Accolades | :Tourism Council of SA Star Grading |
Location: South Africa » Limpopo » Valley of the Olifan » Warmbad (Bela Bela)TGCSA Star GradingSondela Nature Reserve Sondela Nature Reserve Chalets  
DescriptionSondela Nature Reserve in Limpopo is one of South Africa's most popular inland holiday resorts. This private game reserve offers a selection of quality holiday accommodation - from 4-star graded self-catering chalets, a caravan park and tent camp, to the up-market butler serviced Country House, graded 5-star by the South African Tourism Council. Sondela Nature Reserve is situated less than an hour and a half from Johannesburg (Gauteng) on the threshold of Limpopo's Waterberg region in a malaria free area. The nearest town is Bela Bela, well known for its hot mineral springs, game lodges, private game reserves, holiday accommodation, health and beauty spas and selection of self catering and camping resorts, bush lodges and guest houses. Over the years Sondela Nature Reserve has grown to become one of South Africa's premier privately held nature reserves. Ambitious management has resulted in a game reserve and family resort that is known for its great hospitality, quality accommodation and friendly service - a sought after family holiday destination. Game viewing in open vehicles affords guests the opportunity of viewing fauna and flora, whilst traversing the varied Bushveld terrain of the Springbok Flats.
The Sondela Country House is the jewel in the crown for the already versatile accommodation profile that this pristine Bushveld game reserve has to offer, both in its aesthetics and in its impact. The result is a truly unique fully serviced boutique hotel that offers the seclusion of the African bush, yet with the small luxuries that make for a relaxing and invigorating game experience. Each of the exclusive luxury rooms is en suite, some with both indoor and outdoor showers and baths. Each room at the 5-star Sondela Country House has its own private verandah affording guests the opportunity to watch nature going on its way while basking in the privacy of their secluded suites. The cuisine served at the Sondela Country House, is a superb fusion of African flavours. The chef offers a menu to surpass the expectations of even the most discerning diner.
The Sondela Academy is a venture of Sondela Nature Reserve endorsed by the Food and Beverage Institute. Students live on the premises in a secure environment, while classes and practical training take place at Sondela Academy. Students receive hands-on training both in the lecture room and in all of the departments on the Reserve. Students are therefore exposed to the demands and rewards the tourism industry has to offer, 24 hours a day. The minimum requirement for all applications is a valid Senior Certificate. Sondela Academy offers a variety of hospitality courses, i.e. professional chef, food and beverage management, nature conservation, tour guiding, front office management - all accredited by City & Guilds International. Application Form for 2011.
Sondela Wildlife Centre is a registered rehabilitation centre which cares for sick, injured or orphaned wild animals. Visitors' personal interaction with the little animals provide countless, unforgettable magic moments. The Sondela Wildlife Centre aims to improve the welfare of wild animals and create awareness of the challenges faced by wildlife. The Wildlife Centre has an international wildlife volunteer program where the volunteers interact with wild animals and have the opportunity to go on horse safaris, game-drives, game capturing, animal husbandry and farmyard activities. Accommodation - Chalets Expect the ultimate in comfort at Sondela Nature Reserve! The luxurious chalets at this RCI Gold Crown Resort carry a 4-star self-catering Satour rating and can be booked either through the RCI exchange system or through conventional rental. - 4 - 6 sleeper options
- 2 bathrooms en-suite
- Open plan kitchen/lounge/dining room, loft (not all units)
- Private boma or braai area
- Kitchen appliances, utensils and crockery
- Linen and bath towels (please bring own swimming towels)
- Undercover parking
- DSTV channels
- Daily services
- Ceiling fans
- Baby cots available on request
Country House The Butler serviced Sondela Country House is set against the gentle backdrop of grassy Bushveld savannahs, the butler-serviced Sondela Country House is embraced by embraced by majestic trees, rolling green lawns and delightful glimpses of fertile farm fields and vineyards. The recent addition of the stately Country House is the proverbial diamond in the crown for Sondela Nature Reserve and its already versatile range of top class accommodation, leisure and conference facilities. Seven spacious bedrooms have been decorated with their own individual character that not only includes beautiful furnishings and fine linen but also special features such as private outdoor showers or baths, whilst the intimate honeymoon suite offers a private garden and spa pool. Attention to detail is evident in the handsome fittings of bathroom accessories, towel rails, baths, basins and showers. Each room opens onto either a small secluded garden, or onto lovely manicured lawns, with views of the homestead fields and vineyards close by. Perhaps the most inspiring feature is the canopy of majestic trees, some of which were planted over 200 years ago, that bathe the gardens with welcome shade from the African sun during summer months. A heated sparkling pool is reserved for the exclusive use of guests to the Sondela Country House. Please note: No children under 16 years of age allowed at the Country House.  Contact Details:
