Waterberg Attractions

Modimolle, Nylsvley, Mookgopong, Moord Drift, Makapans Cave and Mokopane, Lapalala Wilderness
 
Nylsvley: 

Nylsvley is one of the top birding destinations in South Africa. This wetland formed by the Nyl River is the largest of its kind in the country and covers 16000ha of grassy floodplains.  It has a bird checklist of 426 species and attracts up to 80,000 birds at times.

The largest breeding colonies of squacco heron and great white and black egrets in South Africa are found here. Animals to be seen include giraffe, tsessebe, roan, kudu, blue wildebeest and Burchell’s zebra. Visitors can explore the reserve on foot or drive along the 30km network of tracks west of the Nyl River.
 
Moord Drift: 

On the roadside is a memorial to the 28 Voortrekker men, women and children who were murdered at three separate localities in 1854. Following these murders the Boers undertook a punitive expedition against Chief Mokopane which resulted in the siege of Makapans Cave.

Makapans Cave: 

These dolomite caves in the Makapans Valley are of archaeological and historical interest. In the Limeworks Cave remains of more than a dozen hominids dating back some three million years, have been unearthed from the dumps outside the cave and the sediments cemented by lime deposits inside the cave.

At the Historic Cave, the Ndebele chief Mokopane  and his followers took refuge from a Boer commando in 1854 following the murder of 28 Voortrekkers. The Ndebele blocked the two entrances with stone walls. The Boers besieged Makapans Cave for 25 days as they were unable to take the caves by force. Some Ndebele, among them Mokopane, managed to escape, but when the Boers finally stormed the cave they found the bodies of approx 1500 Ndebele who had either starved to death or died of thirst.

Mokopane / Potgietersrus: 

The original name was Potgietersrus and was founded by the Voortrekkers in 1852. It is an important mining and agricultural town. Visit the Arend Dieperink Museum which has exhibits of the history of the town and its surroundings from the time of the ape-men at Makapan’s Cave to the Anglo-Boer War. It also has a collection of Voortrekker and Sotho artifacts. 
 
Lapalala Wilderness: 

This lies in the mountains of the Waterberg and takes its name from the Lephalala River (a Tswana name meaning ‘barrier’) which flows through the 24,000ha bush-covered hills and craggy ravines. Animals in the region include the endangered black  rhino, roan and sable, as well as white rhino, hippo, giraffe, kudu, red hartebeest,  Burchell’s zebra etc. Visit the Waterberg Cultural and Natural History Museum with displays on the natural and cultural history of the Waterberg area. The Rhino Museum is incorporated in the above museum and is the only one in the country devoted entirely to this species.
 

Thabazimbi, Waterberg Savannah Biosphere Reserve, Marakele National Park
 
Thabazimbi: 

The name of Thabazimbi means ‘mountain of iron’. Rich iron ore deposits were discovered in the area in 1919.
 
Waterberg Savannah Biosphere Reserve: 

The Waterberg Savannah Biosphere Reserve is the only savannah reserve of this type in southern Africa and is situated within the bushveld.  The Waterberg (water mountain) has numerous rivers, streams, waterfalls and springs.  The Marakele National Park and four other state and provincial conservation areas form the core area which enjoys a high conservation status.

The buffer zone includes a large number of private conservation areas such as Lapalala Wilderness, Touchstone Game Ranch, Kwalata, Keta and the Welgevonden Private Game Reserve (Big Five, malaria free).
 
Marakele National Park: 

The Marakele National Park in South Africa is located in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains.  Its Tswana name means ‘place of sanctuary’. Majestic mountain landscapes, grass-clad hills and deep valleys characterize the Marakele National Park. Animals which roam the area are the Big Five (black and white rhino), wild dog, tsessebe, roan, sable, all antelopes, giraffe, Burchell’s zebra etc.

The Kransberg cliffs are home to the largest Cape vulture colony in the world and some 300 other bird species have been recorded. There are numerous game viewing routes within the Marakele National Park.