Bernie Van Der Linde
In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks
It has been just over three years since our first visit to Sediba Luxury Safari Lodge. The last time we visited Sediba Lodge was in February 2022. You can not imagine our excitement when we were invited back to Sediba at the beginning of March this year. We could not wait to experience the vast improvements the lodge has made since the dynamic management duo Nadia and Willem (the former management team of an exclusive Five-Star Lodge in the Kruger National Park) joined Sediba.
If you have been following our adventures over the last couple of years, you may have noticed that we love going on safari, particularly in South Africa. In this article, we reintroduce you to Sediba, one of our favourite lodges in South Africa. A wildlife game lodge where you can get really close to nature (either on foot or game drive) and breathe in the tranquility of your surroundings. Moreover, we found that there are only a few game lodges where you will experience attentive but not intrusive service, warm hospitality, and impeccable attention to detail like Sediba.
Sediba Luxury Safari Lodge is in the malaria-free, Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg biosphere.
What and where is the Waterberg?
The Waterberg consists of low mountain ranges and escarpments and is known for its impressive rock painting, which suggests it may have been the original home of the San people. This region is a natural haven for safari lovers like us. It has some magnificent luxury lodges, offering guests unparalleled Big Five wildlife and culinary experiences.
Where is Sediba Luxury Safari Lodge located?
Sediba Luxury Safari Lodge is a permanent lodge in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The two lodges (Rock and Mountain Lodge) are located within ten minutes from each other in a 38,200-hectare private Game Reserve.
The Welgevonden Big Five Game Reserve is home to 50 unique mammals in a diverse terrain characterised by majestic mountains, valleys and riverbeds.
How many lodges does Sediba Luxury Safari Lodge have?
Sediba consists of two private lodges: Sediba Rock Lodge and Sediba Mountain Lodge. On each of our visits, we stayed at Rock Lodge, which has ten secluded suites, each boasting 360-degree vistas over the entire Game Reserve.
Mountain Lodge is a private residence that boasts many of the features also found at Rock Lodge. However, this lodge is more suitable for families with small children, friends, or corporate relationship-building events because it can be booked in its entirety. This lodge offers accommodation for ten exclusive guests in five separate, elegantly appointed villas. Mountain Lodge will shortly undergo a dramatic renovation that is sure to surpass the luxurious features of Rock Lodge. We promise you a full review of Mountain Lodge once the lodge is fully operational after the revamp.
Why you should stay at Sediba Luxury Safari Lodge
As we mentioned in the introduction, Sediba Luxury Safari Lodge recently underwent a dramatic makeover since our last visit over a year ago; these changes are mostly due to the exceptionally talented new management duo. The charismatic Nadia and her hands-on husband Willem are not only responsible for making guests feel welcome, but they also ensure that guests depart from Sediba with unforgettable memories. It is evident in all the changes at the Rock Lodge that this management team understands what it takes to make guests (and staff) feel valued and special.
From the fragrant, refreshing towels upon arrival to stylishly branded water bottles personalised with each guest’s name, the attention to detail is like nothing we have ever experienced at any Five-star Lodge. A hand-written, personalised note by Nadia and her team upon arrival in our room and a personalised (again) farewell letter on our bed the night before departure made us feel like our presence mattered, just another added touch of style that is evident in every aspect of this exquisite lodge.
Sediba's main lodge's features
- The communal areas combine graceful elegance with world-class comfort, but nothing feels forced or pretentious. In addition to offering gastronomic meals in natural yet stylish settings, the lodge promises guests custom-made and rejuvenating experiences that will leave them relaxed and revived.
- Rock Lodge has one of the biggest and most serene bomas (a secluded, usually fenced-in, cosy African ‘braai’ area) we have ever had the pleasure of enjoying a truly South African dinner.
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Besides each villa boasting its own heated hot tub, the main lodge features a newly renovated pool, frequently visited by elephants for morning and afternoon showers. There are also newly erected lattice canopies next to the main pool to protect guests from hot summer afternoon sun rays while sipping on refreshing, signature cocktails or enjoying individualised light lunches before the afternoon game drive starts at 4 pm.
Good to know: The extensively stocked bar in the main building caters to every possible request for sun downers.
What is the accommodation like at Sediba?
