Waterberg Bushveld Retreat

"Nestled in the Waterberg Biosphere and overlooking an amazing valley with breath taking views"
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Fauna & Flaura

BAN Geelhoutkop Chris

 

CLICK HERE for Fauna & Flaura of the Greater Waterberg Area

This will take you to the Waterberg BioQuest/BioSoektog web site for Fauna, Flaura and Geology of the Waterberg Area with information and pictures.

Waterberg Bushveld Retreat & Moonriver Mountain Retreat is exactly a place where you can go to be alone, to get away from it all. A safe place of privacy. A place affording peace and quiet. It is remote and serene. It’s nature, wildness and wildlife will leave an indelible imprint on any visitor who loves nature. The nature and scope of this imprint will vary with the responsiveness of each person to being exposed to such natural beauty and diversity of Fauna & Flora. It has an aura of mystery, ambience and contrast. It is also a safe haven for many plant and animal species of which some are endemic to the Waterberg, others red listed and even a newly discovered plant species in the Waterberg.

Waterberg Bushveld Retreat is extremely rich in Fauna and Flora, magnificently representing the greater Waterberg Region. With over 70 tree species and close to 150 bird species listed at Waterberg Bushveld Retreat & Moonriver Mountain Retreat. We have compiled and are still compiling, as new species come to the front, a tree list with the help of Dr Warwick & Michèle Tarboton, as well as a bird list with the help of Cameron Meyer. We have also compiled a basic mammal list, of which you can find all below.

There are however, a few very special items we would like to highlight and present to the visitor, before getting to the lists:

 

Kalanchoe waterbergensis

A recently described species, endemic to the Waterberg (see van Jaarsveld, E.J. 2017. Kalanchoe waterbergensis, a new Kalanchoe species from the Waterberg, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Bradleya 2017 (35).)

 Pictures by Dr Warwick Tarboton on Moonriver Mountain Retreat

Kalanchoe1

 

 

Freylinia tropica   blue honeybells, Waterberg bellbush  blouheuningklokkies

Red-listed as "rare", it is found in the Waterberg and in the Chimanimani area in Zimbabwe.

Pictures Stephan Visser on Moonriver Mountain Retreat

Blue Honeybells1

Blue Honeybells2

 

 

Platysaurus minor    Waterberg Flat Lizard  Waterberg Platakkedis  - Endemic to the Waterberg

Picture Cameron Meyer on Moonriver Mountain Retreat

REP Platysaurus minor Moon River

 

 

Smaug breyeri  Waterberg Girdled Lizard  Waterberg Gordelakkedis

Endemic to the Waterberg

 Picture Cameron Meyer on Moonriver Mountain Retreat
REP Smaug breyeri Moon River

 

 

Podocarpus latifolius   broad-leaved yellowwood   opregte geelhout

We have a really large speciment that has a trunk circumference at the bottom of 3,2m!
The height still to be determined
Pictures Stephan Visser on Moonriver Mountain Retreat
 
Yelowwood Trunk
Yellowwood1
 

 

 

Pronolagus randensis   Jameson's red rock-rabbit   Jameson se rooiklipkonyn

Rarely Encountered, but abundant at Moonriver Mountain Retreat even at the Lodge at night.

Pictures by Dr Warwick Tarboton on Moonriver Mountain Retreat

MAM Jamesons Red Rock Rabbit Moon River Apr2019 J44361

 

Moonriver Mountain Retreat Bird List1

Moonriver Mountain Retreat Bird List2

Moonriver Mountain Retreat Bird List3

TREE SPECIES NOTED ON MOON RIVER

MAMMAL LIST WATERBERG BUSHVELD RETREAT MOONRIVER

 

 

Guest Reviews

My goodness! What a heavenly place! We booked Eagles Nest and it was everything as advertised and more. Great cycling and game driving. The view is just incredible from our beds. The house felt just like home - cosy, inviting, easy to live in. The night skies were magical. Sunrise and sunsets breath taking. Wonderful friendly staff. Thank you!!

Nathalie Ing

06 September 2021

 

Heaven on earth. Absolutely stunning.

What a gift this was. The 360 degree view of the Waterberg Biosphere from your bed was exactly what I signed up for. We stayed at the Sunrise and I love the little decor accents in the room. Seeing the actual sunrise from the deck was one of the highlights for me. We took a drive to sundowner loop and saw giraffe at the salt lick we also got to see an array of antelope and wildlife on the drive in. The seclusion and quiet is unmatched. Sina and Daniel were lovely. We had the best little getaway/honeymoon. Thank you Zona we will see you again in the summer. Highly recommend.

Janique van der Merwe – Sunrise 27  – 29 August 2021

 

Ons kom definitief weer!

Alles was fantasies.  Die besprekingsproses, die ekstra inligting oor die weer wat hulle vooraf gestuur het, Sina se verwelkoming by die lodge, die wonderlike rustigheid en uitsig, die praktiese uitleg van Eagle's Nest, die mooi kamers en lekker geriewe. Ons gaan definitief weer bespreek en kom kuier.

