Evaluation: Tshwene Lodge, Welgevonden, Limpopo, South Africa

With a three-hour drive from Johannesburg, Welgevonden’s ‘Large 5’ Tshwene Lodge is an inviting and accessible bush escape. A keep right here gives a possibility to ‘decelerate’ and benefit from the rhythm of the wilderness. I spent three days embracing a slower tempo within the bush and returned certainly feeling refreshed.

The welcome

After the surprisingly fast journey from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Worldwide airport, we turned off the tar highway into the doorway of Welgevonden Recreation Reserve. Stepping out the automobile, Steven walked over and launched himself as our information. Whereas we waited for the opposite two company to reach, we eagerly indulged within the welcome snacks and drinks which were laid out. From the gate, it was an additional 30-minute drive to the Lodge, with a number of animal sightings en route – a small teaser of what awaited within the coming days, in addition to a mild strategy to start disconnecting from the skin world. After we lastly go by way of Tswhene’s entrance, a welcoming occasion comprising the butler, chef, and lodge supervisor enthusiastically waved us in, providing heat towels and refreshing drinks.

The room

We adopted the stone path by way of the bush till reaching the standalone suite. Upon coming into, I used to be instantly greeted by the scent of uncovered thatch ceiling above – an everlasting aroma I’ll at all times affiliate with recreation lodges in South Africa. The mattress within the spacious room is completely positioned to benefit from the views – enhanced by the floor-to-ceiling glass home windows. With the sliding doorways open, there’s entry to a veranda the place you’ll be able to sit and take in the sights, scents, and sounds of the reserve. The elevated place of every suite creates a definite treetop feeling – and permits for wildlife recognizing from the consolation of your room.

The lavatory

The bed room results in the again of the suite, the place the spacious rest room is positioned. Double vainness mirrors and sinks are complemented by a bathe and bathtub. South Africa’s beloved Therapeutic Earth facilities are used all through – together with considered one of my favourites, the Lemon Verbena and Argan Oil foam tub. Stepping by way of the bathe door, one can get pleasure from a wash within the wild, as a non-public courtyard homes an outside bathe. With scorching water and privateness, it’s a beautiful strategy to cleanse after a recreation drive, particularly within the evenings, when tilting your head again reveals a thousand glowing stars.

The amenities

Safari life revolves round morning and afternoon recreation drives. Welgevonden is a Large 5 reserve, teeming with wildlife, birdlife, and flora. Steven and Gerhart expertly led us by way of the reserve – a favorite of mine due to its different topography. The Waterberg mountain vary slopes into bush-covered ridges, golden-grassed plains, and perennial waterways. It’s a panorama stuffed with surprises.

Again on the lodge, a number of communal areas encourage rest after safari. The central lounge options couches with wildlife-related studying materials, plus a bar and indoor eating space. Glass doorways open onto the deck the place meals are served al fresco, and a pool with loungers gives bush vistas. A TV lounge offers an escape for these wanting to observe an episode of their favorite sequence or a sports activities recreation on the massive display.

Lastly, the spa enhances the comfort expertise – a devoted room overlooking the encompassing bush. A number of remedies can be found, together with using the egg-shaped pure stone tub – paying homage to the famend tubs at Tshwene’s sister property, The Outpost in Kruger. These lovely areas prompted me to forgo two recreation drives, selecting to calm down within the tranquillity of the bush: having fun with a leisurely tub, studying on the deck, and ending with a cocktail on the pool.

The situation

Welgevonden Recreation Reserve is located in Limpopo, the province north of Gauteng in South Africa. It’s a three-hour drive from OR Tambo Worldwide Airport in Johannesburg, and thirty minutes much less from Pretoria – half the journey time in comparison with the Kruger Nationwide Park. Situated on a plateau, it stays cooler in summer time than Kruger. The malaria-free reserve covers 37,000 hectares of various landscapes – a sizeable wilderness space accessible solely to lodge company, with no day guests allowed. There are additionally direct flights from Johannesburg to the reserve itself, launching in December 2025. Flights will depart on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and take solely 45 minutes, bookable straight with Tshwene Lodge. 

Different pretty touches

Tshwene falls beneath the hospitality group Uncommon Earth Retreats, which curates a set of outstanding properties throughout South Africa. One such property is a wine property close to Plettenberg Bay on the well-known Backyard Route. Many nonetheless don’t realise that world-class wines are produced on this area, not simply within the well-known Western Cape Winelands. Throughout all-inclusive stays on the lodge, company can pattern these scrumptious wines – maybe even reserving a future journey to the property.

Within the central lounge, I observed a ‘Sightings E-book’ at a secluded desk. I sat down and realised company are inspired to share their sightings and experiences. A novel concept I hadn’t encountered earlier than; I felt like I went on a mini-safari as I learn by way of the tales – even including our personal.

Tshwene as lately had a fairly good refurbishment, with new decking, a recoated pool, and a few new furnishings within the frequent areas and suites – all complementing the elegant, but understated décor that in the end, permits the connection to nature to be the hero characteristic. Lastly, with out desirous to spoil an excessive amount of of the shock, each few evenings company are invited for an intimate fire-side eating expertise within the devoted boma space – a deal with of observe!

The price

The usual charge for a keep at Tshwene is round £350 per individual sharing, and as an all-inclusive providing, it incorporates:  two guided recreation drives with sundowners and snacks, all meals, all drinks (excluding premium manufacturers), and the switch to the lodge from the Welgevonden Foremost Gate or airstrip. All year long, the stay-four-pay-three deal applies, together with last-minute reserving specials which begin at £190 per individual sharing.

One of the best half

With no scarcity of lodges in South Africa, it’s straightforward to really feel like simply one other visitor – particularly in bigger lodges. That is maybe Tshwene’s benefit – with solely 5 freestanding suites, it gives a really intimate keep, which is why it’s so fashionable as a romantic getaway for {couples}. With quite a few communal areas, there’s by no means a way of intruding on others – fairly, an invite to benefit from the luxurious of spaciousness. This additionally means extra personable service: our butler rapidly recognised my favorite wine, and I felt snug sufficient to lean by way of the kitchen window to talk with the chef (cheekily asking for his rooster curry recipe).

The ultimate verdict

When a nature journey calls, Tshwene may simply be the reply wanted. With the shut proximity to Johannesburg, it’s an accessible keep that’s loved by each locals and overseas guests alike. And if like us, you’ll hopefully be fortunate sufficient to have scooped up all of the Large 5 sightings in your first day.

Disclosure: Our keep was sponsored by Son Brull Rural Sanctuary

Jared Ruttenberg

Jared Ruttenberg is a journey author from Cape City, South Africa. He enjoys connecting folks and experiences by way of phrases, pictures and social media.