Unspoilt bush, hikes amongst game, hidden rock pools – and pure serenity

The Bateleur Nature Reserve, in the heart of the Waterberg, offers nature lovers the ideal getaway. You can stay over in old, self-catering farmhouses or hikers’ base camps, or simply pitch your tent, says Riaan Hattingh.

- Riaan Hattingh

Less than 90 minutes from Pretoria, between the N1 and Botswana, lies the Waterberg, one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets. The area, virtually on Gauteng’s doorstep, now enjoys global recognition via UNESCO as the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve.

Wouter Schreuders, owner of the Bateleur Nature Reserve in the area, says hiking and rock climbing have always been his family’s preferred pastimes.

“Since 1984, we and our neighbours have managed to consolidate a number of farms that jointly form a crater or escarpment. Visitors are awestruck.”

Bateleur as an outdoor destination took form in 1992. Guests started getting lost while hiking through the varied terrain, so Schreuders enlisted the help of Leon Hugo, a former geography professor at the University of Pretoria, to plan a network of primary hiking trails. Stamvrug Hiking Trails was born. Today, the reserve encompasses about 2 000ha, and Stamvrug offers a choice of eight trails. According to Schreuders, it has developed into one of South Africa’s most popular hiking destinations in private hands. “Our accommodation is aimed at nature lovers, not holidaymakers seeking luxurious accommodation,” he says.

Accommodation at Bateleur Nature Reserve consists of four old farmhouses, two cottages, and two rustic hikers’ base camps tucked out of sight among the kloofs. The houses and cottages sleep from three to 12 people.