South Africa

Waterberg

Region

The Waterberg is a sandstone massif in Limpopo Province, about three hours' drive north of Johannesburg. The region, with its bushland, gorges, and river valleys, has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2001 and is malaria-free.

by Felix Gillen

The Waterberg is a good alternative to Kruger if you're short on time or seeking a malaria-free safari. Marakele National Park is home to elephants, rhinos, lions, and a large colony of Cape Vultures. Private reserves like Welgevonden and Lapalala are accessible only by booking one of their lodges, with game drives included. Gateways include Bela-Bela, Vaalwater, and Lephalale. The dry season (May to September) is ideal for wildlife viewing. Check health precautions for your trip via the Foreign Office link on the country page.

Place 1 of 3

Lapalala Wilderness Reserve

Lapalala is a large private wildlife reserve in the northern Waterberg, traversed by the Palala and Blocklands rivers. The reserve focuses heavily on conservation, especially for rhinos, and environmental education.

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Place 2 of 3

Marakele National Park

The Marakele National Park is situated on the western edge of the Waterberg, a good three-hour drive north of Johannesburg. Between forested gorges and high mountain ridges live the Big Five and one of the world's largest breeding colonies of Cape Vultures.

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Place 3 of 3

Welgevonden Game Reserve

Welgevonden is a private game reserve in the Waterberg, about three hours' drive north of Johannesburg. The Big Five live on the plateaus and in the gorges.

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Sights in Waterberg

Discover the most important sights and attractions

Nungubane Game Lodge

Welgevonden Private Game Reserve, Waterberg, 0530, Südafrika

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Inzalo Safari Lodge

Site 36 Welgevonden Reserve Suite number, intersection, plaza, square, Limpopo Province, 0503, Südafrika

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Paper Bark Lodge

Lephalale, Südafrika

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Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa

Welgevonden Game Reserve, R517, 0530, Südafrika

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Essen & Trinken

Laluka Safari Lodge

Park in Welgevonden Game Reserve.

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Nearby

Welgevonden Game Reserve

Welgevonden is a private game reserve in the Waterberg, about three hours' drive north of Johannesburg. The Big Five live on the plateaus and in the gorges. You only have access by booking into one of the reserve's lodges.

Marakele National Park

Lapalala Wilderness Reserve

Pilanesberg National Park & Sun City

The Pilanesberg National Park in the North West Province is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Johannesburg and is the closest Big Five safari to the metropolis. Right next door is the Sun City hotel and entertainment complex. The area is considered malaria-free.

Sun City

Sun City is a large hotel and leisure complex, about 2.5 hours' drive northwest of Johannesburg, directly by Pilanesberg National Park. Its casino, golf, Valley of Waves water park, and The Palace of the Lost City luxury hotel make it a popular weekend escape for the city.