An African safari is the ultimate adventure for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike, and there’s no better way to experience it than at the luxurious Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa. Nestled in the heart of the malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve in Limpopo, South Africa, this five-star lodge provides a unique blend of African-inspired design and modern luxury, creating an atmosphere that captures the beauty and spirit of the wild.
Rebuilt after a fire in 2015, Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa now boasts chic interiors and a variety of child-friendly amenities, making it a perfect destination for both families and couples seeking exclusivity. One of the lodge’s standout features is the underground waterhole hide. This extraordinary addition allows guests to observe wildlife up close as animals, including elephants and antelope, drink from the waterhole just a few feet away—a truly unparalleled experience on any African safari.
The lodge offers a variety of activities, beginning with guided game drives through the Welgevonden Game Reserve. This protected area is home to over 50 different animal species, including Africa’s renowned Big 5: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino. Whether you’re watching a pride of lions lounging under the shade of a tree or catching sight of a rare leopard, the game drives offer unforgettable moments. For guests wanting a more immersive experience, bush walks provide an intimate exploration of the region’s flora and fauna, led by experienced guides who share fascinating insights about the area’s ecosystem.
For those seeking more adventurous activities, Mhondoro Safari Lodge also offers archery lessons, as well as kid-friendly programs designed to engage younger guests in the wonder of the African wilderness. Families can bond over these shared experiences, all while learning more about conservation and the importance of protecting South Africa’s wildlife.
At Mhondoro, the African safari experience extends to the culinary delights served in their world-class restaurant. The lodge’s chefs are dedicated to creating dishes that reflect the rich flavors of the local terroir. Each meal is crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients, ensuring that your dining experience is as memorable as your wildlife adventures. Whether you’re savoring breakfast before a morning game drive or enjoying a candlelit dinner under the stars, the food at Mhondoro adds to the magic of your stay.
After a day filled with excitement, guests can unwind in the spa, where treatments are designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. From soothing massages to revitalizing facials, the spa is the perfect retreat for relaxation. The lodge’s luxurious amenities, combined with its breathtaking natural surroundings, create a serene environment where guests can truly relax and recharge.
Whether you’re taking in the views from your private villa, indulging in world-class cuisine, or embarking on an exhilarating game drive, Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa offers the ideal setting for an unforgettable African safari. This is not just a vacation; it’s an immersive experience in the heart of the wild, where every moment is filled with wonder and discovery.
Rooms
Honeymoon Suite – (1 Suite)
One Bedroom with en-suite bathroom, private viewing deck with daybed and plunge-Pool overlooking the waterhole. Suite with most privacy, furthest away from Main lodge, with beautiful bush & waterhole views.
Luxury Pool Suite – (3 Suites)
The Deluxe Suite accommodates 2. It boasts 1 bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and a private viewing deck with Plunge-pool that overlooks the waterhole. The thatch-roofed building provides a secluded hideaway with all facilities of the Main Lodge at hand.
2 Bedroom Family Deluxe Suite – (1 Suite)
The Family Deluxe Suite accommodates 4. It boasts 2 bedrooms with a shared bathroom, a lounge a dining area and a private viewing deck that overlooks the waterhole. The thatch-roofed building provides a family friendly environment.
2 Bedroom Executive Suite – (1 Suite)
The Executive Suite accommodates 4. It boasts 2 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a lounge, a fireplace and a private viewing deck and plunge-pool that overlooks the waterhole. The thatch-roofed building provides an opulent retreat.
Villa – (3 Bedroom Villa)
The Mhondoro Villa is perfectly suited as an exclusive family or group accommodation where you are looked after from beginning to end. The Mhondoro Villa boasts a magnificent master suite and two additional bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms.
2 Bedroom Family Deluxe Suite – (1 Deluxe Suite)
2 bedroom family deluxe suite. It has 2 spacious bedrooms, each with it’s own en-suite bathroom and outside showers and spacious deck with a parcial with over the waterhole. No plunge pool. Ideal with families with kids. Close walking distance to Main lodge.
Family Suite – (2 Bedroom Family Suite)
2 Bedroom Family suite. 2 Bedrooms with 1 shared bathroom. Ideal for families with young kids. Spacious lounge & dining area with kitchenette and outside deck. No view over the waterhole. Close walking distance to main lodge.
