A unique opportunity has become available to own residential property within the 35 000ha Welgevonden Private Game Reserve, situated in Limpopo. Properties currently being marketed include a completed five bedroom thatched lodge priced at R14,9m and four undeveloped 500ha stands priced at R5,5m apiece, each of which may incorporate a lodge of up to five bedrooms.

Two shareblocks comprising 10 percent share of a five bedroom lodge, each set on a 500ha site and including a game viewing vehicle are also for sale. These two options also entitle the owner to five weeks' usage per annum and are priced just below R1m.

Assis Pontes, area principal for Pam Golding Properties, says "Including the Big 5, the malaria-free Welgevonden Private Game Reserve is unspoilt, and with a combination of scenic splendour, excellent wildlife and bird watching, captures the essence of a South African wilderness."

"It incorporates only 61 sites, including private, corporate and commercial lodges such as Wooded Peaks and Shibula. Welgevonden first became a conservation area in 1993 through a private sector initiative that resulted in the consolidation of numerous private farms. To date 53 of the sites have been developed, with the lodges carefully positioned in order to remain inconspicuous and provide maximum privacy for residents. With the exception of the access roads to the individual lodges, landowners have traversing rights over the entire reserve. There are no internal fences, however an electrified perimeter fence restricts the movement of large mammal species onto neighbouring properties," says Pontes.

The management of the reserve has embarked on innovative management techniques to proactively target the generally conflicting objectives of long-term biodiversity conservation and rewarding short-term eco-tourism. The proclamation of Marakele National Park and the development of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve have added significant impetus to conservation efforts in the region.

There are future plans to remove the fence line between Welgevonden and Marakele, which will allow movement of animals between the two properties. This will make Welgevonden a key part of the core area of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve which was proposed as a concept that could integrate conservation and job creation and was officially declared by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organisation) in 2001, currently covering an area in excess of 4000 square kilometres.

Other attractions and activities in the vicinity of Welgevonden include a rhino museum, the Clive Walker Art Gallery, a goat cheese factory, various curio shops, restaurants and tea rooms, mountain biking and hiking, among others.

Image: View of one of the homes at Welgevonden Private Game Reserve. Buyers have the opportunity to purchase a shareblock comprising a six percent shareholding, priced at R1.05m, in this five bedroom lodge.

For more information contact 014 7631242, mail to ellisras@pamgolding.co.za. or visit www.pamgolding.co.za.

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