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A honeymoon in the malaria-free Waterberg Biosphere offers a seamless blend of rugged wilderness and deep romance. The Waterberg Biosphere incorporates the Welgevonden, Marakele, Lapalala, and Entabeni Reserves. It is just a 2.5 to 3 hour drive north of Johannesburg. This means you can have a luxury safari without the logistical hassle of domestic flights.
The scenery in the Waterberg is incredible. Unlike the flat savannas found elsewhere, think sundowners with your favorite tipple over the most breathtaking mountains. It is a very special place.
Because these are private game reserves, day visitors are not permitted. Therefore, couples enjoy intimate, uncrowded game drives.
Activities are very varied from regular Big 5 game drives, boat cruises, rhino conservation, community experiences, walking safaris. Just to name a few. Whether a couple wants to track the Big Five on foot, gallop past giraffes on horseback, or simply melt into a couple’s massage overlooking the bushveld, the Waterberg delivers an unforgettable start to married life.
Skip to Waterberg Accommodation with honeymoon offers
The seasons bring about dramatic changes so it is important to see when you should go on your Waterberg honeymoon.
If your primary goal is checking the Big Five off a bucket list with premium wildlife viewing, this is the best window.
Crisp, golden, and clear. Days are beautifully mild, sunny, and cloudless (averaging 20°C to 25°C). There is virtually zero rain. However, early morning and evening game drives are freezing (dropping to 3°C to 5°C). Bundling up in blankets, beanies, and hot water bottles is required before the sun warms up the bush.
The bush thins out dramatically, and natural water dries up, forcing wildlife to congregate in large numbers around predictable waterholes. Spotting elusive predators like leopards or lions becomes significantly easier.
The clear winter skies provide some of the most spectacular, unpolluted stargazing in South Africa. Evening boma dinners around a roaring fire feel incredibly cozy.
If you envision a slower paced getaway focused on lodge relaxation, plunge pools, and vibrant landscapes, the summer months are beautiful.
The vibe is electric, with emerald green landscapes, and bursting with life. The days are hot and humid, with daytime highs of 30°C to 35°C. The dense, lush foliage makes the wildlife harder to spot. Plus the animals don’t need to visit main waterholes because water is everywhere. Meaning rangers have to work a bit harder to track them.
This is the calving season. The bush is filled with newborn impala, zebra, and wildebeest. This also means high stakes predator action. The migratory birds arrive, filling the canopy with color and song.
Dramatic, theatrical late afternoon thunderstorms roll across the plateaus. They clear out quickly, leaving crisp air and jaw dropping, saturated sunset skies. Perfect for a private sundowner deck setup. It’s also prime time to actually enjoy a private heated plunge pool.
For couples who want the best of both worlds, these transition months are highly recommended.
The heavy rains stop, and the landscape transitions from green to a soft golden hue. The temperatures cool down into a comfortable, warm zone without the winter chill.
The bush is dry and visibility is still excellent for game viewing. The weather starts heating up again. When the very first rains hit late in the month, the entire reserve seems to awaken overnight.
Many honeymoon suites emphasize seclusion with private heated plunge pools, outdoor showers, cozy wood burning fireplaces for cooler evenings, and sweeping views of active waterholes.
If you are looking to combine the Waterberg safari with a trip to Cape Town and the Winelands, September is the best choice. It delivers prime, dry safari conditions in the north. While Cape Town transitions into a beautiful, wildflower filled spring.
See our South Africa honeymoon information.
This is our Waterberg Honeymoon Accommodation. There are many more.
Or these are our other South Africa honeymoon destinations:
Cape Town Honeymoon
Cape Winelands Honeymoon
Eastern Cape Honeymoon
Garden Route Honeymoon
Kruger Honeymoon
Kwa-Zulu Natal Honeymoon
Madikwe Honeymoon
Outer Kruger Honeymoon Accommodation
South Africa is ‘a world in one country’ with city, beach and safari options. Therefore, it makes the perfect honeymoon. Ask us for an obligation-free quote. What have you got to loose?
Marataba Safari and Mountain Lodges and Marataba exclusive use Residence are in the Marakele National Park (Waterberg) offer malaria free safaris