The Waterberg, Limpopo, South Africa

The Waterberg, only 2½ to 3 hours drive from Johannesburg, is a stunning area of natural beauty, a dramatic forested plateau dissected by ravines and waterfalls with panoramic views over the plains below. It is one of the prime areas for malaria free safaris. The area is rich in wildlife including the Welgevonden private game reserve comprising several luxury game lodges, as well as the Marakele National Park and Entabeni private game reserve. There are also a number of  ‘Safari Houses’, intimate game lodges which are booked exclusively by a group of friends or a family party. Horse-riding safaris, for both beginners and experienced riders, are a particular speciality of the Waterberg, as are child-friendly safaris.

The attraction of the Waterberg is the combination of big five game-viewing within  a particularly beautiful part of South Africa. All of the game lodges share this beauty with dramatic mountain gorges, spectacular sunsets, clear streams and rolling bushveld being the norm, and not the exception. In addition to the larger wildlife, rare species of antelope such as roan, sable and mountain reedbuck are also spotted. Centuries ago, the Waterberg was the hunting ground of the San (Bushman) people and so fascinating Bushman paintings and archaeological sites are still to be found all over the Waterberg mountains.

• Spectacular mountain bushveld scenery
• Relatively easy drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria
• The Welgevonden, Marakele and Entabeni game reserves all offer Big Five safaris
• Bush retreats offering exclusive use family-friendly safaris, game drives, horse-riding, and bush walks
• Small intimate romantic game lodges on offer – ideal for honeymoons

• Browse accommodation in The Waterberg