AfriCamps Waterberg, Limpopo
An African Savannah glamping experience
Located in the heart of the Waterberg plateau in Limpopo, a tranquil bushveld safari awaits at AfriCamps Waterberg. Whether you like to relax and recharge, or a jam-packed adventure is more your speed, here you’re always surrounded by wildlife and tranquil bush scenery. The camp is only a 2.5-hour drive from Pretoria, 30 km northeast of Vaalwater, and invites you to experience the unspoiled wilderness of the Waterberg Biosphere. Surrounded by 2,500-hectare game reserve encompassing wetlands, open fields, bushy areas and a rocky ridge, the family-friendly AfriCamps Waterberg offers various exciting game viewing opportunities in a malaria-free environment.
Highlights on the reserve include horseback game viewing safaris, guided game drives, hiking, astronomy shows (hosted by camp owner, Dr. Phillip Calcott), and birdwatching. Guests can encounter giraffe, zebra, eland, wildebeest, roan, tsessebe, sable, buffalo, kudu, impala, blesbok, waterbuck and ostrich on the property. There is abundant birdlife, particularly close to the dams and wetlands. A ‘’Culture Tour’’ of a nearby African village and a ‘’Step into the Past ‘’Tour that includes a visit to the historical Davidson House and the Herbert Baker-designed St John’s Church nearby is also on offer.
The property provides unique facilities that round off your bushveld experience perfectly. Cool off in the farm’s 15 m semi-heated swimming pool, challenge the family to a game of volleyball, and visit our lookout decks, Tree Tops, or the Aardvark deck for endless bushveld views. For the kids, the adventure playground is a firm favourite. With Waterberg’s hot summers and moderate winters, the camp is a year-round holiday or weekend destination.
Staying in one of AfriCamps’ 10 fully equipped boutique glamping tents allows guests to get closer to nature while enjoying life’s little comforts like a fully furnished open-plan kitchen, living and dining space, indoor fireplace, two separate bedrooms with luxurious extra-length queen-size beds, electric blankets, a private en suite bathroom with a spacious rain shower, outdoor wood-fired hot tubs on the decks, Wi-Fi, and 24/7 access to solar power.
So where exactly is the Waterberg? The Waterberg plateau, a very special part of South Africa, is a mountainous massif of approximately 654,033 hectares in north Limpopo Province, forming a sort of natural ‘’castle’’ or inverted saucer with ramparts of rock formations around the edges. At the foothills of this castle are many towns: Modimolle, Mookgophong, Mokopane, Lephalale, Thabazimbi and Bela-Bela. The portals to the massif that forms the castle are all beautiful passes: Sandrivierspoort, Bakker’s Pass, Bokpoort, the Kloof Pass, the Beauty Road and other lesser-known access routes. There is archaeological evidence that the San and, much later, the Pedi, retreated to this haven in times of danger.
AfriCamps’ tents are situated along a ridge in the very heart of this plateau where the scenery is one of open vistas stretching to distant horizons bounded by the blue outlines of mountains and hills that form the ramparts of the Waterberg ‘’castle’’. The sparsely populated plains and bushland of this upland plateau are filled with wildlife and the beauty of unspoiled nature. The air is unpolluted and the water pure. The low level of light pollution contributes to this being one of the most perfect sites for astronomy in the country.
En route to AfriCamps Waterberg, you will pass Vaalwater, the only town on the plateau. Traditional South African hospitality can be encountered at several restaurants and the well-appointed Zeederberg Centre with well-stocked Spar, upmarket Black Mamba Curio Shop, Syringa Café and Carla’s renowned bakery cater for local and international guests. The number of game vehicles in Vaalwater reflects the nature of the Waterberg as a hidden paradise of private game reserves.
VIDEO: A BOUTIQUE GLAMPING ADVENTURE
Coming soon to Waterberg!
VIDEO: A BOUTIQUE GLAMPING ADVENTURE
Coming soon to Waterberg!
About the tents
EXPLORE WATERBERG
Things to do
Thrilling game drives, Big 5 sightings, and horseback safaris are only a few ways for guests to experience the pristine Waterberg and an African savannah encounter.
