Sebatana Private Game Reserve, Waterberg, South Africa
Your Big Five Safari Starts Here.
Come face to face with Africa's most amazing animals. At Sebatana Private Game Reserve, you could see lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo up close on every game drive.
Why Sebatana
WHY YOU WILL NEVER FORGET A SAFARI AT SEBATANA
At Sebatana, you get to explore a huge private wilderness with very few other guests. Expert guides take you out on game drives. Each one feels personal and like nothing you have ever done before.
What You Will See
Get up close with the Big Five and so much more.
Seven nights to explore the 5,000 hectare Sebatana reserve, plus exclusive access to an extra 55,000 hectares surrounding the area. Go on open game drives, take guided bush walks, and enjoy some big surprises along the way.
Lion
Elephant
Rhino
Leopard
Buffalo
Plus the unrepeatable moments
- 4 open-vehicle game drives
- Wildlife talk
- Traditional African Champagne Brunch
- Champagne and sunset at Leopard Rock
- Guided bush walk
- Johannesburg city tour and Apartheid Museum visit
The Tour
8 days. 7 nights. A wilderness you will never forget.
Start and finish in Johannesburg. Small groups of 2 to 10 people, 5-star lodge, and four open-vehicle game drives are all included.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Johannesburg
We pick you up from the airport and drive you to Sebatana Private Game Reserve.
Day 2
Wildlife Talk and Game Drives
Go out on morning and afternoon drives in open 4x4 vehicles.
Day 3
Big Five and Night Safari
Free day with an optional Big Five drive and a night safari after dark.
Day 4
Bush Walk and Tribal Evening
Take a guided walk in the bush and watch an optional traditional tribal show.
Day 5
Rock Art and Community
Visit old Stone Age sites and a local community project.
Day 6
Champagne Brunch
Early game drive, a special African Champagne Brunch, then an afternoon safari.
Day 7
Leopard Rock Sundowner
Optional Big Five safari and a sunset at Leopard Rock.
Day 8
Back to Johannesburg
Transfer back to the city with a stop at the Apartheid Museum on the way.
What's included
Everything you need to focus on the wildlife.
- 7 nights at a 5-star Rhino, Elephant or Lion Lodge
- All meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners
- All airport transfers
5,000 + 55,000 hectares · Malaria-free
Where You Stay
About Sebatana Private Game Reserve
Sebatana is a private 5,000-hectare malaria-free reserve with exclusive access to a neighbouring 55,000 hectares of wilderness. Very few guests are allowed in at one time. That means you get the whole wild bush almost to yourself for an amazing safari stay.
- Three top 5-star lodges: Rhino, Elephant, and Lion
- Private balconies, plunge pools, jacuzzis, and sun decks
- 60 or more mammal species and 250 or more bird species on the reserve
- UNESCO nature reserve in the malaria-free Waterberg Mountains
Traveller Reviews
What travellers say about Sebatana
Real reviews from guests who stayed at Sebatana Private Game Reserve, as posted on TripAdvisor.
4.8 out of 5 from 149 TripAdvisor reviews
Simply magical
“Sebatana is a perfect location to see the Big Five. It is a magical place, the staff cannot do enough for you. When you arrive, the animals are there to meet you: giraffes, zebras, impala. Having animals just walking past your front door is fabulous.”
Excellent experience
“Beautiful park, beautiful and very good accommodations, good food and drink. Seen many animals. And last but not least, our guide Victor, what a guy! Always in a good mood, always funny. I have had many guides and good ones, but Victor was the best!”
Fantastic resort
“Our stay was more than just a holiday, it was like visiting family. The staff are truly the stars of the show here. The food was amazingly delicious. Our guide Nadine was fantastic and helped us see four of the Big Five. I would not hesitate in recommending this resort to anyone.”
Amazing experience
“We were greeted on arrival with hot towels, a drink and beautiful views. Food was stunning and plentiful. Our guide Meere was so passionate about the bush and kindly shared her knowledge with us. We were very fortunate to see four of the Big Five. The most amazing magical experience.”
Great experience
“It has been a fantastic trip. We have seen many animals including the impala, zebra, giraffe, elephant, lion, rhino and crocodile, sometimes really from 2 metres away. The guides we had were fantastic people. The people at the resort really try to do everything to make your trip fantastic.”
Great place for your first safari
“Amazing place, lovely friendly staff, amazing guides and plenty to do and see. The rooms were spacious, the chefs work up some great food choices and the bar offers a good range of drinks all served with a smile. The wildlife is varied and the game drives are great fun.”
Amazing experience
“Seeing the animals in the wild is a fantastic experience. Yes it is very early starts, but when you are five feet away from a huge bull elephant or gazing directly at a cheetah, rhino or giraffe, you are grateful you made the effort to get up early.”
