Bushveld / Waterberg Region, Limpopo
Once you've booked your hotel or Waterberg accommodation explore our destination pages below for info on attractions, events and what to do in the Waterberg.
Known simply as Water Mountain, the blue-hued Waterberg imposingly stretches its full length from Thabazimbi in the south west, to Lapalala River in the north east of the Limpopo Province, supporting a biome of over 15 000 square kilometres. This rugged clime, where you find very few tarred roads or human interference to mar your visit, is possibly one of the closest to an authentic African savannah experience one can find, if many-faceted Africa can have any one landscape or experience.
The Waterberg is the first region in the north of South Africa identified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and the incredible rock formations in evidence were shaped over hundreds of millions of years by riverine erosion. This recognition goes some way to impart the beauty of this lesser known part of the country – its incredible scenery, often accentuated by late afternoon thunder storms, plummeting mountain gorges, clear streams, and rolling bushveld. That a group of Dutch travellers set on finding Jerusalem from Cape Town mistook the Waterberg for Egypt is understandable.
A large portion of the Waterberg’s bushveld country has been given over to the conservation of elephants, white rhino, leopard and buffalo. Land owners have restored land overgrazed by cattle, to attract and protect antelope, giraffe, hippo and other species, with an accompanying rise in the trend of eco-tourism, and the marketing of the Waterberg as prime game country – the Marakele National Park, near Thabazimbi, is well worth a visit, as are other game farms in the area.
The Waterberg has an extensive history with evidence of the first human ancestors as early as three million years ago. Closer to our history, the San, who produced beautiful rock paintings at Lapalala, entered the Waterberg about two thousand years ago.
Destinations / Towns of the Bushveld Region
Alma
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Vaalwater
Alma lies just east of the Marakele National Park and south of the town of Vaalwater, connected to the latter by the R33. It is a tiny town in the midst of bushveld that stretches as far as the eye can see, interspersed only with ... Alma information
Bela Bela
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Bela Bela
Bela-Bela Warmbaths is world-renowned as a holiday and health destination. The hot mineral springs bubble out of the earth at about 22,000 litres per hour. The temperature of the water is a pleasant 53° C and is rich in ... Bela Bela information
Dwaalboom
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Dwaalboom
Just over the border between the North West Province and Limpopo, Dwaalboom lies east of Madikwe Game Reserve and north of the Pilansberg National Park virtually in the middle of nowhere. It has a cemetery, a cement ... Dwaalboom information
Ellisras
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Ellisras
Ellisras, also known as Lephalale is a fast-growing town on the banks of the Mogol River. Ellisras is the last stopover for safaris en-route to Botswana and the Okavango Delta. The region is world famous among hunters ... Ellisras information
Lephalale
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Lephalale
Lephalale is a fast-growing town on the banks of the Mogol River. Ellisras is the last stopover for safaris en-route to Botswana and the Okavango Delta. The region is world famous among hunters and is also known for ... Lephalale information
Mabalingwe
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Mabalingwe
Spread over more than 12 000 hectares of softly rolling hills, this malaria-free reserve is host to the big 5, and also hippo, giraffe, hyena and sable to name but a few of the 36 species of wildlife. For the bird ... Mabalingwe information
Mabula
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Mabula
Only two short hours drive North of Johannesburg lies the African wonder that is Mabula Private Game Reserve. This 12000ha of malaria free reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife and birds, including the world ... Mabula information
Marnitz
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Waterberg
Right on the N11, near a couple of towns with rather interesting names like Friendship and Registrasie, Marnitz lies north west of Polokwane. It is virtually on the border with Botswana, close to the Grobelersbrug border post ... Marnitz information
Melkrivier
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Melkrivier
Possibly the main attraction for visitors to Melkrivier is how close it is to Johannesburg. A mere two and a half hours worth of driving, and you’re in an entirely different world. In Melkrivier, nestled in the heart of ... Melkrivier information
Modimolle
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Modimolle
The charming town of Modimolle is the commercial centre of the Waterberg district. Amongst typical bushveld you will find vineyards, soft fruit farms and cattle ranches. Nylstroom / Modimolle is famous for its export ... Modimolle information
