Aug 2019- Jhb East

The Welgevonden area is fairly
rocky and hilly, but the lodge is
built overlooking a flat plain, with a
waterhole in front to which animals
drift all day ... families of warthog
and a dazzle of zebras ... the ellies
appear to ignore it completely and
head straight for the pool, much to
the delight of the guests – most of
whom are international, so imagine
the thrill!
Besides what turned out to include
some sensational animal sightings,
a highlight of our stay was also the
food ... this five-star lodge prides itself
on the fine dining options offered,
and deservedly so. While the boma
dinner was been-there-eaten-that,
other meals were exceptional ...
think eggs Benedict with truffle oil
hollandaise or French toast with
thyme-infused honey and nuts for
breakfast, or later in the day a dish of
beetroot elements (pickled beetroot
and beetroot sorbet, goat’s cheese
and rocket, topped with pumpkin
seed ... bliss), a wonderful wild
mushroom risotto with truffle oil and
Parmesan, and quite possibly the
best rack of lamb we’ve ever eaten.
As much of this as possible comes
from the lodge’s large, flourishing
veggie and herb garden – and it’s
leaning towards being totally selfsufficient
and off-the-grid within the
next year or so.
Accommodating just 26 guests in
total, there are a few chic-African and
edgy European-decorated suites to
choose from, as well as a romantic
Honeymoon Suite, which has a
Honestly. Is there anything
more dramatically wonderful
than an African sunrise or
sunset? We think not!
Fine dining with a view.
heated plunge pool and outside
deck with day bed that overlooks
the waterhole. The suites – think
mosquito-net-draped beds and
roaring fireplaces – sleep either
two or four guests ... but there’s a
magnificent three-bedroom villa.
A marvellous choice for a family or
group of friends, the villa comes with
a private butler, chef and ranger,
and is exceptionally equipped with
a pool, lounge, dining and outdoor
entertainment areas, (it even has its
own gym for heaven’s sake).
Other standout features at the
lodge, where children of all ages are
welcome, include the underground
waterhole hide, which is connected
to the main lodge by a tunnel,
allowing you to safely race off and
see the animals close up, a lovely
spa for those who need even
more spoiling than being out in
the bush provides, a heated pool
and sauna and two great areas
for youngsters – one indoors, one
out. There’s a shooting range, and
rock art excursions, bush walks and
rhino tracking, and really brilliant
yoga retreats can be arranged – get
together six or more yoga friends
and experience yoga in the bush at
dawn or sunset ... how amazing!
Rates range from R5675 a person a
night, sharing, with children under
two free; three to nine paying 50 per
cent of the adult fee, 10 upwards
paying full rate. The Villa exclusive-use
rate is R45455 for four guests, R9091
per extra adult and R5051 per extra
child between three and 11. There are,
however, often specials, so keep an eye
on the website. All rates are inclusive
of meals, selected house drinks, two
game drives a day and reserved
entrance, as well as scheduled transfers
from the Welgevonden main gate.
Children can’t go on regular game
drives, but Bumble Drives can be
arranged and there are babysitters,
as well as fun activities. The area is
malaria free, and the drive is a little less
than three hours from Joburg and OR
Tambo airport – unless you happily
drive along in a daze and miss the N3
turn-off, when you could, as we did,
take the road (much) less travelled, in
which case add, oh, say two hours or
so to your drive time!
Details: res@mhondoro.com,
087-150-2314, mhondoro.com
August 2019 Get It Joburg East 33
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