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 safariThe Waterberg region, only an easy 3 hour-drive from Johannesburg, is a stunning area of natural beauty and wildlife.

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 not seen elsewehere. And of course a Waterberg safari is malaria-free and so very popular with families.

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 Private 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, Ants Hill and Kololo. 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 the game lodges around Vaalwater offer more plains game. Here hHorseback safaris are a particular speciality at these lodges. They cater 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.

Why We Love It

  • Spectacular mountain bushveld scenery – dramatic mountain gorges & spectacular sunsets
  • Welgevonden and Entabeni game reserves offer Big Five safaris
  • Horse-riding safaris
  • Easy drive from Johannesburg
  • Family-friendly game lodges as it is a malaria-free area
  • Rare antelope such as roan, sable, mountain reedbuck, as well as brown hyena

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Kate Bergh

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