23 Jan Welgevonden Game Lodge Accommodation
Welgevonden, from Farm to Five-Star Game Lodge Accommodation
Like so many other spectacular places in South Africa, Welgevonden Game Reserve was once a farm that was known by the same name, Welgevonden, a name later used as that of the reserve which would be established here.
Welgevonden – From the 80s to the 90s
The farmer who owned and lived on Welgevonden in the 1980s, Mr Pienkes du Plessis, recognised that the Waterberg region in which his and neighbouring farms were located, was by then a very different place from what it had originally been. As so often happens, many of the wild creatures that had once occupied the Waterberg, were long gone, and the land was all but denuded of its indigenous game by humankind’s presence and activities.
Du Plessis decided to rectify the situation. With the co-operation of others, fences separating the farms in the area were removed and the environment was gradually restored to what it had once been. Game relocation projects were launched, whilst wildlife from the surrounding region was able to migrate back to Welgevonden naturally, unhindered by fences and man-made obstacles.
By 1993, Welgevonden Game Reserve had become a large conservation area, some 35 000 hectares, and consisted of a combination of several farms. Today, these same 35 000 hectares comfortably accommodate a vast array of game species, including the Big Five, as well as our private game lodge, Fifty Seven Waterberg.
Accommodation
Guest accommodation at Fifty Seven Waterberg is limited. A total of five fine guest accommodation suites are located separate from one another, each one located a discreet distance from its neighbour, with its thatched roof and private patio peeping out through the lush surrounding bushveld vegetation at the fascinating wilderness beyond.
Thanks to Thatch
Thatch is often the roofing material of choice in Africa; it certainly is perfect for our guest accommodation quarters and our main lodge buildings. Thatch is exceptionally attractive when viewed inside buildings – enhancing the ambience and reflecting the colours and textures of Africa. when the outer surface layers of thatch weathers, it changes to a dusky shade of grey, forming part of the landscape, rather than being separate.
Throughout most of South Africa’s bushveld regions, daytime temperatures may be high, particularly during summer months. While winter days are comfortably mild to warm, nights may become chilly. Thatch obviates the need for ceilings, so the inner thatch roof creates a double volume effect, thus keeping interior spaces cool when it’s hot. Conversely, thatch is an excellent insulator; heat is retained when winter arrives.
Space and Sounds of Africa
Our rooms are exceptionally spacious. None of the rooms are less than 80 square metres, which is much bigger than many modern urban apartments. All are individually and tastefully furnished with top-quality, elegant appointments throughout.
The beds are king sized, and positioned so that you are able to gaze at the bushveld from your your bed, and listen to the sounds of the African bushveld as you enter dreamland.
There’s no need to “rough it” when you visit the bushveld at Welgevonden’s Fifty Seven Waterberg game lodge. From the warm Welgevonden welcome when you arrive, to your awesome accommodation, gourmet cuisine, and wonderful wildlife experience, you will enjoy every minute!.