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Bushscapes Review South Africa, Near Gauteng, Welgevonden

Ndlovu Safari Lodge

Our rating 8.2/10
FromR7,792per person per nightNormal R11,980 | Save 35%
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Our Verdict

The honest Bushscapes take.

Previously known as Camp Ndlovu, this is a lovely upmarket lodge in traditional style with a gorgeous deck perched literally above an active waterhole - class, elegance and superb service is delivered in spades!

8.2Overall
8.5Luxury & Style
8.0Setting
8.0Game Viewing
8.5Romance

What's Hot

  • Stunning main deck area is literally perched over a waterhole fed by a natural spring - the perfect place to relax with a long, exceedingly cold drink whilst watching the ellies and other game coming down to drink!
  • Each suite boasts its own private plunge pool and shaded sala area where you can spend the hours between game drives chilling out
  • A maximum of 6 people on a game drive vehicle means that everyone gets to enjoy a "window seat" and there's no issue with couples being split up between different rows of seats
  • We love the outdoor shower and outdoor bath - there's nothing like bathing in the open air on those warm summer days!
  • Superbly elegant traditional safari style courtesy of opulent design touches like Persian carpets, crystal chandeliers and wonderfully comfy overstuffed sofas!
  • Delicious food and the excellent personal service that you'd expect from being one of the more premium priced lodges in Welgevonden

What's Not

  • If you're a fan of very contemporary decor and design then Ndlovu Safari Lodge might be just that bit too restrained with its more traditional safari lodge stylings
  • On the upper end of the pricing spectrum in the Welgevonden reserve and so perhaps out of reach of many - then again you certainly do get what you pay for!
Lodge Profile

About Ndlovu Safari Lodge

Previously known as Camp Ndlovu, this is a lovely upmarket lodge in traditional style with a gorgeous deck perched literally above an active waterhole - class, elegance and superb service is delivered in spades!

As you would expect given its proximity to Gauteng, the Welgevonden reserve is one of the most popular for travellers looking for a quick escape to the bush – it’s always exciting then when a new lodge opens up in this picturesque reserve. Ndlovu Safari Lodge (previously called Camp Ndlovu) is a fairly new addition to the lodges in Welgevonden, where it has taken up a position at the more luxurious premium end of the market.

To be more accurate, Ndlovu Safari Lodge isn’t actually a new lodge at all – rather it is now available for sale to the general public whereas it was previously a private corporate lodge. Now suitably spruced up, it has been opened to the public. Certainly, from the perspective of the physical facilities, Ndlovu Safari Lodge gets off to a great start. There’s a very attractive public area indeed with a gorgeous wooden main deck that lies almost literally over an active waterhole fed by a natural spring that flows down in front of the lodge, giving superb game viewing opportunities whilst you lie at the pool or relax in a comfy chair with a long, refreshing drink at hand. The main public area is elegantly styled with opulent Persian carpets and crystal chandeliers adding some old-school luxury.

If you fancy relaxing in a setting that’s a bit more private, then you can always retire to your Suite – after all, here you’ll be able to enjoy wallowing in the privacy of your own private plunge pool with an enticing sala area alongside if you fancy taking shelter from the heat of the midday sun.

Talking of the Suites, these are spacious and well equipped and exhibit more traditional game lodge styling elements than some of the very contemporary lodges that have opened in recent years. Romantics will love the gorgeous 4 poster beds complete with their luxury linen, oh-so-comfy mattresses and atmospheric mosquito nets! Apart from the private plunge pools, the Suites also boast an outdoor shower and bath perfect for balmy summer days, whilst a fireplace will keep things both cozy and romantic during the cooler winter months (there’s an air-con to keep things cool in summer)

Having your own Nespresso machine (complete with complimentary pods) and a well-stocked complimentary mini-bar means that you don’t even have to leave your room to seek out the friendly barman if you’re in need of liquid refreshment. Finally, the rooms come equipped with free wi-fi so you can keep in touch with the outside world if you really feel the need.

The facilities at Ndlovu Safari Lodge are quite extensive despite the small and intimate nature of the 5-roomed lodge – for example, there’s a lovely little Spa where can enjoy wonderfully relaxing massages and treatments (so you don’t have to get too jealous of the ellies or buffalo you might spot wallowing in the waterhole!) Or if you’re more of the active type, there’s a small but well-equipped gym facility.

Frankly a bit of exercise to keep the waistline under control mightn’t be the worst idea given the delicious culinary treats that await you at Ndlovu Safari Lodge! In keeping with its status as one of the premium lodges in the Welgevonden, the dining experience at Ndlovu Safari Lodge has rapidly gained a reputation for excellence and it’ll take all of your self-control not to overindulge too excessively!

When you do head out on game drive, Ndlovu Safari Lodge has another trick up its sleeve - the lodge puts a maximum of 6 people on a game vehicle so that everyone enjoys a "window seat" and couples aren't split between rows (the only time more people on a vehicle will happen is where the entire lodge is booked out by a group on an exclusive basis)