Luxury Waterberg guest house great getaway option near Johannesburg

Article by Elena del Valle and photos by Gary Cox

We liked spending time in the Botsebotse common areas

Botsebotse Bush Retreat was our last stop in South Africa’s Waterberg region, a farming and game viewing area northwest of Johannesburg. Just before arriving at Botsebotse we had been on safari nearby following the usual early morning and late evening routine and enjoying game sightings. By the time we arrived at the bush retreat we had been traveling for nearly a month starting in the wineland area near Cape Town and making our way through the famed Garden Route to a game reserve in the Eastern Cape near Port Elizabeth before flying north to Johannesburg.

A yummy fruit plate

Inside the Money Mask Room

Although there were many activities options near Botsebotse what we were looking forward to, without even knowing it, was an opportunity to decompress. Christine Hall, host and property owner of the luxury guest house, picked up on that right away. She quickly and graciously reorganized the fun filled itinerary she had on offer to include a half a day of indulgence, in-room spa treatments and a romantic candle lit gourmet dinner. Just what the doctor ordered.

The luxury four-guestroom house offered a perfect setting of quiet, privacy, service, and delicious meals all within a short drive or flight from Johannesburg and yet a world away from the urban noise, crime and pollution. It was also an ideal stopping point for visitors driving to Botswana’s Tuli Block. Botsebotse worked closely with the Tuli Safari Lodge (a safari property in the Tuli area we visited later that week), providing accommodations to guests on their way there and back who preferred to stop en route instead of driving nonstop from Johannesburg. We departed refreshed and invigorated, looking forward to returning at the next opportunity. Click here to read about our visit to Botsebotse Bush Retreat.