Nungubane Lodge

Full-on Big Five safari just three hours from Johannesburg

At just a three-hour drive from Johannesburg, this safari area is the stuff of superlatives – unimaginable numbers of wildlife, the world’s largest colony of Cape vultures, and prehistoric hills.

Chat to an expert

Get in touch with us and one of our travel experts will answer any questions you may have and help create your dream trip.

or call us on +1 (646) 542 0667

Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Nungubane Lodge

Forming part of the Waterberg massif in Limpopo province, the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere Reserve is home to reserves and settlements which work together to create an ecosystem that supports both wilderness and humans. One of the largest reserves in the biosphere is Welgevonden ("well found"), a 38,000-hectare swathe of malaria-free wilderness that supports the Big Five and a plethora of other creatures. On its eastern edge is Nungubane Game Lodge, one of the best of the dozen or so lodges in the reserve. Head here for good accommodation, rugged scenery, and great wildlife sightings – at a competitive price.

+ Read more

From $310 person/night

Lodge

9 Rooms

Welgevonden Game Reserve, South Africa

nungubane game lodge waterberg south africa 2

nungubane game lodge waterberg south africa 3

nungubane game lodge waterberg south africa 5

nungubane game lodge waterberg south africa 6

Highlights

This intimate lodge accommodates just 10 guests, so the staff-to-visitor ratio means you get the best attention.

This is an upmarket lodge, so you can expect the best service and accommodation. The food is as diverse as the wildlife, featuring everything from delicious soups and fresh salads to perfectly grilled steaks and luscious crème caramel.

One of South Africa's few remaining relatively unspoilt wildernesses, the Waterberg Biosphere is home to a full range of savanna inhabitants, from the Big Five to cheetah, honey badgers, genets, and a wealth of reptiles and birdlife (350 species of birds alone).

The property

The steeply thatched main area houses an open-plan bar, lounge and dining room, all tastefully decorated with earthy tones and comfortable upholstered furniture. The space leads outdoors to a large deck, where a second dining table overlooks the savanna. A few stairs lead down to a swimming pool and umbrellas shading a smattering of recliners. Spend some time in the hide observing the goings-on of the bush, then retire to your room for a massage.

+ Read more

The rooms

Accommodation is in five lovely thatched chalets that are simply but charmingly decorated. The rooms have large double beds draped with mosquito nets and a few chairs next to a fireplace that's a blessing when evenings get chilly. A hessian rug covers most of a polished concrete floor. Large glass sliding doors open to a private deck with seating and a wide view. The en-suite bathroom has indoor and outdoor showers, and a tub – views from here too!

+ Read more

One more thing...

Staff, food and the informative game drives are all first-class. Visit between May and September for the best sightings. Note: wi-fi access is expensive.

+ Read more

Activities

Hot Air Ballooning

Game Drives

Morning and evening game drives will form your core experience, though you can request to take a guided walk (if a suitably qualified ranger is available). The guides are knowledgeable, good company, and great at finding game – you'll have a real chance of seeing the big and bold along with other creatures, such as 16 species of antelope. Keep your eyes open when the sun goes down, because there's plenty of nocturnal activity around here too.

+ Read more

About Welgevonden Game Reserve

Welgevonden Game Reserve

Malaria-free Big Five safaris within an easy hop from Johannesburg's bright lights

Design your own trip

Pick a trip, selected and curated by our travel experts, then choose your properties - we have 100s of handpicked options to suit every style and budget.

Start with one of our trips or design one from scratch.