Overview
Welgevonden Game Reserve (Dutch for "well found" or a "serendipitous journey"), is a 36 000 hectare game reserve in the Waterberg region. A pleasant 2,5-hour drive or an easy 45-minute flight from Johannesburg into one of the airstrips, makes Welgevonden one of the most accessible premier malaria free wilderness reserves in the country. It forms part of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve which was officially declared by UNESCO in 2001 and currently covers an area in excess of 4000 km. Here guests enjoy unlimited traversing through the reserve and experience an environment where biodiversity, conservation and game viewing are managed in harmony. Welgevonden protects a unique and special environment and the reserve's management is deeply committed to ongoing conservation research and development. Welgevonden is home to more than 50 mammal species, which includes the Big 5, it is also home to the rare species like aardvark, pangolin, brown hyena and cheetah, all making for an exhilirating game drive.
Why Go:
- Tourists are offered a range of outdoor activities
- The region offers a beautiful and rugged scenery
- The region is safe for children, as it is Malaria-free
- Excellent place for bird viewing along with hundreds of species
- Off-the-beaten-track destination with great wilderness appeal
- Various lodging options, which include private reserves, bush camps, and parks to choose from
Wildlife
Welgevonden is home to over 50 different mammals including the Big 5. The reserve has one of the largest populations of white rhino of any of Africa’s private reserves as well as kudu, giraffe, zebra, warthog, cheetah, brown hyena, the honey badger, close to 300 bird species and a whole lot more. At the same time, the restricted number of vehicles allowed in the park and the fact that the animals have never been hunted means that the they remain largely unphased by human proximity, allowing for particularly close and personal encounters.
More About the WildlifeScenery
Welgevonden lies in the transitional zone between the dry western and moist eastern regions of South Africa and is characterized by rugged mountain landscapes, rolling hills and deep valleys. Magnificent yellowwood and cedar trees, five-meter-high cycads, and tree ferns are just some of the botanical delights.
Best Time to Visit
Despite the dusty haze that develops in the parched depths of the Dry season (May to September), this is still the best time to spot Welgevonden’s wildlife. The animals are easily found as they stay close to rivers and waterholes. And when they do duck into the bush, there’s not much ground cover to hide them. That said, birders will want to visit in the wetter months when migrating birds pass through.
More About the Best Time to VisitWeather & Climate
Welgevonden’s two distinctive seasons dictate how you dress while visiting the park. It’ll be wet-weather gear on top of cool clothes in the rainy but hot summer months (October to April). And you'll need lots of warm layers to combat the cold nights of the dry winter season (May to September).
More About the Weather and ClimateWildlife & Animals
Welgevonden is home to over 50 different mammals, including the Big Five. There are rare and unusual species too, such as brown hyena, pangolin, aardwolf and aardvark – all best seen at night. The grassy plains abound with antelope from the largest eland to the diminutive duiker, and cheetah, lion and leopard are always close by. It is the diversity of habitat on the reserve that encourages such a wide range of wildlife as well as over 300 bird species, including rare blue cranes.-
Elephant
Occasional -
Giraffe
Common -
Hippo
Occasional -
Buffalo
Rare -
Zebra
Common -
Wildebeest
Common -
White Rhino
Common -
Black Rhino
Rare -
Lion
Rare -
Leopard
Rare -
Cheetah
Rare -
Hyena
Rare -
Wild Dog
Rare
Wildlife highlights
The reserve is home to as many as 16 antelope species due to its variety of habitats. Some of the specials include reedbuck, mountain reedbuck, eland, tsessebe and the stately sable antelope. A night drive offers a chance to see the elusive aardwolf and aardvark.Best time for wildlife viewing
A visit to view wildlife in Welgevonden is better scheduled during the Dry season. At this time, water in the bush dissipates leaving animals to search for available water. These sources of water are great for spotting wildlife, and the sparse plant-life make it all the easier to do so. The Dry season occurs from June to September.Best Time to Visit
- Best Time to GoMay to September
(Dry season) - High SeasonNever
(The park is little visited)
-
May to September
Dry season
-
Never
The park is little visited throughout the year
-
Never
The park is little visited throughout the year
-
April-May
Mild weather and little rain
-
September-October
Mild weather and little rain
-
May to August
Chilly mornings and nights
-
December to February
Hot and afternoon rain
May to September
- Dry Season – WinterOctober to April
- Wet Season – SummerWeather & Climate
The wet summer months (October to April) are hot. Dry winters (May to September) are moderate during the day, but cold at night and in the morning, making the packing of warm clothing essential.Climate Chart
- 983-1,986m / 3,225-6,516ft© chart & park data: SafariBookings. © climate grid data: WorldClim project. All rights reserved.
Dry season
- May to September – WinterThe dry winter season is from May to September, which is also the best time to visit Welgevonden Game Reserve.
Wet season
- October to April – SummerOctober to April is the wet summer season and temperatures can increase to uncomfortable levels.
Getting There
The Welgevonden is located about 250km/124mi north of Johannesburg. Your point of entry into South Africa will most likely be O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, where you can rent a 4WD and drive on to Welgevonden.Getting to the Welgevonden Game Reserve by air
There are multiple flights to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. If you want to check ticket prices, you can log on to:
www.skyscanner.comwww.expedia.com
Charter flights are generally arranged by your tour operator as an inclusion to your safari package.
Getting to the Welgevonden Game Reserve by road
After a major rehabilitation project of the road network in the park in 2016, most of the roads are now passable in a 2WD car. The trip from Johannesburg will take you about 3 hours.
Accommodation
Your Budget
Nedile Lodge From $333
Mjejane River Lodge From $210
Fifty Seven Waterberg From $221
Nungubane Game Lodge From $211
Pitse Lodge From $274
Ekuthuleni Lodge From $295
Wild Ivory Eco Lodge From $125
Tshwene Lodge From $295
Jamila Game Lodge From $218
