Things to Do in Waterberg Biosphere Reserve

Almost the size of the Kruger National Park, the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere Reserve has it all. Close encounters with amazing wildlife, vast open spaces, rich biodiversity and the romance of the bushveld contribute to an unforgettable African wilderness experience. This magical part of South Africa offers discoveries as diverse as its visitors – fascinating people and places are all within easy reach. Stretching from Marakele National Park in the south west to Wonderkop Nature Reserve in the north east of Limpopo, the reserve houses an immense treasure of archaeological, cultural, and biological diversity. The small town of Vaalwater serves as the gateway to this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve characterized by undulating hills and endless views. Explore it on foot, horseback or in your vehicle – you won’t forget it!

If you’re in Vaalwater looking for unusual handmade products made by locals look no further than Kamotsogo Craft Art. Although the artwork is contemporary, inspiration is drawn heavily from numerous African aesthetics and cultures. This wonderful empowerment initiative of the Clive Walker Foundation continues contributing to the meaningful improvement of lives and families within the local community. Originally established in 2006, this social investment plan nurtures employment opportunities and empowers women through the production, marketing and sales of their unique merchandise.

At just a three-hour drive from OR Tambo International Airport, Welgevonden Game Reserve is a sought after Big Five game reserve bordering the Marekele National Park in the Waterberg Biosphere. What makes it even more attractive is that it is malaria-free. Meaning ‘well found’, Welgevonden is a mountainous place of spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and awesome birdlife that captures the essence of true wilderness. Home to white rhino, lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo, the reserve also has cheetah, sable, gemsbok, giraffe, bush pig, pangolin, warthog, black-backed jackals and many antelope species. At night you have the chance of spotting rare and unusual animals such as brown hyena, aardwolf and aardvark. With over 250 bird species including rare blue cranes, the reserve is also a birder’s dream. Welgevonden also features some superb, delicate Bushman rock paintings. Visit Welgevonden for amazing wildlife viewing opportunities, an authentic wilderness experience and a wonderful sense of the spirit of Africa.

A three and a half hour drive from Johannesburg will get you to the wonders of Lapalala Wilderness. This immense malaria-free privately-owned nature reserve lies in the mountains of the Waterberg. Here you are assured of a supreme bush experience and the chance of spotting black and white rhino, buffalo, zebra, blue wildebeest, sable, roan, tsessebe, impala, eland, kudu, giraffe, warthog, hippo and crocodiles. Cats to spot are leopard, Serval and genet. Now incorporated into the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, the stunning landscape is characterised by sparkling rivers winding through craggy gorges and undulating bushy hills. Brainchild of renowned conservationist Clive Walker with the assistance of Dale Parker, this sanctuary is home to rare endangered animals. This dynamic team is credited with reintroducing the critically endangered black rhino to the Limpopo.

Popular with water sports enthusiasts, anglers, families, birders and photographers alike, the Mokolo Dam Nature Reserve’s major attraction is boating. Almost a quarter of the picturesque malaria-free 4 600-hectare reserve is taken up by water when the dam is full. Dramatic cliffs and precipitous hills run down to the water’s edge, presenting fabulous backdrops for photographers. Boat based bird watching along the shoreline also offers excellent photo opportunities. Families will find numerous lovely picnic spots and fishing around the dam.

Lying in the heart of the Waterberg UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the privately owned Entabeni Game Reserve promises an exciting wilderness experience for discerning travellers. Here you can take a scenic helicopter flip, gaze at the stars in the observatory, go on guided horse trails, visit the local Pedi village, enjoy sunset lake cruises and a variety of wildlife viewing activities. Known as ‘The Place of the Mountain’, this malaria-free safari conservancy has an astonishing five ecosystems. Knowledgeable and friendly guides take visitors on fascinating excursions identifying a diverse array of interesting birds and animals – so much more than the usual Big Five sightings! Explore the grasslands and stunning craggy escarpment, drive down between the cliffs past bubbling streams and down to the balmy sand wetlands – you definitely won’t get bored. And at less than a three-hour drive from Johannesburg, the reserve’s proximity and lack of the nasty anopheles mosquito makes it an alluring destination.

Legend Golf and Safari Resort promises an exceptional golf and safari experience featuring a high vantage point upon which visitors may tee off! This golf and safari resort offers a 19-hole course amidst wildlife, malaria-free bushveld surroundings, and stunning panoramic views particularly of the Hangklip Mountain. Eighteen of the world’s top golfers were selected to add their design expertise to the signature course, contributing to the allure and spirit of golf in Limpopo. Situated in the Waterberg region of the Limpopo Province of South Africa, Legend Golf sets new standards for golfing and wildlife viewing. The championship golf course includes a golf academy with driving range, recreational facilities, wellness centre, sports complex and conference centre.

