Waterberg
Description
The Waterberg region in Limpopo is an enchanting landscape of largely undiscovered mountain vistas, deep gorges, ancient rock art, clear streams, and rolling savannah, all rich in indigenous plant life, birdlife, and wildlife - including the Big Five. With a variety of game reserves, the malaria-free Waterberg region is a safari destination of choice.
The Waterberg is an unspoilt wilderness area waiting to be discovered. It’s a great holiday destination no matter the season with a hot summer and mild winter.
The Waterberg has been likened to a large inverted saucer stretching from Modimolle and Mokopane in the east, to Thabazimbi and Lephalale in the west. A basin plateau crisscrossed by numerous rivers is found in the core, with sandstone dated as far back as 1.9 billion years– about half as old as the Earth itself.
Makapans Valley is thought to be one of South Africa’s most significant archaeological and paleontological sites, yielding hominid fossils dating back 3 million years. Visit Mokopane for a guided tour of the excavated caves which have been declared a national monument.
The 350km Waterberg Meander showcases the best tourist attractions in the area. The route visits 13 community linked projects and offers an informative self-drive tour of historical, geological, cultural, and environmental sites, as well as local arts and crafts businesses.
The Waterberg is a popular safari destination with a variety of game reserves to suit all needs and budgets. The region offers all sorts of game viewing experiences, from plains game to the Big Five. Visit the Mabula Game Reserve, Mabalingwe Game Reserve, Palala Rhino Sanctuary, Waterberg Wilderness Reserve, and Welgevonden Nature Reserve. The Waterberg is also one of the oldest and most popular horseback safari destinations in South Africa, offering the chance to enjoy up close wildlife encounters.
Must-see attractions in the Waterberg include the Waterberg Rhino Museum (Africa’s only rhino museum), bushman art at the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere Reserve (the only savannah biosphere reserve in southern Africa), and Marakele National Park (home to the largest colony of endangered Cape vultures in the world). The Waterberg is also known for its hot mineral springs which can be enjoyed in Bela-Bela.
Other attractions include L'abri Fountain Brewery, Mystic Monkeys and Feathers Wildlife Park, Bambelela Wildlife Care, Lehlabile Cultural Tours, Geluksfontein Dairy Goat Farm, Arend Dieperink Museum, Rust De Winter Nature Reserve, and Nylsvley Nature Reserve.
Popular activities include fishing, bird watching, and elephant interactions. Spend your days hiking, mountain biking, ziplining with Waterberg Zipline Adventures, and discovering the horse riding and 4x4 trails.
The Waterberg is the kind of place where you can hike for kilometres without coming across another human being, drink water from a fresh stream, stumble across million year old rock art, star gaze in clear night skies, and enjoy some of the country’s most captivating views from the escarpments. What more could you want in a holiday?
