Welcome to our slice of bushveld paradise.
Waterberg Cottages and Africamps Waterberg are set on a stunning 2,500-hectare private game reserve near Vaalwater in Limpopo — just 2.5 hours from Pretoria and 3 hours from Johannesburg. We offer five self-catering cottages and ten Africamps glamping tents, most with private hot tubs and braai decks overlooking the bush.
The reserve is malaria-free, making it perfect for families. By day, explore on horseback, join a game drive, track wildlife on foot, or simply float in our heated 15m pool watching game pass. By night, world-renowned physicist Dr Philip Calcott turns the Waterberg's dark skies into an unforgettable journey through the cosmos — a show guests consistently call the highlight of their stay.
Whether you're planning a family holiday, a romantic escape, or a bush retreat from the city, you'll leave Waterberg feeling genuinely restored.
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Cottages & Glamping Tents | Waterberg Cottages, Vaalwater
Choose from five fully-equipped self-catering cottages or ten Africamps glamping tents on our private Waterberg game reserve. Most units have private hot tubs, braai areas, and outdoor seating. Solar power, borehole water, and WiFi included.
Activities
Guests can relax at the 15m pool, or engage in more active pursuits such as horse-riding, birding, walking, game drives and more. When night falls, world-class astronomy shows presented by the renowned Dr Philip Calcott are a regular feature.
The night sky, as you've never seen it.
On clear evenings at Waterberg, the darkness is extraordinary — and physicist Dr Philip Calcott is here to make the most of it. Recognised as one of South Africa's premier astronomy guides, Dr Calcott has presented his laser astronomy show to the contestants of the Miss World competition and to packed cricket grounds, but his most intimate shows happen right here.
Lying on a mattress under an open sky, blanket in hand and hot water bottle at your feet, you'll be taken on a personal journey through planets, nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies visible to the naked eye. Guests of all ages consistently rate this as the most memorable experience of their stay.
Reviews
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Wir würden jederzeit wieder buchen!
Wir hatten das Bushwillow Cottage, es war super geräumig und die Aussicht in die Ferne war einfach unbeschreiblich schön.Die Astronomie Show war einfach unglaublich, auch wenig interessierte werden beigeistert sein. Toller Game Drive und wunderbare Ausritte
Daniel, May 2026
Germany
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A little slice of paradise!
Du premier message avant l’arrivée au dernier pour dire que nous sommes bien rentrés, tout est parfait. On se sent attendus, accueillis comme à la maison et merveilleusement bien dans ce petit coin de paradis.La réserve est splendide. L’emplacement de la tente superbe, avec une très belle vue environnante. Nous n’avons pas eu la chance d’avoir la plaine avec les zèbres juste devant notre tente mais en profitions en... Read this review
J. B-B, July 2026
France
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A very special place!
Where do I begin? The sweeping views with ostriches and antelope by your tent, the perfect african sunset, tents with everything, yummy food, staff who went above and beyond in every way. This was our favourite of 3 africamp sites which we toured over 10 days. The lux bush supper was incredible - I can't recommend it enough and as a family we felt completely spoilt. Dr Phil's stargazing... Read this review
Carrie, July 2026
England
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Le safari à cheval exceptionnel!
Le calme , la vue, le safari à cheval exceptionnel, nous pouvons approcher les animaux de près. Les guides sont très sérieux, mention spéciale à Dan et Fortune. Un endroit où l'on respecte la nature même au niveau des emballages, des petits déjeuners dans du papier et non du plastique, de l'eau de qualité, du lait et du jus dans des bouteilles en verre. Les tarifs, ils sont abordables.... Read this review
Payet, May 2026
Reunion
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A True Bushveld Gem: Our Unforgettable Experience at Waterberg Cottages!
Our recent trip to Waterberg Cottages was nothing short of magical, offering an authentic and incredibly enriching bushveld escape. Even before we reached the gate, the natural wonders began to unfold. Waterberg Cottages is more than just accommodation; it's an immersive and truly rejuvenating bushveld experience. We left feeling refreshed, inspired, and already planning our return to this unforgettable paradise.
Ann C, July 2025
Pretoria, South Africa
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Wir würden jederzeit wieder buchen!
Wir hatten das Bushwillow Cottage, es war super geräumig und die Aussicht in die Ferne war einfach unbeschreiblich schön.Die Astronomie Show war einfach unglaublich, auch wenig interessierte werden beigeistert sein. Toller Game Drive und wunderbare Ausritte
Daniel, May 2026
Germany
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Amazing place: a private jewel!
The majestic Waterberg has been complemented by a private, luxury jewel away from the rat race of the city! What an amazing experience. We truly enjoyed the beautiful scenery, well structured tent and amazing ambience. What an amazing place.
