Sondela Nature Reserve and Spa - Chalets

Self Catering in Waterberg, WaterbergLimpopo

Sondela Nature Reserve and Spa - Chalets

Self Catering in Waterberg, WaterbergLimpopo

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Capacity 130

Children All ages

Rooms 24

Check in 15:00 to 19:00

-

Check out 10:00

The Sondela Nature Reserve and Spa - Chalets are well-appointed self-catering chalets located in the Sondela Nature Reserve near Bela Bela. The Sondela Nature Reserve in the Limpopo province is a private game reserve just 150 km from Johannesburg, where you can enjoy the tranquillity of the bushveld, encounters with zebra, kudu, impala and giraffe, or a spot of bird watching.

The furnished chalets are laid out in 4 groups, namely the Acacia Chalets, Sekelbos Chalets, Maroela Chalets and the Karee Chalets. Each chalet has its own well-equipped kitchen facilities and living area, a TV with a selection of DStv channels, as well as a braai facility. Some of the chalets are air-conditioned.

Sondela offers an on-site restaurant and bar, a farmyard coffee shop, a general dealer for basic necessities, a wildlife centre, communal swimming pools, and the on-site Iketla Wellness and Spa. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy including game drives, horse rides, bicycles for hire, a 4x4 obstacle course, and guided quad rides.

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Features

Spa Treatments

Swimming Pool

Braai Area

Massage And Beauty Therapy

Serviced Daily

Game Drives

Game Viewing

See all facilities

Reviews (75)

75 guests' feedback

Cleanliness

Location

9.4

Value for money

8.4

Service

8.4

Safety

9.4

Monia V

Family with teenagers

"Have a nice family weekend."

The unit was well equipped and also a lot of space to hang out outside: braai on the porch with an honor room table, canopy with table and chairs, boma for fire. Units are far enough apart for plenty of privacy.

Oct 2024

Kate S

Family with young children

"A wonderful getaway in nature."

We had a very nice stay. Sondela has so much to do for the children and they are safe. Junior Ranger is a must for the kids.

Sep 2024

Olga V

With friends

"Will book again for sure! The whole package was top quality!"

We have booked 2 chalets right opposite each other, very tidy and good value for money. The bomas and fire pits helped a lot with the cold weather!

Sep 2024

Jg H

Family with young children

"Fantastic accommodation and resort."

Fantastic accommodation resort.

Jul 2024

Isabella N

Family with teenagers

"Rest well and relax."

Was delicious. So relaxing. Staff was amazing and we checked out a little later. The 10 o'clock slot is quite tight on a Sunday.

Jul 2024

Isabella N

With friends

"Peaceful, relaxing and a great weekend getaway."

The weekend was amazing. The staff were very accommodating and we were able to check out slightly later. The 10 hours is quite limiting, especially if you want to cycle first. Thank you very much. The jacuzzi just wouldn't heat up.

Jul 2024

Tebogo S

With friends

"Really beautiful place."

A very beautiful place, clean and neat. All the staff members we interacted with were very friendly and courteous.

May 2024

Riana N

Family with teenagers

"Our family had a great time relaxing. The braai area and hangout was lovely!"

Nice Bosveld Team.

Mar 2024

Celmari D

With partner

"Safe, blissful in nature!"

Always good at Sondela!

Feb 2024

Leonie R

9.6

"Invigorating."

Delicious. Restful. Everything orderly and working. Will always again.

Oct 2024

Annatjie L

9.6

"Fantastic."

Incredibly peaceful and nature wonderful. Saw lots of wildlife and several bird species.

Aug 2024

Marlize Y

Family with young children

9.6

"A nice family holiday so close to home. Relax next to the boma."

The chalets were very neat and the service was very good. Everyone was friendly and went out of their way to help us. One of the curtain arrangements fell off and they fixed it very quickly. Would perhaps make one of the rooms' bed size at least queen instead of double, but it is said in advance.

"Delicious. Lots to do."

Very nice. Quiet, peaceful and tidy.

Jun 2024

Monique V

Family with young children

9.6

"Great stay!"

Excellent service at this destination.

Jun 2024

Alida V

Family with teenagers

9.2

"It was a lovely weekend."

