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Escape to the heart of the malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve in Limpopo and experience the ultimate private safari retreat at iBhubesi Private Game Lodge. Just a scenic 260 km drive from Sandton, Johannesburg, this family-friendly, self-catering lodge offers an exclusive-use setting—perfect for small groups, families, or friends seeking a private Big Five wildlife adventure in the tranquil Waterberg biosphere.
The lodge offers five spacious, standalone chalets, each with its own en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, and cozy indoor fireplace—ideal for warming up during the cool winter months. Tucked into the surrounding trees, each chalet provides privacy and comfort, and three feature queen-sized beds while two are equipped with twin beds (convertible into king-size on request). Extra beds can be added for families traveling with young children, and the lodge can accommodate up to 10 guests per night. Daily housekeeping ensures a seamless and relaxing stay.
At the heart of the lodge, guests can enjoy a range of amenities designed for relaxation and connection with nature. Unwind on the expansive viewing deck with panoramic views over the iBhubesi Plains, take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, or curl up in the library with a good book. The lounge and dining room, each with its own fireplace, create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, while the bar and outdoor boma and braai area invite social evenings under the stars. For added peace of mind, the lodge is enclosed by an electrified perimeter fence, ensuring a safe environment for families with children.
Although the lodge follows a self-catering concept, a professional resident chef is available to prepare all meals, giving you the freedom to relax and enjoy your time in the bush. Guests are invited to collaborate with the chef to plan daily menus and select meal times and dining locations—be it al fresco on the deck, indoors beside a crackling fire, or under the stars in the boma.
Your private stay includes twice-daily game drives, led by a dedicated and qualified game ranger with extensive knowledge of the local wildlife and ecosystem. Morning game drives begin with tea, coffee, and traditional South African rusks, and include a scenic stop for hot drinks and freshly baked muffins prepared by the chef. In the late afternoon, set off on a sunset safari complete with snacks and your drink of choice, while watching the sun set over the African bushveld—a truly unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re looking for a family getaway, a group safari retreat, or simply to immerse yourself in the untamed wilderness of the Waterberg, iBhubesi Private Game Lodge delivers comfort, seclusion, and authenticity in one of South Africa’s most remarkable conservation areas
Nestled in the heart of the UNESCO-declared Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, the Welgevonden Game Reserve offers a safari experience that is both authentic and unforgettable. Spanning over 38,000 hectares of pristine wilderness in Limpopo Province, this malaria-free reserve lives up to its name—“Welgevonden”, meaning “well found” in Dutch. With its dramatic wooded mountains, deep ravines, and serene river valleys, the landscape is nothing short of breathtaking.
Home to over 50 different mammal species, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), Welgevonden is also one of the best places in South Africa to spot rarer species like brown hyena, aardvark, and pangolin. The absence of self-drive tourism ensures low vehicle density, offering intimate wildlife sightings in a truly tranquil environment.
Bird enthusiasts will be delighted with the reserve’s diverse birdlife, with more than 300 recorded species, including raptors, kingfishers, hornbills, and the occasional rare sighting of the elusive narina trogon.
Unlike more commercial reserves, Welgevonden offers an uncrowded, eco-sensitive safari experience, strictly limited to guests staying at the private lodges within the reserve. With no fences between the lodges and the wilderness, animals roam freely, and each game drive is a unique journey into the untamed African bush. The reserve’s strict conservation practices, including anti-poaching initiatives and wildlife monitoring, make it a model for sustainable ecotourism.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat, a family safari, or a photographer’s dream backdrop, Welgevonden’s extraordinary scenery, wildlife diversity, and peaceful exclusivity deliver the true spirit of Africa—wild, untouched, and utterly compelling.
Welgevonden Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s most accessible and exclusive Big Five safari destinations—ideal for both weekend escapes and longer wilderness getaways. Located in the heart of the Waterberg District of Limpopo Province, this malaria-free reserve offers a seamless blend of convenience, luxury, and untamed natural beauty.
Traveling to Welgevonden is easy and flexible: it’s just a 2.5 to 3-hour scenic drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria, making it perfect for self-drive guests. For those seeking a faster and more luxurious option, daily charter flights from Johannesburg’s Lanseria or OR Tambo International Airport to the Welgevonden airstrips reduce travel time to just 45 minutes.
Covering approximately 38,000 hectares (an area larger than some national parks), Welgevonden—meaning “well found” in Dutch—is a private game reserve renowned for its excellent game viewing, breathtaking topography, and low vehicle density. No day visitors or self-drive vehicles are permitted, preserving the serenity of your safari and ensuring a more intimate wildlife experience.
Expert tip: Plan your arrival by 12:00 PM for lunch and your first afternoon game drive. Mornings and evenings offer the best chances for spotting wildlife, especially predators. Also, pack neutral-colored clothing, binoculars, and a good camera—the dramatic landscapes and wildlife sightings are spectacular.
Thanks to its proximity to Johannesburg, high conservation standards, and luxury private lodges, Welgevonden Game Reserve is an ideal destination for couples, families, and international travelers alike—offering the full safari experience without the need for anti-malaria medication or long-distance travel.