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE
Extras on the farm
Meals form a special part of any holiday in South Africa. AfriCamps offers delectable locally-sourced breakfast and braai baskets for guests to cook in their fully equipped kitchens or on the braai. Other extra services are also available on request.
Amenities
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10 AfriCamps tents
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5 Guests per tent
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2 Extra-length queen-size beds
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1 Single bunk bed
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Outdoor wood-fired hot tub
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Private bathroom with hot shower
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Indoor fireplace
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Wall fan
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Electric blankets
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Cot and highchair on request
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Bar fridge
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Microwave
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4-burner gas stove
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Cutlery and crockery for 5 guests
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All the little extras
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Braai facilities
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Breakfast & braai baskets to order
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Onsite shop
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Wi-Fi at tents
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Swimming pool
Your Hosts
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 1000 ‘’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, humour, and community spirit. Juliet has inherited a century-long treasure trove of stories of love, war and community endeavour in the Waterberg which inform 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 & Check-out
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 way you are ensured of a smooth check-in experience. Full check-in information will be provided in your booking confirmation email.
Activities on the Farm
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: R800 per person (includes drinks and snacks)
Pony and donkey cart rides: R50 per child (enquire at reception)
Maximum weight: 95 kg
Available for children 12 years and older – dependent on riding ability (enquire at reception)
Game Drives
AfriCamps Waterberg is one of two lucky establishments with traversing rights over the exquisite 2000-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.
Enquire at reception for family safari options.
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.
Cost: R300 pp | Children (5-12 yrs): R150 pp | Children (0-4 yrs): Free
‘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 oxwagon 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.
The history tour and Victorian Dinner can be booked at a combined cost of R700 pp.
Victorian Dinner at the Old House
Step back in time and experience a Victorian Dinner served by lamplight in the authentic setting of the Old House. Liz Hunter, cousin to camp owner Juliet, cordially invites you to immerse yourself not just in the beauty of the old house but live a moment as it was lived a century ago. What sets this apart is the intimacy of the experience – the house remains a private residence, not generally open to the public.
Please note that due to its exclusive nature, the dinner experience might not be suitable for young children.
Cost: R400 pp
The history tour and Victorian Dinner can be booked at a combined cost of R700 pp.
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 eight 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.
Exploring the Area
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 at Waterberg MTB. 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 30-40 km of single track mountain biking and hiking trails as a day visitor.
Nylsvlei Nature Reserve
Travelling around Modimolle? The 4000-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.
Meals & Extras
Breakfast Baskets
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: R165 per adult | R125 per child (0 to 12 yrs)
Braai Baskets
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 or other option is available on special request
Cost: R225 per adult | R160 per child (0 to 12 yrs)
Load Shedding Measures
AfriCamps Waterberg operates entirely on solar power providing guests with an uninterrupted power supply regardless of load shedding.
Rates
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 bookings calendar to check live rates and availability. Extras like meals, activities, and tours are not included in the price unless otherwise stated.
September 2023
All rates exclude a once-off R250 cleaning fee per booking. This fee will be added to your total during the booking process.
August 2023
R2240 per couple sharing
September 2023 (excluding long weekends)
Midweek (Sun – Thurs): R1990 per couple sharing
Weekend (Fri – Sat): R2240 per couple sharing
Rates from 1 October 2023 – 30 September 2024
All rates exclude a once-off R250 cleaning fee per booking. This fee will be added to your total during the booking process.
High Season
October 2023
1 March 2024 – 30 April 2024
14 June – 31 August 2024
20 September – 30 September 2024
R2090 per couple sharing
Mid Season
November 2023 – 7 December 2023
7 January – 29 February 2024
1 – 13 June 2024
1 – 19 September 2024
Midweek (Sun – Thurs): R1840 per couple sharing
Weekend (Fri – Sat): R2090 per couple sharing
Peak Season
8 December 2023 – 6 January 2024
R2590 per couple sharing
Low Season
May 2024
Midweek (Sun – Thurs): R1590 per couple sharing
Weekend (Fri – Sat): R1840 per couple sharing
* Rates for additional Guests (up to 5 guests per tent allowed):
R295 per adult, R195 per child 3-16yr, child 0-2 years stay free
Terms & Conditions
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.
Gallery