The bedroom space oozes tranquillity and relaxation. Moreover, each villa blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The new terracotta and earthy-brown interior elements captivated our attention and created a sense of being one with the environment.
The massive thatched villas at both lodges are kitted with king-size beds with tule canopies above the beds. Each villa has an opulent sala with a wood-burning fireplace and a well-stocked mini-bar bar area. The bathroom boasts a free-standing copper-lined bath and open shower. Just like you have dreamed of, you can experience game viewing from the privacy of your outside jacuzzi on a large wooden terrace overlooking the vast landscape. Here, you will experience extraordinary sunrises that will leave even Santorini lovers breathless.
The villas have magnificent private wooden viewing decks. All suites have air conditioning, ceiling fans, and a separate large dressing room with a safe for valuables. The two lodges can comfortably accommodate 30 guests.
A typical day on safari at Sediba Luxury Safari Lodge
- Guests are treated to twice-daily (early morning and late afternoon) game drives with expertly trained game rangers like Moyo, Quloani or Bornwell. This is when wildlife is most active, particularly the predators such as leopards, lions, and cheetahs.
- A day in the camp usually starts with an early morning wake-up call (unless you wish to sleep in). Guests can enjoy a coffee and biscuits before departure around 6 am. A scrumptious breakfast is served back at the lodge (around 10 am).
Lunch at Sediba
- Lunchtime is another opportunity to enjoy the lodge’s delicious meals.
- After lunch, there is time to enjoy a siesta or guests can spend the day at leisure enjoying the pool and bar area, or unwind with a much-deserved spa treatment.
- The suite’s private lookout decks are ideal for gazing at the game-filled surroundings while sipping on an ice cold beer or cocktail in the private jacuzzi.
- Guests gather around 3:45 pm. at the main building for some afternoon tea or coffee to refuel before departure for the afternoon game drive.
Sun downers
- Guests are treated to sun downers in the bush veld.
- Guests return to camp around 8 pm. in time for dinner either in the boma under the African sky or open dining area.
What makes Sediba Luxury Safari Lodge unique?
From the moment you set foot at the pick-up point at West Gate of the Welgevonden Game Reserve to when you are escorted to your luxurious villa, staff go out of their way to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
We have been to many game lodges over the years. Yet, few places in South Africa offer action-packed, educational game drives, on-point hospitality, and unpretentious sophistication like Sediba Luxury Safari Lodge.
Besides getting up close to the big cats, you are almost guaranteed to witness large congregations of buffalo and elephants, rhinos, zebra and several other scarce antelope, such as eland and the diminutive duiker adorning the bushveld plains. Be prepared to be captivated by rare species such as brown hyena, aardwolf, pangolin, and aardvark, and let’s not forget the lodge’s dramatic sunsets.
Game Drives
Sediba offers twice daily game drives (one early morning and one late afternoon) with expertly trained game ranges. Game drives are characterised by unique South African surprises served during morning stops and sundowners in remote parts of the Game Reserve.
Avid photographers and nature lovers are guaranteed up-close encounters with wildlife. These may include the elusive big cats (i.e., cheetah, leopard, and lion). Sediba serves guests the most prized game-viewing opportunities.
The lodge promotes sustainable tourism, as it relies entirely on a solar system and uses recycled and natural materials where possible.
Personalised itineraries
The lodge offers personalised itineraries that meet individual interests. For example, there is a private conference room, library and private seating areas (even on boma evenings).
The staff provides friendly, custom-designed services that meet guests’ individual preferences. They focus on personalised experiences that build lasting relationships with guests.
The lodge offers guests an escape from everyday demands to a sanctuary immersed in awe-inspiring nature scenery, inviting guests to recharge, disconnect, or reboot. Yet, the lodge offers much-needed modern-day amenities like excellent Wi-Fi, which is not negotiable for remote workers.
You can be as private or connected with fellow guests as you wish. The best part for us is that there are no forced “family-like dinner” tables, which is often the case in luxury private lodges.
We love Sediba Luxury Safari Lodge because it is a luxurious yet comfortable, malaria-free game lodge located in a prime location in South Africa – the Waterberg biosphere.
