Situated three hours north of Johannesburg lies Fifty Seven Waterberg, a gem nestled in the heart of the Welgevonden Game Reserve and home to the Big Five in a malaria-free area. The Waterberg Biosphere Reserve was declared an official UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. This magnificent five-star establishment is synonymous with tranquillity, solitude and luxury; not to mention the surroundings of the breath-taking panoramic views of the Waterberg mountains.

The excellent game viewing makes Fifty Seven Waterberg a fantastic holiday destination in a world of easy-going grace.

Crystal clear streams have, over the millennia, carved the scenic topography of the Waterberg mountain range and wilderness. Rock art sites dating as far back as 2000 years can be found in Welgevonden and the greater Waterberg area.

Historically, wildlife on the reserve has never been hunted so game viewing is always up close and personal.

The Waterberg, and in particular Welgevonden, with its privately owned lodges such as Fifty Seven Waterberg, has been a well-kept secret for a long time, but it is fast becoming the destination of preference for local and international guests. Fifty Seven Waterberg is certainly one of the finest places to experience wildlife, a sense of wilderness and touch the spirit of true Africa in comfort and style.

Fifty Seven Waterberg is a twenty-bed lodge situated in the Welgevonden Game Reserve which consists of nearly 37 000 hectares of unspoiled African bushveld ranging from rocky outcrops where the leopards watch from their hidden crevices to wide open savannah where the herds of Zebra, Wildebeest and Impala abound. Welgevonden Game Reserve is considered to be one of the best-managed game reserves in the world and a leader in conservation and anti-poaching strategies.

About the Welgevonden Game Reserve

The Welgevonden Game Reserve, located just three hours’ north of Johannesburg in the Limpopo Province’s Waterberg plateau, is one of the most ruggedly scenic reserves in South Africa, characterised by rolling hills, rugged gorges and grassy plains.

Aptly meaning ‘well found’, the Welgevonden is unlike anywhere else on earth, a true wilderness area with excellent game viewing and stunning scenery. Enjoy this mountain bushveld environment with roaring rivers and sweeping horizon views. The reserve is located at high altitude, enjoys a mild climate and is Malaria free making it worth a visit any time of the year.

As a result of the reserve’s diverse landscapes, visitors can enjoy Big Five sightings, in addition to encounters with over 50 mammal species, 250 bird species and some of the bush’s most beautiful wildflowers that make their appearance in early spring.

The Welgevonden also boasts one of Africa’s largest populations of white rhino on a private reserve, with such unusual species as brown hyena, aardwolf and aardvark also located within the reserve. The reserve has never been a hunting area and as such game viewing is up and close and personal. In addition to great game viewing, there is also ancient San Rock Art.

This is Africa at its most interesting and at its best.