We had a fantastic stay. The handling for clients at reception can be worked on. Furthermore, it was a great weekend with lots of game and bird species that came to visit the chalet.

Jun 2024

Lynette S

Family with teenagers

8.8

"Great."

Had a nice stay. Might just mow the grass in front of the chalet.

Jan 2024

Keith W

Family with young children

8.4

"Very good."

Staff are all very friendly. Very responsive to solving problems reported - TV and hot water system.

Sep 2024

Marilize V

Family with teenagers

8.4

"Weekend is too short. Such an incredibly nice venue."

Had a great weekend!

Jul 2024

Liezel C

Family with young children

8.4

"Beautiful scenery will surely recommend for family visits."

Had a great stay. Many activities with the peaceful nature around you.

"Lovely."

Wonderful experience to have nature at your door.

"If everything was right, as requested, Sondela is a nice place."

Our initial booking indicated that we had 3 cottages together, but two were and the other was not. I asked for special permission to check in at 12:00, but when we arrived they said it wouldn't be until 13:00. The power plugs of one cottage and the upper part of the fridge did not work. The utility man came to work on the power, but it was already dark when we first got power. It was quite a disappointment. For the price of almost one night's stay, we expected everything to be fine.

Mar 2024

Ryno O

Family with young children

"Good breakaway stay."

Was a good break away, downside was the rat nest in the roof with rat droppings inside the main bedroom. But all in all a good stay.

Oct 2024

Krismi V

With friends

"Restful."

We had a great time, except for the fact that we had no hot water since Saturday.

Jun 2024

Tiaan R

With friends

"Dit was lekker."

Very friendly staff.

"Pleasant and relaxing."

Enjoyed walking amongst the game.

May 2024

Stiaan B

Family with teenagers

7.2

"Relaxing."

Accommodation was good and tidy.

Sep 2024

Brendan M

Family with teenagers

7.2

"Dissapointed."

It was great to get away to the bush with the family and to spend the time relaxing. I was, however, disappointed at the offering considering the daily rate. On arrival, I had to purchase coupons for the use of the air conditioners in the chalet. This was not listed on the website when booking. Then only 2 of the 4 air conditioners worked. One of those that worked poured water out all over the cupboards and kitchen. Then a big disappointment and frustration was the tools for braaing. The chalets have a boma to make a fire and a braai, however there were no tools (spade, rake) to manage the fire or coals with, no brush to clean the grid, and a really poor set of tongs. This makes the experience a frustrating one. The website also mentions horse riding available, meanwhile the horses were apparently sold a long time ago. Considering the number of people that can accommodate, the pool is really small and very few lounging chairs around it.

"Fair and I think staff should be aware that some units offer free air con."

I have raised all my issues with the hospitality team. Also, I have raised them with the host.

Feb 2024

Adia M

6.4

"Relaxing, good cycling routes, lots of dust. QR code is insufficient."

Was a regular at the place for many years, but had not been there for 8 years. Comfortable houses and many activities. Cutlery was dirty, house key was gone and had to struggle in the dark at 7pm to get into the house without a key. House is not serviced on Sundays and it is not indicated or mentioned anywhere, and the costs are high per night. You would think this would include cleaning services every day. Directional signs to the cottages are very poor, we had a lot of trouble finding the house in the evening when we arrived, there are signs gone (mentioned all the matters to reception). The dust is also very bad on the roads with a lot of traffic. In earlier years, roads were scraped and water-sprayed regularly. The heaters in the cottage are also outdoor. Information is passed on very poorly. Wasn't aware of the QR code with information, but that's about it. I suggest a small file per house with all the information of the place as it always was. They can also put in a list of birds and animals, so that you can get to know nature better. (Older generation people are uncomfortable with QR codes). The place remains a nice place and it's neat, comfortable and close to PTA, we relaxed, but the standard has slightly weakened from what we were used to at the place. Hope attention is paid to my points.

Jun 2024

Heine B

Family with young children

5.2

"Below average."

We were only allowed to book in at 15h00, which makes no sense. We arrived at 12h00, so for 3 hours with small children and no plan could be made! The chalet was not clean and the dust around the chalets was terrible. There was no grass, however the adverts show grass? Breakfast at the restaurant was non-existent!

Jun 2024

Christa V

With partner

"Great venue."