Best features of Rock Lodge at Sediba Luxury Safari Lodge
- 10 Spacious thatch suites well spaced out to expererience a sense of secludedness
- Inviting bathtub with extraordinary panoramic views
- An open indoor shower
- Private Viewing Decks
- A sparkling riverside pool beneath the main building to relax during the heat of the day.
- In-room Safe
- Suites are far apart and offer spectacular sunrise views
- Promotes sustainable tourism through energy saving practices
- Best photographic opportunities to capture jaw-dropping experiences
- Twice daily game drives with expertly trained game rangers
- The lodge is located in wildlife concentration areas
- Complementary, strong Wi-Fi in all areas of the lodge
- USB and international power plugs are available in the suites.
- Children of all ages are welcome and accommodated at both lodges.
- There are several activities on offer for children while parents enjoy peace and relaxation at the spa or maintain their fitness in the gym.
- There are several spacious wellness areas spread out on the main decks to enjoy exquisite panoramic views.
- Gastronomic meals can be enjoyed in various unique settings. The boma dinner is one not to be missed.
- Every unit has a fully equipped bar fridge with coffee station
PRO TIP
Ask for unit 10 at Rock Lodge, it is at the furthest end from the main building making it extra private.
Dress in layers for game drives as early morning and late afternoon game drives tend to get a bit chilly, particularly in winter. A beanie or hoodie is a good choice. There are rain jackets on the game vehicles for those rainy days. Game drives are hardly ever cancelled due to rain.
The best activities on offer at Sediba Luxury Safari Lodge
Twice daily game drives with expertly qualified game rangers like Moyo, who has been part of the Sediba family for more than a decade. No matter what we asked our game ranger, Quolani (on our March trip), he would always come back to us with an answer after researching our questions. Astonishingly, Quolani even messaged us a few days after we left the lodge with a response to one of our questions after researching the answer.
The South African wilderness is the ultimate setting to enjoy a pampering session. You can select from several personalised experiences from Sediba’s signature spa menu.
There is a small but well-appointed gym and wellness centre at the main building.
- Well-equiped conference centre for small gatherings.
- An inviting well-stocked bar
When is the best time to go to Sediba Luxury Safari Lodge?
Sediba can be enjoyed all year round, but our best time is November to March. The Waterberg’s cimate is warm and temperate with three distinct seasons.
The driest time is the middle of winter (May to July).
In summer, from December to February, the weather is hot. The Welgevonden Game reserve often receives thunder storms in the later afteroon followed by beautiful clear skies. These storm generally create magnificent photo opportunities. Animals may take shelder under the trees during rain storms but they are still out in the veld. Therefore, the rainy seasons should not stop you from visiting Welgevonden Game Reserve; the weather is often magnificent after quick rain showers.
Note: rain does not affect game drives. Guests receive waterproof ponchos.
For more information about the weather, click here to read a full report on the Welgevonden game reserve’s website.
How to get to Sediba?
- Sediba is an easy 2.5-hour (the lodge lists this as 3.5 hours) drive from Johannesburg. A landing strip at Welgevonden Game Reserve is available for private charters.
- From Lanzeria Airport it is approximately a 300 km drive
- Collection from O R Tambo airport is available upon request and for an additional fee.
For directions to Sediba click here:
- Enter Wegevondenden Gem Reserve West gate in your navigation (not Sediba)
- Collection from West gate is 12 am daily.
- There is a safe unroof parking for your vehicle at the pick-up point.
- The road to Sediba is in very good condition.
How to make a booking at Sediba Luxury Safari Lodge?
Contact details: +27 (0) 71 334 0882
Email: nadia@sediba.com or wayne@sediba.com
Do’t forget to use our discount code TBL24SLS when making a booking with Sediba.
Book your stay at Sediba Luxury Safari Lodge
TravelStart offers great deals at Sediba Luxury Safari Lodge.
Conclusion
There is no better destination to satisfy your safari wanderlust than Sediba Luxury Safari Lodge. You will return to this lodge year after year, as the staff and management know how to create guest experiences that last a lifetime.
If you found this article helpful, please give us a thumbs up or rating! You may also wish to read our first article about Sediba published in 2021.
Until next time, when we share more ‘affordable’ luxury adventures with you,
Your Travel Buddies, Bernie and Petra
