A Bushpilot Adventures year-end function is a spectacle, and December 2025 did not disappoint. Having wonderful suppliers, in this case, Bushbreaks, is a gift so when we made our request for accommodation, they truly understood the brief.

We required two night that was child-friendly, fenced, non-malarial, close to an airstrip and that could accommodate 8 people full board. Bontle Lodge (aptly meaning ‘beautiful one’ in Setswana) in the magnificent Welvevonden Game Reserve was suggested, and it was the perfect choice! The hosts could not have been more wonderful and since we were visiting out of season, we had the place to ourselves!

A perk of the industry, we flew from Wonderboom to Welgevonden Main which is a short, 45-minute flight and we were greeted by the wonderful hosts and whisked off for a light lunch and refreshments before our short game transfer to the lodge. The game reserve is simply teeming with life! The lodge itself is a very magical place, with rooms being connected by beautiful wooden walkways under a canopy of trees. The rooms themselves are opulent and comfortable with attention to detail in everything – a true sense of calm and unsurpassed indulgence. The main entertainment area consists of a striking rim flow swimming pool, overlooking a serene river. We simply put our feet up and enjoyed a couple of rounds of the traditional African stone game of Umlabalaba. The meals were exquisitely arranged and catered for all palates – especially fussy little eaters! 

Game drives were a real treat and catered around the needs of the group. Drinks on an open plain surrounded by majestic animals – including one week-old warthogs – is the perfect way to submerge yourself in that December feeling. The pace is unhurried and impervious to the demands of modern life. 

The second night we experienced a true African thunderstorm and upon returning to the aircraft at the landing strip, we discovered hail was involved! Even this could not dampen the mood, and we all felt happy, healthy and a little heavier than when we left!

A true respite from the hustle and bustle of life, Bontle Lodge will envelope you in a sense of African hospitality with a sprinkling of chic and unfussed safari splendour.