - highly recommend taking up the rangers offer of Amarula coffee!
MoreAnimals found even on a rainy day--I will return
Simon from lodge 23 was the best!! "Naughty# elephants!! Enjoy the video :D
Excellent!!! 5 star accommodation and Big 5 experience!!
Absolutely amazing every time Ive visited!! Brilliant sightings and such an intimate lodging experience.
MoreThis is a lovely game park/ nature reserve. Stayed at the Sediba lodge which is mind-blowingly peaceful and beautiful. Nice main lodge as well, and great staff
More