Welgevonden: A World-Class Private Game Reserve

About the Reserve

Welgevonden Game Reserve is a 37,000-hectare private game reserve South Africa is proud to showcase, located in the Waterberg District of the Limpopo Province. As part of the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, it represents one of South Africa's most accessible premier, malaria free big five wilderness areas.

Sekala Private Game Lodge sits in the heart of this magnificent landscape, offering our guests exclusive access to one of the most pristine wilderness areas in Southern Africa. The Welgevonden name, which means "well found" in Dutch, perfectly captures the sentiment of discovery that visitors experience when encountering this remarkable reserve.

UNESCO Status

Part of the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, internationally recognized for biodiversity conservation

Malaria Free

Experience the Big 5 without worry in one of South Africa's premier malaria-free reserves

Accessibility

Just 2.5 hours from Johannesburg, with no dirt roads to navigate to the main entrance

Reserve Features

Welgevonden Game Reserve offers a diverse wilderness experience that makes it one of the most exceptional private reserves in South Africa. The varied landscape creates multiple habitats that support an incredible variety of flora and fauna.

37,000
Hectares
of pristine wilderness
5
Big Five Species
lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo
65+
Mammal Species
including rare and endangered. View Guide
380+
Bird Species
resident and migratory. View Guide
2,000+
Plant Species
diverse flora throughout
24/7
Protection
dedicated anti-poaching teams

Diverse Landscapes

The reserve's varied terrain creates multiple distinct habitats, each supporting different wildlife and plant species:

Mountain Slopes

Home to klipspringers and mountain plants

Mountain slopes in Welgevonden Game Reserve

River Systems

Supporting riparian vegetation and water-dependent species

River systems in Welgevonden Game Reserve

Woodland Areas

Perfect habitat for browsers like giraffes and kudus

Woodland areas in Welgevonden Game Reserve

Open Grasslands

Where herds of zebra and antelope graze

Open grasslands in Welgevonden Game Reserve

Conservation Focus

Welgevonden is dedicated to conservation and research, with ongoing projects focused on protecting and preserving the reserve's extraordinary biodiversity. As guests of Sekala, you contribute directly to these conservation efforts through your stay.

Rhino Protection

Advanced anti-poaching measures and monitoring to protect both white and black rhino populations within the reserve

Predator Research

Ongoing studies of lion, leopard, cheetah, and other predator populations to ensure healthy ecosystems

Habitat Management

Careful management of flora and water resources to maintain the reserve's diverse habitats

Anti-Poaching Initiatives

State-of-the-art security measures and trained teams protecting wildlife 24/7

Your conservation levy of R291 per person per night contributes directly to these vital conservation efforts. For more information about the reserve's conservation efforts, please visit Welgevonden Conservation.

Visiting the Reserve

As a guest of Sekala Private Game Lodge, your access to Welgevonden Game Reserve is carefully managed to ensure both your safety and the protection of the wilderness area.

Entry Procedure

Access to the reserve is strictly controlled, with guests being collected at the main gate by our rangers. This ensures minimal disturbance to wildlife and maintains the exclusive nature of your experience.

Vehicle Restrictions

Only approved safari vehicles are permitted within the reserve, with strict limits on the number of vehicles allowed in any area to minimize impact on wildlife.

Guided Experiences

All activities within the reserve are guided by our experienced rangers, ensuring your safety and enhancing your wilderness experience.

These access protocols are designed to preserve the untouched nature of the reserve and ensure that Welgevonden remains one of South Africa's premier wildlife destinations for generations to come.