AFRICAMPS WATERBERG, LIMPOPO

AfriCamps Waterberg is situated on a 2,500-hectare private game reserve within the beautiful 15,000-square-kilometre Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, an area with low human density and large expanses of unspoiled wilderness recognised by UNESCO.

Your hosts are Philip and Juliet Calcott. Juliet is the fifth generation of her family to live and work on the property, which was purchased by the Baber family over 100 years ago. Philip’s background is as a physicist, with a particular passion for astronomy and the glories of the night sky. Since arriving in the bush 20 years ago, he has taken guests on more than 1,000 “Night Sky Safaris” – astronomy shows widely considered to be world-class. He would be delighted to take you on a personalised tour of the stunning wonders of the night sky.

Juliet has taught in local schools and has a deep love of the Waterberg, its nature, its history, and its people. Her father, Charles Baber, and her great-grandfather, Ted Davidson, were both men of energy, humor, and community spirit. Juliet has inherited a century-long treasure trove of stories of love, war, and community endeavour in the Waterberg, which informs her “Step into the Past” Tour.

With the diverse activities on offer, we are sure you’ll have a memorable experience at AfriCamps Waterberg, and we hope to welcome you soon!

Check-in: From 14h00 to 17h00 on day of arrival
Check-out: Before 10h00 on day of departure

Check-in arrangements need to be made and guests are kindly requested to inform the specific AfriCamps host of their estimated time of arrival. This ensures a smooth check-in experience. Full check-in information will be provided in your booking confirmation email.

HORSEBACK SAFARIS

Experience the beauty of the surrounding landscape on horseback! Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a first-timer, our experienced guides will lead you on an unforgettable horseback safari. Suitable for adults and kids, guests can ride amongst giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and even buffaloes to view game in a natural and unforgettable way. We also offer tailor-made packages like a special bush brunch or sundowner experience rides upon request. Horseback safari options:

1.5 Hours: R700 per person (includes drinks)
2 Hours: R900 per person (includes drinks and snacks)
Pony and donkey cart rides: R100 per child (enquire at reception)

Maximum weight: 100 kg
Available for children from 4-12 years – dependent on riding ability (enquire at reception)

GAME DRIVES

AfriCamps Waterberg is one of two lucky establishments with traversing rights over the exquisite 2,000-hectare Belleview Private Game Reserve. 

Belleview is a private conservancy, dedicated to preserving the beauty of the bushveld and its inhabitants. The reserve boasts wide open pastures, streams, dams, and dense bush, teeming with an extraordinary variety of game. Guests can witness herds of over a hundred blesbok, surrounded by a journey of a dozen giraffes, or drive through plains full of zebra, eland, and wildebeest. The reserve also has rare species such as roan, tsessebe, sable, and buffalo, along with stunning examples of kudu and waterbuck.

Join us for a magical journey through this special part of the bushveld and witness the thrill of quietly spying on a selection of wild African animals in their natural habitat.

Cost:  Adults: R400 pp | Children (4-12 yrs): R200 pp | Children (0-4 yrs): Free

Enquire at reception for family safari options
Please note that a minimum fee of R1600 per vehicle applies.

NIGHT DRIVE WITH THERMAL IMAGING

Experience the wild after dark and discover a whole new world with thermal imaging. Spot nocturnal wildlife in their natural habitat—no headlights needed, just pure night-time magic.

Guided Night Drive (2 hours)
Cost: R400 per adult | R200 per child (under 12 years)

*Please note that a minimum fee of R1600 per vehicle applies.
*Subject to availability and weather conditions. Please enquire and book at reception.

SMALL MAMMAL SAFARI

Our Small Mammal Safari offers a rare opportunity to observe the little creatures that play a big role in our ecosystem. Start with an educational talk, then venture into the field to set “live traps” and observe these species up close.  Capture data, learn how to identify these creatures, and release them back into the wild  —all while enjoying an adventure that combines education and hands-on fun. Get a sneak peek—watch the video here.

Cost: R520 pp | Children: R480 pp

ASTRONOMY SHOW

Embark on a journey through the vastness of space where you can witness planets, stars, nebulae, and entire galaxies, all visible to the naked eye in the breathtaking darkness of the Waterberg. Relax on a comfortable mattress under the night sky with blankets and a hot water bottle, while Dr. Calcott takes you on a personal tour of the universe. WATCH: Astronomy of the Southern Sky by Dr Philip Calcott

Cost: R350 pp | Children (5-12 yrs): R175 pp | Children (0-4 yrs): Free

Please note, the astronomy show is weather-dependent and subject to availability.

TRACKS & SIGNS

Uncover the ancient art of tracking with a qualified level 3 guide and learn to read the wild like a true bush detective. This immersive session will reconnect you with nature and reveal the hidden stories written in footprints and markings.