Worth every single penny
“Can not recommend this place enough! Every meal was perfectly prepared and presented. The guides made sure we got to see as much as we could every time they took us out. Many of the animals wander close to your rooms early morning, which is lovely to watch with your morning coffee.”
5 star experience
“Loved every minute. The lodges are amazing, plenty of space, great beds and a fully stocked mini bar. The staff can't do enough for you, the food is fantastic. The safaris and excursions are incredible, with the guides taking time to explain everything and making sure you have the best experience.”
One of the best holidays I have been on
“The staff in the resort were exceptional, from the chefs, servers, bar staff and housekeeping. The food was something else! The accommodation was exceptional. Our guides educated us on all the animals and culture and ensured we were kept safe at all times.”
Amazing trip of a lifetime
“We spotted a wide range of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, African wild dogs, and buffalo. The lodge itself was impeccable and the food was outstanding. This was the perfect honeymoon getaway. Highly recommended!”
An amazing holiday as a solo traveller
“Don't hesitate to go as a solo, you soon make new friends! A wonderful location and very well run. The lodges are comfortable, and as a coeliac I did not miss out at all. The guides on the safaris were great. I felt very lucky to have seen the Big Five on this trip.”
Talk to a Specialist
PLAN YOUR PERFECT SEBATANA SAFARI
Our travel experts want to help you plan the best safari. Got questions about game drives, where to stay, or what to bring? Get in touch today and start planning your trip.
I've spent years helping travellers find the right safari experience for their travel style, budget, and wish list. Let's build the African adventure you've been picturing.
Mariska Knoesen, Sales Manager at Encounters Travel
Got questions about game drives, lodges, destinations, or available dates? Chat directly with Mariska.
Good To Know
Your Sebatana questions, answered
Where is Sebatana Private Game Reserve and how do I get there?
Sebatana sits in the malaria-free Waterberg region of South Africa, around a four hour drive north of Johannesburg. Return road transfers from Johannesburg are included in the tour, with comfort and lunch stops along the way, so all you need to do is arrive at the airport.
Will I see the Big Five?
Sebatana's 5,000 hectare reserve, plus exclusive access to 55,000 hectares of surrounding wilderness, is home to lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo. Wild animals move on their own schedule, so sightings can never be guaranteed, but the expert rangers work hard to find them and many recent guests saw four or all five. Optional extra safaris give you even more chances.
Is the reserve malaria-free?
Yes. The Waterberg Biosphere is a malaria-free region, so no antimalarial medication is needed for this tour. Always confirm your personal health requirements with your doctor before travelling.
What is included in the price?
Seven nights at a 5-star Rhino, Elephant or Lion Lodge, all meals, four open-vehicle game drives, a wildlife talk, a guided bush walk, the traditional African Champagne Brunch, champagne and sunset at Leopard Rock, all airport and reserve transfers, and a Johannesburg city tour with a visit to the Apartheid Museum. Optional extras such as the night safari and the tribal evening can be booked at the lodge.
When is the best time to go?
Sebatana is a year-round destination. May to August is the South African winter, with clear skies and excellent game viewing but cold early mornings, so pack warm layers. November to March is warm and green, with summer temperatures that can top 30 degrees.
What should I pack?
Casual, comfortable clothing in layers. A warm fleece, hat and gloves for early morning game drives in winter, sun protection for the middle of the day, and sturdy shoes for the bush walk. Binoculars and a torch are well worth the space in your bag. Dress at the lodge is relaxed, so there is no need for formal wear.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes. The lodge chefs happily cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary needs. Let us know your requirements when you book and the kitchen will look after you at every meal.
Is there Wi-Fi at the lodge?
Wi-Fi is available in the common areas around the bar and reception, but not in the rooms, and there are no TVs. Most guests find that switching off is part of the magic of a week in the bush.
Is the tour suitable for solo travellers?
Absolutely. Groups are small, from 2 to 10 travellers, meals are shared around the table, and you stay with the same group on every game drive, so solo travellers quickly make friends.
Still have a question? Our safari specialists are happy to help.
Some moments don't belong on a screen.
Practical details
Everything you need to know.
- Tour
- Sebatana Private Game Reserve
- Duration
- 8 days and 7 nights
- Start and End
- Johannesburg to Johannesburg
- Group Size
- Small group, 2 to 10 travellers
- Accommodation
- 5-star Rhino, Elephant or Lion Lodge
- Region
- Waterberg Biosphere, malaria-free
- 2026 Dates
- 23 Oct
- 2027 Dates
- 27 Jan, 12 Feb, 24 Mar, 28 Jun