Waterberg & Welgevonden

Top Waterberg Game Lodges

The Waterberg region offers a captivating blend of rugged mountains, open plains, and rich biodiversity. Just a 3-hour drive from Johannesburg, it's home to the renowned Welgevonden Game Reserve, Marakele National Park and Lapalala Wilderness Reserve. It also offers malaria-free Big Five safaris, ideal for both families and 1st-time safari visitors.

Ravines and waterfalls dissect this dramatic forested plateau, which also offers panoramic views over the plains below. It is rich in wildlife, including rarer species such as brown hyena and rare antelope (roan, sable, mountain reedbuck).

The attraction of the Waterberg is the winning combination of big five game-viewing and beautiful landscapes. However the Waterberg comprises a number of discrete wildlife areas:

• Welgevonden Game Reserve
• Marakele National Park
• Lapalala Wilderness Reserve
• Entabeni Private Game Reserve

As well as these are several other private safari lodges, many of which are focus on family-friendly safaris such as Ants Nest and Ants Hill .

Getting to the Waterberg

All the Waterberg lodges are accessible via private road transfers or even self-drive (as the roads are mostly tarred.) You can also fly to close to Marakele National Park (for Marataba lodges). And if staying at Marataba, you can also fly onto Madikwe Game Reserve so that you can connect two contrasting safari experience in an easy fly-in safari.

Unique Activities in the Waterberg

The different reserves and Waterberg safari lodges, vary as to their game-viewing. Welgevonden, Marakele and Entabeni are Big Five game reserves with good predator sightings on offer. However other lodges with more plains game focus on horseback safaris, catering for both beginners and experienced riders.

The Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, with Lepogo and Moka Camps is a pristine wilderness reserve. Here the speciality is walking safaris.

Centuries ago, the Waterberg was the hunting ground of the San (Bushman) people. And so one can still find fascinating Bushman paintings and archaeological sites all over the Waterberg mountains.

Family-Friendly Waterberg Game Lodges

• Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa: A luxurious, five-star lodge in Welgevonden Game Reserve, offering exclusive Big Five safaris and family-friendly amenities
• Ant's Hill and Ant's Hill - offer exclusive use villas and game drive or horse-riding for all ages.

Discover Welgevonden's Hidden Gems - contact us now or give us a call.