Of all the private game reserves in Limpopo, Welgevonden must be one of the prettiest. With beautiful undulating hills and bright-green vegetation, the landscape is reason enough to make the two-and-a-half-hour journey from Jozi.
Popular with foreign tourists looking for an authentic safari experience, Welgevonden is home to small exclusive lodges catering to all types of travellers. One of the best family safari lodges on the reserve has to be Mhondoro Lodge, which is slightly larger than the others.
It offers a dedicated outdoor play area, a gym and games room, and an underground tunnel that leads to a hide right next to a well-visited waterhole, renowned for frequent sightings of elephant, rhino, cheetah and large herds of buffalo – a huge hit with the kids. At ground level, the hide provides excellent photographic opportunities, as well as the excitement of getting really close to the game, any time of the day or night.
The guides are well trained and invigorate the game drives that almost always promise Big Five sightings. They’re also available for fishing and insect excursions.
Private and exclusive, Mhondoro sleeps a total of only 24 guests, with two family suites as well as a villa for larger families and groups. Most of the guest suites feature private, heated plunge pools, and if you’re looking for some extra pampering, there’s an exquisite spa on site.