• Private Game Reserve
    Bushveld Hospitality on a Private Game Reserve
  • Hot Tubs
  • Self-catering Cottages
  • Africamps Glamping Tents
  • Horse Riding
  • Game Drives
  • Family Friendly
  • Dr Phil's Astronomy Show
Self-Catering Cottages & Glamping near Vaalwater | Waterberg

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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Africamps at Waterberg

Our ten well-equipped Africamps glamping tents, each with its own hot tub and braai area on deck, are tucked into the bush, just a ten minute walk away.

Reviews

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Exceptionally beautiful

    Beautiful lodge, detached house with a veranda. Amazing view horses were running in the pasture in front of us. Super nice people - the receptionist Anelien did everything she could to make our stay as pleasant as possible. A quiet place in the middle of the bush. Possibility to walk trails. A lovely swimming pool and a hot tub at the lodge that was heated up for us. Thanks... Read this review

    Helena , December 2025

    The Netherlands

  • 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

  • Traumhaft schöne Unterkunft!

    Traumhaft schöne Unterkunft! Absolut empfehlenswert.

    Sabine Kleefisch, September 2025

    Germany

  • Amazing Place!

    Truly an amazing place! Located in a beautiful and private area, with animals up close (the horses are just outside the house). The house is super cute and the view is mesmerizing. It’s a perfect place to bring kids (and dogs) and we had the most lovely stay. We will definitely be back!

    Sofia , September 2025

    South Africa

  • 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

  • Best Game Viewing Experience

    The accommodation was wonderful – beautiful cottage, with a GREAT bed, everything you need, and lovely kind people to answer any questions and help with anything you need. We did all of the activities– going on game drives, horse riding, the night sky tour, a tracking walk, chatting to the hosts, walking the trails, a massage, and just hanging around enjoying the beautiful views. So much game, and because... Read this review

    Maria Poggi Johnson, June 2025

    Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA

  • 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

  • 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

  • Bushveld sunset in a hot tub

    We loved the experience. The tent was well equipped, beds comfy and shower nice and big. The deck overlooked the camp. Nothing beats fresh air, beautiful sunsets, starry skies and the sounds of wild animals going about their day, but sitting in a juccuzzi, and then enjoying all of that with a glass of wine! Definitely coming back.

    Loni