Lovely place in wonderful surroundings, and great time of year, all green and beautiful. Would love to go again.

Dec 2023

Diana D

With partner

"Very nice ."

It was very nice, just wish I had known in advance that you have to buy coupons for power to use the air conditioner. We only found out when we got there. Usually, accommodation costs include electricity on the unit regardless of whether there is air conditioning or not.

Dec 2023

Yvette V

Family with young children

"Very nice and amazing staff."

Enjoyed very much thank you friendly, clean, comfortable.

Sep 2023

Beverley C

With partner

"Safe, breathtaking and convenient."

Second time this year and stay nice for a break from the city, nice and close.

Aug 2023

Renier J

With friends

"Clean, tidy and private."

Definitely want to book again for the KykNet Expo but look for a closer chalet. Staying at Sondela during the Expo also gives you easy and convenient access to the festival. And bonus: fast car wash spray-off service if you book out on the day! No WIFI at the chalet and we only missed a duvet inside for the sofa bed.

Jul 2023

Daleen N

Family with young children

"Great stay."

Load shedding in the bushveld is not nice!

Jul 2023

Margaret W

Family with young children

"Thank you very much, it was very nice."

Very friendly and helpful staff. We will definitely come again.

May 2023

Bertus C

With partner

"Comfortable, private and tidy."

Conveniently near highway. Very wild. Charlet well furnished. Nice restaurant and deli. Everything available. Friendly service. Will definitely go again.

Apr 2023

Anna N

Family with young children

"Nice woodland walk, quiet, clean and tidy."

Services from reception, restaurant and cleaning were some of the best. Site is neat and clean. Workers of the highest quality.

Mar 2023

Naomi K

Individual traveller

"Very nice."

Enjoyed the park.

Mar 2023

Tillie S

9.6

"Delicious in the forest among animals."

Definitely had a great time and rested.

Dec 2023

Shani K

Family with teenagers

9.6

"Our favorite chalet at Sondela."

Sondela is always a wonderful getaway. Lots to do. This specific chalet has a Jacuzzi, boma, and an extra patio which is really fun to have.

"Very pleasant place and very neat. Will visit again."

Had a great stay and really enjoyed it.

Nov 2023

Jan O

Family with young children

9.2

"Relaxing."

Great weekend with good accommodation.

Nov 2023

Louise W

Family with teenagers

9.2

"Peaceful and fun environments."

Sondela is one of our favourite family getaways. For teens always extra fun when there are a lot of other kids, they spend hours playing games, and swimming, while parents can get some well-deserved chillax time. Whether it's camping or in the chalets always a pleasant experience.

"Friendly, quiet and well managed."

Sondela Chalet 117 is nicely situated in a quiet area of Sondela.

Apr 2023

Morné D

Family with young children

8.8

"Nice Sondela!"

Now that was fun! Sondela: always a winner.

"Great, good rest for one's soul."

The place is well furnished and has enough space for outdoor activities such as jogging and cycling. However, the chalets are very expensive - the price per night is more than the Kruger Park. We can agree that the Kruger is in a different league than the accommodation at Sondela Nature Reserve and Spa - Chalets.

Dec 2023

Henk P

Family with young children

"Peaceful."

We have been going to Sondela for several years in December and enjoy it very much. One hour's drive from Pretoria. New private units are nicely renovated.

Dec 2023

Leonie B

Family with young children

"Delicious."

We love the reserve and the chalets, but the reception needs a lot of work in terms of friendliness. Sour faces greet you, very unpleasant. And the men at the gate are also incompetent. If one can look past that, Sondela is great.

Nov 2023

Jacques B

Family with young children

"Nice unit, good facilities."

A good experience. Would recommend.

May 2023

Anita B

With friends

"Only problem was that the upstairs bedroom's beds had bed bugs."

The upper beds were full of bed bugs and bit my guests furiously. The jacuzzi was dirty and without water.

"We enjoyed our stay at Sondela Nature Reserve and Spa - Chalets, but the lady at the reception gave us the wrong."

Very impressive but my shades were nowhere to be found the next day.

Nov 2023

Natasha B

Family with young children

7.6

"Lovely house with most necessities for a short stay. Jacuzzi and TV were out of order and could not be repaired during our visit."

