Mhondoro Game Lodge
Mhondoro Lodge is set in the heart of the magnificent malaria free Welgevonden Game Reserve. It offers the perfect getaway for the discerning traveller. The luxurious Lodge offers five star accommodation coupled with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Only a 2,5 hour drive from Johannesburg and set on a rocky outcrop, Mhondoro boasts sweeping views of the unspoilt, pristine African bushveld. With an exclusive waterhole sited in front of the Main Lodge sundeck, you are assured of intimate sightings of the Welgevonden wildlife as well as awe inspiring sunrises and sunsets. Mhondoro Lodge is also easy accessible by aeroplane. When you board at Lansaria Airport, it will take approximately one hour for you to arrive nearby Mhondoro Lodge.
The Welgevonden Game Reserve is divided by the three main rivers that meander quietly through densely wooded regions on their way to joining the mighty Limpopo River. The Game Reserve is part of the larger United Waterberg Biosphere in the Limpopo province, founded in 1993, and is comprised of mountainous terrain divided by deep valleys and kloofs (ravines).
The Lodge was fully renovated in 2011 and is equipped with state-of-the-art luxuries. You will feel at home the moment you step inside. The Lodge is highly exclusive and caters for a maximum of ten guests. For us, our guests come first. Our hosts and hostesses give you the personal care and attention that makes your stay at Mhondoro truly memorable.
Mhondoro is the perfect venue for game drives and bush walks. Our private rangers are professional and knowledgeable. They can tell you everything about this amazing place and the wildlife and vegetation in the African bush. Their love of the bush is contagious and their anecdotes are plentiful, informative and thoroughly riveting.
The game drives take place in the early morning, before breakfast, or in the late afternoon or early evening, after tea.
During the morning game drives your ranger will pull up at a pleasant spot for a refreshing cup of coffee or tea and – of course – delicious home-made treats.
On the afternoon or evening game drives you can soak up the magical bush sunsets. Your ranger will choose a place where you can enjoy the best view with a drink in one hand and a typical African snack, like biltong (a type of beef jerky), in the other.
Our rangers know every nook and cranny and will take you on adventure in their 4WD/Landcruiser. Don’t be surprised to suddenly find yourself atop a mountain ridge, amazed by the majestic beauty of the African landscape and enjoying a glass of Chardonnay made from South African grapes.
The bush walks and excursions are led by qualified rangers, each with their own specialization. The rangers differ to suit the wishes of the guests and – of course – the weather. Some specialize in the ‘Big Five’ while others track the ‘Little Five’: the wild elephant shrew, the leopard tortoise, the rhinoceros beetle, the buffalo weaver and the ant lion. You may also run into a giraffe, kudu or warthog along the way.
The rangers are very knowledgeable about the bush and will fascinate you with the wonders and mysteries of this magical eco-system.
There is an additional option of organizing a visit to the Bushman paintings. This trip takes you back two thousand years in time, when Welgevonden was home to the San tribe.
Accommodation:
Mhondoro boasts four exclusive Villas, three Deluxe Villas and one Presidential Villa. Each Villa is equipped with a temperature control unit giving guests the option of either air-conditioning or heating.
Mhondoro is situated in a unique and majestic setting. Our Main Villa veranda overlooks a breathtaking valley and water hole where the animals regularly come to drink. It is a great place to chill out and in our adjacent TV Lounge you can do some channel-hopping on the TV or read a book from our library. There is also an internet connection where you can keep in touch with the home front.
Our 3 x 5 meter swimming pool is on the main veranda, where you can cool down on a hot summer day. In our Therapy Room or Spa you can indulge in a massage or choose from a whole range of treatments. Fitness enthusiasts will love our Wellness and Gym area.
Other services:
– Souvenir and novelty shop
– Laundry
– Babysitting (per hour)
– Massages
Weddings:
Ever thought of getting married in South Africa? Or visiting South Africa on your honeymoon? Here at Mhondoro we provide a whole range of unique services to make your special day even more special. Mhondoro is the perfect venue for an exclusive, intimate wedding in the heart of the South African bush.
Our weddings pass any five-star test with flying colours. As a Mhondoro guest, you can spend the whole day in the bush. If you prefer, you can return to the Main Lodge after the ceremony where a culinary tour de force – chosen by you – adds to the festivities. Naturally, this joyful day will also be celebrated with a champagne toast and wedding cake.
It is, of course, entirely up to you where you get married. Most weddings take place near our own water hole in Mhondoro – a truly breathtaking setting, surrounded by graceful African trees. Some couples choose to get married on one of the mighty rock outcrops with a magical view of the panoramic, seemingly endless landscape.
If you wish, Mhondoro can assure you of complete privacy and intimacy by placing the entire Lodge at your disposal. During your wedding – no matter how long it lasts – you will have full use of our beautiful Lodge and the unsurpassable surroundings.
Our hosts and hostesses have mastered the art of making dreams come true. If you have more than ten guests, we can assist in finding suitable alternative accommodation.
