Waterbuck Game Lodge - Kruger Private Reserves - South Africa

Nestled within the Thornybush Nature Reserve which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park, Waterbuck Lodge embraces the lush undergrowth around the lodge which is evident in the continual flow of water all year round.

All Suites at Waterbuck Lodge have been perfectly positioned to afford privacy. With a choice of 4 spacious, fully air-conditioned Suites all with generous bathrooms and an outdoor shower, spectacular views of the African bushveld are easily accessible. Daybeds situated on the outdoor deck area allow guests a relaxing and comfortable way to unwind between game drives, taking in the African Sun.

At night, the lodge comes alive with an abundance of night lights perfectly set up around the lodge and leading to the Boma where fire side dining is an African art-form. Meals are an occasion to be celebrated open-air style.

Sabi Sands Lodges Reviews

Sabisandlodges has been amazing in…  

Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us


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September 23, 2026 GB Website
Sabisandlodges has been amazing in…  
Annelize Taylor    September 23, 2026   GB    Website   
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Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us in great detail!!

Thank you so much for arranging all our travel - Ulusaba, amazing. The pick ups were great - through vumba tours!!
The La Rochelle tours were fantastic too. Drivers were helpful, friendly and professional.

Really enjoyed our experiences and everyone involved made it even better!!!!

Thank you Max for your recommendation and great service.  

Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly

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September 23, 2026 ZA Website
Thank you Max for your recommendation and great service.  
Andrew W.    September 23, 2026   ZA    Website   
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Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly recommend booking with Sabi Sands Lodges as it saved us time & effort. Experience counts and Max's knowledge was invaluable.

The best safari oasis  

We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see

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August 19, 2026 Cardiff, UK Website
The best safari oasis  
Mandy H    August 19, 2026   Cardiff, UK    Website   
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We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see the big 5 and a lot more animals. The game drives were amazing. The Knowledge of the tracker (Donald) and our guide (Helen) was exceptional and they ensured we were able to see everything. We seen leopards, cheetahs and lions. You stop for a morning coffee out in the bush and sundowners in the evening, this was also excellently organised. The rooms are absolutely stunning with the biggest mini bar I’ve ever seen. The drink options are fantastic. Super comfortable rooms and luxurious. Food was superb. Each evening there was a different location for dinner excellently curated by the team at the hotel, with food prepared to a very high standard. We also used the gym facilities which were great. The service and operational standards at this hotel are exceptional. I would 100% stay at this lodge again it was such an incredible experience

100% Recommended  

Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100%

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July 26, 2026 CL Website
100% Recommended  
Sven Gysling    July 26, 2026   CL    Website   
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Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100% recommended.

Best in the bushes  

What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone

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May 6, 2026 ZA Website
Best in the bushes  
Candice Tehini    May 6, 2026   ZA    Website   
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What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone for the stress-free bush experience.

From the vanilla scented towels, to the delicious food, exciting game drives and phenomenal staff, our stay at Shiduli was magical from the second we arrived and lives in our hearts long after we left.

Your helpful staff greeted us as we arrived and and were with us every step of the way... literally. We were escorted to our private villa by Gary, who my children absolutely adored. Richard, in the bar was on form and Gogo Dorris had faith that we would see lions... which we did.

Thandy and Karen were friendly, professional and made us feel like old friends. We will definitely be back and will bring our friends and family so they can share in this beautiful gem.


