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All reviews safari lodge the reserve game drives wonderful experience plunge pool natural surroundings watering hole his wife travel agent very special place fantastic guide whole experience three night stay make you feel at home other guests incredible knowledge his passion
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Reviewed 4 April 2018

We had the most spectacular safari experience at Makweti. All aspects of the trip exceeded our expectations. The lodge is the perfect combination of the highest level of luxury and true African style. The game viewing was phenomenal, the landscape was breath taking and the staff courteous and knowledgeable.

Date of stay: February 2018
  • Trip type: Travelled with family
    • Value
    • Rooms
    • Service
Thank Lauren S
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HelenWilsonatMakweti, General Manager at Makweti Safari Lodge, responded to this reviewResponded 5 May 2018

Dear Slaven Family
We were delighted to welcome you back and enjoyed the visit with the Family as always.
We look forward to seeing you all again later in the year.
All the best
Neil, Jessica and the Makweti Team

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Reviewed 29 March 2018

I have been to many game lodges all over South Africa, including the likes of Sabi Sabi, Kapama, Mala Mala, Londolozi, etc. This was my first visit to Welgevonden. This lodge is a very nice, quaint private lodge with a handful of rooms and small, attentive staff. Everything was as expected. Unfortunately there was no boma dinner that usually would be the case and is quite a nice experience for first time visitors to any lodge and also no singing or dancing of staff. It is clear that the Welgevonden Reserve was farmland before which has been reclaimed and game reintroduced. Game vehicles are not allowed to leave the road, so sometimes sightings are very far away and game tracking through the bush does not happen. The total reserve has about 58 lodges in a relatively small area of 40,000 hectares which does make it quite busy at some sightings. We did have some very good sightings though. All in all a great choice for something close to Pretoria and Johannesburg in a malaria free area.

Date of stay: March 2018
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    • Value
    • Rooms
    • Service
2  Thank AntonHayward
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HelenWilsonatMakweti, General Manager at Makweti Safari Lodge, responded to this reviewResponded 5 May 2018

Good day Anton
Thank you for feedback and balanced comments on your stay with us at Makweti Safari Lodge.
The Reserve is a unique and critical ecological area that is governed by strict ecological principles and guidelines which prevents off road driving to sightings. This does not impact on the sightings quality but does challenge the Guide to ensuring we are always in the best place at the best time. All sightings are restricted to a maximum of 4 vehicles so although the Reserve may enjoy an abundance of guests, the sightings are controlled and managed to ensure that animals are not impacted on nor their behavior influenced.
Boma Dinners are offered on many occasions and are dependent on weather, guests dynamic and length of stay. It is a pity this was not during your stay with us, but can assure you that this experience is enjoyed often by Makweti Guests.
We can only encourage you to return to Makweti in our Summer months to enjoy this experience under the Summer night skies with us.
All the best
Neil, Jessica and the Makweti Team.

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Reviewed 26 March 2018

Our guide Neil met us with a smile, echoed by the friendliness and happy smiles of the entire Makweti Team.
Neil never failed to impress with his knowledge of the Welgevonden Game Reserve. Besides seeing excellent game, Neil’s passion and knowledge of the wildlife made our stay more then just a relaxing experience. We learned a deep respect for the environment..
Our suite was spacious, luxurious with a distinctive African elegance, and attention to detail. We particularly loved our viewing deck and plunge pool, our own piece of heaven.
The main lodge offers spectacular views of rolling hills of the Waterberg, a glorious backdrop to breakfasts and lunches on the deck.
Particularly surprising was the cuisine, expertly paired with some of South Africa’s best estate wines, whether your preference is delectable springbok sirloin or ‘death by’ chocolate mousse, you are sure to be spoilt for choice!

Small camp of only 5 rooms ensures personal service is top notch. I will and always recommend Makweti Safari Lodge

Room tip: Room 2 was amazing.
Date of stay: February 2018
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    • Location
    • Rooms
    • Service
1  Thank Ross W
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HelenWilsonatMakweti, General Manager at Makweti Safari Lodge, responded to this reviewResponded 5 May 2018

Dear Ross,
Your comments and feedback are highly appreciated.
Always a pleasure to host you. We look forward to seeing you again in the coming months.
All the best
Neil, Jessica and the Makweti Team

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Reviewed 26 March 2018 via mobile



Pure wanderlust 

It was my first time ever experiencing the bush and I was so spoilt for my first time ! The rooms made me feel like i was in something out of a movie with plush pillows, seamless fittings and not to mention the bathroom was to die for! The outdoor shower is magnificent and all the finer details add to the whole experience. The lodge itself was magic,The viewing deck was my favourite place to just sit and relax and the fact that it was so peaceful and not harmed by man made options was one of the biggest things for me ! Animals are free to be where they want even a cheeky visit from some monkeys during breakfast. Ah the food is one of a kind I ate everything it was perfect ! The game drives were a picture of calm and wild we would stop for mid morning snacks and hot chocolate on one of the plains and sundowners and just listen and watch nature. I got to be a few meters from an elephant on my first game drive the good was amazing made me feel like I was learning and experiencing so much ! It was magic and bliss I want to go back my soul craves the bush now and craves the solace,friendliness,calm and one of a kind feel that Makweti has to offer !

Date of stay: February 2018
Trip type: Travelled with family
Thank Kayleigh A
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HelenWilsonatMakweti, General Manager at Makweti Safari Lodge, responded to this reviewResponded 5 May 2018

Dear Kayleigh,
We are pleased you enjoyed your first experience in the 'bush' at Makweti Safari Lodge.
We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
All the best
Neil, Jessica and the Makweti Team

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Reviewed 20 March 2018

We had an idyllic four nights at Makweti from March 4-8th. We had not been on safari for 12yrs so this was big deal for us - we need not have worried - the enthusiastic lodge staff,our stunning room,service and food were of a very high standard and we loved every minute from our 5am wake up call to saying goodnight after another delicious dinner. The Welgevonden is truly wonderful and our fabulous guide Ellard made all of our 8 game drives memorable with his knowledge, insites and the stunning animals we saw. We wanted a small lodge with no children and for this Makweti is perfect. We recommend Makweti and the Welgevonden to you unreservedly. Mel and Chris Bowles.

Date of stay: March 2018
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
1  Thank _melbowles2
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HelenWilsonatMakweti, General Manager at Makweti Safari Lodge, responded to this reviewResponded 5 May 2018

Dear Chris & Mel
Thank you for the fantastic feedback on your stay with us!
Having not been in the 'Bush" for 12 years, we are please we met every expectation.
If you ever need a break from Sailing the Seas again, we would be delighted to welcome you back!
All the best
Neil, Jessica and the Makweti Team

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