Ndlovu Safari Lodge

Ndlovu Safari Lodge is an officially 5-star graded lodge, tucked away in a secluded valley within the Welgevonden Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s premier Big Five, malaria-free reserves. Set against the backdrop of the UNESCO-protected Waterberg Biosphere, the lodge offers guests a peaceful retreat in the heart of the bush.

Ndlovu Safari Lodge features spacious indoor and outdoor living areas, including a large main deck overlooking a river that flows year-round. Unlike cliff-top lodges, Ndlovu’s setting allows for a much closer connection to wildlife. Elephants, giraffes, and antelope are frequently seen passing by right from the deck.

The lodge has five spacious luxurious villas, all designed with comfort, privacy, and relaxation in mind. Each villa includes a private plunge pool (heated on request), indoor and outdoor showers, a bathtub, and a fireplace for cooler evenings. Private decks offer expansive bush views and a sense of seclusion. Rooms are also equipped with air conditioning, Nespresso machines, minibars, and fast Wi-Fi. Only children over 12 are welcome. (Children under 12 are only permitted for exclusive-use bookings.)

Guests enjoy gourmet dining in a variety of settings. From elegant indoor meals to candle-lit dinners around the fire in the open-air boma. Surprise bush brunches or breakfast stops during game drives add a special touch, depending on the season and weather.

The main lodge includes a lounge, bar, dining area, cozy fireplaces, a tranquil spa, a bush-view gym with Technogym equipment, and a swimming pool (heated on request). A private helipad is also available on-site for guests arriving by air.

Ndlovu operates on an all-inclusive basis, offering twice-daily game drives with expert guides, as well as all meals and a selection of beverages.

A swing in the pace of life happens quickly at Ndlovu. Guests often say that by their second day, they feel truly relaxed and at peace. Surrounded by natural beauty, silence, and the magic of the African bush.

LOCATION

Ndlovu Safari Lodge is located in Welgevonden Game Reserve, a private Big Five reserve in South Africa’s Limpopo province and part of the Waterberg Biosphere. The reserve is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including rarer species such as the brown hyena and black rhino. Welgevonden is especially known for its thriving rhino population, which is actively protected and not dehorned, something we are proud to be part of.

Self-driving is not permitted within the reserve. Instead, all guests are guided by experienced rangers to ensure a safe and fully immersive experience.

HOW TO GET THERE

Ndlovu Safari Lodge is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport. Guests can also arrive via private charter—two airstrips are located within the reserve, and the lodge has its own private helipad.

Upon arrival at the Welgevonden Main Gate, guests are welcomed by a Ndlovu guide and enjoy a scenic one-hour game drive transfer to the lodge. This transfer marks the beginning of your safari adventure, offering the first glimpses of the wildlife and landscape that make Welgevonden so unique.