The Waterberg, South Africa

The Waterberg, a 3-hour drive north-east of Johannesburg, nestles on the South Africa-Botswana border and covers a staggering 15,000sq km of prime game-viewing territory which you can enjoy in relative solitude as it definitely constitures 'off the beaten track'! We love the Waterberg for its offering of excellent Bush Homes where all ages can enjoy a more 'active' safari experience. Whilst there are some Big Five reserves in the area, we recommend a stay at one of the private reserves where there are no elephant or lion, to give all ages the opportunity to walk or even horse-ride with the game. Riding safaris are especially popular as the game view your trusty stead as 'just another animal', so you can enjoy incredibly close sightings of giraffe, white rhino and zebra for example. When not game-viewing or bush tracking, children can join in with the daily activities, from changing a tyre on a 4WD game-drive vehicle to rounding up rhino, whilst adults relax with a good book or glass of wine! Did we mention it is malaria-free too?

Although the incredible wildlife and active safaris are the main attraction, there is plenty of culture too, including important San rock art sites and and the intricate cave network in Makapans Valley which has been declared a national monument.