Not 100% value for money. Although it is a beautiful house there are some items needed in the kitchen to make it comfortable. There are no plastic glasses for children or containers to pack barbecue for the fridge. It is indeed sufficient for a short stay. The staff were unable to repair the jacuzzi and the disappointment was huge as it was the only reason we booked the particular unit. The TV was also out of order. Unit was clean and tidy on arrival and it was nice that it was cleaned daily.

Mar 2023

Greg W

Family with teenagers

7.2

"Expensive for days - we normally go camping."

The workers were on strike, so the units were not serviced as advertised. Many items were missing from the checklist. It was advertised as a unit with air conditioning, but there was an additional charge to use it.

"It was nice, but will make 3 recommendations."

A comfortable couch in the living room would have been nice (the current couch is not comfortable). A TV in the master bedroom would have been nice for relaxation. Wi-fi would have been nice because mobile reception is very bad at Sondela.

Aug 2023

Yolanda S

With partner

"Value for money."

Enjoyed the stay. Loved the animals driving to the chalets. Will recommend Sondela.

Dec 2022

Monica V

With partner

"Very enjoyable weekend away."

The bush was very peaceful. Perfect getaway from the rush.

Aug 2022

Christelle B

"As always, everything was just great."

Only 1 negative: at reception we booked at the spa, for Saturday. The lady made the reservation and took our cell phone number in case something happened. However, when we arrived early on Saturday (in the cold, through the mud and rain), our reservation was not confirmed and other people were already booked in our time slot. It was slightly unpleasant and very uncomfortable. It felt like the ladies thought we were lying.

Apr 2022

Eunice V

Family with young children

9.6

"Great family experience."

It was great, unfortunately not knowing about the loadshedding hours was a bit of an inconvenience, but overall we enjoyed our stay.

Nov 2022

Tersia A

Family with young children

9.6

"Wonderful!"

Was pleasantly surprised with the whole farm!

Jun 2022

Shani K

Family with young children

9.2

"Sondela is always consistent, you know what you get."

No issues. Clean and neat. Had an issue with the shower head, and it was replaced quickly.

Jun 2022

Tertia V

Family with young children

9.2

"Excellent."

Tranquil surroundings, excellent entertainment area with warm and cold swimming pools, excellent spa and wildlife experience.

Mar 2022

Rina V

Family with teenagers

9.2

"Very nice stay. Everything you need."

Very peaceful if you want to get away from all the hustle and bustle.

Feb 2022

Jackie P

Family with young children

8.8

"It was lovely, the children enjoyed the hot water pool. Great barbecue. Wild a hit."

It was nice and quiet at the chalets, the swimming areas were clean.

"Relaxing, quiet and peaceful, resort offers wide range of activities, lots of animals to see, nice braai and socializing area."

Although Sondela is located just a stone's throw from Pretoria, you immediately forget about the city's noise and become one with nature. Sondela offers a peaceful, relaxing experience. Goats, birds and warthogs also regularly visit each chalet. There is a lot to do, such as cycling and horse riding, swimming, putt-putt, walking, tennis and so on. There is also a very nice meeting area on the stoep, as well as a boma and built-in braai at the Acacia chalets where we stayed. Remember your own wood, you can just buy it from the snack bar by the pool. House interior is very neat, well equipped. Keep a tip handy for the people who spray your car when leaving the resort when you check out. My only criticism would be the charging of certain fees, including the air conditioning fee (R75) and then you are not guaranteed that there will be one in your room, as in our case. In addition, there were "tokens" left on the air cooler that had not been used up by the previous guests. So first check if you do have one in your room and if there might still be hours left to use. One regular drinking glass broke for which we had to pay R71, which is quite a lot for one glass. Each car pays a conservation fee of around R275 if I remember correctly, but that's understandable. Just plan for it. One of the ladies at reception initially wanted each room/couple to pay a R500 break deposit while another person said it was R500 for the whole cottage. Just make sure about that, otherwise everyone who checks in has to pay an unnecessary R500 deposit.

Feb 2022

Neels V

Family with young children

7.2

"Disappointed."

There was more loadshedding than daylight. Chalet is not equipped for that at all and for the R11 000 for 4 nights one expects better. Couldn't use the DStv at all because the signal was too weak due to of heavy weather. The animals were very beautiful! We decided to drive a day ahead of time due to from our experience.

