This privately owned Safari Lodge is unique in its hospitality, decor, and services . With the opening of the new game fences, this lodge now sits on about 110,000 hectares of wildlife game viewing.

Makweti Safari Lodge was voted:

“MOST EXCELLENT SAFARI LODGE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA’ Johansens Guide 2001.

                      
Welgevonden Private Game Reserve covers about 110,000hectaresof malaria free, pristine bushveld, watered by three major rivers which flow serenely through the awesome landscape flanked by steep hills and open plains.

 Vegetation - silver and fawn, gray-green and gold – all contrast sharply with the rust red soil of the terrain.

Makweti Safari Lodge is situated in the Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg.

The Welgevonden is a pro-conservation reserve with strict rules that have been drawn up to preserve and minimise impact on the natural environment for future generations for this reason driving off road in the reserve is disallowed.

The main lodge, built into natural rock formations in the craggy Waterberg Mountains is a dramatic architectural synthesis which commands spectacular views of the Makweti Gorge and undulating landscape beyond.

Makweti comprises of 5 secluded thatch and stone suites accommodating a maximum of 10 guests at any one time.

Each room is uniquely decorated with antique treasures and rich timbers. Makweti’s cuisine reflects an artful fusion of exotic spices of ancient trade routes and a wide assortment of health conscious choices.

Fine South African estate wines from their cellar and exquisite desserts compliment every dinner. Candlelit gourmet dinners are served in a formal dinning room or out on the deck over looking the Makweti Gorge.

There is a swimming pool for guests to enjoy on hot days with different level decks leading off the pool. Below the pool one will find a tsala offering solitude and great views overlooking the gorge.

A diversity of game including the largest collection of privately owned white rhino in the world, 16 species of antelope, lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and cheetah may be encounted as well as the rare brown hyena.

                           

Classic Retreats Comments

“The Waterberg is like indelible ink – once experienced, never to be erased” Clive Walker Conservationist. Rolling mountains, steep gorges, rocky outcrops, flowing rivers and open plains – the Welgevonden is a magnificent game area that is fast growing in popularity. It offers expansive vistas and good game viewing.

Makweti Safari Lodge is crafted from natural stone with teak decks overlooking the Makweti Gorge.

The lodge offers simple elegance with magnificent “African style” interiors, which create a luxurious environment for guests. With only 5 rooms and one suite it offers an exclusive bush experience. From Ralph Lauren bed linen to dinners under the stars Makweti is an unforgettable experience.

We highly recommend Makweti for a three/four night stay. The Lodge offers a relaxed bush experience and it is most enjoyed over a longer stay.

                                    

Since 1994 several wildlife species have been re-introduced to this wilderness area. The reserve now contains 16 species of antelope, the largest private collection of white rhino in the world, lion, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, the rare brown hyena, leopard and many more. For bird lovers Welgevonden has in excess of 254 species. There is also an amazing diversity of vegetation, from proteas to fig trees, thick forest vegetation, yielding to open grass plains.

The reserve has recently become part of the 15000sq km Waterberg Bioshpere and has been declared a Natural Heritage Site in South Africa..

Daily activities, such as morning game drives, walks, picnics, sundowner drives, night drives and even star gazing can be arranged. Safaris are conducted in open Land Rovers, custom built, to maximize comfort.

Makweti’s main lodge, built from natural rock with wooden teak decks overlooking the Makweti Gorge is a visual delight. In the distance the circular sweep of tree-encrusted mountains enhances the unique beauty of the Waterberg.

Local antique art and furnishings reflect the cultural heritage of Africa. Artifacts, kelim rugs, sumptuous leather couches, hand beaded fabrics, all add colour to the rich wood tones, thatch and natural rock of the lodge.

Great care has been taken in creating subtle luxury without overpowering the wild atmosphere of the environment.

Accommodation is provided for only 12 guests, in secluded, thatched suites, each individually decorated, with indoor and outdoor showers, Victorian bathtubs, log fires for cool winter evenings, and private decks offering flawless views of the African bushveld.

This is a place of peaceful enchantment where guests can relax in the plunge pool during the heat of the day or sit quietly at the waterhole in the camp at sunset watching the passing parade of animals. You set the pace.

Makweti's cuisine reflects an artful fusion of exotic spices with local delicacies. Our resident chef creates delectable menus daily, consisting of home made soups, artfully presented varieties of game and fish, crisp fresh vegetables and “to die for” deserts.

Fine South African estate wines from our cellars complement the gourmet meals. Candlelit dinners are served in the formal dining room, its table made festive with colourful local crafts, gaily painted plates, napkins and tablecloth in lively prints, so the meal becomes an event.

On warm nights, informal suppers are held in the boma under the stars around a flickering campfire.

What is a Biosphere Reserve?

Biosphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems promoting solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use.

They are internationally recognized, nominated by national governments and remain under sovereign jurisdiction of the states where they are located. Biosphere reserves serve in some ways as 'living laboratories' for testing out and demonstrating integrated management of land, water and biodiversity.

 Each biosphere reserve is intended to fulfill three basic functions, which are complementary and mutually reinforcing:

A conservation function - to contribute to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation;

A development function - to foster economic and human development, which is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable;

A logistic function - to provide support for research, monitoring, education and information exchange related to local, national and global issues of conservation and development

What it means to the local people?

The human dimension of biosphere reserves makes them special, since the management essentially becomes a "pact" between the local community and society as a whole. It will allow the local community to be better placed to respond to external political, economic and social pressures, which would affect the ecological and cultural values of the area.

Biosphere reserves, contribute significantly to the maintenance of the life support systems which serve to avoid soil erosion, maintain soil fertility, regulate river flow, recharge aquifers, recycle nutrients, and absorb air and water pollutants - learn about natural systems and how they are changing. Research may be conducted on the structure and dynamics of the minimally disturbed natural systems of the biosphere reserves, and compared with the functioning of human-affected landscapes, surrounding the area proclaimed.
T
he biosphere reserve thus serves to share knowledge and skills at the local, national and international levels.