A short 2.5 hour drive or 1 hour flight from Lanseria Airport is all that separates the fast-paced metropolis of Johannesburg from the calm green eden that is Welgevonden Private Game Reserve.

Cool refreshments await your arrival at the main gate where you will transfer to your open game vehicle and leave the city behind.

Welgevonden Private Game Reserve consists of 42 000 hectares of unspoiled African bushveld ranging from rocky outcrops where the leopards watch from their hidden crevices to wide open savannah where the herds of Zebra, Wildebeest and Impala abound.

The Reserve is transected by the three main rivers that meander quietly through densly wooded areas on their way to joining the mighty Limpopo River.

It is part of the larger United Waterberg Biosphere and is entirely Malaria Free. Founded in 1993, The Reserve is one of the largest private investments in conservation in the world.

Welgevonden supports 75 species of animals, including the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhinoceros) and over 350 species of birds. It boasts an amazing variety of antelope from the dainty Klipspringer to the mighty Eland and is home to the largest private population of white rhinoceros in the world.
Game viewing is done in specially designed open vehicles equipped with elevated seating and adequate protection from the elements.
Foot tracking is also available for those wishing to experience a more intimate relationship with the bush and its fauna.
The paths to the main game lodge and between the chalets offer tantalizing glimpses of the waterhole situated just in front of the game lodge.

The main game lodge has a large viewing sundeck where guests are welcome to bide away the time. The crystal clear swimming pool is blessedly cool and inviting on hot summer days under the African sun.

The central dining room, bar, outdoor boma and gym are all situated in or around the main game lodge and are easily accessible from the chalets. A nearby chalet houses a well stocked library and entertainment centre that also serves as an exclusive venue for small corporate retreats.

Game Drives and Bush walks

Driving through the reserve in the 4 wheel drive game viewing vehicle, after your arrival at the main gate, you will be treated to your first sighting of the reserve's permanent residents: Impala, Warthog, Giraffe, Rhino, Kudu, Eland, Elephant and many others.

Your hosts are knowledgeable and friendly and will keep you entertained throughout your early morning and afternoon game viewing drives. Their love of the bush is infectious and you'll soon find yourself eagerly waiting for the next animal anecdote or tidbit of information.

Guests are treated to snacks and a welcome drink at the Main Gate boma and are then transferred directly to the Lodge. Sundowners and snacks are served on the evening game drives. The rangers usually choose magnificent spots such as atop a mountain ridge where you can stand and stare at the majestic beauty around you and enjoy a fine South African chardonnay. Hot beverages and snacks will keep you warm on the early morning drives.

Bush walks and hiking excursions are offered with fully qualified rangers. These vary with the weather and the desires of the guests. Along with some of the larger animals you may well see some of the "Little Five"- Elephant Shrew, Leopard Tortoise, Rhino Beetle, Buffalo Weaver and Ant Lion.

Your rangers are extremely knowledgeable about the bush and you will soon find yourself absorbed in the wonders of this magical eco- system. If you are interested in Bushman Paintings we can organise a day trip that will transport you back 2000 years when Welgevonden was the home of the San people.

Mhondoro offers its visitors the opportunity to view some of the only surviving rock art from the indigineous San people who lived in the Waterberg region.