Modimolle Holiday Resort

Along with the gorgeous bushveld landscape, the biggest attraction in these parts are the game reserves. Hire a four-wheel drive for safaris in Combretum Park (half an hour’s drive) to spot giraffes and antelope, or Marakele National Park (an hour and a half), where you’re likely to see leopards and elephants on morning or sunset bush walks. For close encounters of the toothy kind with reptiles, head for Thaba Kwena Crocodile Farm (half an hour) to witness quite a spectacle at feeding time. Equally adrenaline-inducing is the chance to zoom over the tree canopy at Waterberg Zipline Adventures (25 minutes) on a series of high-velocity zipwires. If you’d rather slow the pace, go walking the Waterberg Mountains (an hour) for waterfall and grassland views, or follow hiking trails through Nylsvlei Nature Reserve (25 minutes) to catch sight of green pigeons and black eagles. Still looking for ideas? Fish for carp at Donkerpoort Dam (20 minutes) or play a round or two golf at Naboomspruit (25 minutes).