Reasons why you should visit Mhondoro Safari Lodge
Welgevonded Game Reserve in the Waterberg of Limpopo in South Africa is home to the luxury Lodge and Villa of Mhondoro.
Rather than write an emotive travel feature, which would be so easy to do when writing about Mhondoro, we give you ten reasons YOU should visit.
The first reason is purely practical. It takes about two and a half hours to drive to the lodge from Johannesburg, and a short 50 minute flight. This is so important when taking a restful break, as the return trip from lodges can sometimes get one all stressed again when returning in the traffic. How wonderful to get there and back, refreshed and without anxiety.
This is where the second reason fits in so well. It is a nice drive for kids, and just exciting but short enough to to have strung out kids when you get to the lodge. The lodge is super child friendly. It is 100% malaria free. The staff offer kid’s walks, animal track lessons and special drives for parents with kids under the age of six. Child minding services are also available for parents wanting to use the spa or dine alone. There is a dedicated play area close to the lodge as well as a soundproof lounge in the main area for games, Playstation, puzzles and toys. Other people’s children will also not bother you, if that is a worry for you, as all the rooms are privately spaced out.
Ok, we do know why you want to go on safari. It is guaranteed that you will see many healthy and thriving Rhino, as the reserve is in a poacher free zone, with all the protective measurements in place. We even saw a week old baby Rhino and I am still in a state of rapture from the sight. On arrival, the lodge was surrounded by Wildebeest, our only traffic incident of the trip. Yes, it is a “Big 5” reserve, and it is thrilling to see so many animals on a drive - swell as a photographic game viewing waterhole connected by a 65 metre long tunnel to the main lodge. If the animals drink at the eating hole, you have quick access to watch - and mount your camera - seeing animals in the most detailed close up you could wish for.
Something else we have not experienced at a lodge before was star gazing with a digital telescope. It is a “once in a lifetime “ experience. The telescope is on an exceptional vantage point to gaze up at the vast Africa night sky. 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. Our game ranger was a star geek, and pointed out the most awe inspiring stars, and galaxies. It is a deeply spiritual thing, not only the animal life in the game reserve but connecting to the universe and its wonders. Gives one a another perspective to our screen-size lives we live these days.
Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa has also partnered with renowned chef and restaurateur Luke Dale Roberts to further elevate the culinary offering. The exciting new multi-course menus, wine pairings and curated cocktails, combined with a high level of culinary service, is set to raise the bar for safari cuisine in South Africa.
Luke Dale Roberts and his expert executive team are overhauling Mhondoro’s food and beverage experience in totality, training of Mhondoro’s current in-house food and beverage staff, mentoring and develop their skills and expertise to ensure top-tier service and culinary innovation on an ongoing basis.
Dale Roberts’ innovative wine pairing menus have already been introduced at dinner. Boma dinners are being reimagined too, transforming the quintessential safari experience of dining around a campfire, into an unforgettable encounter with the African night skies, showcasing local tradition, culture and cuisine.
Which brings us to our next “reason”. Three delicious meals a day, which includes morning coffee snacks on the game drive and then sunset snacks, may have you feeling a little “unhungry” - do not stress. There is a gym over looking the waterhole, so you won’t miss a sighting while cycling. The main swimming pool is heated all year, but it is a “quiet” pool as the elephants share it with guests - they like to drink from there. It is so beautiful to see. Each room has their own plunger pool. Guided walks are also available, of course.
The family vibes of the lodge adds to the relaxation, nothing is too much to ask. I had to test that theory a few times, to my dismay, but I was accommodated with a smile and a hug. The Boma dinners are complemented with the staff drumming and dancing, the Italians tourists immediately joined in. One feels sad to leave them behind at the end of a trip, one can go back! Thank goodness!