Waterbuck Game Lodge - Image Gallery

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Waterbuck Game Lodge

This quaint, quiet lodge offers a universal approach to guests needs allowing for small groups, honeymooners, couples, single travellers and is ideal for exclusive use bookings by families. The comfortable lounge and open-plan dining area leads to an elevated outdoor deck which is the perfect place to take in the magnificent sounds of the African Bush. The lodge’s very private family size swimming pool offers guests a home-away-from home setting and with the waterhole closely situated makes for enthusiastic game opportunities.
Each of the 4 suites is tastefully and individually decorated. Fully air-conditioned suites, all with generous bathrooms and lovely views across the African terrain. Each Suite has been ideally positioned to maximize privacy. The beautifully-decorated rooms have their own dressing rooms with en-suite bathrooms with bathtubs that boast an impressive view of the untamed bush. An outdoor shower will allow you to be refreshed by the realistic sights of the bush. Each suite offers a view of either the waterhole or the dam from a verandah. The private suites are inter-accessible via pathways that meander securely through the lodge. A central area hosts a bar, dining area, swimming pool and tanning deck that overlooks the waterhole where wildlife congregates to drink. The sparkling water of the lodge’s swimming pool provides a relief from the adventurous days. Whether you’re in search of a refreshing dip, a perfectly bronze tan or a sundowner, the central entertainment area will cater to your desires.
Game drives are led by knowledgeable and experienced Guides. Game drives are set around the best suited times of the day to maximize the number of sightings. The early morning adventure starts directly after enjoying a cup of tea or coffee on the deck. Approximately 05h30 in the morning in summer and 06h00 in the winter months. Afternoon game drives traditionally start at around 16h00 in the summer and 15h30 during the winter months with the main focus being on finding nocturnal animals and perhaps even a pride of Lions on the hunt. A truly remarkable and never-to-forget experience is the afternoon stop for sundowner drinks whilst watching the spectacular African sun set over the mountains on a clear evening. Bush walks are also offered and are lead by experienced guides and trackers. The ultimate connect, up-close-and-personal with the African bushveld on foot in search of the finer details not always visible from the safari vehicle. Walks last around 1h30 minutes.
No children are permitted at the lodge, unless the whole lodge is reserved for exclusive use.
By road from Johannesburg The N12 to Emalahleni (Witbank), where the N12 highway links up with the N4 highway. Continue with the N4 in the direction Mbombela (Nelspruit). Approximately 60 km past Middleburg, take the R 540 to your left. Travel though the towns of eMakhazeni (Belfast) and eMnotweni (Dullstroom) to Mashishing (Lydenburg). Take the R 36 (which becomes the R 527) towards Hoedspruit, passing through Origstad and descending down the Able Erasmus Pass. At Hoedspruit take the R 40 south towards Bushbuckridge. Continue 6 km and turn left at the Eastgate Airport sign / Argyle Road. Continue 14 km (tarred road) and turn right onto Guernsey Road (following the signs to Thornybush Reserve). Continue 11km (gravel road) and turn left at the Waterbuck Lodge’s Gate. By road from Pretoria: Take the N4 in the direction Mbombela (Nelspruit). Approximately 60 km past eMalahleni (Middleburg) take the R 540 to your left. Travel through the town of eMakhazeni (Belfast) and eMnotweni (Dullstroom) to Mashishing (Lydenburg). Take the R 36 (which becomes the R 527) towards Hoedspruit, passing through Origstad and descending down the Able Erasmus Pass. At Hoedspruit take the R 40 south towards Bushbuckridge. Continue 6 km and turn left at the Eastgate Airport sign / Argyle Road. Continue 14 km (tarred road) and turn right onto Guernsey Road (following the signs to Thornybush Reserve). Continue 11km (gravel road) and turn left at the Waterside Lodge’s Gate.

Price Includes

Luxury Accommodation - Three meals daily - Tea & Coffee - Two game drives per day - Optional walking safaris.

Waterbuck Game Lodge - Wildlife Image Gallery

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What to pack:

- Comfortable, light clothing for summer months, including a swimming costume.

- A very warm jacket for game drives, especially during winter – conditions can be chilly!

- Comfortable closed shoes and socks.

- Sunhat or cap, sunglasses and sunscreen - the African sun is harsh for the unprotected body.

- Camera and plenty of memory space.

Enquiry Form - Waterbuck Game Lodge