Waterberg · South African resident rates

Welgevonden Game Reserve

A quiet, malaria-free Big Five reserve in the Waterberg, about 2.5 to 3 hours from Joburg, with South African resident rates you can book now.

See the rates

Updated every day

Live in Welgevonden Game Reserve right now

All specials

Rates as at 12 October 2026: 9 South African resident specials live in Welgevonden Game Reserve, from R3,730 pppns (Tshwene Lodge), an average saving of 36% on the usual rate, up to 53% off. Conservation and park fees are extra unless stated.

Tshwene Lodge, Welgevonden: R3,730 pppns, usually R7,960, save 53%. 30 Day Rate, valid until 19 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “More than half off in Welgevonden. Just 5 rooms.”
Ekuthuleni Lodge, Welgevonden: R3,730 pppns, usually R7,960, save 53%. 30 Day Rate, valid until 19 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “More than half off in Welgevonden. Just 5 rooms.”
Clifftop Exclusive Safari Lodge Hideaway, Welgevonden: R5,280 pppns, usually R9,660, save 45%. Midweek Rate, valid until 31 January 2027. Malaria-free. Our take: “Nearly half off in Welgevonden. Just 8 rooms.”
Elephants Crossing, Welgevonden: R5,395 pppns, usually R8,300, save 35%. South African residents · bookable now, valid until 15 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “Malaria-free, and close enough for a long weekend.”
Sediba Luxury Safari Lodge, Rock Lodge, Welgevonden: R6,250 pppns, usually R7,290, save 14%. South African residents · bookable now, valid until 31 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “14% off in Welgevonden. Malaria-free.”
Laluka Safari Lodge, Welgevonden: R6,500 pppns, usually R12,600, save 48%. 21 Day Rate, valid until 31 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “Nearly half off in Welgevonden. Just 6 rooms.”
Makweti Safari Lodge, Welgevonden: R6,500 pppns, usually R9,450, save 31%. 21 Day Rate, valid until 31 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “A quarter off in Welgevonden. Just 5 rooms.”
Ndlovu Safari Lodge, Welgevonden: R8,723 pppns, usually R11,630, save 25%. 30 Day Rate, valid until 19 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “25% off in Welgevonden. Just 5 rooms.”
Mhondoro Safari Lodge, Welgevonden: R10,010 pppns, usually R12,511, save 20%. South African residents · bookable now, valid until 15 December 2026. Malaria-free. Our take: “Resident rate in Welgevonden. Malaria-free.”

The short answer. Welgevonden is the malaria-free weekend for people who want quiet. It is about 2.5 to 3 hours from Joburg, it has the Big Five, it limits how many vehicles are out, and there is no self-drive, so it never feels busy.

What makes it different

Welgevonden sits on the Waterberg plateau in Limpopo: rolling hills, deep valleys and big skies. It is a private reserve owned by its members, and it controls how many guests and vehicles are in the reserve at any one time.

You leave your car at the main gate and your lodge collects you, so there is no traffic from day visitors or self-drivers. It is a calm, spacious place, and many of its lodges are small and built for couples.

Who it suits

Couples. Plunge pools, suites set well apart and several lodges with a minimum age of 10 or 12.
A first safari close to home. No malaria and no long drive.
Families. Some lodges take children from 6.

Getting there

By road it is about 2.5 to 3 hours from Johannesburg to the main gate, past Vaalwater. Your lodge will give you a collection time at the gate, so leave Joburg with time to spare. There is secure parking at the gate.

When to go

Any time of year. Winter days are clear and mild, with cold nights and mornings, so pack layers. Summer brings green hills, afternoon storms and young animals. Midweek rates here can be excellent value.

Good to know

Welgevonden is outside South Africa's malaria areas.
Gate transfers run at set times, so check your collection time before you leave home.
Reserve fees are usually extra unless the special says otherwise.

Planning a long weekend? Read Malaria-free long weekends from Joburg.

Questions we are asked

Can you self-drive in Welgevonden?

No. You park at the main gate and your lodge collects you, which keeps the reserve quiet.

Is Welgevonden malaria-free?

Yes. It is outside South Africa's malaria risk areas.

How far is Welgevonden from Johannesburg?

About 2.5 to 3 hours by road to the main gate, depending on traffic.