The Waterberg region is almost directly to the north of Pretoria and Johannesburg, the two major cities in the province of Gauteng, and is therefore a few hours drive from the OR Tambo International Airport. The N1 heads north from Pretoria, through Waterberg and on to Louis Trichardt further to the north of the province. Polokwane, however, is one of the larger cities nearby. The Waterberg region includes small towns such as Vaalwater, Thabazimbi, Mookgopong, Lephalale, Mokopane and Ga-Mapela, and several nature reserves, such as the Marakele National Park, the Mokolo Dam Nature Reserve, the Grootwater Nature Reserve and the Doorndraai Dam Nature Reserve.

Although Waterberg is known as a Big Five region, it is so much more than just a game reserve, as its beauty beckons thorough exploration. On the mountains and cliffs, you will see some extraordinary multi-coloured sandstone formations that are millions of years old and rocky outcrops that could once have been shelter for primitive man. It is thought that the first human ancestors might have settled at Waterberg approximately three million years ago. Although tricky to determine the happenings of millions of years before us, there is certainly plenty of evidence that the Bushmen (San people) were very much a part of the Waterberg area. Their fascinating rock paintings can be found at various places, and include drawings of rhinoceros and antelope.

Waterberg is a fascinating escape from the modern world of roads, cars and busy people. Its natural, peaceful atmosphere will soon lull you into another dimension, and reveal many things you never imagined possible, from the sights of beautiful and big free-roaming mammals to the tiniest of insect and butterfly. The birdlife here is certainly prolific and Waterberg is therefore often described as a birder’s paradise. Dams, rivers and pretty streams provide another sort of environment and are home to crocodile, hippo and a variety of freshwater fish.

Staying at one of the private game reserves in the Waterberg area will be your wilderness adventure come true. For example, the Wild and Free Game Lodge offers a splendid variety of activities, all within the sprawling African bush. A separate 2500-hectare area has been set aside for lions for their own protection and for making the rest of the reserve free and safe for horse-riding and guided safari walks. Special lion drives are available for you to see these majestic creatures in their natural environment. Quad bike safaris are another exceptional thrill and Adventures with Elephants provides an interactive experience with the gentle giants of our world. As an added bonus, Wild and Free’s Zebula Golf Course (complete with the decorations of nature – perhaps a zebra or two, or a couple of giraffe!) is a fantastic place to practice your swing and enjoy the fresh air.

Another of the Waterberg’s most beautiful reserves is the Kaingo Private Game Reserve. The reserve boasts frontage of one of the biggest rivers in the Waterberg, a large dam, pristine wilderness and a magnificent and varied landscape of hills, plains, valleys and mountains. The Mokolo River runs for thirteen kilometres through the reserve, emptying into the Mokolo Dam and later joining up with the Limpopo River. The lodge comprises of just six stunning rooms ensuring that it is never overcrowded and that particular attention can be paid to each guest. The list of things to do in Kaingo is long and fulfilling, and includes rock art tours, boating, birding, elephant or lion tracking, picnicking, kloofing, hiking, fishing and game watching whilst on 4×4 game drives.