Reasons to Visit Welgevonden Game Reserve
- * Beautiful rugged scenery * Free from malaria * Excellent birding * Upmarket lodge in an exclusive private concession * Off-the-beaten-track destination with great wilderness appeal * Hidden travel gem
Welgevonden Game Reserve Wildlife
Major game species have been reintroduced into the reserve since 1994. All these reintroduction projects have been a major success, trebling the game population over the past five years. From an original pride of 5 lions, 32 now roam freely within the reserve’s boundaries. We have also had success with elephants: from fewer than 50 released into the reserve, there are now 84.
Other major projects include white rhino (for which Welgevonden Game Reserve is renowned), buffalo, sable and gemsbok.
Other species, which were already on the farms when Welgevonden was established, have been allowed to flourish. These include leopard, antelope, giraffe, warthog, bush pig, aardvark, pangolin and many more. Black-backed jackals and the very rare brown hyena have also prospered in the Welgevonden Game Reserve.
Black Rhino
Buffalo
Cheetah
Elephant
Giraffe
Hippo
Hyena
Leopard
Lion
Rhino
Wild Dog
Wildebeest
Zebra
Wildlife Highlights
Welgevonden is home to more than 65 mammal species. While these include the famous Big Five, it is the rare and unusual species like cheetah, brown hyena, caracal, aardwolf, and aardvark that make game drives exceptionally exciting. Welgevonden sports a diverse range of habitat types that support a riot of biodiversity, including over 300 different birds!
From cheetah-loved grasslands and savannahs to leafy wooded mountains cut by deep rocky ravines, Welgevonden has it all! In addition to the wildlife, ancient bushman rock art can be found dispersed around the reserve, offering the curious traveler a unique cultural experience while on safari.
Best Time to Visit Welgevonden Game Reserve
Best Time to Visit
Best Weather
Worst Weather
The best wildlife viewing in Welgevonden Game Reserve is during the dry winter months from May to September. At this time animals gather around predictable water sources and are therefore easier to spot.
Low Season
- Never (The park is little visited throughout the year)
High Season
- Never (The park is little visited throughout the year)
Welgevonden Game Reserve Weather and Climate
The wet summer months (October to April) are hot. Dry winters (May to September) are mild during the day, but cold at night and in the morning, making warm clothing essential.
Altitudes within the park vary (983-1,986m/3,225-6,516ft), and the climate follows suit accordingly. Even though the upper reaches are inaccessible mountain peaks, temperatures range widely within the park – the temperature lowers approximately 6.5°C per every 1,000m (or 3.5°F per 1,000ft) you ascend.
How to get to Welgevonden Game Reserve
Aside from the draw of its luxurious lodges and pristine wilderness feel, Welgevonden is also one of South Africa’s most accessible parks, just an easy two-and-a-half-hour jaunt from Johannesburg and a little less from Pretoria. If you’d rather fly, there are two airstrips in Welgevonen and it’s a mere 45-minute flight from Johannesburg. Or if you really want to arrive in style, there’s even a helipad too.By Air
There are domestic flights to Johannesburg to access this region by doing a self-drive from the airport.By Road
The 250km road route from Johannesburg is very straightforward and you would do well to get lost. You follow the N1 North towards Polokwane and then shortly after the Kranskop toll plaza, you take the off-ramp onto the R33 towards Modimolle. Then for the main gate head straight through from Vaalwater on the R517 towards Ellisras. After 24 km on the R517 from Vaalwater, you will see the main gate on your left-hand side. On arrival at Welgevonden, no private vehicles are allowed inside the reserve; this helps minimize human impact. The lodge you booked with will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation from the relevant gate. Some lodges have a single, set pick-up time, though most of these can arrange for an alternate time at an additional fee. Other lodges have two pick-up times throughout the day. Be sure to confirm these details with your lodge before arrival at Welgevonden.Where to stay in Welgevonden Game Reserve
No accommodation found for this parent destination.