Free South Africa Guidebook

We've put together a guidebook with everything you need to know about South Africa. Written by our specialists, it details destination information, a wildlife guide, some suggested itineraries and plenty more to inspire your holiday. Fill in the form below and if you live in UK, your guidebook will arrive by post within the next couple of days. For those who live abroad, we will send you a link by email which will allow you to download your own copy.

Waterberg

Combining dramatic mountains, big five game viewing and sites of great archaeological interest, the malaria-free Waterberg region offers enjoyable game viewing and is one of our favourite areas in South Africa for the variety of activities on offer; it makes for a fascinating change to the usual vast, open plains.

To start planning your tailor-made holiday, call us on (646) 934-8870

The Waterberg straddles an area of some 15,000 square kilometres in the Limpopo Province, and is unmatched in its beauty. Including the Welgevonden Game Reserve and Marakele National Park, this malaria-free region has all of the big five as well as many more rare species.

The Waterberg can be found just a 3 hour drive from Johannesburg, making it easily accessible to families looking for a hassle free safari, without the risk of malaria! Not only will the rich and varied wildlife appeal, but the surrounding hills, valleys and gorges are perfect for satisfying curious minds, providing exciting walking, riding and biking trails and plentiful opportunities for exploration.

And if all that's not enough then the Waterberg also offers a wealth of cultural attractions; significant San rock art sites can be found within the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, and in the Makapans Valley, ancient hominid fossils have been uncovered. The intricate cave network has since been declared a national monument, and makes for a fascinating side trip to compliment your Waterberg safari.


To start planning your tailor-made holiday, call us on (646) 934-8870

Marakele National Park, South Africa

Set within the dramatic landscapes of Marakele National Park, Marataba is an exclusive private concession and game lodge offering wonderful malaria-free ‘Big Five’ game viewing. Marataba is a great conservation success story and inspiring place to stay.

Marataba Lodge

Waterberg, South Africa

Mhondoro Game Lodge is a luxury lodge located in the beautiful Welgevonden Game Reserve. The contemporary and elegant design makes this the perfect location to kick back and relax whilst enjoying the magnificent scenery and wildlife of the Waterberg.

Mhondoro Game Lodge

Waterberg, South Africa

Built on the edge of a cliff, with spectacular views across South Africa's unspoilt, malaria-free Waterberg is Ant's Hill. This collection of cottages set around a main lodge offers guests an unforgettable stay whilst providing uniquely flexible safaris.

Ant's Hill

Waterberg, South Africa

Set deep in the malaria free Waterberg Reserve in the northern reaches of South Africa, a very special lodge offers wonderful riding safaris in beautiful and pristine surroundings, with all the comforts of home in a glorious corner of South Africa.

Horizon Horseback Safaris

Waterberg, South Africa

Ant’s Nest, the sister lodge to Ant’s Hill, is the original homestead in the beautiful Waterberg Mountains, run by Ant and Tessa Baber, who have been offering relaxed and exciting riding safaris in this spectacular area for many years.

Ant's Nest

Waterberg, South Africa

Marataba Trails Lodge is perched on the side of a mountain with 180 degree views into Waterfall Valley. In the heart of Marakele National Park, this luxury lodge only sleeps 8 guests at a time so is perfect for those who are seeking some tranquillity.

Marataba Trails Lodge

Waterberg, South Africa

Ant's Bush Camp is nestled in the heart of South Africa's 100,000 acre, non-malarial, Lapalala Wilderness game reserve. The small bush camp accommodates only six guests and provides an incredibly authentic safari experience.

Ant's Bush Camp

Waterberg, South Africa

Makweti is an exclusive, private safari lodge located in South Africa’s beautiful malaria-free Welgewonden Reserve. Superb service, excellent food and amazing game drives with expert guides make Makweti a delightfully personal safari choice.

Makweti Safari Lodge

Waterberg, South Africa

Jembisa Bush Home is a beautiful exclusive-use safari house ideal for families in South Africa’s Waterberg Mountains. Jembisa’s lovely home-from-home feel is complemented by fantastic bush walks, camp-outs and a great Junior Tracker programme.

Jembisa Bush Home

Waterberg, South Africa

Leobo Private Reserve is an exclusive, luxury bush retreat situated in the Waterberg region of South Africa. The reserve is only available on an exclusive use basis and guests can enjoy an array of activities, all arranged at the drop of a hat.

Leobo Private Reserve

;

Stay for 4 nights and pay for 3 at Mhondoro Game Lodge until 10th January 2019. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.

Stay 4, pay 3 at Mhondoro

;

Waterberg, South Africa

Some of the greatest game viewing you can do is from horseback, being able to canter through the Reserve alongside game is an experience like no other. The horses live out in the bush, allowing game to see them just like any other animal.

Horse Riding in Waterberg

Marakele National Park, South Africa

Take a relaxing cruise along the Matlabas River on Miss Mara for a completely different safari experience. A qualified skipper is on hand to point out a plethora of wildlife, from wallowing hippos and elephants to warthogs, baboons and birds.

Miss Mara Water Safari

Waterberg, South Africa

Spend a couple of hours on the trail of the highly-endangered white rhino within the Welgevonden Game Reserve. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will bring you closer than ever to these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Rhino Tracking in Welgevonden

Marakele National Park, South Africa

During your stay at Marataba, you can take morning and late afternoon/evening game drives within Marakele National Park. Stretching 23,000 hectares and home to the 'Big Five', the wildlife in the area is spectacular and the scenery is stunning.

Game Drives in Marakele National Park

Welgevonden, South Africa

To be a responsible and safe safari guide, field guides must master the use of a rifle. At Mhondoro Game Lodge you could now learn some bush and rifle skills during an exciting and adrenaline filled target shooting excursion.

Safari Guide Training

;