Duration: 1h30
Cost: R300 per adult | R200 per child/teen
Includes soft drinks
Certificate included

*Subject to availability and weather conditions. Please enquire and book at reception.

GUIDED BIRDING EXPERIENCE

Our eco-training students are keen birders and can take guests to visit the hides built alongside some of the dams in the wetland areas. If you’re lucky, you may be able to spot the very rare pair of African pygmy geese, or the beautiful pair of blue cranes that visit from time to time to nest on the reserve.

Birding Walk (2 hours)
Cost: R300 per adult | R150 (ages 4–11 years)

Birding Drive to Wetlands & Hides (2 hours)
Cost: R400 per adult (min. 2 guests) | R200 (ages 4–11 years)

*Subject to availability and weather conditions. Enquire and book at reception.
Due to the presence of crocodiles, all visits to the wetlands need to be guided.

“STEP INTO THE PAST” HISTORY TOUR

Join your host Juliet on her “Step into the Past” tour, including a visit to the historical Davidson House and the Herbert Baker-designed St John’s Church, and loads of stories from the community. 

The tour begins at the camp, where tales of the past are shared through photos projected on a screen. From there, you’ll head to 24 Rivers, just 10 minutes away, to explore the Herbert Baker Church constructed by pioneers in 1914. Just across the street stands the Davidson house, built in 1910. This home has remained untouched since Juliet’s great-grandmother’s time, functioning much like a living museum. Liz Hunter, Juliet’s cousin who resides there, welcomes guests with scones and tea on the verandah after they’ve explored the many artifacts hanging on the stoep wall and the interior of the house. One notable attraction is the ox wagon once belonging to General Louis Botha. Discovered abandoned in the Drakensberg, it was transported to Ted Davidson who used it as a roving shop, trading goods with the Tswana people to the north. The tour ends at Liz Hunter’s art gallery, a stone’s throw from the house.

Cost: R350 pp | Children (5-12 yrs): R175 pp

SPA TREATMENTS

Choose from a selection of relaxing spa treatments to enjoy from the comfort and privacy of your tent.

Bush couple (neck, back, shoulder): R1,035
Bush couple (full body massage – 1 hour): R1,380
Bush full (full body massage – 1 hour): R750
Bush massage (head neck, back – 65 min): R750
Bush massage (head, neck, back – 35 min): R520

Manicure

• Including gel overlay: R575
• Excluding gel overlay: R290

Pedicure

• Including gel overlay: R633
• Excluding gel overlay: R405

In the bush for kiddies

• Manicure for girls with art: R230
• Neck and shoulder massage (incl. temporary tattoo): R290
• Temporary tattoo: R60

Please book in advance as treatments are subject to availability.

WALKING/HIKING TRAILS

Enjoy a selection of walking trails that wind through the bush. We have a number of different walking trails to suit different levels. The trails all start at the cattle grid entrance to the AfriCamps tent area.

White Trail (3 km)

An easy walk up to the wooden viewing platform, Treetops, and back. Treetops, which affords an almost 360 ͦ  panoramic view of Waterberg plains and distant hills is a great spot for sundowners.

Blue Trail (6 km)

In a similar area as the white trail but leads around a koppie.

Black Trail (1.5 km)

Short circular route around the nearby dam.

Orange Trail (3 km)

A circular trail passing the tents and looping through the bush.

Guests can expect to encounter a range of game along each of these routes. There are buffalo on the reserve, so please check with reception before setting out to ensure that your walk will be in a safe area.

SWIMMING

Relax and unwind next to our 15-metre solar-heated pool, and let your worries fade away. Take a refreshing swim or lounge on one of our pool lilos while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding veld. For those looking for some fun, challenge friends or family to a game of pool volleyball with our available net.

KIDS ADVENTURE AREA

Our adventure playground is a hit with children, featuring swings, walkways, slides, and playhouses. Parents can sit back and relax while their kids engage in imaginative play and get some healthy exercise.

VOLLEYBALL

Join in on the fun with a game of volleyball on our court – whether you’re a competitive pro or just looking for some casual fun, everyone is welcome!

WOOD-FIRED HOT TUBS

All 10 tents offer the exclusive use of their own outdoor wood-fired hot tub. A wood-fired hot tub is the purest form of relaxation. Soak up the stunning surroundings while listening to the calming crackle of the fire, or take a dip to cool down on hotter days.

Lekhalo Safaris Zipline (37 min)

Lekhalo Safaris Zipline is situated on the Dorset road 30 km from Vaalwater in the Waterberg biosphere. A two-hour tour with 6 exciting lines that varies between 150 m and 90 m. A unique design on the landing zones brings adventure with beautiful views. Max of 10 people allowed per group. Min height 95cm and max weight 120kg.

Scenic drive along the Waterberg Meander

Explore the Waterberg on a self-drive tour of historical, geological, cultural and environmental sites.

