The Waterberg

Last year, I stumbled upon a "nature reserve" in the Waterberg by sheer luck. Just one night, but I was so thrilled that I went back this year for three nights. It was perfect for breaking up the trip between Marakele and Mapungubwe. The Waterberg is the Limpopo of game farms, hunting farms... and places trying to attract clients from Joburg and Kruger, with varying levels of ethics. The roads aren’t always great, potholes are everywhere, and Google Maps is pretty unreliable. But in my case, I found exactly what I was looking for...

As often happens, old farms have been grouped together to create a nature reserve that doesn’t sell you "wild" lions, has no rhinos (protecting rhinos is complicated), no elephants, and no buffalo. So, antelopes, elusive leopards, hyenas (didn’t see any), peaceful giraffes, warthogs, etc.—just general game! What’s the point? Well, you go for walks or hikes with game drives... you bike... you chill. You get out of the car. For us this year, a gorgeous "house," fully equipped, on the edge of the forest, with wood for the fire and a plain as the view... An unbeatable quality-to-price ratio in a natural setting! A little photo dump for the vibe. You’ve gathered that part of the exploration is by car (it’s big) and part on foot...

A few notes There are walks/hikes and mountain-bike trails for all levels... The signage is a bit sketchy... so sometimes random, and as usual... Easy = a bit tough Moderate = tough Difficult = don’t go there

"Normally," "apart from hyenas and leopards"... nothing *too* scary. Except that... A pack of wild dogs roams the area... If you want to fish (which I tried)... "always keep in mind it’s possible" to run into a crocodile... that "from time to time," "it’s possible" a hippo might be hanging around. that depending on the season, "there are snakes"... some of which are very dangerous... In fact, the welcome "notice" really drives the point home with photos of snakes, first-aid instructions, emergency numbers, and reminds you that the most important advice is to head straight to Joburg! Okay... Let’s take a breath. The trails are maintained to avoid tall grass, cleared spaces for fishing... and this October, the snakes are "normally" at rest. We’re in a Nature Reserve! That said, getting out of the car to approach the wildebeest snorting in surprise, the giraffes watching you, the warthogs darting off... it’s amazing!











You get that I loved it! Especially since all the facilities and the welcome are really excellent... and you barely see anyone... at all! !

And what’s the name of that nature reserve?

Lindani

Thanks Michel! :)