Bertrand Hardy -  Augustus 2021

 

Dit was ongelooflik.

Die huisie het alles en meer wat mens nodig het en die uitsig is 'n groot bonus! Baie vriendelike en goeie diens. Ons sal definitief teruggaan! Baie spesiale naweek weg.

Lyndi Maree – Safari 20 – 22 Augustus 21.

 

Fantasties. Sal beslis weer teruggaan!

Ons het die beste naweek weg gehad. Baie netjies en skoon. So rustig en die natuur is beeldskoon. Beste naweek nog.

Maizanne Bruyns -  Sunrise -   May 2021

 

Lekker gebly in 'n mooi omgewing.

Verblyf was skoon en gemaklik. Omgewing was asemrowend en die personeel vriendelik en behulpsaam.

Jacquilene K

 

Everything was a highlight.

From Sina greeting us on arrival to the details in the room.  Such a special place.  We will definitely go back to spent more time there.  Beautiful nature.  The room is beautiful and the view.  Was such a blessing.  Thank you.  Will see us again.

Natalie

 

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Sunrise, what a beautifully appointed and private chalet. The views are so good for the soul and the various birds are just beautiful. A walk down to the dam is well worth the effort - very peaceful to sit there and listen to the various frogs and birdcalls. In the evenings there is a small braai just a few steps down from the chalet, a good place to sit with a glass of wine whilst watching out for satellites and shooting stars. Our hosts were excellent and booking using Afristay was effortless with immediate confirmation.

Sarah - Sunrise  -  23 April 2021

 

What an incredible place!

 Had an amazing weekend in Eagles Nest! Clean, neat, perfect! We did not want to come back home!

Annelize Koltzow  -  29 January 2021 – Eagle’s Nest

 

A PLACE FOR TRUE NATURE LOVERS

It was a nice weekend stay, if you enjoy nature will definitely recommend Moonriver.  It’s peaceful and the view is to die for, nice hiking trails.  

Penny  – December 2020

 

A special place that we so enjoyed, particularly the scenery, remoteness, safety and managed to put our ageing Prado through its paces on the very challenging route to the dam where we viewed a multitude of birds.

DD WILSON  NOVEMBER 2020

 

Heerlik ontspan.

Dit is pragtig net soos in foto’s. Regtig lekker ontspan. Dankie vir 'n heerlike naweek. Alles   wat mens nodig het vir 'n lekker wegbreek. Dankie vir 'n wonderlike naweek.

Willemien  -  November 2020

 

Stilte en Vrede

Vriendelike ontvangs van Sina. Goeie ligging met asemrowende uitsig, gerieflike huis. Uiters skoon en netjies. Lekker staproetes en veilig.   Goeie wild gesien. Lekker gerus.

Dawid  - September 2020

 

'n Juweel van 'n plekkie weg van alle stadsgeraas, geen foon, geen TV, hemel op aarde.

Wat 'n asemrowende plek, op die hange van die berg met die vallei voor jou. 180 grade-view van jou bed af.  Sal beslis weer kom.

Sam van Aswegen -  Eagle’s Nest

 

Revitalising.

An absolutely stunning place. We returned home well rested and totally relaxed. Thanks to everyone at Moonriver Mountain Retreat who made our stay so enjoyable. We will definitively visit again.                                             

Laetita Greef -   Eagle’s Nest - September 2019

 

Serene, peaceful and relaxing breakaway

Upon arrival, friendly Sina and Daniel welcomed us. They helped us transport our luggage to the rooms, which is very convenient. The Waterhole house was beautiful! Incredibly clean and well equipped. The quietness and picturesque views were exactly what we needed, a fantastic breakaway to switch off and get well needed rest.   Thank you Zona, Sina and Daniel for a wonderful weekend!!                                

Hanri Joubert – Waterhole Chalet – September 2019

 

Thumps up!!!

We had the most amazing weekend at Moonriver. The establishment was awesome and the views breathtaking. Enjoyed our hike and evenings spent out on the deck. Very peaceful and the star gazing was superb.                                  

Melanie King - Sunrise Chalet -   September 2019

 

Great breakaway.

Two nice long walks on the property with a few short ones, nice game and bird life, very picturesque. Service was good, accommodation was tidy and well appointed. Will be back.

Inge Dziebowski - Waterhole Chalet - September 2019

 

Wens ek kon die plek my geheim hou!

Sjoe, wat 'n heerlike, ontspannende naweek het ek en my man nie gehad nie. Met ons aankoms was Sina so behulpsaam en vriendelik, ons het dadelik tuis gevoel. Opgestaan met 'n pragtige uitsig oor die vallei. Alles wat jy sou benodig is in die plekkie. Baie ruim. Sal verseker aanbeveel. Ons het gaan ry en draf op die roetes verskaf in die informasieblad voorsien in ons kamer.

