Waterberg & Welgevonden

Just three hours from Johannesburg, the Waterberg combines malaria-free Big Five safaris, dramatic mountain scenery and some of South Africa's finest private game reserves, including Welgevonden, Marakele and Lapalala.

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Overview

Cheetah in Welgevonden Game Reserve, Waterberg safariThe 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 first-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

The Waterberg is one of South Africa's most accessible safari destinations. Most lodges are reached by road in around three hours from Johannesburg, making self-drive holidays both easy and enjoyable. The roads are predominantly tarred, with only the final approach to many lodges on well-maintained gravel roads.Β 

Game-viewing from your deck in Welgevonden, Waterberg safari

Scheduled flights are also available to selected lodges, particularly aroundΒ MarakeleΒ (forΒ MaratabaΒ Lodges). These pair perfectly withΒ MadikweΒ Game Reserve, creating a seamless fly-in safari thatΒ showcasesΒ two contrasting malaria-free wilderness areas.Β Β 

Unique Experiences in the Waterberg

The Waterberg offers farm more than traditional game drives.Β 

  • Big Five Safaris - 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.
  • Walking Safaris -Β LapalalaΒ Wilderness Reserve, withΒ LepogoΒ Lodges offers immersive guided walks through one of South Africa's most important conservation areas.Β 
  • Horseback Safaris -Β Ride alongside giraffe,Β zebraΒ and antelope at specialist lodges such as Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill, suitable for beginners through to experienced riders.Β 
  • Ancient Rock Art -Β Discover San (Bushman) rock paintings and archaeological sites that reveal thousands of years of human history in the Waterberg Mountains.Β 

Family-Friendly Waterberg Game Lodges

Horse-riding in Waterberg

  • 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.

We'llΒ help you choose the Waterberg lodge that best suits your interests, whetherΒ you'reΒ seeking exceptional wildlife, horsebackΒ safarisΒ or a family-friendly escape. Contact us here!

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is the Waterberg from Johannesburg?Β 

Around three hours by road, making it one of South Africa's easiest safari destinations to reach.Β 

IsΒ WelgevondenΒ suitable for families?Β 

Yes. Several lodges welcome children, and the reserve's malaria-free location makes it especially popular with families.Β 

Should I choose the Waterberg or Kruger?Β 

The Waterberg offers a more compact, malaria-free safari with fewer visitors, while Kruger provides a larger wilderness and wider choice of safari regions. Many travellers combine the two.Β 

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Madeleine Baldwin

AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST

Hi I'm Madeleine, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience GET IN TOUCH