The Waterberg (Welgevonden, Marakele, Lapalala and Entabeni)
The Waterberg Biosphere is in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. This is an excellent malaria-free safari destination so very popular with families. And only 3-4 hours from Johannesburg.
It was the first region of South Africa to be declared a UNESCO site. With extensive rock formations shaped by hundreds of years of riverine erosion, creating picturesque landscapes. It is also well known for its archaeological finds dating back to the Stone Age. Centuries ago, this 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.
The Waterberg is also an excellent safari destination with a number of National Parks in it. These include:
Welgevonden Private Game Reserve
Marakele National Park
Lapalala Wilderness Reserve
Entabeni Private Game Reserve
These are Big Five Game Reserves with good predator sightings. The Waterberg also has smaller, private reserves that offer more plains game and therefore, they are excellent for different activities such as horseback safaris and mountain bike trails. Walking safaris are also a big draw card.
Marakele National Park has one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of the endangered Cape Vulture. These magnificent birds nest on the cliffs of the Santech towers which is the highest point in the Waterberg and boasts some of the best vistas imaginable.
The region is home to rare antelope such as roan, sable, mountain reedbuck, as well as brown hyena and white rhino.
The best time to visit the Waterberg Region
July to September is the best time to visit the Waterberg for a safari. This is because it is the dry season so water is scarcer and therefore the animals are drawn to the remaining water sources. The foliage is also less dense so it is easier to see the wildlife. This is also when the temperatures are not as hot so it makes it more pleasurable.
November to April is when there is a welcome relief in the form of rain. This means the scenery is more attractive with flowers. But more importantly, it is the time for migratory birds (from October) and newborn wildlife.
Getting there
We can arrange road transfers to any of the regions from Johannesburg (or elsewhere). Else, some lodges have airstrips for light aircraft transfers that will take under an hour.
Most of the lodges that are suitable for international visitors are in the Welgevonden Private Game Reserve. There are several that are dotted around the area with access to Welgevonden. These don’t necessarily have the Big 5 but they are ideal for children and cycling enthusiasts. If you are a keen horse rider, this is also the place to get up close to a variety of wildlife on the back of well trained horses.
If it is your honeymoon, see which Waterberg lodges have honeymoon offers.
Click here for Waterberg including Welgevonden, Marakele, Lapalala and Entabeni accommodation ↓
We are still uploading more lodges in the Waterberg, if you don’t see it here, please contact us.
