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There is plenty for you to do at Waterberg Wilderness – or just relax and listen to your inner self. Since most of their guests feel that they should have allowed for more time with the, it is recommend that you stay for at least two nights. If you can manage to arrive before 15h00 you will easily be able to join their afternoon activities.
'Waterberg Plateau' hikes (mornings and afternoons)
The hikes take you into the grounds of famous Waterberg Plateau Park. Even though the park’s four-legged inhabitants usually keep their distance, their hiking guide will almost always show you the fresh scent of leopard, rhino, buffalo and various antelope. From the plateau you enjoy spectacular views of the fertile valley of Waterberg Wilderness and across the Omaheke (or Sandveld), as this particular part of the Kalahari is called. Also discover striking sandstone formations, massive fig trees and our spring which bubbles abundantly. The hiking tours take about three hours. The difference in height that has to be managed on the way up, and again when coming down, is about 150 metres
Hiking trails
Explore Waterberg Wilderness on your own steam; several well-marked trails wind their way through the tree and shrub savannah of our nature reserve. With the help of a leaflet you can identify numbered plants as you go. Ancient San (Bushmen) settlements and burial sites also wait to be discovered – as do the remains of a transit camp set up for Herero in 1906, as well as the ruins of the house inhabited by missionary Olpp who was in charge of the camp.
Game watching on foot (mornings)
Accompanied by a tracker, our open-top vehicle takes you into the park until you come across interesting fresh scent. You now continue on foot. With a little luck you will not only spot the many different antelope that roam the reserve - so abundantly stocked with game - but also the two white rhino; they usually do not pose any threat to people. This is an activity for the physically fit as you might be in the bush for several hours and well into the midday heat.
Cultural tour into Hereroland (morning; please book 1 day in advance)
For half a day you have the opportunity to get a glimpse of everyday life, the culture and tradition of the OvaHerero people. A local guide comes and meets you at Waterberg Wilderness to take you to his people’s communal area nearby. You visit a traditional village where you can feel totally at ease taking photos and asking questions. At your next stop, the village of Okakarara, you are shown a marketplace, a school and the 'Okakarara Community Cultural Centre', which was built with EU funds. The excursion wraps up with traditional songs and dances performed by women from the community, while you enjoy coffee and cakes, wild grapes and nuts or perhaps even roasted termites
Waterberg Plateau Park Resort
The neighbouring state-owned Rest Camp was built in the vicinity of Otjozondjupa spring. The restaurant is housed in the former police station, built in 1910; the walls are adorned by many photos from the olden days. A military cemetery and the remains of an irrigation system for a citrus plantation are other reminders of times past. Nothing is left of the former mission station, however. The tomb of Herero chief Kambazembi is located in the dense bush outside the Rest Camp. Please note that day visitors to the Rest Camp also pay entrance fees.
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