Situated close to the beautiful Nylsvley Nature Reserve, Koro Creek Golf Estate offers a wonderful escape for families and golfers alike. Visitors can enjoy close encounters with wildlife on the 18-hole golf course or the game reserve – there is something for everyone. Warm, sunny winters and fantastic summers provide year round opportunities for golfing and other pursuits in a malaria-free playground. The 860-hectare nature reserve alongside the estate is going to be incorporated into the estate allowing wildlife to roam free. Koro Creek Golf Course is a 6825 metre par 72 championship course featuring four tee boxes on every hole to accommodate every level of golfer. Fairways narrow as you enter onto the green - be sure to bring your putting game! The clubhouse has all the amenities including a restaurant and all the amenities that members and visiting golfers require.

Zebula Golf Course offers a superlative golfing experience on a Peter Matkovich designed golf course. Teeing off on this pristine 1 200-hectare bushveld estate is a considerable pleasure with its wildlife spectators, tranquility and vast open spaces. Giraffe, zebra, eland, kudu, gemsbok, Nyala, impala, Red Hartebeest, Blue Wildebeest, warthog, bushpig and many more species could be watching while you hit an ace. Combining the wonders of golf with wildlife and the quintessential African environment is the fulfilment of a long standing dream for Peter Matkovitch. Designed to blend unobtrusively into the bush, Zebula also adheres to eco-sensitive development guidelines. Other celebrated Peter Matkovitch courses are Leopard Rock, Spier, Steenberg and Arabella, the highest ranked new course in South Africa. Zebula Country Club also features a restaurant, cocktail bar, TV lounge, swimming pool, fully equipped gymnasium, Jacuzzi, squash court and tennis courts.

Bambelela offers two and a half hour guided tours offering in-depth knowledge and first-hand experiences about hand-raising wild animals and primates. Some of the animals can be touched and there are great photo opportunities. Orphaned and injured African animals are cared for with the aim of rehabilitating them back into the wild. Bambelela are working on being officially recognized as a Vervet Monkey Sanctuary in the Waterberg. Tours are by appointment only. Cost per adult is R100 and R50 for kids (under 4 years free).

Tee off on the world first Biosphere Golf Course in the Waterberg The combination of 18 championship golf holes and the untamed wilderness of Africa promises to be an exceptional playing experience. Against a stunning backdrop of hills and nestled in the valleys, the course is divided by numerous gorges and water features on the magnificent estate. Entirely sensitive to the natural bushveld, the well-manicured USGA standard greens, bunkers and tees provide an attractive contrast to the wilderness. The Waterberg Biosphere Course is an outstanding addition to golfing in Limpopo and this unique concept will see the integration of a championship par 62 golf course with the Biosphere Nature Trail. Keen golfers will be able to play this course in less than three hours and see wildlife en route.

Spot the Big Five in a malaria-free reserve in the Waterberg Mountains. Conveniently situated, Mabalingwe Nature Reserve is an easy two-hour drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria – a great escape from the stresses of urban living. Gripping sightings of elephant, white rhino, leopard, hippo, giraffe, hyena and sable antelope are routine on this lush Limpopo game park. Spread over 12 500 hectares of pristine wilderness, the rolling hills of the reserve is the birthplace to 32 species of wildlife. Birders will be kept busy ticking off numerous special sightings with more than 250 bird species on record. Visit Mabalingwe at any time of year and discover some of life's forgotten pleasures - it's definitely worth a trip!

Ever dream of zipping above the trees like Tarzan and Jane? The Waterberg Zipline takes guests on an exciting, two-hour adventure sliding from one platform to the next. Professional guides share interesting facts about the local animals and plant life. The views of the Waterberg Mountains are stunning. 073 591 2280 / 082 903 6041 www.waterbergzip.co.za

A winning combination of golf and the unsurpassed beauty of the Waterberg landscape make playing on Euphoria Golf Course a unique golfing experience. The soothing surroundings in no way diminish the challenging aspects of the Annika Sorenstam-signature 18-hole championship course. Designed to preserve the indigenous fauna and flora, the estate also features wide golf corridors to ensure privacy to golfers and residents alike. Clubhouse facilities are in keeping with the overall world-class experience, offering the elegant Sundowner Deck Restaurant and terrace, perfect for enjoying the stunning views. A nifty cableway links the club house to the mountain estate and restaurant.

