Enjoy true wilderness in the Waterberg, where water flows, where animals drink. The name says it all: it's an area where the mountains serve as water reservoirs. Rivers, streams and marshes provide life to the dry region.
A diamond of the Waterberg is suddenly easily accessible for those who look for peace, space and a quiet stay. In Waterberg Bushveld Retreat you can walk with the antelope and life is ‘going easy’ for people and animals.
Waterberg Bushveld Retreat is located 30 kilometers north of the town of Vaalwater on the New Ellisras Road. Vaalwater is situated in the Limpopo province, more than 200 kilometers northwest of Johannesburg. There are no predators in the park, but zebras, giraffes, impala, kudu's, wildebeest and jackal can be spotted abundantly.

Besides the 3 cottages and 4 luxury safari tents, there is the Bush Willow Pub with DSTV, a DVD player and a ‘lapa’ just outside the door. There is also a small fitness room, sauna and Jacuzzi. You also can enjoy a wonderful massage.
Outside is a tennis court, giant chess, children’s pool, mini golf and a jungle gym for children. See the entire park from two viewing towers: great places for a bush breakfast, a picnic or a drink at sunset.

Waterberg Bushveld Retreat is a mainly flat terrain of 425 hectare with open plains, trees and bushes. This is ideal for all grazing animals. The wildlife park is fenced. There are no predators in the park so it is possible to enjoy walking and cycling on the plains and through the bush. The large predators can be seen in nearby parks such as Welgevonden Private Game Reserve, Ka’Ingo and Marakele National Park.

Each Bush Cottage sleeps 4 and has two separate bedrooms, one room with a double bed and one with two single beds. The cottage has an open plan lounge and fully equipped kitchen including a fridge and stove with oven, everything running on LP gas. In the cottage is an en-suite bath room with toilet, a bath and in addition to that an outdoor shower. Each cottage has its own private outside fire place and braai/barbeque, fire wood, fire lighters and matches provided. All linen, towels and toilet paper are supplied. The Bush Cottages are private and approx 100 m apart. There is a water hole for animals to drink and also an observation tower with beautiful views. The Bush Cottages are tucked away in the bush 2 km from reception and Hydro area, pools, tennis court etc.

At Waterberg Bushveld Retreat, children can walk around and enjoy the bush, animals and a safe environment. In addition to the basic package in our park we offer a unique program for children aged 5 to 12 years.

The kids program we offer can contain several of the following activities:

Building a hut
The children are sent to an appropriate place in the bush, where it is great for building huts! Materials such as wood, rope and textiles are available. The supervisor (the coach) will clearly explain how the material should be used. The children build the hut themselves; the coach guides the children and encourages them. If the cabin is finished, they get a drink and some treats served in their own hut!

Use of a compass
The coach will explain the operation of the compass and how it can be used to find the right direction. North, south, east and west are explained in several ways, including by looking on the map of Waterberg Bushveld Retreat, with the tents and cottages in the park as a reference. Of course, every child will use the compass during an easy, short excursion. After this exercise they have to do a more difficult task. Two children per team will play against others in a real challenge. This way they really learn how to use the compass in the bush.

Admire the stars at night
After dinner, the children get together for an hour to look at the stars; we use a beautiful wooden viewing tower in the park. The coach will identify and explain the famous signs in the sky of the southern hemisphere. He or she will tell you interesting details about the sun, moon, stars, planets, the orbits around the earth and the distances.

Go hunt the treasure
Depending on the age, the children in the daytime or evening will be ‘dropped’ in pairs with a map and compass. They should find the treasure. The instructions are given in such a way that it is impossible to get lost. But the road is not straight and goes through the African bush. For each team there is a surprise at the end of the hunt.

Play putt putt or tennis
The children play a round of putt putt on our own premises. The coach explains the rules. Older kids play a small game of tennis on the tennis court of Waterberg Bushveld Retreat. Afterwards there is a drink by the pool and the children can go play in the 'jungle gym' or try to get the revenge in putt putt or tennis.

Learn the behavior of animals
The ranger will explain the characteristics and habits of some animals. How long does an elephant live? How do lions cooperate in the hunt for prey? What animals live in herds and who lives alone? How do impala’s protect their babies? Why fight among each other? Does every herd have a leader? And how can they hide when there is danger? What do they eat? How long do they sleep? How much water do they need per day?

Find the tracks of animals
The ranger of Waterberg Bushveld Retreat will show footprints of the animals that live in Waterberg Bushveld Retreat. After the lesson the children will go outside with him to look for tracks and prints in the sand. The tracks of kudu's, impala, wild beasts, zebras and giraffes are very different from each other and are found everywhere on Waterberg Bushveld Retreat. They will of course compare the tracks with what they have just learned. Finally, there is a price for the best tracker. Perhaps they can explain to their parents the difference between a print of a male and female giraffe. They differ from each other!

Learn about plants and trees in the bush
Trees and plants are important in the bush. With the leaves of certain trees you can even brush your teeth. Other leaves provide you with water. Which fruit of the trees in the bush can you eat and which not? Experienced rangers can survive in the bush without supplies for weeks. How can they live? Which fruit do monkeys like and which do elephants like? Which animals graze and feed on twigs and leaves? What does it mean when trees are far apart? How many types of grass are on Waterberg Bushveld Retreat? Why do wildebeests eat other kind of grasses than zebras? Is that the only reason why so many herds of wildebeests and zebras live together so peacefully?

From only R3900 per family of 4 for 3 nights (2 adults sharing with 2 kids <12 years), including all meals and 1,5 days kids program

Valid for stays until and including November 2010, except for  6-9 August and 24 September - 3 October (subject to availability)