Mokopane
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Mokopane
Mokopane (previously known as Potgietersrus) is a mining and agricultural center. There are several nature reserves in the vicinity. Among them, the Potgietersrus Nature Reserve supports indigenous and exotic game, and ... Mokopane information
Mookgophong
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Mookgophong
Mookgophong is a charming and thriving town at the foot of the Swaershoek Mountains encircled by peaceful nature reserves and steaming hot springs. The Bushveld climate and attractive resorts in the area attract ... Mookgophong information
Naboomspruit
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Naboomspruit
Mookgophong (previously known as Naboomspruit). Mookgophong is a charming and thriving town at the foot of the Swaershoek Mountains encircled by peaceful nature reserves and steaming hot springs. The Bushveld climate ... Naboomspruit information
Northam
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Northam
Northam, notable virtually only for its 50 kilometre proximity to yet another little town called Thabazimbi, is one of those stoic, modest towns through which one is wont to travel in this part of the world. It is ... Northam information
Nylstroom
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Nylstroom
Nylstroom now know as Modimolle: The charming town of Modimolle is the commercial centre of the Waterberg district. Amongst typical bushveld you will find vineyards, soft fruit farms and cattle ranches. Nylstroom / ... Nylstroom information
Potgietersrus
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Potgietersrus
Mokopane (previously known as Potgietersrus): A mining and agricultural center. There are several nature reserves in the vicinity. Among them, the Potgietersrus Nature Reserve supports indigenous and exotic game, and is ... Potgietersrus information
Rust De Winter
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Rust De Winter
Situated on the border of Limpopo and Northern Gauteng in South Africa, Rust De Winter is predominantly a large Nature Reserve and Dam with a small residential area. The reserve is approximately 80km north of ... Rust De Winter information
Rooibokkraal
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Waterberg
Lying very far north, so far that it is almost on the border with Botswana, Rooibokkraal seems virtually in the middle of nowhere, almost. There are other towns like Thabazimbi and Lephalale, at least 80 kilometres away. But ... Rooibokkraal information
Thabazimbi
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Thabazimbi
Thabazimbi is easily reached from Gauteng by car or plane, the district has a large concentration of private game reserves. With the recent addition of the Marakele National Park, it's easy to understand why Thabazimbi ... Thabazimbi information
Tolwe
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Waterberg
Lying in the heart of the Limpopo province, Tolwe lies just off the R561 that branches off the N11 south of the border South Africa shares with Botswana. The little town is easily described as 'in the middle of nowhere' ... Tolwe information
Tom Burke
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Tom Burke
Tom Burke, a wee town in the middle of Bushveld country, lies just north of Rietfontein Village at the intersection of the N11 with the R572. This far north, Tom Burke lies virtually on the border with Botswana, and aside from a ... Tom Burke information
Vaalwater
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Vaalwater
(Vaalwater has recently been renamed to Mabatlane). In the heart of the Waterberg District, the charming town of Vaalwater is considered the "central" town of the Bushveld region. Vaalwater is situated in the uppermost ... Vaalwater information
Warmbaths
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Warmbaths
Warmbaths is now known as Bela Bela. Bela-Bela is world-renowned as a holiday and health destination. The hot mineral springs bubble out of the earth at about 22,000 litres per hour. The temperature of the water is a ... Warmbaths information
Welgevonden
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Welgevonden
Welgevonden Game Reserve is a popular weekend safari destination out of Johannesburg. Only 3 hours drive north of OR Thambo Airport, Welgevonden Game Reserve is a "Big Five", malaria free Game Reserve in the ... Welgevonden information
Bushveld Region
Featured and "Must See" Attractions in Bushveld Region
Ben Alberts Nature Reserve
The Ben Alberts Nature Reserve is set close to the town of Thabazimbi, virtually on Route 510 just south west of Marakele National Park in the heart of the Waterberg. Rated as one of the best birding reserves by avid birders, Ben Alberts is also well known for its Vulture Restaurant, where the endangered Cape ... more information
d'Nyala Nature Reserve
D'Nyala Nature Reserve lies just 15 kilometres south east of Lephalale in the remoteness parts of the Waterberg Biosphere. It is named after the huge and lovely Nyala tree (Xanthocercis zambesiaca) that grows in the area up to 30 metres high with massive gnarled and crooked trunks from which its leaves grow ... more information
