A Waterberg Self-Drive Adventure With Chanel & Stevo

In 2023, we invited travellers to enter our Road Trip Explorer competition to stand a chance to win a fully-paid, camping-equipped 4×4 rental for seven days. We’re excited to share that our winners, Chanel and Stevo, took the opportunity to explore Limpopo’s Waterberg region. In fact, they took their one year old daughter, Elodie, along for the ride. 

Now, we’re bringing you all the road trip action from the adventure couple’s travel blog, How Far From Home. Read on to learn all about their expedition into one of South Africa’s most underrated travel destinations.

A giraffe in Dinokeng Game Reserve. Photo Source: How Far From Home

Baby’s First Game Drive

Chanel and Stevo started their journey in Johannesburg, where they collected their fully-equipped 4×4 camper from Drive South Africa. This particular Avis Safari Toyota Hilux features two roof top tents, a fridge and freezer, and all the cooking utensils you need for an off-grid bush holiday.

With 4×4 capability, the Hilux was the perfect vehicle for the young family. With the bakkie fully loaded, they set off for Dinokeng Game Reserve, a Big Five protected area just under an hour from Pretoria. This highveld haven spans more than 21,000 hectares and is totally malaria-free, making it an incredible wildlife destination that’s easily accessible from Gauteng.

“It was here that we had the joy of introducing Elodie to some of her favourite animals for the very first time,” Stevo says. “From majestic elephants and graceful giraffes to dazzling zebras, the reserve offered unforgettable wildlife encounters that left us in awe. And, of course, Ellie’s excitement knew no bounds when she spotted a giraffe – she has a stuffed giraffe named Gigi that she absolutely loves, so seeing ‘Gigi’s cousins’ was pure magic.”

A southern yellow-billed hornbill in the Waterberg. Photo Source: iStock

Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Next, the trio made their way further north towards the Waterberg, one of South Africa’s most ecologically important wilderness areas. In fact, back in 2001, UNESCO designated the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, citing the region’s rich floral biodiversity and ancient San rock art.

The Waterberg, as the name suggests, is an important water catchment area in northern South Africa. Its mountains and escarpments are home to over 5,500 species of plants, making it a sanctuary for animals like the Big Five and the endangered Cape vulture.

Stevo, Chanel, and Elodie arrived at Nylsvley Nature Reserve, a Ramsar wetland site and BirdLife South Africa Important Bird and Biodiversity Area that supports healthy antelope populations and herds of giraffe and zebra. Here, you can also find Oryza longistaminata, a wild rice species that’s virtually impossible to find anywhere else in South Africa.

“Known as a haven for birdwatchers (and you know we love birds), this hidden gem never fails to enchant with its breathtaking scenery, and diverse flora and fauna,” Stevo says. “Camping in the midst of nature for three nights, completely off the grid with no electricity or hot water, allowed us to truly immerse ourselves in the serenity of the wilderness. We highly recommend going here if you love nature and just want some peace and quiet.”

He warns that there are no shops nearby, so you’ll need to take everything you need. Luckily, the relatively new parents planned ahead and Elodie ended up having a wonderful time.

The 4×4 camper comes with a gas stove, too. Photo Source: How Far From Home

Heading Home

With the help of their Avis Safari Toyota Hilux 4×4 Camper, the How Far From Home family gave Elodie an incredible first wildlife safari experience. The journey home is always difficult, but Chanel and Stevo are already planning their next adventure. We hope they use our Road Trip Explorer, the easiest way to discover incredible road trip routes in southern Africa.

If you want to see more of their adventure, make sure you check out their Instagram page. They’ve saved the story posts as a highlight! And, if their holiday has inspired you to embark on your own self-drive road trip adventure, explore our range of equipped and unequipped 4×4 vehicles. Speak to one of our expert consultants today and we’ll get you behind the wheel of the right vehicle for your journey.