limpopo
WATERBERG REGION
The needle of the compass shudders as it swivels resolutely south-west to the Waterberg Region - vast, peaceful, incredibly beautiful and more than three million years old. Situated in the magnificent Waterberg Mountain Range.
This region is a harsh but rewarding area of startling beauty, a beauty which lies in its superb vistas, mountain gorges, clear streams and rolling bushveld hills, all rich in indigenous species of plant and animal life - including the 'Big Five'. This is an area where the heat is quenched and aching muscles soothed by the mineral baths of the myriad hot spring resorts.
The Waterberg ('Water Mountain') is a unique wilderness area of South Africa yet to be fully discovered. One of the country's lesser known geographical wonders and bluish in colour, the range supports a biome spanning over 15.000 km², offering breathtaking valleys far from the madding crowd of the bustling tourist centres.
Extracted from: http://www.golimpopo.com/waterberg
accommodation
Nedile Lodge
Nestled deep within the Malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve, situated in the breathtaking Waterberg Biosphere is the spectacular Nedile Lodge, where guests are met by pure luxury, warm hospitality and terrific activities to enjoy.
Nedile Lodge offers guests a truly African holiday experience, far from the stress and turmoil of daily life. Nedile Lodge is only three hours north of Pretoria, and the Welgevonden Reserve is a declared Heritage Site of 36000 hectares (more than 80000 acres).
This true bushveld environment is home to some of Africa’s most sought after game species, including one of the largest collections of white rhino on private land. Other species housed within this reserve include elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, eland and many other varieties of antelope. There may even be the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the aardvark, brown hyena or rarely seen honey badger.
Makweti Safari Lodge
Makweti Safari Lodge is nestled within Welgevonden Game Reserve, a malaria-free wilderness of some 40,000-hectares. Welgevonden ranks among Southern Africa’s largest and most pristine private game reserves.
Welgevonden forms part of the greater, UNESCO-declared Waterberg Biosphere Reserve. This biosphere is characterised by high-plateau geology, magnificent cloudscapes, crystalline streams and an immense diversity of wild species. (While perfect for indigenous plants and animals, the Waterberg’s soils are largely unsuitable for farming or forestry – hence the region has remained unspoiled across the centuries.)
Makweti is perfectly placed for exploration of the entire Welgevonden Game Reserve. While guests are not permitted to drive their own vehicles within the Reserve, our expertly guided, open-vehicle safaris can take you on any variety of interesting routes.
All imagery and information provided for marketing of Makweti Safari Lodge was provided by Makweti and remains their property.
Thaba Pitsi Private Nature Reserve
In a luxury bush veld eco-lodge come and enjoy something different, something unique, a real African experience with a Latin touch, our French "fine cusine" at L'Orange Bleue, the Thaba Pitsi Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Limpop (in the Top 100).
The quietness of Thaba Pitsi's 500 hectares wildlife sanctuary, without the intrusion of television, telephone and radio is the perfect getaway from the stress of city living. Thaba Pitsi Ecolodge is an oasis of peace and tranquility which offers an exclusive "Out of Africa" experience with ample wildlife and a beautiful setting, in a malaria free area. An experience to savour and enjoy! Thaba Pitsi, which means "Mountain of the Zebras" in Northern Sotho is located in the Waterberg in Limpopo, the "Province of Peace".
Thaba Pitsi Nature Reserve is close to Gauteng: one and a half hours drive from the Johannesburg International Airport and one hour’s drive from Pretoria. The Waterberg mountain range in the Limpopo Province is noted for its moderate climate and is considered South Africa's last great wilderness.
Kwafubesi Tented Safari Camp
Retreat to the heart of the bush and to a time uncomplicated by the burdens of modern-day. Kick back and relax at Kwafubesi Tented Safari Camp, your romantic sanctuary in the exclusive 12 000-hectare Mabula Private Game Reserve. Rustic and unpretentious in every way, Kwafubesi promises an unaffected, authentic bushveld experience with its five luxurious en-suite elevated tents, homely atmosphere and completely enveloping beauty of the surrounding bush.
Kwafubesi’s luxuriously appointed tents, which have the Big Five as their namesake, are raised on platforms each with its own private deck where you can enjoy a romantic private dinner for two or picnic breakfast. Discreetly tucked away in the surrounding bushveld to ensure guests’ absolute privacy, the comfortable furnishings, African décor and full bathroom, including shower, large stone bath and stunning views, provide a welcome sanctuary from the heat of the bush.
Game drives are offered to Kwafubesi guests twice a day – once early morning and again in time for sundowners in the late afternoon, and depending on the time of year you visit, each experience can be unique. Watch the vivid change of the seasons as the green thickets and grasslands give way to the bushveld greys and yellows of autumn. Feel the chilly winter air on your cheeks before sunrise and witness the rebirth of the bush as the first summer rains fall and with it the exciting arrival of lambing season.
Mabula Game Lodge
istinctly African in style, Mabula Game Lodge offers comfortable thatch-roof suites with luxury finishings. With soft neutral bushveld colours throughout and massive windows bringing the African wildlife indoors, guests will experience unprecedented comfort while enjoying the sights and sounds that Mabula Game Lodge has to offer. Watch the warthogs nibble their way through the gardens and hear the incessant chatter of happy birds as you relax on your patio, or escape the African heat in your cozy lounge. Soothe your weary muscles in the large stone bath or hop in to the shower for a quick wake-up dip before boarding your morning safari drive. It’s your home away from home in the African wilderness.