Doorndraai Dam Nature Reserve
The beautiful Doorndraai Dam nature reserve, set in amongst the foothills of the Waterberg south west of Potgietersrus, includes, as its name suggests, the rather large Doorndraai dam that offers many a visitor relief from the soaring temperatures that can afflict this part of the world during summer. The ... more information
Elements Golf Course
Elements Private Golf Reserve starts with the advantage of location in the Limpopo Province, one of the most breathtaking malaria-free bushveld regions of South Africa, and the golf course is an unsurpassed Peter Matkovich design. These elements come together to make Elements Private Golf Course one of ... more information
Entabeni Game Reserve
Translated, Entabeni means 'place of the mountain', which goes some way to describe its location deep in the heart of the malaria-free World Heritage Waterberg biosphere in the Limpopo, south west of Lapalala Wilderness Game Reserve. The Waterberg is the first region in the northern part of South Africa ... more information
Euphoria Golf Course
Euphoria golf course is a unique blend of bushveld golf with wide, undulating fairways, wild grasses and deep bunkers which gives it a links like feel on many of the holes. Aptly named Euphoria - the idyllic state of well being - the course nestles in the foothills of the Waterberg Mountain Range 10 kilometers from ... more information
Kololo Game Reserve
Kololo Game Reserve is situated in the beautiful province of Limpopo, South Africa, in the heart of the Waterberg biosphere. Vast, peaceful and incredibly beautiful, this is a fascinating destination with a rich cultural legacy and a natural splendour. A malaria-free area and home to a large variety of... more information
Koro Creek Golf Course
The 18-hole golf course is a 6825m par 72 course. There are four tee boxes on every hole to accommodate every level of visiting golfer. A portion of the golf course extends into the reserve, offering the golfers the relaxing experience of golf combined with nature. Koro Creek Bushveld Golf ... more information
Kwalata Wilderness
Kwalata Wilderness, close to Lapalala Wilderness Game Reserve in Limpopo, lies in the heart of the biosphere reserve in the beautiful Waterberg just over 300 kilometres from Johannesburg. The greys and blues of the Waterberg Mountain range provide an infinite backdrop to the bushveld, copious numbers ... more information
Lapalala Game Reserve
Lapalala Game Reserve, today one of the largest private game reserves in South Africa, was established to safeguard a unique eco-system with 77 kilometres of the Palala River at its heart. This provided the ideal site for the breeding of endangered species such as the roan antelope and the black rhino ... more information
Mabalingwe Game Reserve
Spread over more than 12 000 hectares of softly rolling hills, the malaria-free Mabalingwe Game reserve is host to the big 5, and also hippo, giraffe, hyena and sable to name but a few of the 36 species of wildlife. For the bird lovers there are more than 220 bird species that have been spotted here ... more information
Mabula Game Reserve
Only two short hours drive North of Johannesburg lies the African wonder that is Mabula Private Game Reserve. This 12000ha of malaria free reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife and birdlife, including the world famous Big Five. Home to some 60 mammals, 300 bird species, 100 ... more information
Marakele National Park
The Marakele National Park in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains has become a 'place of sanctuary' for a vast variety of wildlife mainly due to its location in the transitional zone between the dry western and moist eastern regions of South Africa. The Marakele National Park is characterised by ... more information
Mogol Golf Club
The Mogol golf course is situated in Lephalale (formerly Ellisras) in Limpopo, is well known for it's massive Marula trees (better known as sky bunkers) and winds through the Onverwacht extension. The Mogol course demands accuracy and precision - the slightest slip in your concentration will send the ball either ... more information
Mokolo Dam Nature Reserve
The Mokolo Dam and nature reserve lies just north east of the Marakele National Park and roughly 50 kilometres south west of Lapalala Wilderness Game Reserve on the northern slopes of the Waterberg Mountains. Mokolo is a relatively small nature reserve that nonetheless attracts visitors for the lovely picnic spots ... more information
Mokopane Biodiversity Centre
Mokopane is situated just over two hours from Pretoria and little over 40 minutes from Polokwane. The Biodiversity Centre here is committed to breeding, conservation and research with the aim of preserving precious species from all around the world. The facility is also dedicated to education and ... more information
Nylsvley Nature Reserve
The Nylsvley Nature Reserve is situated in the upper reaches of the Nyl River near the town of Naboomspruit in Limpopo, and includes part of the largest floodplain vlei in the country. The Nylsvley Nature Reserve is well known for its exceptional avifaunal diversity, with 370 species recorded, of which... more information
