Bateleur Nature Reserve

Walking and wildlife spotting are best combined by setting forth on one of the park’s Stamvrug Hiking Trails; 10 trails, varying in length and terrain, cater for all comers from novices to those with heaps of hiking experience under their belt. There are plenty of hikes further out, with several fine weekend hiking trails in the Waterberg Mountains. You could also keep it outdoors away from the park with a round of golf half an hour away or a rather more hair-raising day out at Waterberg Zipline Adventures, 40 minutes away. And if flying through the air isn't your thing? Keep closer to the ground with a wallow at the hot springs half an hour away in Bela-Bela. The animals at the park are of course wild and free, so you can never rely on them to appear just as you’re ready to snap a pic. If you want to be sure of animal action, take off for days at Loebies Predator Park (half an hour’s drive), Thaba Kwena Crocodile Farm (40 minutes), or Adventures with Elephants (50 minutes), where you can meet, ride and swim with big beasts. Johannesburg (two hours and 40 minutes) and Gauteng (two hours and 45 minutes) are not so far away either.