Mountain biking on Summerplace Game Reserve (25 min)

Riders of all levels will have fun on the MTB trails at Summerplace Game Reserve. Tackle the cross-country track that consists of a mix of rough single track, trails, gap jumps, drop-offs, and even a rock bridge, or ride on open farm roads. Enjoy 30 to 40 km of single track mountain biking and hiking trails as a day visitor.

Nylsvlei Nature Reserve

Travelling around Modimolle? The 4,000-hectare Nylsvlei reserve is a birder’s paradise with varying habitats. Also spot the threatened Roan and Tsessebe, Giraffe, Zebra, Kudu, Waterbuck, Impala, Reed-buck, Warthog, Porcupine, Bush-babies and more. 

BREAKFAST BASKET

We offer cook-your-own breakfast baskets with freshly packed ingredients for guests to prepare. Pre-order your breakfast basket when making your booking. Breakfast baskets should be booked a day in advance.

Each breakfast basket includes the following:

Savoury bread
Sliced bread
Jam
Butter
Cheese
Yoghurt
Muesli
Bacon*
Breakfast sausages*
Eggs
Fruit juice
Fresh Fruit
Milk
Ground coffee

Cost: R180 per adult | R140 per child (0 to 12 yrs)

*Vegetarian option (available on request).

BRAAI BASKET

We offer cook-your-own traditional South African braai baskets for guests to prepare. Pre-order your braai basket when making your booking. Braai baskets should be booked a day in advance.

Each braai basket includes the following:

A selection of 400 g meat (kids basket includes 200 g meat)*
Garlic bread
Green salad
Side dish
Marshmallows on a stick

*Vegetarian option (available on request).

Cost: R250 per adult | R180 per child (0 to 12 yrs) 

AfriCamps Waterberg operates entirely on solar power providing guests with an uninterrupted power supply regardless of load shedding. 

Our tents sleep up to five guests, but our rates are based on a two-person stay. Please note that the rates below are a price indication, please use our online booking calendar to check live rates and availability. A minimum stay duration may apply. Extras like meals, activities and tours are not included in the price unless otherwise stated.

Cleaning Fee: All rates exclude a once-off R250 cleaning fee per booking. This fee will be added to your total during the booking process.

Please find our full terms and conditions here: www.africamps.com/terms-and-conditions

Accommodation

All tents sleep a maximum of five people. The following items or services are not included in the price unless otherwise stated:

• Food and beverages
• Activities and tours
• Additional daily cleaning service (available on request)
• Wood and firelighters for the wood stove and campfires (for sale at the property shop)

Pets

We do not allow pets at our camp. Please note that there are wild animals roaming certain areas of the property.

Music

No noise, parties or music are allowed in the camp unless the guest has booked the entire camp for a function.

Day visitors

No day visitors are allowed in the camp. Out of consideration for fellow guests, the camp will only accommodate up to 5 paying guests per tent. 

PENSIONER SPECIAL

Enjoy 15% off a midweek stay!

From a discounted rate of R1564 per night for 2 adults sharing, excl. fees

• Valid until 30 September 2025 for midweek stays only
• Excludes weekends and peak season (13 Dec 2024 – 11 January 2025)
• Rates are based on 2 adults sharing
• Self-catering glamping tent (sleeps 5)
• Extra adults can be booked at R295 pn
• Extra kids aged 3-16 are R195 pn
• Person booking must be 60+
• ID number required when booking
• ID to be presented upon check-in
• T&Cs apply

How to book

• Visit www.africamps.com and select the camp and the dates you wish to visit.
• Enter your promo code: GoldenGlamping in the Do you have a promo code field. Click on the apply button.
• In the Special Requests block, at the bottom of the booking form, please enter your ID number.

SINGLE PARENT SPECIAL

Kids stay FREE!

From R1840 per night, excl. fees

• Valid until 30 September 2025
• Excludes long weekends and peak season (13 Dec 2024 – 11 January 2025)
• Self-catering glamping tent (sleeps 5)
• Kids stay free (applies to kids aged 3-16)
• 1 Adult per booking (if an extra adult is added after the booking has been made, the special will no longer apply)
• T&Cs apply

How to book

• Visit www.africamps.com and book your stay.
• In the Special Requests block, at the bottom of the booking form, please enter the voucher code: SingleParentSpecial.
• Select EFT payment, and receive your discounted invoice via email.

3-NIGHT GLAMPING SPECIAL

Save R500 per stay!

From R4720 per stay, excl. fees 

• From 1 May until 30 September 2025
• Excludes public holidays, school holidays, long weekends and peak season.
• Self-catering glamping tent (sleeps 5)
• T&Cs apply

How to book

• Visit www.africamps.com and book your stay.
• Select the 3-night special option (the nightly rate will automatically be discounted).