The wide open plains of bushveld north of Johannesburg stretch as far as the wide Limpopo River. The dramatic natural beauty of the Waterberg mountains rises out of these plains...
North of Johannesburg, the wide open plains of bushveld stretch as far as the wide Limpopo River and Zimbabwe. The Limpopo province encompasses several discrete areas. It includes the Waterberg safari region only 3 hours from Johannesberg. As well, the northern Kruger National Park. The cultural heritage of the Mapungubwe National Park and finally the mountainous Soutpansberg. So we've divided it into mountainous Waterberg region, and the far northern Limpopo.
Rising out of the bushveld plains are the dramatic and beautiful Waterberg Mountains. These lie only 2½ to 3 hours drive from Johannesburg.
The Waterberg is primarily a safari destination. Its attraction is that it offers malaria-free game-viewing within easy driving distance of Johannesburg. This is great for families who don’t want the hassle of flying to the Kruger. Or the more arduous drive to Madikwe. It also makes for a great combination with the Kruger given its relative proximity and contrasting terrain.
The Waterberg is known for its luxurious and romantic game lodges as well as a number of family friendly safari options. The Waterberg safari options include Welgevonden Private Game Reserve and Marakele National Park.
See HERE for more info.
Further north the mystical rocky outcrops stand out around Mapungubwe National Park and the Soutpansberg. In this northern part of Limpopo is a little-known region of mountains, forests and holy ruins. Here you can enjoy adventurous safaris staying at community-orientated safari lodges.
Again there are several discrete areas to visit.
see HERE for more info.
These are some of the best rated places to visit in Waterberg & Limpopo based on popularity and experience rating by our travelers
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Clifftop lies within the Welgvonden reserve which is 34,000ha with the Big Five. It sells itself as a romantic lodge and in that it doesn't disappoint. It has a spectacular setting on cliff with views over ridge and river (which always flows).
A lot of focus on exclusiveness and romance & they do it well. It is a small camp with only 7 rooms. The rooms are beautiful with bath, aircon, inside and outside shower, plunge pool, outside shower.
Everywhere there are beautiful airy, open spaces with views - all very inviting. There's lots of focus on romance with many fireplaces around main area.
It's very tranquil and relaxing. There's no phone reception which may be con for some people.
Fantastic staff - attentive & friendly. Tanya is part of management team and she's a great host. (Ex Jao camp in Botswana).
Ideal for couples and people who want to get away from the crowds. But it is not family friendly, nor is it good for the elderly as as there are plenty of uneven steps and steep slopes.
The game drive was one of the best I have ever had. William, our guide was extremely knowledgeable and informative; great communicator. We saw zebra, waterbuck with baby; white rhino with baby, close encounter with elephant, cheetah with four young, and a lion kill. Absolutely topnotch. They allow 3-4 vehicles per sighting which is more than in the Kruger private reserves of Sabi Sands and Timbavati (max two vehicles at a sighting).
The only real negative is that some of the decor in the rooms was a little dated
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