Dec 2022

Jan S

Family with teenagers

"Fantastic!"

We have already told the whole world about how tame the animals are and how safe the hiking and cycling routes are, as well as how much there is to do and forwarded photos. We can't be outspoken.

Oct 2021

Eunice V

Family with young children

"Refreshing and peaceful."

Despite most activities being done on weekends, it's definitely a great family experience.

Sep 2021

Izak En Tertia V

Family with young children

9.6

"Very pleasant and a great place."

Beautiful place and very neat.

Nov 2021

Hans V

Family with young children

9.6

"Had a great time and enjoyed the privacy."

See stars.

Oct 2021

Michelle G

Family with young children

"Lots of activities for the whole family."

Sondela is wonderful. Will go again anytime.

Oct 2021

Ameldie D

Family with teenagers

"Peaceful forest getaway."

Was a lovely neat place to live for the weekend - wish we could have stayed longer! The youngsters really enjoyed all the activities, cycling was at the top of the list. Will definitely visit Sondela as much as possible. Can confidently recommend it.

May 2021

Ernest B

Family with young children

7.6

"Tranquil nature."

Peaceful atmosphere in the forest.

Oct 2021

Carol M

Family with teenagers

6.8

"Very disappointing. The potjie meal included in our race entries was a terrible stew served cold in a small plastic bowl."

From the moment we arrived until we checked out we were horrified by the total disregard of all Covid-19 safety protocols. Very few staff actually wore masks, and this includes kitchen staff working with food, and reception staff dealing with customers.

Nov 2021

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Map

Rooms

1 Available

Karee 101 - 2b/4 sleeper rustic

Sleeps 4 people
All ages welcome
Free Standing Unit
Queen-size bed

From

R 1 430

per night (sleeps 4)

Book

1 Available

Karee 102 - 2b/4 sleeper luxury

Sleeps 4 people
All ages welcome
Free Standing Unit
Queen-size bed

From

R 1 430

per night (sleeps 4)

Book

1 Available

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Book

BOOK

Features

Spa Treatments

Swimming Pool

Braai Area

Massage And Beauty Therapy

Serviced Daily

Game Drives

Game Viewing

Facilities

Spa Treatments
Swimming Pool
Guided Game Drives As Extra
Braai Area
Kitchen Facilities
Laundry Service
No Smoking Indoors
Massage And Beauty Therapy
Restaurant On Premises
Personal Safe
Satellite TV
Self Catering
Serviced Daily

Activities Onsite

Horse Riding
Cycling
Game Drives
Game Viewing
Swimming

Activities Nearby

Horse Riding
Bird Watching
Cycling
Game Drives
Game Viewing
Guided Walk
Mountain Biking
Swimming
Tennis

Parking Facilities

Secure Parking
Covered Parking
Off Street Parking

Payments Accepted Onsite

Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Cash
Electronic Bank Transfer

Calendar

Tap any rate to see more detailed pricing.

Price Includes

Karee 101 - 2b/4 sleeper rustic: Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
Karee 109 - 2b/6 sleeper luxury: Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
Karee 117 - 2b/6 sleeper luxury: Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
Karee 120 - 2b/6 sleeper luxury: Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
Sekelbos 300B - 2b+loft/6 sleeper luxury: Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
Sekelbos 301A - 2b+loft/6 sleeper luxury: Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
Sekelbos 302A - 2b+loft/6 sleeper luxury: Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
Sekelbos 302B - 2b+loft/6 sleeper luxury: Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
Acacia 202 - 3b/6 sleeper luxury: Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
Acacia 203 - 3b/6 sleeper luxury: Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
Acacia 204 - 3b/6 sleeper luxury: Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
Acacia 209 - 3b/6 sleeper luxury: Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
Acacia 211 - 3b/6 sleeper luxury: Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
Acacia 225 - 3b/6 sleeper luxury: Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
Acacia 229 - 3b/6 sleeper luxury: Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
Acacia 227 - 3b/6 sleeper luxury: Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
Maroela 11 - 2b+loft/6 sleeper luxury: Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.

Breakage Deposit

A refundable breakage deposit of R500 is payable directly to the property.

1 Available