Contact us for a very attractive offer, we promise you an unforgettable day at Mhondoro Lodge.
Spa & Wellness @ Mhondoro Lodge:
Enjoying a Spa during your stay at Mhondoro is certainly a possibility. Our Spa is a sanctuary for body and mind. In a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere, you undergo your treatment. Experience with all your senses the healthy functioning of water, heat, smells and colors. Experience total relaxation and a refreshing effect on body and mind. You will feel rested, healthy and good. The atmosphere in our spa is focused on a positive stimulation of the senses. Be completely pampered by our professional staff and enjoy.
You can also contact us for a wonderful relaxing massage, you will feel reborn. Our focus on the massage improves circulation and detoxifying the muscles. Experience the total relaxation and come completely to rest.
Game Drives & Bush Walks:
Mhondoro is the perfect venue for game drives and bush walks. Our private rangers are professional and knowledgeable. They can tell you everything about this amazing place and the wildlife and vegetation in the African bush. Their love of the bush is contagious and their anecdotes are plentiful, informative and thoroughly riveting.
The game drives take place in the early morning, before breakfast, or in the late afternoon or early evening, after tea.
During the morning game drives your ranger will pull up at a pleasant spot for a refreshing cup of coffee or tea and – of course – delicious home-made treats.
On the afternoon or evening game drives you can soak up the magical bush sunsets. Your ranger will choose a place where you can enjoy the best view with a drink in one hand and a typical African snack, like biltong (a type of beef jerky), in the other.
Our rangers know every nook and cranny and will take you on adventure in their 4WD/Landcruiser. Don’t be surprised to suddenly find yourself atop a mountain ridge, amazed by the majestic beauty of the African landscape and enjoying a glass of Chardonnay made from South African grapes.
The bush walks and excursions are led by qualified rangers, each with their own specialization. The rangers differ to suit the wishes of the guests and – of course – the weather. Some specialize in the ‘Big Five’ while others track the ‘Little Five’: the wild elephant shrew, the leopard tortoise, the rhinoceros beetle, the buffalo weaver and the ant lion. You may also run into a giraffe, kudu or warthog along the way.
The rangers are very knowledgeable about the bush and will fascinate you with the wonders and mysteries of this magical eco-system.
There is an additional option of organizing a visit to the Bushman paintings. This trip takes you back two thousand years in time, when Welgevonden was home to the San tribe.
Bush Breakfast:
When you are on a game drive in the early mornings there is the possibility that Mhondoro Lodge sets up a special breakfast in a bush boma (outdoor venue). Before returning to the lodge, the Ranger will stop at the bush boma for breakfast. After the breakfast the Ranger will drive the guests back to the Lodge. Ask for the possibilities at the lodge.
Cost: R500
Please note that this activity is subject to availability at the time of making the activity booking.
Archery – NEW
We are very excited to launch our newest activity – Archery. Come and experience this ancient hunting technique, presented by John Nott, with a modern day re-curve bow. In 2002, John won the world championship in Scotland and broke 3 world records that are still standing!
Session Duration: 45 Minutes
Cost: R230.00 per person
Children’s Policy:Please note that Children under the age of 6 will not be permitted to join in the activity. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 will be allowed at the sole discretion of the instructor.
Please note that this activity is subject to availability at the time of making the activity booking.
Facilities:
WIFI wireless internet
Wireless internet is available in the Main Lodge.
Lounge
Feel free to use our well-equipped Lounge during your stay. You will find various facilities there including internet, TV and DVD’s. You can also sit here quietly in the reading corner with a book from our Library and enjoy a wonderful view of the water hole at the same time.
Children
And for the children, there’s a special kids’ corner where our youngest guests can potter around and let their imagination run riot on the Lego table.
The Gym
The Spa & Wellness centre also offers besides a wide range of relaxing treatments, a fully equipped Gym. And if you want to get rid of the excess sweat after your workout, then the steam room awaits you.
Gift shop
A selection of souvenirs, clothing and interesting books on the local flora and fauna are on sale at the gift shop located at the reception.
Babysitting Services
Babysitting can be arranged prior to your arrival at an additional fee to keep children entertained while parents go on the game drives.
Directions:
Main gate GPS co-ordinates :
South 24º 12’ 178’’
East 27º 54’ 062’’
Take the Highway North on the N1 past Pretoria East towards Petersburg (Polokwane).When reaching the Kranskop Toll Plaza keep to the very left lane as to not miss the turn-off. Come off the N1 at the Kranskop Toll Plaza, turn left and head west straight through Modimolle (old Nylstroom) and Vaalwater. Do not deviate from the main road in either Modimolle or Vaalwater. Once in Vaalwater go straight through, do not turn right on the R33 towards Lephalale (old Ellisras) continue straight on the R517 towards Thabazimbi.. Go straight pass the Total Garage & Spar@Zeederbergs complex on the left hand side – these are the last buildings in Vaalwater. The Welgevonden Main Gate is 26km from Vaalwater on the left hand side. The distance is approximately 270 km from Johannesburg and should take about 2½ to 3 hours.
