Wonderful Waterberg

The Waterberg is living up to its name and we received 541mm of rain from the 15th December until the 15th January 2025! The amazing thing was, it rained almost everyday, without fail, from only 10mm somedays to up to 50mm on other days. We have dams where we never had dams before, water running down roads where we have never had rivers before and springs bubbling out of the ground everywhere .... even in the entrance hall of Izintaba Lodge!!

The roads in the Waterberg took the brunt of the damage and unfortunately the last bit of dirt road to the farm suffered extensive damage and is still, for the most part, inaccessible. Luckily we have an alternative road to access the reserve! Although there is slightly more dirt road coming this way, the distance from Vaalwater is still the same. Instead of accessing the reserve from the Melkrivier road, we are recommending you take the Visgat turn off from the R33 in the direction of Lephalale from Vaalwater. This road is driveable in an ordinary car and 4x4 is not necessary. Please see detailed directions on our 'Directions' page.

With all the rain the reserve is looking absolutely amazing and the animals are fat and thriving. There is water everywhere! Although we have had to close off about half the roads to vehicles, for your safety, you are still able to walk, or ride your bikes on them. For those that prefer, game drives are still possible on the bottom half of the farm where all the game tends to hang out. The walking trail is also a definite must, the rivers are flowing! So pack a picnic, your swimming costumes and hiking boots and head into the mountains. The sounds, sights and smells of nature, with not a hint of human interference in sight frees your mind.