Welgevonden Game Reserve is home to over 50 different animal species, including the Big 5. The diversity of habitats leads to a wide range of wildlife, and crossing the grassy plains you will see an abundance of antelope, from the largest eland to the diminutive duiker. Big cats like cheetah, lion and leopard are also regularly seen close to where the antelope are. Sightings of rare and unusual species such as brown hyena, aardwolf, pangolin and aardvark are best seen at night.

Over 300 bird species are found on the reserve, including the rare blue crane which breeds in the southern section of the reserve, early in the year. The rangers will tell you all about the wonders of the wilderness on bush walks as they take you up-close-and-personal with nature. Taking no chances with your safety, they will guide you on safe encounters with Africa’s renowned Big 5 –lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino –or with the many other species living within the reserve, such as giraffe, kudu, and warthog.

The guided bush walks provide the perfect opportunity to explore the flora and fauna around the lodge at close quarters.

For many, just being on safari in Africa is an experience in itself. Adding in Mhondoro star deck to this experience, as an exceptional vantage point to gaze up at the vast Africa night sky, will take romance to a whole new level.

From the private viewing deck of the infinite constellations, with very little light pollution in the area, you can look up into the Milky Way from where, on a clear night, you should be able to see about 2,500 stars. You will be able to spot the Southern Cross constellation with its two stars of Alpha and Beta Centauri, often referred to as the ‘pointers’ to help stargazers locate the asterism of the Southern Cross. The elevated wooden star deck has custom-made seating, with seatbacks angled at 45 degrees to allow for comfortable star-spotting. The high-powered telescope is linked to a sophisticated computer programme that enhances a thrillingly detailed search of the cosmos.

Recently, Mhondoro launched its new Overland Safaris product, offering bespoke, guided itineraries for small, private groups of up to 14 guests, to Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and around South Africa. Hosted by a dedicated safari guide, chef, butler and maintenance crew, up to seven guests may be transported in each of the two custom-designed Mhondoro Landcruisers. Enclosed for longer distance travelling, these comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles have sunroofs and charging points, but also convert seamlessly into open game-viewing vehicles with raised, pop-up platforms as roof height vantage points. Accommodation is provided in glamping tents with comfortable beds and crisp, fresh linen, set up in spectacular sites that include some unfenced, wild camping in nature reserves, complete with the basic comforts of a gas-heated hot shower and toilet facilities.

Mhondoro Safari Lodge is only a 2-hour 45-minute drive from O.R. Tambo International Airport, making it the perfect safari destination for those coming to South Africa via Johannesburg. Even faster is travelling by small plane as you’ll arrive in less than an hour and you’ll enjoy the breathtaking experience of flying over the Waterberg and Welgevonden Game Reserve en route.