Summerplace Game Reserve

Set across 3,500 hectares of Waterberg bushveld near Vaalwater, Summerplace Game Reserve rises and falls over hills and valleys shaped by the Baber family, who farmed this land before turning it into a reserve. It is malaria-free. Seven villas and ten Hideout Tents sit apart from each other across the property, each reached along its own stretch of track, so guests rarely see another building from their veranda. Summerview Villa stands above the reserve with five en-suite bedrooms, an 18-metre pool and sweeping views toward the Waterberg peaks. Summerhill Lodge runs along the ridge of Marula Hill, its four cottages built for up to twelve guests around a shared living area. More than 40 species of large mammal live on the reserve, including giraffe, zebra, kudu, roan and sable antelope, the last reintroduced from a herd of 32 animals bought from a nearby farmer. Rangers lead game drives and guided walks, while over 160 km of signed singletrack cross river valleys and rocky ridges for mountain biking and trail running. You can hear jackals calling after dark from most of the villas. The restaurant serves food built around seasonal ingredients, with breakfast, lunch and a three-course dinner on offer, plus vegetarian and gluten-free options. It is roughly two and a half hours from Johannesburg and Pretoria by road.