THERE IS MUCH TO LOVE ABOUT THE LIMPOPO PROVINCE IN SOUTH AFRICA, BUT ONE REGION STANDS OUT. MOUNTAINOUS MASSIF MEETS BEAUTIFUL BUSHVELD IN THE WATERBERG BIOSPHERE RESERVE, A GRAND CANVAS ADORNED WITH WILDLIFE. IT IS A MALARIA-FREE BIG FIVE WILDERNESS ONLY THREE HOURS’ DRIVE FROM JOHANNESBURG THAT CAN ALSO BE REACHED BY AIR. PANORAMAS OF PLATEAU, RAVINES AND WATERFALLS INSTANTLY CAPTURE THE SOUL WHILE FASCINATING SAN BUSHMAN PAINTINGS AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES MESMERISE THE MIND.
UNESCO named Waterberg a Biosphere Reserve, one of five in South Africa. Some of its archaeological finds date to the Stone Age while some evolutionary finds relate to the origin of humans.
The arid region, rich in wildlife, is rescued by the mountain reserve fulfilling the role of water reservoir. Game drives in dedicated safari vehicles, mountain biking trails and bushwalking adventures are all encouraged and provide ample opportunities to marvel at the breathtaking surrounds.
Game to look out for include blue wildebeest, giraffe, brown hyena, impala, kudu, leopard, lion, warthog and white rhino. Rare antelope such as roan, sable and mountain reedbuck are cherished species in the area. Horseback safaris are on offer at lodges known for plains game rather than predators.
There are plenty of family-friendly options in the region which is not surprising since malaria is not an issue. The Lapalala Wilderness Reserve forms part of the Biosphere Reserve. This untouched bushveld paradise in the heart of Africa is home to a plethora of game as well as the luxurious, family-friendly Tintswalo—a tented safari lodge. Those hoping for something more discrete, romantic and indulgent have a wonderful selection to consider as well. Mhondoro Game Lodge tucked away in Welgevonden Private Game Reserve is sure to satisfy and delight guests. The same can be said of the suites at Marataba Safari Lodge and Marataba Mountain Lodge in Marakele National Park. Luxury chalets and suites are on offer at Shambala Private Game Reserve, the embodiment of peace, tranquility and harmony. Ant’s Nest on the other hand is an option for a family or group of friends looking for intimate, exclusive use lodging.
A choice of five lodges awaits at Entabeni Safari Conservancy, ‘The Place of the Mountain’, a Big Five reserve along with Welgevonden and Marakele. Golfers will perhaps lean towards the renowned Legend Golf & Safari Resort, ‘Home of the Extreme 19th’.
Should you continue north of Waterberg, you will discover the unspoilt Mapungubwe National Park and the Soutpansberg surrounded by mystical rocky outcrops. Learning more about the Venda culture, exploring ancient ruins and hiking in the Soutpansberg and Magoebaskloof are popular pastimes.
THERE IS MUCH TO LOVE ABOUT THE LIMPOPO PROVINCE IN SOUTH AFRICA, BUT ONE REGION STANDS OUT. MOUNTAINOUS MASSIF MEETS BEAUTIFUL BUSHVELD IN THE WATERBERG BIOSPHERE RESERVE, A GRAND CANVAS ADORNED WITH WILDLIFE. IT IS A MALARIA-FREE BIG FIVE WILDERNESS ONLY THREE HOURS’ DRIVE FROM JOHANNESBURG THAT CAN ALSO BE REACHED BY AIR. PANORAMAS OF PLATEAU, RAVINES AND WATERFALLS INSTANTLY CAPTURE THE SOUL WHILE FASCINATING SAN BUSHMAN PAINTINGS AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES MESMERISE THE MIND.
UNESCO named Waterberg a Biosphere Reserve, one of five in South Africa. Some of its archaeological finds date to the Stone Age while some evolutionary finds relate to the origin of humans.
The arid region, rich in wildlife, is rescued by the mountain reserve fulfilling the role of water reservoir. Game drives in dedicated safari vehicles, mountain biking trails and bushwalking adventures are all encouraged and provide ample opportunities to marvel at the breathtaking surrounds.
Game to look out for include blue wildebeest, giraffe, brown hyena, impala, kudu, leopard, lion, warthog and white rhino. Rare antelope such as roan, sable and mountain reedbuck are cherished species in the area. Horseback safaris are on offer at lodges known for plains game rather than predators.
There are plenty of family-friendly options in the region which is not surprising since malaria is not an issue. The Lapalala Wilderness Reserve forms part of the Biosphere Reserve. This untouched bushveld paradise in the heart of Africa is home to a plethora of game as well as the luxurious, family-friendly Tintswalo—a tented safari lodge. Those hoping for something more discrete, romantic and indulgent have a wonderful selection to consider as well. Mhondoro Game Lodge tucked away in Welgevonden Private Game Reserve is sure to satisfy and delight guests. The same can be said of the suites at Marataba Safari Lodge and Marataba Mountain Lodge in Marakele National Park. Luxury chalets and suites are on offer at Shambala Private Game Reserve, the embodiment of peace, tranquility and harmony. Ant’s Nest on the other hand is an option for a family or group of friends looking for intimate, exclusive use lodging.
A choice of five lodges awaits at Entabeni Safari Conservancy, ‘The Place of the Mountain’, a Big Five reserve along with Welgevonden and Marakele. Golfers will perhaps lean towards the renowned Legend Golf & Safari Resort, ‘Home of the Extreme 19th’.
Should you continue north of Waterberg, you will discover the unspoilt Mapungubwe National Park and the Soutpansberg surrounded by mystical rocky outcrops. Learning more about the Venda culture, exploring ancient ruins and hiking in the Soutpansberg and Magoebaskloof are popular pastimes.
