7-Day Waterberg Safari Tour from Kempton Park with Marakele and Zebula

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Visit the UNESCO-listed Waterberg Biosphere Reserve
• 02 Unwind in Bela-Bela with golf, hiking trails, and warm mineral baths
• 03 Encounter crocodiles at Thaba Kwena Crocodile Farm and zipline through the Waterberg Mountains
• 04 Enjoy elephant-back and night safari experiences at Zebula Nature Reserve & Bush Lodge
• 05 Explore Marakele National Park, home to the Big 5, Small 5, and the world's largest breeding colony of Cape Vultures
• 06 Take part in guided walks, predator encounters, and a Waterberg Biosphere day hike

Embark on a captivating 7-day journey through the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, where diverse ecosystems, unique wildlife, and the rich cultural heritage of this UNESCO-listed gem come together in one adventure. From Bela-Bela's warm mineral baths and thrilling zipline experiences to animal encounters at Zebula and Big 5 safaris in Marakele National Park, this tour blends relaxation, adrenaline, and close-up wildlife experiences. Explore Thabazimbi, hike through the Waterberg Biosphere, and enjoy memorable bush moments under star-filled skies. Limpopo province speaks of ancient lands and prehistoric treasures.

Later, head out for a sundowner safari game drive and safari bush braai, enjoying a meal in the bush under a galaxy of stars.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Johannesburg, Bela Bela, Kempton Park, Thabazimbi, Marakele National Park

Languages English, German, Mandarin

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival at OR Tambo and Transfer to Bela-Bela

• The group will arrive at OR Tambo International Airport and depart for Bela-Bela. Upon arrival, check in at Klein-Kariba Holiday Resort and take some time to view the surrounding vicinity.
• Later, depart for a hiking trail before returning to enjoy the nine-hole short and miniature golf course, as well as four-wheel motorcycle rides.
• Relax in the warm mineral baths, the heated indoor pool, or the cold-water outdoor swimming and splash pool before supper and an overnight stay.

2

Day 02

Crocodiles, Zipline Adventure, and Zebula Safari

• After breakfast, depart for Thaba Kwena Crocodile Farm, where you will encounter a massive gulch of crocodiles. There is also a welcoming curio shop offering a variety of gifts and souvenirs, along with leather products including wallets, purses, and belts.
• Continue to Waterberg Zipline Adventures for a two-hour slide from one platform to another in the middle of the splendid Waterberg Mountains and the Waterberg Biosphere Region, a World Heritage Site.
• After the zipline, stop for lunch and shopping in Bela-Bela at Strawberry-Khaya, a delightful farm stall and coffee shop. You can buy all sorts of goodies, including delicious homemade fare, jam, freshly baked bread, and trinkets. Enjoy homemade ginger beer or lemonade accompanied by delicious cake.
• Depart for Zebula Nature Reserve & Bush Lodge, check in, and view the area.
• Enjoy an elephant-back safari, then return to the lodge for supper.
• Later, depart for a night safari drive before returning for an overnight stay.

3

Day 03

Animal Encounters and Adventure Activities

• Breakfast is at 07:00, followed by departure for a guided safari walk and a quad safari.
• Enjoy an animal encounter tour featuring cheetah interactions, lion and tiger cubs, snakes, caracal, and other reptiles in the reptile park, followed by lunch.
• Later, depart for adventure activities including clay target shooting, paintballing, archery, and a safari horseback ride.
• Relax at the swimming pool and spas before supper at the restaurant. Spend the evening relaxing at the restaurant and bar, with an overnight stay at Zebula Lodge.

4

Day 04

Thabazimbi Tour and Marakele National Park

• After breakfast, check out and depart for Thabazimbi.
• Enjoy a tour of the town of Thabazimbi, followed by lunch.
• Then depart for Marakele National Park, the Big 5 and Small 5 park, and home to the world's largest breeding colony of Cape Vultures. Check in and take time to view the vicinity.
• Later, head out for a sundowner safari game drive and safari bush braai, enjoying a meal in the bush under a galaxy of stars. The local guide will also share information about the stars, general astronomy, and storytelling. Return to the lodge for showers and an overnight stay.

5

Day 05

Morning Walk, Vulture Viewpoint, and Predator Centre

• At 05:00, depart for an early morning guided safari walk lasting 3 hours.
• Have breakfast and then depart for the Lenong/Vulture View Point Drive.
• After returning, check out and depart for the Marakele Predator Centre.
• Proceed to town for lunch and shopping, then continue to a safari sunset drive.
• Return for showers and dinner, followed by a campfire, storytelling, and an overnight stay.

6

Day 06

Waterberg Biosphere Day Hike

• Wake up and depart for a Waterberg Biosphere day hiking trail with breakfast packs and backpacks.
• Return to the lodge for showers, supper, and a campfire, or relax at the bar before your overnight stay.

7

Day 07

Sunrise Drive and Departure to OR Tambo

• At 05:00, depart for a sunrise drive, followed by showers and breakfast before departing for OR Tambo International Airport.
• Enjoy lunch in Johannesburg and some shopping before proceeding to the airport for check-in and departure.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Tour transportation
• A licensed South African tourist guide for the extent of your stay
• Multi-award-winning tourist guide
• Entrance fees
• Surcharge
• Accommodation and bookings
• Breakfast, lunch, and supper
• Safari game drives
• Walking trails
• Hiking trails
• Safari guided walks
• Cultural villages/sites and tours
• Museum tours
• Quad biking
• Horse riding
• Clay target shooting
• Paintballing
• Archery
• Animal interactions
• Kwena/crocodile tour
• Waterberg zipline
• Safari bush braai
• Pick-up on day one and drop-off on the last day
• Accommodation on a full-board basis throughout the tour
• Tour guiding throughout the tour
• Transport throughout the tour

What's Not Included

• Laundry
• Conservation/entry fees
• Items of personal effects
• Shopping
• Spa treatments
• Gambling
• Alcohol
• Tipping, etc.

What to bring

• Medication(s)
• Backpacks
• Binoculars
• Cameras
• Reading books
• Comfortable walking shoes and camouflaged clothes for outdoor activities
• Daypack and water bottles
• Insect repellent
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses and hats, etc.

Know before you go

• The Limpopo province, known as the "Great North," is an area of amazing beauty and diversity, and its people offer a unique mix of cultures. Limpopo province speaks of ancient lands and prehistoric treasures. Thabazimbi - a mountain of iron, "Where Africa Begins" - offers wildlife experiences and expert interpretation, as guided bush walks will enlighten you about creatures big and small. The biodiversity of the area attracts a wide variety of wildlife.
• Our staff includes well-trained and experienced guides who will share with you one of Africa's most splendid ecosystems. Thabazimbi offers a breathtaking wildlife experience. Morning, day, and evening drives in safari open 4x4 vehicles bring you into close contact with wildlife, as well as other aspects of nature, and allow you to leave with an unforgettable, safer experience. Highly experienced guides will also take you on foot to bring into clear focus the magic of the bush, with its myriad of busy insects and splendid beauty.
• At night, Freckled and Fiery-necked Nightjars, Spotted Eagle Owls, and African Scops Owls complement the rhythm of crickets and cicadas. Surround yourself with Mother Nature at its finest during your visit, learn interesting facts about the flora and fauna of the area, and be inspired by the beauty and tranquillity that embraces you.
• Accommodation is based on a minimum 1-2 star twin-sharing basis. A 4-5 star option may require an additional premium.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

O.R. Tambo, Kempton Park, South Africa

Tour start

1 Jones Rd, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1632, South Africa

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.