Oriole - Welgevonden Game Reserve

Oriole offers an immersive Bushveld experience within South Africa's Welgevonden Game Reserve

Location
Welgevonden Game Reserve, North West & Central Bushveld, South Africa, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-24.105469, 27.975410
Price range
luxury
Phone
(011) 346 2422
Email
[email protected]
Website
https://www.oriole.co.za/
Activities
Spa
Amenities
Spa, Bar, Library, Gym

PlnrScore: 45/100

Wildlife Near This Lodge

1181 species observed within 20 km, 46 mammals, 149 birds.

  • Blue-sided Sprite (Insecta, 33 observations)
  • White-masked Wisp (Insecta, 29 observations)
  • Red-veined Dropwing (Insecta, 27 observations)
  • White Rhinoceros (Mammalia, 26 observations)
  • silver terminalia (Plantae, 23 observations)
  • Hamon's Sprite (Insecta, 21 observations)
  • Tigertail (Insecta, 19 observations)
  • Common Riverjack (Insecta, 19 observations)
  • Creamstriped Owl (Insecta, 18 observations)
  • Southern Giraffe (Mammalia, 17 observations)

Best Time to Visit Oriole

The best months to visit Oriole are September, January, February, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 21.6°C, rainfall 121.2mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 66.4%
  • February: Great, temperature 21.41°C, rainfall 75.7mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 67%
  • March: Great, temperature 20.7°C, rainfall 36.8mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 61.7%
  • April: Great, temperature 18.27°C, rainfall 44.4mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 59.9%
  • May: Great, temperature 16.14°C, rainfall 9.9mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 51.5%
  • June: Great, temperature 13.34°C, rainfall 1.4mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 47%
  • July: Great, temperature 13.27°C, rainfall 2.2mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 42.4%
  • August: Great, temperature 16.24°C, rainfall 0.7mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 41.2%
  • September: Great, temperature 20.06°C, rainfall 2.5mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 39.1%
  • October: Great, temperature 21.52°C, rainfall 31.2mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 44.9%
  • November: Great, temperature 21.98°C, rainfall 56.2mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 56.2%
  • December: Great, temperature 21.78°C, rainfall 124.1mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 65.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of wildlife can we realistically expect to encounter during our stay at Oriole, given its location in Welgevonden?

We find Welgevonden to be an exceptional Big Five reserve, and Oriole's guides are superb at tracking. You'll almost certainly see elephant, rhino, buffalo, and lion, with leopard sightings being a thrilling, though less frequent, highlight. We particularly love the healthy populations of plains game and unique species like brown hyena that thrive here.

When is the optimal time of year to visit Oriole for the best safari experience, and what are the seasonal differences?

We always recommend visiting Oriole during the dry winter months, from May to September, when the bush thins out and animals congregate around water sources, making sightings more predictable. The crisp mornings and warm, sunny days are perfect for game drives, and the sunsets are truly sensational.

Beyond the excellent spa facilities, what truly sets Oriole's luxury experience apart from other high-end lodges in the region?

We believe Oriole excels in its intimate service and the feeling of timeless elegance; the lodge feels luxurious and timeless, never ostentatious. The private game vehicles ensure a highly personalized safari, and the culinary team crafts exquisite meals, often served in unexpected, breathtaking bush locations.

How do we best arrange our travel to Oriole within the Welgevonden Game Reserve, and what should we prepare for?

We recommend flying into Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport and then taking a convenient charter flight directly into one of Welgevonden's airstrips, from where Oriole will arrange your seamless road transfer. Alternatively, a scenic 3-hour road transfer from Johannesburg is also an option, offering a glimpse of the changing landscapes.

Is Welgevonden Game Reserve, and by extension Oriole, considered a malaria-free safari destination?

Yes, absolutely; we appreciate the peace of mind that comes with Welgevonden being a completely malaria-free area, making Oriole an ideal choice for families or those with health concerns. You can fully immerse yourselves in the Bushveld experience without the need for anti-malarial medication, which we find incredibly reassuring.

Other Safari Lodges in Welgevonden Game Reserve

Parks in North West & Central Bushveld

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for South Africa

Travel advisory for South Africa