The Waterberg is a mountainous area in South Africa's Limpopo province that is a declared UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The region is found between Bela-Bela, Polokwane and South Africa's border with Botswana, and it is roughly 80% of the size of the Kruger National Park!
The Waterberg is known for the rolling grasslands of its savannah zones, the vegetated cliffs of the mountains and the wet, riverine areas. An amazing diversity of birds, animals, reptiles, grasses, plants and trees inhabit and grow in these distinct habitats. You'll find grass-grazing antelope, snakes, birds of prey, porcupines and cliff-clinging trees. Giraffe, white rhino, crocodiles and hippos are large creatures indigenous to the area. And not to forget the smaller treasures like civet and genet, jackal, warthogs, a host of other animals and over 360 bird species.
Eco tourism helps to protect the environment through the support of private game reserves, which offer accommodation and activities like game drives, hiking, mountain biking and bird watching. The area is also rich in cultural and archaeological history.
Destinations in the Waterberg are easy to access from the N1 highway. It is a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Johannesburg.