Safari Week in South Africa’s Waterberg Region

Izingwe Lodge at the Welgevonden Reserve

An Exclusive South African Safari and Luxury Escape in the Heart of the Bush

Izingwe Lodge is the brainchild of the internationally acclaimed interior architect and designer, Trisha Wilson, who transformed her private residence into the VIP section of the animal kingdom. Izingwe’s interior is almost a museum of African art and antiques. Polished silver candelabras have tea parties with classic wood, stone and thatch. This is a five-star safari experience that is not just a lodge, but really a backstage pass to Mother Nature's greatest show!

Located in the Northern Bushveld of South Africa, in the UNESCO-designated Waterberg Biosphere, the lodge is nestled in a secluded mountain valley within the 36,000 hectares of the Welgevonden Game Reserve. The Reserve is a conservation effort that protects and shows off the “Big 5”, and highlights the White Rhino, all still horned. To get there, you can choose a comfortable, chauffeured ride or channel your inner VIP with a 50-minute helicopter or airplane flight.

At Izingwe, the safari is the main event. Being an exclusive-use property ensures that you will have the lodge and its facilities entirely to yourself; it allows an escape from the hustle of larger commercial lodges and their time schedules. It is like having a backstage tour of the animal drama happening all around, as Marion and Angus will tailor your experience to your interests.

Picture yourself exploring the rich landscapes and diverse wildlife with a private guide and vehicle at your beck and call, sipping your favorite drink while lions casually roar in the background. If that sounds like your kind of cocktail hour ambiance, this is the place for you. Game viewing, birding and photography here are so good, even the animals want a selfie (truly, I half believed they posed).

Our days there were packed full of over 20 animals, including a herd of elephants that came to visit Izingwe’s watering hole. We sat in the hide to watch up close, so close that we could hear them breathe, grab at the grass and emit deep rumbles. That night, several came to visit my room, where I sat with them not 15 feet away as they munched on branches next to my deck. It was pure magic.

The following days brought a visit with a pride of lions, including a few youngins who were learning the art of hunting, more white rhinos than I could count, a herd of water buffalo, two cheetah brothers and a mom with three cubs and miles and miles of other four-legged creatures. Our host, Angus, stopped occasionally to look at tracks, or, as they called it, “reading the morning paper". Marion was an educational delight with her knowledge of the area, flora and animal behavior. Our evenings consisted of cocktails out on the savannah, followed by a delicious meal prepared by the staff chef or in the Boma grill. After a day, I ran out of superlatives to describe this place; relaxingly remote and deeply engaging. It was enticing to stay another week!

The lodge offers both an all-inclusive option, as well as a self-catering option for the more budget-conscious.

Welcome to the Summerplace Game Reserve (a Biking, Hiking South African Safari)

Nestled in the heart of South Africa's scenic Waterberg, Summerplace is a haven for discerning adventurers and families looking for an exhilarating escape to the bush; here, the thrill of mountain biking meets the serenity (and excitement) of nature.

What sets Summerplace apart is the lack of predators, allowing for leisurely rides and walks among the resident animals, zebras and kudu, impala. There are over 60 kilometers of hand-crafted, meticulously designed single tracks for novice and experts alike, winding through the landscape, offering riders of all levels an oversupply of adrenalin, excitement and breathtaking scenery. For those keen on experiencing it all, there's even the option to rent specialized mountain bikes or ebikes.

I was taken, as a complete rookie, on an hour’s ride by Josh, who was a patient and kind coach and guide. The trails meander through beautiful landscapes, and we stopped occasionally to admire one of the many creatures (I will admit to being thankful for the ebike towards the end of the ride).

Summerplace isn't just about the thrills of the ride, though. Beyond the fun of mountain biking, they offer a range of outdoor activities, from trail-running and hiking to bush walks, tennis, beach volleyball and through their partners, horseback riding safaris, zip line areas and Big 5 game drives. Each morning, I took a walk through the open areas and mingled with zebra, kudu, antelope, birds I had never seen or heard of before and some of the coolest bugs! We spent a morning on horseback, and I was so thankful for it, as the wild animals are far less skittish and allow for some up-close viewing; we were able to mingle with some ostrich and antelope.

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, there are wood-fired hot tubs scattered across the property, and, after a dip in the pool, one might decide to enjoy a South African glass of Chenin Blanc, accompanied by the resident chef's culinary creations. Our meals included a gastronomic journey through the bushveld, including a chocolate buffalo poiko (stew), ostrich carpaccio and one of the most exquisitely prepared Beef Wellingtons I have ever had.

Amid the 12 unique accommodation options, ranging from cozy retreats for couples to spacious lodgings for families and groups, guests are treated to a touch of casual luxury here. The interior decorations reflect the timeless hospitality of the Baber family, who have lovingly stewarded this bushveld paradise for over six decades. David, Simone and their children, Ben, Josh and Lilian, infuse the experience with vibrant energy and profound wisdom and passion, ensuring your experience is not just a vacation, but also an educational journey into the heart of the bushveld. The whole staff is a joy, eager to help and chock full of info about the area.

You will undoubtedly come home with a story!

Seasons and weather can make a big difference in your trip: availability of animals, heat, cold and wet and the number of other tourists. Travel to and from these camps can be as easy as a chauffeured drive, or a chartered flight can be arranged. The hosts of these properties are entwined in the area, conservation efforts and are networked; they are highly knowledgeable and passionate about their properties and the area. It is recommended that stays be at least three nights for the best game viewing, and for Izingwe Lodge game drives that children be over 13.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to South Africa. In need of further inspiration? Check out Anne Bisgaard’s guide, Spectacular South Africa.