Tshwene Lodge

Tshwene Lodge A luxury safari lodge from Rare Earth Retreats, situated in the heart of Welgevonden Game Reserve

Surrounded by magnificent rock outcrops, Tshwene Lodge is a secluded oasis in the rugged valley of the Taaibos River. The Chacma baboon, after which the lodge is named, calls late at night to alert of pending danger. Rich in bird life, Tshwene offers peace and tranquillity for those seeking to get away from it all. The five strategically located suites all offer exhilarating views of the valleys b

elow and the hills beyond. Nestled within a rock outcrop, Tshwene Lodge is intimate and peaceful. The main facilities include two lounges, pool, indoor and outdoor dining areas set on a huge wooden patio with magnificent views. All meals are prepared by our local chef for a delicious culinary experience.

Slow safari, Tshwene style in the 37,000-hectare, malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve Game Reserve[The Tshwene “Rule:”...
11/06/2026

Slow safari, Tshwene style in the 37,000-hectare, malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve Game Reserve

[The Tshwene “Rule:”Wherever you are standing right now, at the spa, sitting down for lunch, or waking up in bed, you’re surrounded by magnificent treetop views.]

We could tell you all about the incredible food, the absolute bliss of our treatments, or the leisurely pace of a slow safari where time doesn’t exist... but we’ll let our guests do the talking:

“Tshwene Lodge is a hidden gem in the mountains... the view from our room was unbelievable. Waking up to the sounds of the birds and looking out over the valley was pure magic.”

“From the minute we arrived, the service was world-class. The food was absolutely delicious, beautifully presented, and served with a view that you just can’t get tired of.”

“An incredible, intimate lodge tucked into the cliffs. It feels totally secluded and romantic. The perfect place to slow down, enjoy a massage, and just breathe in the bush.”

P.S. Did we mention the views? 😉
P.P.S. 3-hour drive from Johannesburg

📸 Claire Gunn Food & Restaurant

A place of soulful happiness.” “I left a piece of my heart there.”Our guide Steve (everybody loves him) remembered what ...
02/06/2026

A place of soulful happiness.” “I left a piece of my heart there.”

Our guide Steve (everybody loves him) remembered what you hoped to see and stayed out until you saw it.

Sinah cooked every meal to perfection. The outside shower at golden hour. A massage Peet says might be the best of his life.

Guests from France, the UK, South Africa, and more, all leaving the same way. Counting down until their next stay.

Reading these, we remember exactly why this (romantic) treetop hideaway matters.

📍 Game Reserve 

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30/04/2026

They may look like they’re wearing armor, but rhinos are all heart 🦏💛

A rhino calf will stay by its mother’s side for up to three years. During that time, she’ll teach it everything, from where to find the best grazing spots, to how to navigate the thickets.

Fun fact: They are surprisingly quiet, light on their feet, and their closest living relatives aren’t elephants or hippos, but horses and zebras. We love it! 😅

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📍Welgevonden Game Reserve

Meet the Little bee-eater (Merops pusillus).These two take “dinner dates” seriously. The male will hunt down a prime ins...
17/04/2026

Meet the Little bee-eater (Merops pusillus).
These two take “dinner dates” seriously. The male will hunt down a prime insect and present it to his partner to keep the spark alive. 😬

game reserve isn’t just land of the giants; it’s a sanctuary for over 300 bird species. While everyone is looking down for tracks, the real colour show is happening at eye level.

If you stopped scrolling for this, you’re in good company. There are over 50 billion birds on Earth and millions of birdwatchers documenting them daily.

So yes, there is always time for a bird on the timeline.

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📍 game reserve

06/04/2026

Current mood. 🥱🦛 *tiny* yawns aplenty.

Can you tell it’s been a busy long weekend pause? 🧡

Fun (adorably cute) fact: When a calf gets tired of walking on the riverbed, they often hitch a ride and nap on their mother’s back.

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That ‘pinch me’ feeling when the Waterberg landscape finally reveals its giants. 🦏Standing in the presence of 50 million...
01/04/2026

That ‘pinch me’ feeling when the Waterberg landscape finally reveals its giants. 🦏

Standing in the presence of 50 million years of history. Iconic.

reserve is a world leader in rhino conservation and a sanctuary for both Black and White rhinos.

From the blurry, heart-hand excitement to the quiet focus of the golden hour, these are the moments that stay with you. There’s no script for a sighting like this, just pure, unfiltered joy.

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📍Tshwene Lodge, Welgevonden Nature Reserve

27/03/2026

The moment: holding your breath as you cross the river.

Core memory: unlocked 💛

📍 A Tshwene state of mind in the nature reserve.

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25/03/2026

Those eyes don’t miss a thing.

Known for its mesmerising gaze and signature ear tufts, the Spotted Eagle-Owl (Bubo africanus) is a true master of the sub-Saharan night.

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There’s plenty written about the benefits of being surrounded by nature.But you don’t need to read about it to understan...
04/02/2026

There’s plenty written about the benefits of being surrounded by nature.
But you don’t need to read about it to understand it. It’s something you can feel.

There’s only one right answer ☕️ 📸
29/01/2026

There’s only one right answer ☕️

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Address

Welgevonden Game Reserve
Vaalwater
0530

Telephone

+27115680384

Website

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