Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa

There is something special about Mhondoro. It draws you in. It captivates you. It allows for an escape that makes you the hero of the tale. It's bush luxury dialled up quite a few notches with its outstanding service and true beauty. It's opulence wrapped in a leopard-print shirt.

If you are looking for a break from the craziness of Johannesburg and surrounds, this is it. You don't have to lift a finger. You just need to be present.

Why stay at Mhondoro?

Mhondoro is a bush getaway where everything is taken care of. It affords the visitor the opportunity to completely switch off from the outside world and fall head first into a stay that is truly memorable.

From the moment you are welcomed on the Mhondoro farm a few minutes away from the Welgevonden Game Reserve (in which Mhondoro is located) right up until you are dropped back at the farm at the end of your stay, you are made to feel as if you deserve this. You are the number one priority. You are the star of your own bushveld story.

I was fortunate enough to be part of a group that stayed in the Villa of Mhondoro. While I can't speak for the other accommodation available on the property, of which there are many, what I can tell you is that the Villa is absolutely magnificent. From your own butler service to a private chef cooking up incredible meals, the more you explore the Villa, the more incredible it becomes. A private spa, gym, pool, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and the most spectacular views from one of the three main bedrooms make the Villa more than just a place to rest your head – it becomes your own personal resort and playground.

What are the rooms like?

The Mhondoro Villa is split into two sections. The main area consists of three massive bedrooms, while the other is an annex with two bedrooms (perfect for the kids). As we were in a group, I took one of the rooms within the annex (yes, I'm still a kid at heart). It is modern bush luxury at its finest. Big bed with sprawling mosquito nets, decor that added to the bushveld ambiance, a polished bathroom with a HUGE tub and outdoor shower, and all the little extras which make for a comfortable stay.

I don't always sleep very well when away from home – especially on the first night, but I cannot lie; I slept like a baby at Mhondoro. This in itself is a treat for me. I also appreciated the little additions such as the mini-bar, jars of sweets, and coffee machine – all of which made my chill time away from the group all the more enjoyable. It's the little touches for me.

What is the service like?

I feel like using the word 'outstanding' doesn't quite do the service I received justice. Exceptional? Stellar? Exemplary? Maybe I will just make up my own word here to describe it – 'Exstellarding'. Yip, that's the one. Are you reading this, Oxford?

I really do want to take this time to do a shoutout to the staff at Mhondoro. From Ryan, our guide, to Oupa, our butler, to Thembi, our chef - and every single person I came into contact with during my stay. They were world-class. I know that some reading this may be saying, "They have to act like that". Well, I don't think that's true. They come across as attentive and caring because that's who they are. They are genuine people and that's why I think their service will remain with me for a long time.

I was particularly taken aback when, upon our return from an evening game drive, a bubble bath had been drawn for me. This was a first and most welcome after some time in the cold evening winds. I have since asked my wife if she can do the same for me when I get home from work. I'm sure you can imagine the response I received. Oh, to be back in Mhondoro...

What is the food like?

Each day a new menu is created to ensure variety in the meal options. What I would later go on to find out is that the farm where we started our journey plays a very big role in what you eat at Mhondoro. Almost all of the ingredients used to create the scrumptious meals are sourced from the Mhondoro farm itself. It's proper sustainability in action and proves that the safari sector is listening. I would also go on to find out that world-renowned chef Luke Dale Roberts has worked with Mhondoro to not only ensure that the farm-to-table story is intentional, but upskill local chefs to produce magic on a plate – and it certainly was magic I experienced thanks to chef Thembi.

From the most delicate beef salad with nam jam dressing to springbok pie with a pear and honey jus, the care taken with each dish would not go amiss in the big city's finest of fine dining spots. The homemade bread was so moreish that I wasn't afraid to grab that extra bit on the communal plate. The fillet steak on the last night of my stay literally melted in my mouth. I could easily do a restaurant review just on the food we were so lucky to experience – and I still can't quite wrap my head around the fact that this was served up in the middle of the bush by my own private chef. The food alone is very much a reason to visit Mhondoro, if for nothing else.

What activities are available?

As Mhondoro is a safari destination, game drives form a big part of the adventure. Set within the Big 5 reserve that is Welgevonden, we were lucky to spot four of the five, with the elusive leopard deciding to do leopard things. Our guide Ryan made the game drives all the more enjoyable with his deep passion and knowledge of the bush, with his enthusiasm helping to ease the cold of the morning drives. It was infectious the way he spoke about the natural world around us and he is a testament to those looking to carry that love of the bush forward.

As already mentioned, a spa is available for all your pampering needs, a private pool with magnificent views is perfect for cooling off (if you are lucky, the elephants come to drink the salt water while you swim!), and a gym is set up with all you could ever need to work off the delicious food on offer.

My favourite activity away from the Villa itself is the water hole. It's easily the most clever water hole I have ever sat at, as you are required to walk through an underground tunnel to access it. The hide sits at water level, so when the animals come to drink, you are seated below their eye line, making for a rather unique and memorable game-viewing experience. Its design is meant to lessen the impact on the animals and their daily routine – and I love that.

Why you should book a stay at Mhondoro

It's memorable. I've been on many bush trips all around South Africa, from basic camping right up to luxury stays. For me, the best ones are always those that stick with you – and this trip to Mhondoro will do just that. From the luxury of the Villa and sitting at the underground hide to the genuine service and delicious food, it was all memorable. It was a true experience that needs to be shared. Only next time I hope the leopards come to say hi...

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