The Waterberg Biosphere offers a safari traveller a unique proposition. Lying in northern South Africa, it is a genuine Big Five safari destination both quickly and easily accessible from Johannesburg. And unlike many other Big Five destinations, the Waterberg is malaria-free.
The landscape is mountainous and rugged; rivers wind their way through valleys, grasses sway in the wind on the flats. It is beautiful and unspoilt but it’s the appellation ‘Biosphere’ that offers the visitor the greatest reward: this is no throw-away term but a UNESCO-recognised designation that successfully blends different aspects – or perhaps assets – of the landscape.
Ecologically, the Waterberg is incredibly bio-diverse; this where the bushveld of the Kruger Park meets the red sands of the Kalahari and the mix is reflected in a rich range of wildlife. The Big Five are the most famous animals in the Waterberg – lion, leopard, rhino, leopard and rhino – but this is a destination of rarer and perhaps more sought-after sightings: African wild dog, cheetah, pangolin, aardvark and brown hyena.
A biosphere designation is, however, concerns more than just the natural environment; it also means that the natural assets of the Waterberg are not exploited but are protected, and that local communities benefit from the development of their land and resources through job creation and infrastructure build.
The Waterberg Biosphere is accessible via three destinations: Marakele National Park is the state-run conservation area but it’s the Waterberg’s private wildlife reserves that offer the safari-traveller the best wildlife sightings, accommodation and guided experience. Lodges in these privately-run reserves have morning and afternoon game drives for their guests but also – depending on where you go – guided bush walks, boat cruises and rhino conservation activities.
Ideal for families with younger children, the Waterberg’s beauty and exclusivity make it a honeymoon destination too. As part of a larger itinerary in South Africa, the Waterberg Biosphere adds a fascinating side to the country’s famously rich bio-diversity.
Combine The Waterberg with Cape Town, the Kruger and Victoria Falls for an unforgettable safari holiday.
Browse our recommended Waterberg holidays or contact us for a tailor-made itinerary based on your needs.
The Waterberg Biosphere has a fairly binary climate: a warm rainy summer between December and April, and a mild dry winter from June to October. May and November are ‘shoulder months’ between the two seasons. Temperatures in summer are often hot during the day (expect averages of 32°C/90°F), punctuated by short and sometimes spectacular thunderstorms.
Temperatures cool from April to August when you can expect cold mornings and pleasant days (up to 25°C / 77°F) but note that September and October, though dry, are usually very hot.
The best time to go to the Waterberg is usually considered to be the dry season – June to October. You’ll have the driest and most comfortable climate, the clearest night skies, and the largest concentrations of wildlife at waterholes and rivers. Animals are also easier to see in the thin vegetation of winter, and a photographic hide over a waterhole is very rewarding.
But don’t discount the summer months: malaria is not an issue in the Waterberg, the rain rarely lasts long, and it is the season not just for the best birding but also for Cape Town, now baking under clear blue skies during the Waterberg’s rainy season. Wildlife in the Waterberg often time the birth of their young with the rains, and the baby animals make great opportunities for photographers as well as the Waterberg’s predators; this is a time when kills are often seen.
Safari accommodation in the Waterberg Biosphere is set in private wildlife reserves, either within or on the edge of the Marakele National Park. Exclusive settings mean these camps have wonderful, unspoilt views and a genuine atmosphere, and you’ll find that standards of comfort and guiding at these lodges is on a level with the rest of South Africa’s safari accommodation.
There are of course different styled lodges: some are especially good for families with children while others may be smaller and more intimate, designed for couples and honeymooners. Some camps cater for serious photographers, while several others can be exclusively booked and come fully-staffed – a great option for large families or groups of friends travelling together.
Browse our recommended Waterberg accommodation below and feel free to ask us for more information on suitability and availability.
Nestled within a 23,000-hectare private concession in Marakele National Park, this luxurious lodge features only 15 tented suites. Family suites are also available, providing separate rooms for children. Guests can enjoy game drives, guided walks, and water safaris on the Matlabas River. The lodge also offers a dedicated kids' program.
The lodge features five contemporary eco-suites, each designed with minimalist Scandinavian-inspired architecture. One of the standout experiences at Marataba Mountain Lodge is the Thabametsi Treehouse sleep-out, at an additional cost. Guests can engage in various activities, including guided game drives, walking safaris, and birdwatching, with over 400 bird species recorded in the park.
Five-star lodge with five spacious suites, each featuring a private plunge pool, outdoor shower and bath, king-sized bed, lounge with a fireplace, and a large deck overlooking the bush. The lodge provides guided game drives, bush walks, and birdwatching opportunities, allowing visitors to experience the Big Five and rarer species like brown hyenas and aardvarks.
This family-friendly lodge comprises five luxurious, free-standing suites, accommodating up to 16 guests. The property is fully enclosed with electric fencing, allowing children to safely explore the outdoor areas. Guests can enjoy twice-daily guided game drives to observe the Big Five and over 300 bird species. Additional activities include bush walks, night drives, and intimate bush picnics.
Sophisticated, adults-only five-star lodge blending modern design and African-inspired aesthetics. Each of the 25 suites features a private plunge pool. Guests can indulge in gourmet dining experiences, unwind at the spa, or enjoy guided game drives to observe the Big Five in their natural habitat.
Family-friendly lodge perched on the edge of a cliff, it accommodates up to 16 guests. Ant’s Hill offers horseback safaris suited for riders of all skill levels, from novices to seasoned equestrians. Additionally, guests can partake in guided game drives, bush walks, and mountain biking. The lodge’s adaptable program lets visitors customize their daily adventures according to their preferences.
Originally a colonial-style homestead, this family-friendly accommodation offers a relaxed, homely atmosphere with six spacious en-suite rooms accommodating up to 12 guests. The lodge is renowned for its exceptional horseback safaris, boasting a herd of over 90 horses suitable for riders of all levels. Guests can also enjoy guided game drives, bush walks, and mountain biking.
The Waterberg Biosphere is best combined with other destinations for a comprehensive safari: easily accessed from Johannesburg via a three hour drive or a flight of not even an hour, this is a safari destination that could begin or end a holiday in Southern Africa.
The Kruger National Park and its private Sabi Reserves are the easiest safari destinations to combine with the Waterberg but there are also excellent and quite different wildlife reserves in South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal province. Families with children will appreciate the malaria-free aspect of the Waterberg and that means a happy combination with Cape Town and the Garden Route, plus the Big Five reserves of the Eastern Cape – all non-malarial destinations throughout the year.
Ask us about destinations further afield: Victoria Falls, Mauritius or Botswana; the Waterberg can combine with any of these easily via Johannesburg’s OR Tambo airport.
Our team of destination experts will design a holiday to meet your budget and interests. Let’s start planning your tailor-made African safari today!
Easily accessible from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, the Waterberg Biosphere makes a perfect start or finish to a holiday in South Africa and beyond. Local destinations such as the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Private Reserve are a short flight away, as is Cape Town which gives you access to the Cape Winelands, Whale Coast and popular Garden Route.
Further afield, you could pair the Waterberg with a safari in Botswana or Zimbabwe—both converging at Victoria Falls, the quintessential African safari destination—or opt for malaria-free Namibia for dramatic desert scenery and a unique, low-risk safari experience. Or what about adding a tropical beach to the mix? A short flight from Johannesburg and you are on Mozambique’s dazzling Indian Ocean coast – choose between island exclusivity and the got-it-all value of mainland resorts.