Johan Dippenaar, March 2026
South Africa
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The best value horse safari in South Africa
One of the most wonderful places to stay in South Africa, especially if you love walking or riding with wildlife. Do not hesitate to make a booking. Waterberg Cottages have something for everyone - singles, couples, families or large groups. You can chose to stay on a self-catering basis, ask them to deliver food or cook for you. It's great value. There are lovely gardens with a heated pool,... Read this review
Sophie Neville, March 2026
England, UK
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Exceptional 10/10
Wir hatten das ganz große Cottage zu zweit. Hier wurde wirklich an alles gedacht. Alles sehr sauber und hell und freundlich. Am morgen liefen jede Menge Pferde frei am Haus vorbei, sehr schön und unerwartet. Die Manager sind sehr sehr freundlich: super Kommunikation für zum Beispiel Wegbeschreibung und Late Check out. Alles in allem waren wir sehr zufrieden!
Annette, October 2024
Germany
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Cute Cottage
Le cottage était très mignon. Les activités proposées sont de grande qualité et tout le personnel est sympathique et compétent. C’est formidable de trouver une réserve « pet-friendly ». Chaque membre de la famille y a trouvé son compte et est reparti ressourcé
Virginie, May 2025
Switzerland
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Dreamy, fantastic, beautiful.
Beautiful complex, you arrive and immediately feel a deep sense of peace. Horses, dogs, cats, and all kinds of other animals roam freely, jacarandas and strelitzias bloom, and it's simply dreamy. The Butterfly Cottage is magical and very cozy, and has everything you need for self-catering. All the staff are very warm and friendly. Absolute recommendation! However, you have to be able to cope with creepy-crawlies in the house,... Read this review
Sabine, September 2025
Germany
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Great place for kids 5/5
We really enjoyed our stay at Philip and Juliet’s place! It was so family friendly- the staff accommodated our two year old in whatever activities we wanted to take part in. We loved the playground, pony ride and safari. We highly recommend staying here as it’s such a great value with lovely people in a beautiful setting. Would definitely consider going back :)
Colleen, July 2023
New Hamburg, Canada
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A Romantic Getaway - did not disappoint!
We stayed in Butterfly Cottage - the cottage is very romantic and has everything one needs. The hot tub was of course the highlight. There were so many activities to choose from - from horse riding, swimming in a heated pool, hiking, game drives AND watching the stars! The hiking trails were well marked and beautiful. The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly. We will definitely return!
Dr Tuschka, October 2025
South Africa
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Stunning Escape into Nature – AfriCamps Waterberg
We loved it! We had an absolutely wonderful stay at AfriCamps Waterberg! From the moment we arrived, we were surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and peaceful wilderness. The sight of wildlife roaming freely in the fields right in front of our tented lodge was unforgettable — truly magical and calming. The glamping units are beautifully designed and equipped with everything you need to make your stay comfortable and convenient.... Read this review
Liezl Boukan, July 2025
South Africa
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Fabulous Africamps Waterberg. Epic!
Our first ever visit, and it moved right to the top of my list: lazing in the hot tub, watching the animals roam right next to your tent at times, even had an ostrich nip my flip flop. Epic, in wordl
Adele van der Merwe, October 2025
South Africa
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Our favourite Bush Break
As the parents of 4 we can safely say that we didn’t hear the words “I’m bored” once during our stay, and this translated into us adults also being able to relax to the max. Every day was a chance to create a special memory and we all unanimously agreed that this was, by far, our favourite bush break. Shout out to Max 🐾 for being the dearest companion... Read this review
Angela, May 2025
South Africa
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We stayed here for two nights and loved this place
The cottages are beautiful. The place is ideal for small children. Our cottage was beautifully set near the secure swimming pool, looking out over African farmland. The kids loved the two dogs on the property. Waterberg Cottages is located 30 km out of Vaalwater where you can buy all you groceries. We are certainly coming back.
Floris Moraal, Netherlands
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Romantic Butterfly - a cute, cozy cottage
We arrived to a cute little cozy cottage, perfectly set up for a romantic weekend away. It is so tranquil and relaxing. Besides the wonderful hiking trails, there is a heated pool perfect for those rainy cold days amongst many other exciting activities offered at the Waterberg Cottages. I would recommend this humble getaway to anyone who needs a time out of the busy city!
Tessa
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Phantasmagoricalistic!
Our midweek escape for a birthday proved to be such a positive experience that it will linger with us for many moons. The locatioin, the cottage, the staff, the birding game drive, the history tour - all contributed to a delicious virtual 'birthday cake', but the cherry on the top was the astronomy evening - which was astronomically special. The astronomy evening with Dr. Phil was THE highlight -... Read this review
Alan Hyson, October 2024
South Africa
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Geweldig plek met geliefde mensen
Geweldig plek met geliefde mensen. Die met zorg meehelpen en denken. Night drive moet je zeker doen. Bush dinner geweldige ervaring.Prachtige plek
Niels van de Noort, February 2026
The Netherlands
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