Exceeded expectations!

For anyone who has considered a once in a lifetime trip to see what a safari in South Africa is all about, look no further than Tsheshepe Lodge! The lodge itself is in an ideal location on a private reserve with limits on access making it a safe and comfortable environment for the many wild animals that call it home. From the day we arrived, travel-weary and jet lagged, we were greeted by Elias and Simon, two of the amazing staff who we came to learn, would help make this trip an experience of a lifetime! Elias is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge about the animals, their habitat and behaviors, the trees, plants, constellations, and not to mention his whole repertoire of bird and animal calls! His patience is endless and his passion is contagious. We were so very fortunate to have him as our guide and learned so much in our short stay. Simon, Livingston, Helen and Johanna were the most gracious house staff we could ever have asked for. Not only did they delight us daily with their skills in the kitchen, each meal more delicious and beautifully presented than the one before, but they love to sing, dance and entertain! Simon even strums some tunes on his guitar providing a wonderful back drop to the evenings sipping wine around the fire pit. The rooms are private and very comfortable. Each night we would come in from a long day of game drives followed by sumptuous meals, and walk back to our rooms to find them warm and cozy because they had thoughtfully turned the heaters on to take the chill out for a perfect night's rest! We always looked forward to the hot hand towels waiting for us upon arrival back to the lodge. They went above and beyond, with so many thoughtful touches that did not go unnoticed or unappreciated. By the end of the trip we were all joking that we would miss being greeted with hot face towels at the end of a long day! Not only did we spot all of the Big 5 and then some, but we were all just amazed at how at ease the wildlife there is and just how up close and personal we were able to get as a result of the animals being so relaxed in our presence. The restrictions on the number of guests allowed in the reserve and management of access to the animals once inside the reserve is to be commended. It highlights advantages over larger, more crowded reserves such as Kruger. I cannot imagine it being better than what we experienced but we were told that we should try coming back in rainy season next time for a whole other level of activity in the reserve! We have nothing but wonderful things to say about the entire experience and while it was a long way to travel, and before going, I was confident that I could cross this off my bucket list and move on, but before we even landed back in the US we were already talking about how the trip exceeded our expectations in every way and how we look forward to bringing our older family members back next time for them to experience what we did and hope to stay here once again. Dave, the owner, was immensely helpful in getting us prepared for our trip and in sorting out the logistics of getting our large group to and from the lodge, as well as recommendations for other parts of our stay in South Africa. We must have exchanged three dozen emails and he was always very quick to reply with responses to everything we asked about. Thank you, Dave. Your Third Home property is a 5 star experience and we appreciate everything you did to make it such a fantastic and successful trip for our group. We look forward to doing it again! ”

Best Trip Ever!

Tsheshepe Lodge was a home away from home with sunbathing rhinos and naughty monkeys stealing bananas during the day and rowdy family squabbles of baboons at night. From the lovely meals that filled us to overindulgence, to the exhilarating game drives that were never short of animals and always hosted a new face, or two, or four, or a thrilling charge by a bull elephant, the experience of Tshehepe never failed to amaze. And always, at the heart of Tsheshepe, was a warm and inviting atmosphere created solely by the friendly and always accommodating faces of the entire staff. Tsheshepe Lodge could not have been a better destination, made special by the people, the animals, the food, the accomodations and the daunting task of walking to our beds searching for glowing eyes at night.”

Spectacular Vacation

The staff & accommodations at Tsheshepe Lodge were amazing! It was a real treat to have the lodge to ourselves. We saw some amazing wildlife. Would definitely return to this spectacular lodge!”

A 7 STAR Elegant Adventure

On behalf of all our traveling group of 8, I want to thank you for sharing your wonderful Lodge and staff. The pictures of Lodge doesn't do it justice. It is spectacular. Everyone went out of their way to make our stay perfect. Livingston prepared outstanding and healthy meals. Simon, Maria and Joanna met our every need. AND, Klaas. our Ranger, did an amazing job. We saw the Big Five +2 the Magnificent 7. He got us going at 5:30. totally prepared for our adventure. It was an amazing trip. We will not forget it. Also, thank you for all your help with planning. I know we deluged. you with many, many questions and you never complained.,,,, thanks !!! ”

Memorable Safari Trip for an 80th Birthday.

We booked this trip for my mother in laws 80th Birthday. She said it was the best Birthday ever. The owner was so informative and helped coordinate a surprise cake and dinner for me. The staff well I can not put into words how amazing the Chef Livingston is and Steven the manager/ game driver. They really make this place run smoothly. A special shout out to Maggy and Maria and Simon. They were amazing as well. If you are ever thinking of doing a safari with family and friends and want a very safe and Malaria Free place that is private visit Welgevonden Reserve. By far I think it is one of the most amazing reserves in the world. We will definitely be coming back again. Renee and Patrick Finn”

An awesome, unforgettable family retreat

We had a family gathering, and taking the whole lodge made our dreams come true. I had five grandchildren that the lodge comfortably accommodated. Yes, the animal viewing is excellent, four of the big five, a hippo out of water, a cheetah and her cubs on a fresh kill. The lodge is large and.comfy, all private en suites. Super! Here is the really awesome part. The staff is unbelievable, from Steven the guide/GM to Mpho who prepares a great selection of excellent meals to the kitchen and laundry staff. These people will give you great joy and happiness during your stay. I cannot imagine another group of people that will make you feel so welcome. They share their hearts. Enjoy a great trip and enjoy these great people. ”

Tsheshepe game lodge, South Africa

An incredible trip. Our group of 8 loved the private game lodge and the special dinners the staff arranged for us at special locations at the lodge and on the preserve. We went ballooning, elephant riding, and went locally for lunch and had a local tribal dance group perform for us in their local village.. The owner was so helpful and did everything, including opening his wine cellar, to insure we had the best time.. Fabulous! Pat Magdol ”