Marlene de Wet - July 2019

 

Ontspannend en pragtige uitsig.

Bekostigbare, romantiese wegbreek in die Bosveld. Gemaklike akkommasie en stil atmosfeer. Lekker staproetes in die natuur. Sal hulle enige tyd aanbeveel.

Marelize Myburgh - June 2019

 

Ongelooflik rustig, net wat jy nodig het as jy wil rus.

Beste pek wat ek in 'n lang ruk besoek het.

Arno van Huysteen - May 2019

 

Ongelooflik

Ongelooflik rustig, net wat jy nodig het as jy wil rus. Beste plek wat ek in ‘n lang ruk besoek het.                                                                 

Arno van Huyssteen   - Sunrise Chalet     17 Mei 2019

 

Great place to stay!

Beautiful and peaceful place.  Very comfy beds and the cottage suited our needs perfectly.  We enjoyed sitting outside and enjoy the beautiful view.  Thank you for a great stay.

F Rollason   -     Waterhole Chalet   -     February 2019.

 

EXCELLENT!!!!

My special thanks to you and your dedicated team.  We enjoyed ourselves inmensley and Sina and Daniel were the best.  Moonriver is simply stunning at very affordable prices.  We were able to just relax and enjoy the view.  Thank you once more for your excellent service.

Kind regards.

Edward/Gretel Baker  -  Sunrise Chalet  -  January 2019

 

Great experience, perfect for a quiet getaway.

Perfect, exceptional with a 4x4.

Nhlamula Mabasa -   Sunrise Chalet - 28 December 2018

 

Rustigheid in die natuur.

Perfekte plek om vir 'n week óf naweek weg te breek van die stad se lawaai.   Baie rustige plek.   Ideaal vir ontspan en die Bosveld te geniet.   Baie dankie vir die goeie diens.

Ian Esterhuizen   - Waterhole Chalet   31 Desember 2018

 

Amazing! Amazing! Amazing!

This place is a gem!!! We loved every moment here. So quiet and relaxing and the staff is so friendly. They will keep seeing us in the future, that is for sure.  

Me and my husband stayed there the week before and booked our parents in on this booking as a surprise break away for them.... They cannot stop talking about how wonderful and perfect and beautiful and just amazing absolutely everything was... Once again... This is not just me and my husband's new favourite break away destination but also our families.... They are sure to have many many more visits ... continued.

Thank you for everything Moonriver Mountain Retreat. Love this place. Peace of heaven on earth.

Spittal family - Sunrise Chalet - November 2018

 

 

Activities nearby

There are a number of activities on relative close proximity to Moonriver. 
Most of these needs to be booked in advance. 
Some of the recommendable ones are listed below.  (Please check and book at relevant establishments).

Game Drives:            Entabeni Safari Conservacy - www.entabeni.co.za
Horse Rides:             Horizon Horseback -  www.ridinginafrica.com
Elephant Rides:        Elephant Back Safaris – www.elephantsafari.co.za
Crocodile Farm:       Thaba Kwena Crocodile Farm – www.tkwena.co.za
                                   Lalele Crocodile Farm – www.lalele.co.za
Beadle Craft Workshop:     www.beadle.co.za

MORE ACTIVITIES & SITES OF INTEREST:
Waterberg Biosphere – www.waterbergbiosphere.org

Bookings

For Cellphone & Tablet Users:  Please use this link to view the Booking Table

For Cellphone & Tablet Users:  Please use this link to view the Booking Table

Please Note:

  • All prices are for unit/chalet per night.
  • All prices are quoted on self-catering/self-service basis and include basic housekeeping only at the Main Lodge – on weekdays and Saturdays.
  • Payment by Credit card, Internet Banking Transfer or cash deposit.  Credit card facilities are available – no Debit Card facilities.  
         Cheques are not accepted.
  • A 50% deposit is required to confirm booking and balance 4 days prior to arrival.
  • NB please use your booking ID/NBID number as reference when making a payment
  • Cancellation policy available on booking.
  • Moonriver Mountain Retreat reserve the right to make changes without prior notice, unless bookings are confirmed.

 

High Season 2022/2023

23 June – 17 July 2022

9 August – 12 August 2022

30 September – 9 October 2022

15 December 2022 – 9 January 2023

17 March – 11 April 2023

23 April – 17 July 2023

26 April – 30 April 2023

22 September – 24 September 2023

29 September – 9 October 2023

13 December – 10 January 2024

Home

Nestled in the Waterberg Biosphere and overlooking an amazing valley with Hanglip in the back ground

 

 


Waterberg Bushveld Retreat as a Company was established in 2006 by Jacques Wintermans and Pieter Krijne, together with Stephan Visser who is also the breeder and manager at Waterberg Bushveld Retreat. In 2014 Jacques handed over his involvement to his son Adriaan Wintermans, who is since then managing the affairs on behalf of the Wintermans family. We do game breeding. Stephan was involved in game breeding since 2000, when he started to make use of passive capture systems for all kinds of different game species.