Rust De Winter Nature Reserve
The pretty Rust de Winter Nature Reserve lies north east of Hammanskraal and close enough to the N1 and Pretoria to make a weekend of it. Places like Rust de Winter, which is part of the larger still in its development phase (although word has it that rhino have already been spotted) Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve ... more information
Shakama Game Farm
Shakama is a privately owned game farm in the southern range of the Waterberg. The Shakama farm covers 640 hectares of natural landscape and lies in the centre of over 10 000 hectares of bushveld ranches. The owners have embarked on a programme, based on and ecological study, to breed a number ... more information
Thabazimbi Golf Course
Situated eight kilometres from Thabazimbi on the Rustenburg road (R510), Thabazimbi is a Bushveld course with wonderful old trees and much bird and wild life joining golfers on the greens. Thabazimbi Golf Club is home to the annual Billie of the Bushveld Tournament which is held very year between March and April. The ... more information
The Rhino Museum
As a testament to its emphasis on eco-tourism and conservation, the Waterberg boasts Africa's only Rhino Museum, devoted entirely to the conservation of rhinoceros. The species, that has roamed Planet Earth for more than 30 million years has been brought to the brink of extinction in less than 30 years ... more information
Tilodi Wilderness
Set in the foothills of the Waterberg, Tilodi Wilderness is a private game reserve that promises an unspoilt bushveld experience against the backdrop of undulating hills, wetlands and seasonal rivers, just two hours from OR Tambo International Airport and Sandton ... more information
Touchstone Game Reserve
Touchstone Game Farm, a natural heritage site, lies in the north western section of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, a privately owned nature conservancy of some 100 000 hectares dedicated to preserving and protecting the delicate ecosystem and preserving the natural heritage of the area. Only three ... more information
Waterberg Biosphere
Situated in the magnificent Waterberg Mountain Range of Limpopo, the Waterberg District is the ideal getaway where the weary traveller can relax and revel in the great natural beauty of the bushveld savannah and its rich wildlife heritage. The Waterberg Mountains stretch along more than 5 000 km² of... more information
Welgevonden Game Reserve
The Malaria free Welgevonden Game Reserve is situated just 2.5 hours north of Pretoria. Welgevonden Game Reserve is a declared Heritage Site of 33000 hectares and borders the Marekele National Park, situated in the breathtaking Waterberg Biosphere. A true bushveld environment is home to some of ... more information
Wonderkop Nature Reserve
Named after one of its major features, a kopie (little hill) called Wonderkop, Wonderkop Nature Reserve lies roughly 115 kilometres north of Mokopane in the Waterberg. The pretty Wonderkop reserve, surrounded by red bushwillow trees, is bounded on its eastern border by the Mogalakwena River and the ... more information
Zebula Country Club Golf Course
This pristine 660-hectare bushveld estate boasts a sensational new world class Peter Matkovich designed golf course. It is also home to a variety of indigenous 'non-predator' free-roaming game species. Situated a short drive from Zebula Nature Reserve, Zebula Country Club lies within 660 hectares... more information
Bushveld Region
Featured Things To Do in Bushveld Region
Tandem Skydive with Skydive Xtreme
Where: Modimolle
How much (per person): R1001 to R1500
Tandem Skydiving gives you one of the most thrilling experiences known to mankind! After a short (10 minute) briefing, you will be ready to ... more information
Thaba Kwena Crocodile Farm
Where: Modimolle
How much (per person): Free
Thaba Kwena Crocodile Farm, is the largest commercial crocodile farm in southern hemisphere. They have approximately 22000 crocodiles of var ... more information
Tour of Geluksfontein Dairy Goat Farm
Where: Melkrivier
How much (per person): On Request
Do a guided Tour around the Geluksfontein Dairy Goat Farm, an authentic Cheese Farm in the Heart of the Waterberg. Geluksfontein dairy goat' ... more information
Bushveld Region
Holiday Accommodation in Bushveld Region
For accommodation in Bushveld Region see:
• Bela Bela • Dwaalboom • Lephalale • Mabalingwe • Mabula • Melkrivier
• Modimolle • Mookgophong • Naboomspruit • Nylstroom • Rust De Winter • Thabazimbi
• Tom Burke • Vaalwater • Warmbaths • Waterberg • Welgevonden
Or to see all accommodation in the region at once, visit Bushveld Accommodation.
Limpopo offers a mosaic of superb scenic landscape, a fascinating cultural heritage, an abundance of wildlife species and many nature based tourism opportunities.
- Introduction to Limpopo
- Destination Guide
- Accommodation Guide
- Limpopo Search by Map
- Limpopo Conferences
- Wedding Guide
- Touring Limpopo
- Transport & Travel Arrangements
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destinations / attractions in the limpopo province
