Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa

WOW. Mhondoro truly has our hearts! From the minute we arrived at the main gate of Welgevonden Game Reserve and were welcomed with drinks and snacks to the morning we left where we watched the rhinos at sunrise everything was perfect. I had read many reviews and you often can't believe how incredible a place is but even then it managed to surpass all of my high expectations. From all of the places I have stayed so far in the world this experience has beaten them all! The staff are the friendliest we have ever met and I think it helps having such an intimate boutique lodge (only a maximum of 24 guests at any time - there were only 10 during our stay) because you really have a personable experience. They can not do enough for you and always greeted us with smiles and happiness. The food was incredible! Each day we enjoyed a fresh continental breakfast as well as wonderful hot options. Dinner is always 3 course a la carte except for the special Boma evening around the fire where we enjoyed a traditional South African BBQ with dancing which was great. Our favourite meal had to be the lunches though. Every day between the two game drives we experienced gorgeous homemade soup and bread, followed by a meat/fish platter with salads. Plus you get pudding. And who doesn't love pudding twice a day?! We stayed in the honeymoon suite and loved the privacy of our terrace with a large plunge pool and outdoor day bed where we could watch the zebra and impala coming down to the watering hole. The rooms are beautiful and spacious with unique outdoor showers. Plus there is a pillow menu for ultimate comfort. Our favourite thing from the minibar was the Rooiboos iced tea! We miss it! We spent some time down at the main lodge pool too which was magnificent overlooking the watering hole. There is something very surreal about being in the water enjoying a glass of wine and admiring the wilderbeest and warthogs snoozing in the sun. If you are very lucky the pool ellie may come to join too! We saw two pool ellies in our time there which is so special. Also, we went in June for 4 days and the weather was glorious. Don't let anyone tell you winter in SA is not worth it because although we had cold mornings and evenings the winter sun between 10am and 6pm was stunning! Then the game drives. Well the safari honestly changed our lives. You see the animals going about their daily lives and suddenly everything at home seems so insignificant, all the daily worries we have. Nothing matters to the animals in the bush and to be so engrossed in nature was just the eye-opener we needed to escape from our corporate life at home. Welgevonden is home to the Big 5 and we were lucky to see 4/5 of them (the leopards are very elusive!). There are rhinos in abundance and we saw these every day without fail which I loved. We had multiple experiences with elephants and lions and even a couple of cheetah sightings. Every game drive had a stop with either ranger coffee in the AM or a glass

We’ve just got home from the most amazing stay at Mhondoro! The lodge was absolutely beautiful, full of 5 star luxuries like our own private pool, gym, sauna and spa with amazing treatments. The room was beautiful with an amazing big bed and turndown every evening. They’ve even got to the effort to build a luxury farm at the reserve gates where you stop for lunch before driving to the lodge about an hour away - this in itself was like a 5 star hotel with showers, sofas etc and must be a godsend for those arriving straight off long haul flights. The food was incredible and you’re never left hungry, the chef and his team were also incredibly accommodating with my dietary requirements too. The staff absolutely made the stay, everyone was so friendly and warm they felt like friends by the end of the trip. Our guide Chad was absolutely incredible, his knowledge of the area and patterns of the animals was unrivalled and we were first to sightings nearly every single time. Welgevonden is a great reserve, we had some amazing sightings and ticked off the big 5 in the first couple of days. The rhino population is huge, so we had some amazing sightings everyday of white rhinos (frequently at the lodge itself) we also saw a black rhino and leopards multiple times! The effort the park puts into conservation is amazing and is great going somewhere knowing that the welfare and protection of the animals is paramount. We’d love to return one day in the near future!

We had such a wonderful experience at Mhondoro. Room and lodge are 5 star, luxurious, pristine. Food was exceptional - I was actually surprised how good it was since the lodge is so remote. The best part of this experience though was the twice daily game drives in Welgevonden getting to see so many beautiful animals - our guide Chad was amazing; incredibly knowledgeable, experienced, and really put in extra effort to get us viewings, and the scenery was incredible. The staff in general were so lovely - David, Isaac, Renee who welcomed us, Hein another guide we met, and Chef Simon stick out in my mind but honestly everyone was extremely friendly and easy to chat with. Overall incredible experience getting to see and learn about amazing wildlife for four days!!! Cant wait to return some day. Rina and Talor

This place is heaven on earth! The location,the view with the animals,the game drives,the people on the resort,the foooood!!!! It was an amazing experiance I will never ever forget! Timmy and Isaac was wonderful and so kind,pauline gave the best massage ever and Biggie was the best ranger we could have. I miss the place so much!!!

If you’re looking for the ultimate blend of luxury, exclusivity, and world-class wildlife encounters, Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa at Welgevonden Game Reserve is an experience beyond compare. From the moment you arrive, the warm hospitality, breathtaking scenery, and meticulous attention to detail set the tone for an unforgettable safari retreat. Saw the true Big 5 and the staff were excellent. The Boma was incredible. Where else can you watch girfaffes from your outdoor shower and have elephants drinking from your private swimming pool. Perfect spot for this lodge within Welgovonden. The Villa may be on the more expensive side but well worth it with the staff, attention to detail and overall facility. Don't skip out on the (2) per day game drives and Jacus is a world class guide! Thank you all for a great experience. We will be back!

Our stay at Mhondoro Safari Lodge was nothing short of sensational. We spent four unforgettable nights in the villa with friends visiting from the USA, and every moment exceeded our expectations. From the very beginning, we were warmly welcomed by Rene at the reception lodge. Her friendly, informative approach set the tone for what would become an incredible experience. We enjoyed a delicious fresh farm-style lunch before being transported to the villa by Jake, our ranger for the stay. Jake was world-class—his expertise, enthusiasm, and care made every game drive extraordinary. Thanks to him, we witnessed an impressive array of wildlife and dared not miss a single drive for fear of what we might miss! In the villa, Thembi, our talented chef, and Jacob, our attentive butler, catered to our every need with grace and precision. They ensured we had a say in everything, from meal options to scheduling activities, and even offered a pillow menu to ensure maximum comfort. The villa itself was a haven of luxury, complete with a private pool, gym, and spa, and the rooms were immaculately clean and exceptionally comfortable. Special thanks to Isaac and Altie, the guest relations managers, who went above and beyond to make sure every desire was fulfilled. From lazing by the pool while rhinos, giraffes, and elephants wandered by, to indulging in healthy, wholesome meals, every moment was a dream. A highlight of our trip was the boma evening—a magical celebration of African culture, complete with traditional food, singing, and dancing. Our kids were equally thrilled by the activities on offer, from stargazing and shooting to wood whittling and spear-making. The animal hide was also a favourite spot for them to watch wildlife up close. The only downside to Mhondoro Safari Lodge? You’ll never want to leave. We’re already counting the days until we can return. This place is simply spectacular.