Dining
CUISINE
Experience a wealth of African flavors like never before at Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa. Our iconic destination is unrivalled when it comes to sublime culinary experiences, with master chefs expertly preparing lavish dishes with typical African flair and taste. Discover irresistible local specialties crafted from only the freshest ingredients sourced right here on the continent. Enjoy modern African cuisine that feels perfectly at home in our luxury safari lodge setting, thanks to its unique combination of style and quality. The options are endless here at Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa – whether you’re indulging in a daily-changing menu for breakfast, lunch or dinner, tucking into home-made snacks on a game drive or there’s something special in store for an unforgettable evening under the stars. Come and tantalize your taste buds with exceptional cuisine and an enthusiastic atmosphere – all just steps away from stunning wildlife!
Mhondoro is proud to present an award-winning wine list (Diners Club Platinum Wine List Award 2017 & 2018). The temperature controlled wine cellar is stocked with a wide selection of Premium South African wines from all the different wine regions of South Africa, as well as French Champagne. Wine Tastings are available on request, at an extra cost. We have a temperature-controlled wine cellar in the Main Lodge where we can offer special wine tastings upon request.
Facilities
SPA & WELLNESS
Adjacent to the Main Lodge is the Massage Suite, which offers a quiet and secluded haven for those seeking inner peace. Indulge in the moment and let a dedicated spa therapist treat you to a deep tissue massage, a hot stone massage or an aromatherapy treatment. Two massage beds can be placed inside the building or on the private deck, whichever is your preference. The deck also boasts an outdoor bath, which allows you to immerse your body in milky luxury while enjoying the views overlooking the waterhole. And why not finish your session with a manicure or a pedicure? We proudly use products from Rain Africa who combine indigenous plants and natural ingredients based on recipes used since antiquity by African healers and which are the heart and soul of the Rain range.
CURIO SHOP
If you’d like to take home a piece of Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa, our collection of African products offers mementos for yourself or souvenirs as gifts, catering to all ages. The Curio Shop stocks traditional African jewellery, luggage and interior design ornaments. Our collection also includes modern South African design classics like the handcrafted Pichulik jewellery that is a bespoke range of handcrafted necklaces and accessories made in Cape Town. Also for sale is the Rain Africa collection used in our spa treatments and available in the guest bathrooms. Rain products are made from indigenous plants that have been used since antiquity by African healers. Rain Africa creates handmade bath and body products using natural African ingredients. They are responsibly handmade with love and care for their customers, craftspeople and the environment.
STAR DECK
For many, just being on safari in Africa is romantic in itself. The opportunity to be in the wild, absorbing the atmosphere and breathing in the pristine natural air is glorious on its own. Adding in our star deck to this experience, as an exceptional vantage point to gaze up at the vast Africa nightsky, will take romance to a whole new level. As your own private viewing deck of the infinite constellations, with very little light pollution in the area, you can look up into the Milky Way from where, on a clear night, you should be able to see about 2,500 stars. You will be able to spot the Southern Cross constellation with its two stars of Alpha and Beta Centauri, often referred to as the ‘pointers’ to help stargazers locate the asterism of the Southern Cross. The elevated wooden star deck has custom-made seating, with seatbacks angled at 45 degrees to allow for comfortable star-spotting. Our high-powered telescope is linked to a sophisticated computer programme that enhances a thrillingly detailed search of the cosmos.
GYM
The Main Lodge and the Mhondoro Villa both feature a fully equipped gym where you can stay in shape while enjoying the wildlife activity at the waterhole. Embrace a cardio session on the treadmill, an invigorating cycle on the home trainer, a total body workout on the cross trainer, or improve your strength with the weights. Go wild!
CHILD FRIENDLY
Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa is known for its child and family friendliness. Little travellers can enjoy the swimming pool and the safe, secluded playground with its protective elephant fence, or explore the variety the bush has to offer during a Kiddies bush walk. The spacious Family Suite and the exclusive-use Mhondoro Villa are perfectly equipped to accommodate families. Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa offers a Kiddie’s programme for the youngest children. The Kiddie’s programme consists of a welcome pack with a children’s work book. We also offer Kiddie’s insect walks, animal track moulding with plaster of paris, track and sign ID, clay animal sculpture making, archery for older children, star gazing and cookie baking & decorating with our pastry chef (R 150 / € 10 * per person). Regret children under 6 years of age may not be accommodated on scheduled game drives when other guests are joining. Bumble game drives may be arranged for families with small children at a rate of R 600 / € 41 * per bumble drive, subject to the availability of a vehicle and a ranger at the time. The drives are tailored to carter to our smaller visitors and can vary in duration and will include child appropriate facts and sightings.
IMPORTANT: Please take note of the NEW South Africa Child Visa Regulations and requirements for all family travelers.
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