Waterberg & Welgevonden

The Waterberg is a stunning area of natural beauty, a dramatic forested plateau dissected by ravines and waterfalls with panoramic views over the plains below. Home of many malaria-free game reserves.

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Overview

Cheetah in Welgevonden Game Reserve, Waterberg safariTop 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

Game-viewing from your deck in Welgevonden, Waterberg safariAs 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 .

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.

Horse-riding in Waterberg

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.

Why We Love It

  • The Waterberg offers spectacular mountain bushveld scenery – dramatic mountain gorges & spectacular sunsets
  • Top area for malaria-free safaris
  • Horse-riding safaris are a speciality of the Waterberg
  • Easy 3-hour drive from Johannesburg, less from Pretoria
  • Family-friendly game lodges as it is a malaria-free area
  • Diverse Wildlife: Big Five reserves but also brown hyena & rare antelope (roan, sable, mountain reedbuck)
  • Variety of Lodges: Uber-luxury or family-friendly options

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Gloria Darvall

AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST

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