Rolling wooded mountains cut by deep rocky ravines and majestic gorges make Welgevonden Private Game Reserve an evocative piece of Africa. Aptly meaning ‘well found’, this is a place of rare and rugged beauty, plentiful wildlife and prolific birdlife. Spectacular scenery and excellent game viewing make Welgevonden quite unlike anywhere else on earth. To visit here is to experience the spirit of true wilderness. Welgevonden is home to over 50 different mammals, including the Big Five, and boasts one of the largest populations of white rhino on a private reserve anywhere in Africa. There are rare and unusual species too, such as brown hyena, aardwolf and aardvark – all best seen at night. The grassy plains abound with antelope from the largest eland to the diminutive duiker, and cheetah, lion and leopard are always close by. It is the diversity of habitat on the reserve that encourages such a wide range of wildlife as well as over 300 bird species, including rare blue cranes. At 34 000 hectares in size, Welgevonden Private Game Reserve lies in the Waterberg plateau, just north of Johannesburg. Here guests enjoy unlimited traversing through the reserve and experience an environment where biodiversity conservation and game viewing are managed in harmony. Welgevonden protects an unique and special environment and the reserve’s management is deeply committed to ongoing conservation research and development.

The evocative wilderness area offers and exclusive, intimate experience of the African bush with only a limited number of guests having access to the reserve at any one time. No private vehicles are permitted, which ensures minimal human impact and the ultimate wilderness experience. Historically, wildlife on the reserve has never been hunted so game viewing is always up close and personal. There is also andcient and delicate Bushman rock art on Welgevonden.Welgevonden offers the discerning visitor something completely different. This is mountain bushveld with rivers running through it and sweeping views to far horizons. It’s high altitude, temperate climate and malaria free makes it worth a visit all year round. Welgevonden is certainly one of the finest places to watch wildlife, sense wilderness and touch the spirit of true Africa.

Activities and Facilities

How to get there

Take the N1 north out of Johannesburg/Pretoria. Just over 120 km from Pretoria find the Kranskop toll Plaza. Take the R33 off-ramp at the toll plaza (keep in the left hand lane) to Modimolle / Nylstroom. Drive straight through Modimolle/Nylstroom on the R33 towards Vaalwater. Drive straight through Vaalwater on the R510 towards Thabazimbi 24 km after leaving Vaalwater, the gate is on your left hand side (look out for the sign "Welgevonden Main Gate")