Welgevonden, Mokaikai & Tuli – Ive on the road

Back from the road, Ive brings some fresh impressions from her latest self-drive out of Johannesburg. Please enjoy our latest Newsletter… 😊

Elephants Crossing – Welgevonden Game Reserve

Our first stop was the Welgevonden Game Reserve. We arrived a little late, but the lodge still managed to connect us with the game drive that had already started, so we were able to head straight out before even arriving at Elephants Crossing.

Besides giraffes and zebras, Welgevonden has large numbers of rhino, elephants, buffalo and cute jackals. The lions are on the other side of the reserve, but the rangers will venture there if sightings are reported. We didn’t see any lions, but we were lucky enough to spot a very large cheetah. The game drives are always long and really enjoyable. Ranger Jacob, who has been in the reserve for 23 years, is extremely knowledgeable and enjoys sharing his expertise with guests.

Elephants Crossing Lodge gets its name from the fact that a frequently used elephant trail runs directly below the lodge. From the terrace of the main lodge, you can observe the animals as they visit the waterhole, and the elephants often come to the plunge pools of the tented suites to drink. A paradise for anyone who loves elephants! We were lucky enough to witness this at night – 12 elephants almost emptied our small plunge pool. A truly mind-blowing experience!

The lodge is modern and bright with an African touch. Monkeys and zebra often wander right up to the lodge, which the children especially enjoyed. The tents are equipped with all the amenities you could wish for and have a large private terrace with sun loungers and a small plunge pool. Because the suites are widely spaced from each other and surrounded by nature, it feels very private.

The service and food at Elephants Crossing Lodge were excellent. All the staff were friendly and happy, and we felt very comfortable.

Fevertree Lodge – Mokaikai Private Nature Reserve

The German owners of Fevertree Lodge, Bettina and her husband Andreas, invited us for a site inspection, and we were very excited as the lodge was completely unknown to Ilanga.

Nestled in the hills of the Waterberg, this lodge originally belonged to the renowned English hotel consultant Bruce Hutchinson, who designed and furnished hotels worldwide. His love for Africa is reflected in this passion project. Upon entering the lodge, one is immediately captivated and transported to another world. Every corner is filled with interior design elements and relics from various cultures from the African continent. Each of the three spacious rooms is inspired by a different culture or personality.

For anyone looking for an authentic African adventure in a traditional, colonial-style lodge near Johannesburg in a malaria-free area, Fevertree Lodge is the place to be. It is ideal for clients wanting to enjoy a safari experience after visiting the Western Cape.

We instantly felt like part of the Fevertree family, and I’m sure all guests are treated more like visitors to the “family” than clients. This definitely sets the lodge apart from other accommodations. Children of all ages are welcome and will love it there. The delicious food prepared by Jabu, the chef, the game drives tailored to each guest’s wishes, as well as the detailed and personal service, make it a truly special experience.

Of all the safaris on my trip, I enjoyed the game drives in Mokaikai Game Reserve the most. The breathtaking landscape, with its open savannahs, feels like something out of a book or movie. Mokaikai is located within the Mabula Game Reserve, which borders the Waterberg Reserve. It is home to the Big Five and many other wild animals. The lions are in a separate area, which makes spotting them easier, while also ensuring high numbers and variety of antelope.

Cuckoo’s Nest – Makhado

After so many days of safari and early mornings, we were quite happy to spend a night away from the bush and were looking forward to Cuckoo’s Nest.

The guesthouse was the biggest surprise – simple, yet beautiful! Driving up the long, palm-lined driveway and being greeted by the huge landscaped garden, you immediately feel a sense of relaxation and peace. A perfect stopover on the trip.

The rooms are very spacious and have access to a balcony. On warm days, you can even barbecue on the veranda by the pool and enjoy wine from the lodge’s cellar.

You can, and should, pre-order dinner, because once you arrive in this tranquil oasis, you won’t want to head out again.

Leshiba Mountain Retreats

This secluded game reserve, situated at an altitude of 1200m in the Soutpansberg Mountains and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, is ideal for nature lovers seeking a tranquil, picturesque, and authentic bush experience. Guests who enjoy hiking will be in their element, as the reserve can be explored either with an experienced guide or on your own. Along the way, you will encounter zebra, giraffe, warthogs, antelope, and other wildlife, which I will keep as a surprise, just as it was for us. Game drives are also conducted with experienced rangers.

Our highlight was the hike to the cave paintings and the view from the terraces. All day long, you can watch animals that come right up to the unfenced lodge – it almost makes you not want to go on a game drive. It was truly wonderful to always be able to observe and study the animals in their natural habitat.

Venda Art Village is a tribute to the Venda (VhaVenḓa), an ethnic group primarily residing in the mountains of Limpopo Province along the border with Zimbabwe.

The Venda-style huts reflect the culture of these people, yet they are furnished in a modern and contemporary style. All Lavish Suites feature a king-size bedroom, a fireplace, a plunge pool, and a wraparound terrace. African artwork by Thomas Kubayi surprises visitors at every turn. Mermaids bask in the outdoor showers and an angel watches over the pathways. Sandblasted glass casts stars across the floors, which are adorned with countless fish, iguanas, and turtles.

This lodge is a truly unique place and will remain a cherished memory for a long time, as there is nothing quite like it.

Koro River Camp – Tuli Game Reserve

We continued on to Botswana, and we were all very excited, as a long-cherished dream was about to come true. The drive to the border was mostly smooth, but the final leg of our journey to paradise was quite an adventure – but isn’t that part of the experience when travelling in Africa?

“Botswana hits different,” they say – and rightly so! The atmosphere is incredible. Koro River Camp is set in a very unique location along the Limpopo River, shaded by giant trees, with the sound of the flowing river in the background.

The luxurious tented suites are very spacious and beautifully furnished. The bathroom is in a separate tent and has everything you could wish for, including a sunken bathtub overlooking the river. Each suite has its own private terrace with a hammock, sun loungers, and a plunge pool.

The main lodge consists of a bar with a dining room and fireplace, a boma with a fire pit and outdoor kitchen, another separate lounge, and a riverside terrace where you can enjoy unforgettable dinners in the evening.

The camp is perfect for experienced safari clients who aren’t in a hurry and are looking for adventure – for example, sleeping out in the bush with the rangers, an overnight stay on the sleep-out deck, the photography hide, or climbing a giant baobab tree. It also offers the thrill of an unfenced camp in an area where many leopards roam. I recommend staying at Koro in winter, as the mopani bushes make spotting animals, especially leopards, more difficult in summer. That said, we still had incredibly wonderful safari experiences and are already dreaming of returning one day.

Four Seasons Westcliff Johannesburg

Our last stop was the Four Seasons in Johannesburg, which is located on top of a green hill right next to the Johannesburg Zoo. Upon arrival, you are immediately impressed by the recently renovated and very modern lobby, where we were greeted by friendly staff.

After check-in, we were taken to our room by golf cart. As soon as you leave the reception building, the hotel grounds unfold before you, reminiscent of a small, elegant village. The outdoor area features numerous small gardens to relax and linger in. The rooms are spread across several buildings, and the pool area feels like a private garden setting. The comfortable rooms are spacious with a classic interior. Guests also have access to a gym and a wellness area.

The Flames Restaurant is particularly fantastic. You take a glass elevator up to the restaurant, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view while dining.

The hotel is perfect as the final stop on a trip, but also as a first stop when arriving in South Africa. If you plan to explore Johannesburg, you can easily spend a few days there.

For a closer look, head over to our Instagram to see Ive’s pictures from the trip – Ilanga Travel (@travelilanga) • Instagram photos and videos

Until next time!