Popular for weekend getaways, Doorndraai Nature Reserve’s offers decent fishing, birding, hiking, game drives, boating and picnicking. The Doorndraai Dam is part of this 7 000-hectare nature reserve situated on the Sterk River and in the foothills of the Waterberg. The dam is a popular largemouth bass angling site with a camping site, chalets and a conference centre. It’s also home to a wide variety of wildlife and 300 species of birds. Twenty-three species of raptor have been recorded in the reserve. Look out for Osprey, resident African Fish Eagle, Martial Eagle, Verreauxs' Eagle and Tawny Eagle. Many waders, herons, ducks and Common Whimbrel can be seen on the open shoreline.

Home to the handsome nyala antelope, D’Nyala Nature Reserve protects an impressive number of mammal species. Predators on the prowl including leopard, brown hyena, jackal and smaller cats can also be seen. 60 mammals can be ticked off here including white rhino, giraffe, waterbuck, zebra, tsessebe and eland. Extraordinarily beautiful baobab, nyala, mopane, marula, knobthorn, wild figs and leadwood trees are characteristic of this reserve. The fruit of the impressive Nyala tree is a great source of food for elephant, antelope, birds, monkeys and humans. Two game viewing hides provide wonderful wildlife spotting opportunities over the riverbeds and flat savannah, particularly during the dry season. D’Nyala Nature Reserve became the focus of media attention when talks between FW de Klerk and Cyril Ramaphosa were held here before the democratic transformation in South Africa.

Grab your kids for mega wallowing and splashing about at Forever Resorts Warmbaths. Even if you’re not crazy about family-oriented resorts, a trip to Bela-Bela wouldn’t be complete without a dip in the bubbling hot mineral spring. But if it’s a quiet getaway you’re after be warned – on weekends and school holidays you might be joined by thousands of holiday makers. The source of the ancient spring gushes out 22 000 litres of water at 52 degrees Celsius every hour. Rich in limestone minerals including calcium carbonate, sodium chloride and other salts, the water is popular for healing treatments. Apart from the hydro therapy of the Jacuzzi, indoor hydro pools and the main pool, the resort offers cable water skiing, go-karts, mini quads, a fufi-slide, pedal boats, target shooting, 'Monster Web' climbing, putt-putt, kids play park, speed slide, wave pool – the list is endless! Day visitors are welcome from 07:00 – 17:00 December rates subject to change: adults R130, children 3 – 13 R100.

For the birds! Twitchers take note – get ready for a birding bonanza when the Nyl River floods the Limpopo wetlands. The birding watching is awesome, particularly in the Nysvley Nature Reserve. Now an internationally renowned RAMSAR site, the 4,000-hectare Nylsvley Conservancy is part of South Africa's largest flood-plain that stretches 70 km from Modimolle to Mokopane. The reserve is home to 72 mammal species, including rare Roan Antelope. High rainfall years bring a mind-boggling 80 000 migratory water birds to the floodplains, with up to 420 recorded species. Nysvley Nature Reserve is a haven for 37 Red-Data species, hence its significance as a RAMSAR site. You can easily spot as many as 365 species in the reserve itself which has five bird hides. The prolific bird life and plant species makes it a great attraction for bird-lovers, researchers and tourists at any time of year. And it’s not all about birding, it’s a great place for a weekend getaway or day outing. There are a few dirt roads for game-viewing, extensive walking, hiking, and mountain biking trails as well as campsites and picnic spots. +27 (0)14 743 1074 www.nylsvley.co.za

Well known for being an excellent winter course, Mogol Golf Course offers golfers a demanding 72 par 18-hole course. Featuring lovely big Marula trees sometimes called sky bunkers, the magnificent 6077 meter course demands precision and meticulousness technique. Ingenuously designed, Mogol Golf Course winds through the suburb of Onverwacht enabling golf enthusiasts the convenience of not having to leave town to play a few rounds.

Spectacularly scenic rock formations, excellent birding and game viewing make for a wonderful bush escape in this Waterberg reserve. Home to rich birdlife, a weekend at Masebe Nature Reserve is a must for birders and those who love the wilderness. Besides game viewing and bird watching, other attractive activities on offer include hiking, cycling, and kloofing. Only 360 km from Johannesburg, Masebe lies near the town of Marken close to Clive Walker's Lapalala Game Reserve and Touchstone Game Ranch. Set in picturesque surroundings, the 4 500-hectare provincial park features a variety of interesting geological formations, plants and rivers. Exciting wildlife you might encounter include sable, tsessebe, nyala, giraffe, zebra, eland, kudu and leopard. The recently renovated camp has chalets for four to seven people, each with a private kitchen and braai area. Ideally suited for group reservations, the camp also offers a large kitchen with bar, conference centre, swimming pool and lapa with communal braai area. Masebe Nature Reserve is a dual venture between the Limpopo government and the Bakenberg community to support tourism-generated economic development.