Best hotels in Welgevonden Game Reserve

An exclusive-use facility, Metsi Lodge feels more like one of the best homes you've ever visited than a commercial safari lodge. Set on the sprawling malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve in South Africa's northern Limpopo region, surrounded by acacia woodland and broad savanna, Metsi celebrates wilderness, family and time. The small, dedicated staff, with their adept skills and expert knowledge and genuine warmth, could not be more accommodating. They make you feel relaxed and right at home from the moment you arrive. Need some downtime for you and your family? Celebrating an occasion? Book now – you won't be disappointed.

Forming part of the Waterberg massif in Limpopo province, the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere Reserve is home to reserves and settlements which work together to create an ecosystem that supports both wilderness and humans. One of the largest reserves in the biosphere is Welgevonden ("well found"), a 38,000-hectare swathe of malaria-free wilderness that supports the Big Five and a plethora of other creatures. On its eastern edge is Nungubane Game Lodge, one of the best of the dozen or so lodges in the reserve. Head here for good accommodation, rugged scenery, and great wildlife sightings – at a competitive price.

Perched on the tip of a dramatic gorge, Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway overlooks the Sterkstroom River and the rugged bushveld of the 38,000-hectare, malaria-free Welgevonden Private Game Reserve. There are just eight private suites at the lodge, all designed in a style that combines glamour with eco-friendliness. The setting and facilities are first-class, as is the wildlife – see the Big Five, giraffes swaying up the cliffs in search of juicy leaves, rhino taking a mud bath, and plenty of birds. The cuisine is unsurpassable, the rim-flow pool a welcome sight after a hot safari, and atmosphere tranquil and relaxed.

Makweti Safari Lodge is named after the ancient-looking giant euphorbia trees which are a striking feature of the beautiful Welgevonden Private Game Reserve, in Limpopo Province. This malaria-free reserve covers 37,000 hectares of Waterberg mountains, forests and pristine river valleys, with the lodge perfectly positioned at the top of a deep gorge carving between the surrounding hills. The rock and thatch design blends unobtrusively into the bushveld, with just five luxurious chalets set amongst the trees overlooking the valley below. This naturally game-rich wilderness is renowned for excellent game viewing and breathtaking scenery.

Boasting 86000 acres of secluded mountain wilderness, the Welgevonden Game Reserve is home to an exclusive-use lodge offering immaculate service and style in this year-round safari setting. With over 50 mammal species and 300 bird species, the Greater Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, declared by UNESCO in 2007, is a haven for those looking for pristine bushveld and exceptional wildlife viewing. With only three villas sleeping a maximum of 6 people, Izingwe Lodge has a wonderful sense of privacy and luxury, and it is only a mere 3 hours from Johannesburg! The area is malaria-free, and home to the Big Five.

Ekuthuleni Game Lodge is one of the gems in the malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve, one of the largest privately owned game reserves in South Africa and a haven for safari and birding enthusiasts. Ekuthuleni Lodge means "place of peace" and you will be surrounded by peace and tranquility with the only sounds coming from the animal and bird-life surrounding you. Buttressed by rock formations on the southern and north-eastern escarpments, the lodge offers sweeping views of the stunning savannah plains that carpet the Waterberg from the public areas, and the bedrooms. This lodge offers true African bush luxury.

Nestled against the hillside of a river valley, Tshwene Lodge enjoys canopy-filled vistas from its magnificent perch. Here, you're in the 37.000-hectare Welgevonden Private Reserve, in the northern Limpopo province. The lodge, though thoroughly immersed in the bush, is fairly easy to access. Its handful of chalets means there's always a quiet, homely feel in camp; once in the bush, however, you're in Big Five country, with the the potential for some electric action. Tshwene is a superb destination for first-timers to the bush, and families with children over the age of 10 – or a weekend getaway for city-slickers!

Welgevonden Private Game Reserve is a impressive biosphere of tree-covered ravines and hazy blue-tinged mountains in Limpopo Province's Waterberg District. This malaria-free sanctuary has more game than you could wish for, including the ever-popular Big Five and 300-plus bird species – all a mere three-hour drive from bustling Johannesburg. At the heart of this 38,000-hectare ramble of bushveld is a picturesque, welcoming lodge called Nedile. Expect heartfelt hospitality, spectacular views, and the chance to get close to a lounging leopard or to park silently amid a herd of elephant. Come and wallow in the wilderness, African style.

Tintswalo Waterberg is located in the malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg District of Limpopo Province. The Welgevonden Game Reserve comprises some 40,000 hectares of pristine bushveld and ranks amongst Southern Africa’s largest private game reserves and forms part of the only savanna biosphere reserve in the world. It has the greatest variety of plains game, is home to South Africa’s Big Five. Traditional South African cuisine is served in various locations around the lodge, including unforgettable Boma dinners enjoyed beneath the stars, or indulgent, wholesome meals shared on the expansive open lodge deck. The main lounge area provides a warm and welcoming ambience with its large fireplaces and just outside, there's a swimming pool and expansive deck overlooking the valley below.

The small and intimate Camp Ndlovu is situated in a Big 5, malaria-free area in the 37 000-hectare exceptionally beautiful Welgevonden Game Reserve. The camp, set as it is, amid river ravines and a spectacular mountain backdrop, offers breathtaking views of the undulating countryside and exudes an air of tranquility. Camp Ndlovu‘s suites are luxurious, elegant and generously proportioned - designed for the ultimate comfort and privacy and with only five suites, including a family suite, exclusivity is ensured. Each air-conditioned suite comes complete with its own plunge pool, outdoor shower and outdoor bath, king size extra length bed, and a lounge with fireplace. Dining at Camp Ndlovu becomes an African culinary delight with seasonal menu’s that will treat your taste buds to an array of flavours. You can enjoy views of the African bush from the game viewing deck and activities include game drives in an open game vehicle and safari walks with knowledgeable game rangers.

Surrounded by natural colours, captivating sounds and soothing rhythms of the bush, it awakens a spirit of discovery while restoring the senses. Picture yourself settling into a beautifully designed suite that feels like a blend of luxury and the raw beauty of the African wilderness. The air carries the scent of the savannah, and each moment is accompanied by the harmonious sounds of the bush - it's a symphony of nature.

Kololo is a big nature reserve where harmless African wildlife roams free. The Western part in the reserve is assigned to the accommodation. From your chalet or villa you can walk or bike freely and safely into the reserve. Furthermore Kololo Game Reserve forms part of Welgevonden Game Reserve, an even bigger nature reserve and home to the Big Five and many other African animal species, big and small. Kololo has a private gate into Welgevonden. In an open but roofed safari vehicle we take you there to observe wildlife and nature.