Makweti Safari Lodge has always been one of the smaller camps in the “big five” Welgevonden Game Reserve, proving that size is not a defining factor in the creation of unforgettable experiences. To be perfectly frank, it’s a prime advantage, offering guests the opportunity to find solitude, peace and the personal space to connect with nature, while viewing the exquisite, bustling wildlife in an untainted setting.
Makweti’s Indaba Lounge is a perfectly positioned vantage point to take it all in, with views that extend across a natural flood plain and waterhole. A highlight of Makweti, this water source attracts animals of all sizes and stature as they casually traverse through the unfenced camp. The energy reaches an all-time high when local elephant herds decide to satiate their thirst with water from the guest pools, a spontaneous and breath-taking event.
Relish in seasonal magic, colour and flavour:
Views from the teak decks of the lodge across the undulating landscapes overhanging the Makweti Gorge constantly change their colours, while the summer months bring new life to a natural waterfall that flanks the western side of the main lodge.
Seasonal delights extend to the kitchen where our chefs busy themselves creating unforgettable culinary masterpieces with locally sourced, seasonal fruits, vegetables and spices, to be paired with the finest of South African wines. As a proud member of the “by-invitation-only” Chaîne des Rôtisseurs – the global hallmark of excellence in cuisine and culinary service – we are constantly and consistently creating authentic, African-inspired themes that resonate with flavour.
Consideration of all creature comforts:
The intimate nature of Makweti is further solidified by having only ten guests at the lodge at one time. Five air-conditioned suites, built from African stone and thatch, are dotted around the main lodge, accessible by winding pathways through the natural bushveld. Each one accommodates two people and has an expansive, private deck facing one of Welgevonden’s glorious scenes, with four of the five suites being complete with a private plunge pool.
All suites tend to the human need for comfort, with a healthy dose of luxury and indulgence. Melt into the king size beds (which can be exchanged for two twins), invigorate the senses with an outdoor (or indoor) shower, or warm up after a drive with a decadent soak in the Victorian bath tub as the chill rises off the land. Enjoy the views from your suite, as you sip on treats from the minibar.
Big Five game viewing:
Makweti has two game vehicles and three dedicated, skilful guides for our ten guests. The diversity of wildlife in the reserve is simply beyond belief. It’s also best explored through the eyes of our professional guides whose wisdom extends beyond anything learnt in a book. Savour their stories of the wildlife and ecology, infused with African folk-wisdom and personal anecdotes. Walking safaris can be arranged by prior request, tailored to your unique preferences or interests.
Welgevonden Game Reserve:
Makweti Safari Lodge is nestled within Welgevonden Game Reserve, a malaria-free wilderness of over 40,000-hectares. Our home reserve is ranked among one of the largest in the country, and certainly one of the most pristine. Welgevonden is a part of the UNESCO-declared Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, which is characterised by high-plateau geology, magnificent cloudscapes, crystalline streams and an immense diversity of wild species.
The fact that guests are not permitted to drive their own vehicles within the reserve adds to the exclusive nature of the Makweti experience.
If you are searching for the genuine African experience, allow yourself to be swept away on the adventure of a lifetime with Makweti Safari Lodge.
Situated in the heart of “Big Five” (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard) wilderness terrain, within a UNESCO Biosphere in the Welgevonden Game Reserve.
Game Drives, game walks, bird watching, swimming, spa treatments
We recommend a sensible, broad brimmed hat and high protection factor sunscreen. Evenings can be cool at any time of the year (especially in an open safari vehicle at sundown), so bring a warm, windproof jacket and trousers. From April to September, temperate sunny spells can turn suddenly into very cold ones; in these months pack a couple of winter essentials, such as a sweater and scarf. If you plan to do a walking safari, bring your hiking or trail shoes.
Makweti enjoys a wonderfully temperate climate – for the most part, it’s pleasant all year round. Our game-viewing, likewise, is good across any season. This said, please be aware that our cooler, dry-season months are April through to September, while our warmer, wet-season months are October to March.
Makweti Safari Lodge is located in an area that is considered very low-risk for malaria and other tropical diseases. However, before travelling (to Makweti or to any other location in Africa) please consult your medical practitioner about any special medication that you might require. We also encourage you to check, with your health department or travel clinic, whether there have been any recent changes in the health-status of the areas you plan to travel to.
,Air-conditioned suites, built from African stone and thatch, are dotted around the main lodge, accessible by winding pathways through the natural bushveld. Each suite accommodates 2 people with an expansive, private deck and plunge pool. Wi-fi available in suites
An air-conditioned suite, built from African stone and thatch, dotted around the main lodge, accessible by winding pathways through the natural bushveld. Each one accommodates two people and has an expansive, private deck facing the waterhole. Wi-fi available in suites
Cancellation of any booking must be received in writing.
The following cancellation penalties apply. From reservation date to:
The onus is on all guests to ensure that they have adequate travel insurance to cover themselves in the event of a cancellation.
A 25% non-refundable deposit confirms a reservation or full prepayment if the reservation is made less than 4 weeks prior to arrival. Full and final payment is due at least 4 weeks prior to arrival.
Rates Include: Accommodation in luxury suites, all meals, teas and coffee refreshments. Two safari activities per day, including game drives in open vehicles with a Makweti guide.
Return scheduled transfers (13:00) from Welgevonden Game Reserve Main Gate or the Welgevonden Airstrip to Makweti Safari Lodge. Rates are subject to change without prior notice.
All other cancellations are subject to our standard terms of business.
Rates exclude: Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), cigars, and items of a personal nature.
Conservation levy charged per bed night @ R220.00 (subject to change) - collected on departure from all guests. Gratuities are not included. Transfers are available by road or by air to Makweti. Rates are valid at the time of booking, but until such time as full and final payment has been received the price is subject to change without notice. In the unlikely event of there being an unscheduled extension of a booking caused by bad weather, strikes or any other matter beyond our control, it is understood that expenses incurred will be for the passengers’ account.
The credit card used to make the booking needs to be presented at check-in. A copy of the card holder’s ID/Passport is required at check-in.
Estimated traveling time: From Johannesburg to Welgevonden Game Reserve (3 hours @ 120 km/h) Unless otherwise arranged, your arrival transfer from the Main Gate of the Welgevonden Game Reserve to Makweti Safari Lodge is booked for 13:00, on day of arrival Communicating your pending arrival is imperative. Failure to comply may result in delays. PLEASE CALL THE CAMP AS YOU TRAVEL THROUGH THE KRANSKOP TOLL. Alternative transfer times must be arranged well in advance and will incur an additional charge You will be required to pay toll fees on route. Check www.routes.co.za/tollroads/N1/ for costs Pumulani Main Line, Carousel Main Line and Kranskop Ramp Travel on the N1 North, past Midrand, pass Pretoria. Remain on the N1 - at the N1 / R28 split continue towards Polokwane. Continue through the Pumulani Toll to the Carousel Toll and onward to Kranskop Toll, where you leave the highway. Keep in the left lane to take the turnoff to Modimolle. (R33). Reminder to call the camp at this point. At the top of the off ramp, turn left at the T-junction, towards Modimolle. Travel through Modimolle on the R33 to Vaalwater (±60km). Travel through Vaalwater, pass the Total filling station and Spar on your left hand side. Continue on THE SAME ROAD for ±25km from the filling station until you get to the Welgevonden MAIN Gate on your left hand side. (Pass the sign indicating access to the East Gate) A Makweti representative will meet you at the main gate after you parked your vehicle in the reserve’s secure area. GPS S 24° 12.150’ E 027° 54.09
No children under 12. Children over 12 pay adult rate
