Big Five sightings, bushveld sunsets, and luxury with soul — all in a malaria-free reserve.
Curated by Jenny’s Travel
Location: Welgevonden Game Reserve, Limpopo
Perfect for: Couples, families, multigenerational holidays, milestone celebrations, small group escapes
Style: Stylish safari lodge with homey warmth and unexpected touches
The Backstory: Where the Bush Meets Boutique
You know that feeling when everything just clicks? That’s what happened when we first discovered Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa.
Tucked deep in the Welgevonden Game Reserve, about 2.5 hours from Joburg (or a short charter flight away), Mhondoro somehow manages to be elegant without being stiff, wild without feeling isolated, and luxurious without losing its heart.
It’s a place where kids are welcome, but honeymooners feel like royalty, where you might see elephants at the waterhole while you’re still in your robe. And where the team make you feel like you’re staying with friends — friends with excellent taste.
The Lodge: Safari Style With Soul
Mhondoro offers a range of accommodation, from stylish Luxury Suites to the exclusive-use Villa — ideal for groups or families who want privacy without giving up five-star service.
Rooms are beautifully decorated with earthy tones, crisp white linen, free-standing tubs, and decks that open straight into the bush. It’s all about thoughtful details: filtered water bottles, handmade decor, Nespresso machines, and turndowns that include hot water bottles on cooler nights.
Included in your stay:
- All meals, snacks, and local drinks
- Two guided game drives daily
- Use of the lodge’s gym, spa, sauna, and star deck
- Access to the underground waterhole hide (more on that below!)
- WiFi (but you won’t need it much)
The Safari Experience: Up Close, But Never Crowded
Welgevonden is a malaria-free, private Big Five reserve, which means:
- No day visitors
- No self-driving
- No crowds
Just wide-open wilderness and expert guides who track lions, elephants, rhino, buffalo and leopard like they’ve known them for years (because they have).
Drives are unhurried, intimate, and tailored — whether you’re a photography fanatic or you’re hoping your kids see their first giraffe. And between drives, you’re treated to snacks, pool time, or spa moments that are just as memorable.
The Waterhole Hide: A Front-Row Seat to the Wild
This is where Mhondoro really sets itself apart. They’ve built an underground photographic hide at the lodge’s waterhole — and it’s incredible.
You can sit at eye-level with elephants, zebras, kudu and more — all just a few metres away, with a cup of tea or glass of wine in hand. You don’t even have to leave the lodge to have a safari experience.
Jenny’s Tip: Take your morning coffee down there. You may end up staying for hours.
Dining: Homestyle Elegance With a Local Twist
Meals are served either on the terrace, in the boma under the stars, or inside when the weather turns cool.
Expect:
- Freshly baked bread and pastries
- Farm-style, wholesome meals made with love
- Local game dishes, flavourful sides, and excellent wine
- Gorgeous picnic-style bush breakfasts when the weather plays along
Mhondoro also caters beautifully to dietary preferences — so just let us know and we’ll take care of the rest.
Why We Love It
- Malaria-free makes it ideal for first-time safari-goers or families
- The underground hide is something you truly have to see to believe
- Staff are warm, genuine, and exceptional
- The villa option is perfect for birthdays, reunions, or friend-group getaways
- It’s close enough to Joburg for a quick break, but feels a million miles away
Why Book with Jenny’s Travel?
Because the details matter. We’ll help you match the right suite or villa to your group, arrange private charters or luxury transfers, plan surprise turndowns or milestone celebrations, and pair your Mhondoro experience with a few nights in the Cape, the coast, or the bush.
📧 Email us: holidays@jennystravel.co.za
📞 Call us: +27 12 347 8891
Final Word
Mhondoro Safari Lodge isn’t just a safari. It’s a feeling. The kind of stay where wild moments happen at your feet, stars seem brighter than usual, and every meal feels like a family gathering (but with much better wine). It’s welcoming, polished, and filled with moments you’ll talk about for years.
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