The varied habitats on Mabula Game Reserve provide ideal conditions for an astounding selection of large mammals including the Big Five, other predators such as Hyena and Jackal, and a variety of antelope from Red Hartebeest to Eland, Gemsbok to Blesbok. That’s not to mention the elusive cheetah, cheeky honey badger and the omnipresent crèches of warthogs that flit across one’s path during your game drive at Mabula Game Lodge.
Safari drives are offered to lodge guests twice a day – once early morning and again in time for sundowners in the late afternoon, and depending on the time of year you visit, each experience can be unique. Watch the vivid change of the seasons as the green thickets and grasslands give way to the bushveld greys and yellows of autumn. Feel the chilly winter air on your cheeks before sunrise and witness the rebirth of the bush as the first summer rains fall and with it the exciting arrival of lambing season.
Welgevonden Private Game Reserve
Welgevonden Game Reserve, is in the Waterberg District, of the Limpopo, province of South Africa. Welgevonden Game Reserve, is a 38,200ha game reserve in the Waterberg District, of the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The reserve comprises mountainous terrain that is dissected by deep valleys and kloofs while flat plateaus characterise most hilltops. Altitude varies from 1080 m in the north to ±1800 m in the southern section of the reserve. Welgevonden is home to over 50 different mammals, including the Big Five. The diversity of habitat leads to a wide range of wildlife with grassy plains abounding with antelope from the largest eland to the diminutive duiker; and cheetah, lion and leopard are regularly seen close by. There are also numerous rare and unusual species such as brown hyena, aardwolf, pangolin and aardvark – all best seen at night. Over 300 bird species can be seen on the reserve, including rare blue cranes which breed in the southern section early in the year.
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accommodation
Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway
Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway
Perched regally amidst the kudu-berry and velvet–leaf bushwillows on the tip of a magnificent gorge overlooking the Sterkstroom River, Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway is just that; a romantic, secluded hideaway from the world’s worries, an intimate encounter with the beauty of the ruggedly scenic Welgevonden Game Reserve. Clifftop is a serene sanctuary amidst spectacular scenery; a wildlife retreat of extraordinary beauty and home to a myriad of animal and bird species that call the rocky ravines and rolling wooded mountains of this stunning private reserve home.
Relax on your private deck enjoying the cool breeze or sip a full-bodied red in front of one of the lodge’s cosy fires. Whether you’re on honeymoon or simply seeking a romantic sojourn, Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway will soothe your soul; its characteristic silver, grey and white tones, private nooks and natural wood and stone features creating a sense of calm throughout. Guests are accommodated in eight stunning air-conditioned guestrooms decorated in Clifftop’s signature silver, grey and white tones, with natural fixtures and materials incorporated throughout including large pebble and tree trunk tables and towel racks made of distressed branches.
Enjoy a quiet read in the comfort of your own lounge area shielded from the outdoors by massive floor-to-ceiling glass French doors, or step outside on to your private white timber deck complete with your very own plunge pool, an outdoor seating area and splendid views of the Sterkstroom river gorge. You need never leave the comfort of your private Clifftop sanctuary. Relax in breathtaking surroundings, reenergise, de-stress and detox.
Hoedspruit
Hoedspruit is a town situated at the foot of the Klein Drakensberg, in the Limpopo province of South Africa, on the railway line from Tzaneen to Kaapmuiden. The town, while still small, has grown in recent years. Due to its proximity to private game reserves and the Kruger National Park,eco-tourism is a major contributor to the local economy. The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre engages in research and breeding of endangered species, notably cheetah, African wild dog and black-footed cat.
The civil Eastgate Airport, which shares the Air Force base's airfield is, as of May 2015, served by South African Express scheduled flights[5] and several charter operators
Extracted from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoedspruit
accommodation
Khaya Ndlovu Manor House
Khaya Ndlovu Manor House boasts magnificent colonial style gardens as well as unsurpassed views of the Drakensberg Mountains and surrounding bushveld. Situated in the pristine Blue Canyon Conservancy it is the perfect destination for a relaxing and tranquil holiday, intimate boutique wedding or a honeymoon, with the promise of relaxation in the South African bush.
This beautiful venue has stunning suites with bold statements and clean lines; it offers the guests spacious and luxuriously refreshing colonial style rooms. The Honeymoon Suite has floor to ceiling windows opening onto the landscaped gardens offering natural light and a romantic indoor/outdoor feel. This combined with creature comforts and the indulgence of a private glass walled en-suite bathroom with Spa bath; add to the experience that is unique to Khaya Ndlovu Manor House. There is also an inter-leading family room to accommodate families with children.
Khaya Ndlovu has a variety of rooms to accommodate any african safari travelers taste. Whether it be the ultimate luxury of our honeymoon suite or the tasteful economical garden flats, we have something to suit everyone.
At Khaya Ndlovu we like to think that we are different, offering a deeper experience of our area. Where traditional Safaris are a rush to get up early to go on game drives, and then to rush back to the lodge for breakfast. The whole process starts again mid-afternoon. We offer that and so much more in a friendly home from home relaxed atmosphere.
