Experience the Qwabi Private Game Reserve in South Africa
Enjoying the thrill of an African safari whilst staying in a private lodge. Spotting the Big Five, and other rare and endemic species, on game drives, birding safaris and bush walks. Stargazing for clusters, galaxies and southern constellations in the night sky. Learning to cook South African style in a traditional potjie pot. Disconnecting from daily life and reconnecting with nature in a luxury five-star setting.
We’ve taken our safaris to a new level of luxury at the exclusive Qwabi Private Game Reserve in South Africa. This protected, private wilderness is part of the Waterberg Biosphere and offers a five-star safari experience across 11,000 hectares of untouched African bushveld. Dawn and dusk game drives reveal the beauty and serenity of the savannah and give you the chance to spot Africa’s legendary wildlife - including all the Big Five - roaming free. There’ll also be bush and birding walks to see smaller animals, birds and plant life, and guided stargazing pointing out celestial wonders in the African night sky. Throughout you’ll dine on authentic African cuisine crafted by a resident culinary team, and sleep in superior guest rooms whose earthy tones, wood finishes and African artefacts balance all the contemporary comforts of modern five-star hotel.
- 21 Meals - 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, and 7 Dinners
- 7 Nights In Hotels Accommodation -
- Transport - Travel In Destination By Coach
- Selected local drinks, including wine, spirits, beer, soft drinks, and water available at mealtimes
- Bottled wateris replenished daily in guest rooms
14 excursions & visits
- Seven game drives (in open-topped 4WD) in Qwabi Private Game Reserve
- South African wines tasting
- Waterberg Biosphere Reserve conservation talk
- Potjie pot cookery class with resident lodge chef
- Ground Hornbill Project visit
- Guided stargazing experience
- Guided bushwalk or birdwatching game drive
- Bush dining experience
Your fare excludes:
- Airfares & Travel Insurance
Day 1 - Qwabi Private Game Reserve
Join your tour group at the lodge in Qwabi Private Game Reserve. After a light lunch - served on a deck overlooking the acacia-shaded riverbank - we’ll soon start to absorb the magic of the bush. Dinner tonight is followed with an introductory talk outlining the activities and adventures ahead.
Day 2 - Qwabi Private Game Reserve
An early start rewards us with the sight of the sun creeping over the natural pans and grassy savannahs as we search for the Big Five - lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and African buffalo - before the heat of the day. We return to camp for breakfast, after which the rest of the day is free to immerse yourself in this ancient, untamed landscape. Watch for wildlife on the riverbank - elephant, bushbuck and buffalo have been known to walk by - or treat yourself (extra charge) to a soothing and rejuvenating spa treatment made with local herbs and plant extracts. South Africa produces some of the finest wines in the world and tonight we’ve arranged a wine tasting before dinner, when you’ll become acquainted with an array of award-winning South African wines.
Day 3 - Qwabi Private Game Reserve
There’s no rush to get up this morning so after waking to the sounds of the African bush and birdsong, you might be tempted to relax by the pool or retire with a book (and your binoculars) under a shady parasol. After a relaxed morning it’s all systems go as we head out on our next game drive. We’ll stay out until the last rays of sun have disappeared over the horizon, scanning the savannah with our experienced guides for zebra, cheetah and other prized animals. As one of only two UNESCO-declared Biosphere Reserves in Africa, Waterberg is actively managed for the conservation of wildlife. After dinner this evening we’ll learn about the work being done to protect and preserve this precious environment with a talk by a local conservation expert.
Day 4 - Qwabi Private Game Reserve
Enlightened by last night’s talk, we’ll head out in 4WDs early this morning and find the perfect spot to see the sun rise over this extraordinary landscape and watch animals emerge for another day in the bush. Returning for breakfast and a go-slow morning, this afternoon brings local flavour of a different kind as we learn the art of potjie pot cooking with Letamo’s resident chef. These three-legged cast-iron cooking pots are traditional in southern Africa and a memorable experience will be the tasty stew - chicken, lamb or vegetable - you’ll slow-cook over hot coals for dinner tonight.
Day 5 - Qwabi Private Game Reserve
The conservation theme continues this afternoon as we head to a local Ground Hornbill Project where we’ll meet the rangers and find out how these charismatic, critically endangered birds are being hand-reared and reintroduced to the wild. Tonight, after dinner, we’ll gather outside to watch as ‘star rangers’ point out planets and constellations. Far from light pollution and the hubbub of daily life, these stargazing experiences give us a deep sense of connection with the natural world.
Day 6 - Qwabi Private Game Reserve
Up with the dawn chorus, we’ll look to the skies and the trees on a birdwatching game drive. Bird species to look out for include white backed heron, ostrich and Cape vulture, proving the best safaris are not just about four-legged animals, but winged ones too. In the afternoon, we’ll jump back into our 4WDs for another game drive, returning for a memorable dinner served al fresco in the bush.
Day 7 - Qwabi Private Game Reserve
It’s all about the safari today, as we head out on two game drives in the early morning and afternoon. Now experienced in the art of game viewing, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for rare species like white-backed night herons, aardvarks and brown hyenas, as well as any of the prized Big Five that have eluded us so far. Tonight, we’ll toast our adventures over a farewell meal, and share our favourite moments and stories with newfound friends.
Day 8 - Qwabi Private Game Reserve - Johannesburg - In flight
Time to tick off those last few sightings on one final game drive before breakfast, after which you'll say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.
Book by 30 June 2025 & Save $1000 per person!
Multiple Departures are available between 8 Apr 2025 & 10 Nov 2026
Below price is for 8 Apr 2025 departure
- From
$3,633$2,633 per person twin share* - From
$5,854$4,854 per person sole traveller*
Call our team today to find out more on 1300 414 198. Our team can also assist with booking International flights and accommodation as part of your overall travel plans.
Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.
- Letamo Lodge, Qwabi Private Game Reserve (7 Nights)