The Waterberg Mountains stretch 150 kilometres long, forming an arc from Thabazimbi in the west, Nylstroom in the centre and Potgietersrus in the east. Within the central core is a vast basin dissected by numerous rivers, the principle being the Mokolo. The outer perimeter of the mountain range is spectacular, the highest parts being in the southwest and encompasses the Marakele National Park. The range to the east is equally spectacular, and the northern sector has the scenic Phalli River and is regarded as almost pristine. The area includes the Welgevonden Game Reserves and the Waterberg Conservancy, including Entabeni and Mabula Game reserves, Lapalala as well as the Marakele National Park. In 1982 two landowners in the north formed a loose association within the Waterberg region, which was called the Waterberg Nature Conservancy. This has grown to some 22 members and protects more than 140 000 hectares of the Waterberg Habitat. 

Members of the Conservancy, in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Affairs, the communities of Bakenberg and the farming and business sectors have now taken up the challenge to make the Waterberg the first official internationally recognised biosphere reserve in South Africa. The Waterberg Conservancy was declared a UNESCO site in 2001. The conservancy was established as a coalition of private landowners in an effort to increase ecotourism through succesful management and protection of the magnificent wildlife resources. The region has also been recognised as one of the most important rock art sites on the subcontinent, and is nationally respected for the conservation of, and research into, black and white rhino. The habitat and wildlife is highly diverse, with over 75 mammalian species and 300 avian species finding refuge here. There is a wide selection of facilities on the game and nature reserves with farms within the Waterberg, most offering accommodation. 

Season: Apr-Sep is the cool and dry winter season. Days are warm and sunny, and game viewing is facilitated as the bush is less dense. 

Wildlife: You should see: Lion, Rhino, Cape buffalo, African elephant, Burchell's zebra, Giraffe, Kudu, Impala, Blue wildebeest, Blesbok, Eland, Red hartebeest, Oryx, Springbok, Klipspringer, Warthog, spotted genet, Brown hyena, Hippopotamus, Black backed jackal and Spring hare. You may see: Leopard, Bushbuck, Mountain reedbuck, Common reedbuck, Grimm's duiker, Red duiker, Steenbok, Bushpig, Caracal, Serval, African wild cat, Honey badger, Civet, Porcupine, Aardwolf, Aardvark, African tree squirrel, Scrub hare and Jameson's red rock rabbit .