Reservations
Tel: 086 127 6237
Int. Tel: +27 51 924 0585 |   
FacilitiesConferences Sondela has long been a popular conferencing destination. The combination of luxury accommodation, exquisite cuisine, hands-on hospitality, varied activities and the surrounding nature reserve provides delegates with an outstanding opportunity to combine work and play. There are two conference venues available. The Sondela Hall offers a relaxed setting, and can comfortably seat up to 100 delegates. Equipment includes data projectors, white boards, flip charts and stationery. An intimate boardroom setting is available at the Sondela Country House for up to 16 persons. Exciting team building options offered by Blue Hat Entertainment are available on request. - Quad Biking
- 4 x 4 Excursion
- Bridging
- Game Drives
- Raft Building
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Team Sports
AttractionsActivities - Restaurant Piccinini's Bistro and Pub is the perfect spot to relax. Whether you sit by the log fire in winter with a heartwarming sherry, enjoy our famous tea and scones in the tea garden, or just treat yourself to poolside food and drinks, Piccinini's will certainly satisfy your taste buds. Sondela Wildlife Centre
This wonderful facility, situated within walking distance of the Sondela reception area, will surely capture your imagination and the little residents will most definitely capture your hearts. Touch, feel, listen and tour through the Sondela Wildlife Centre. Let the team share with you their vast experience, dedication and passion for the hand-rearing, care and handling of the wild animals in their charge. At the Sondela Wildlife Centre we: - Care for wild animals in distress
- Rescue and rehabilitate sick or injured wild animals to ensure a safe future for our animals.
- Hand-rear orphaned wild animals
- Provide comfortable safe holding facilities for animals
- Create a better world for wild animals by improving their welfare and educating people in an entertaining manner to care for our natural heritage.
Tours : Tuesday - Thursday @ 10.00 / Saturday @ 10.00 and 15.00 /
Sunday @ 10.00. All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets available from Sondela Reception.  
What do our users think16.02.2010 by Andre de Villiers from SA
 - 5/5
- Just reading the comments make we want to book for a weekend, shame you poor smokers - now there is a place we can get some fresh air! I'll be there in March 2010!
11.01.2010 by Irma Malan from South Africa
- 5/5
- What a beautiful clean family resort. Chalets are immaculate, no cigarette burn marks on furniture. The chalets cleaning staff are very friendly & helpful. Sondela is a must for people with youngsters.
26.10.2009 by Gwen Bangert from SA
- 5/5
- To all the smokers who complain about the non-smoking rule. How awfull of you! Not only is smoking bad for your health but even worse for second hand smokers. I do not want to stay in a chalet that a smoker has stayed in and have my kids breath in that air! The least you can do is smoke outside. That is not too much too ask! Well done to Sondela they are truly a family holiday destination!
19.07.2009 by peet klaasen from SA
- Smokers Stay Home.
Nature is not a part of smoking.
Stay in the City and enjoy all the smoke.
18.06.2009 by Deborah Glenz from Germany
- Thank you for these comments. I was on the brink of booking a long weekend stay while in South Africa. I fortunately only go on recomendations and visitors comments. You saved me a lot of money and aggravation.
06.03.2009 by Hamish Cochrane from South Africa
- SMOKERS BEWARE! Sondela used to be one of my Favourite places & I had considered buying timeshare there, but they have now taken a new, draconian anti-smoking stance and clearly don't want smokers as guests. You are greeted with a No Smoking sign on the door of all their chalets that states "R500 fine if not adhered to as per Management"... So unless they are prepared to smoke outside and watch TV through the window, don't go there. It spoilt my holiday.
06.03.2009 by Hamish Cochrane from South Africa
- SMOKERS BEWARE! Sondela used to be one of my Favourite places & I had considered buying timeshare there, but they have now taken a new, draconian anti-smoking stance and clearly don't want smokers as guests as you are greeted with a No Smoking sign on the door of all their chalets that states "R500 fine if not adhered to as per Management"... So unless they are prepared to smoke outside and watch TV through the window, don't go there. It spoilt my holiday.
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