Nestled in the heart of the Waterberg, Summerplace Game Reserve is more than a destination; it’s a legacy woven into the very fabric of the Baber family. For generations, we have been the custodians of this stunning 3,500-hectare expanse, a land where the sweet and sour veld tell stories of time, nature, and the human spirit.  Our journey began with farming, rooted in the soil and nurtured by the sun. Yet, as the seasons changed, so did our vision. The expansive landscapes called to us, whispering tales of adventure and connection. We transformed our love for the land into a passion for cycling, creating trails that not only traverse the beauty of the reserve but also connect people to its soul.

David, with his unwavering dedication, mapped out the trails that now wind through our sanctuary. As he pedalled through the diverse terrains, he uncovered hidden gems—a secret Kloof, a grove of ancient trees that stand as sentinels of time. Each ride deepened his bond with the land, revealing its most special features and the life thriving within it.  In our pursuit of conservation and community, we partnered with Paul and Ash. Their arrival marked a new chapter, rich with enthusiasm and a shared commitment to protecting our natural heritage. Together, we introduced roan and Tsessebe to our reserve, breathing life into our conservation efforts. Paul’s passion shines brightly, reminding us all that preserving our environment is not just a responsibility but a privilege.

At Summerplace, we have cultivated a space where you can move, relax, indulge, and connect. Whether it’s the thrill of cycling through untamed wilderness or the tranquillity of watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and purple, every moment is an invitation to embrace the beauty around you.  Hospitality runs through our veins. We believe in creating an experience that feels like home, where laughter echoes and friendships blossom under the African sun. Our family is dedicated to ensuring that everyone who steps onto this land feels the warmth of our welcome and the magic of our surroundings.  As you journey through Summerplace Game Reserve, know that you are part of our story—a narrative of passion, connection, and the enduring spirit of the Waterberg. Welcome to our home. Welcome to our family. Welcome to Summerplace.

Restaurant

At the heart of Summerplace is our restaurant, where chef Dylan Jonsson brings creativity, warmth, and years of experience to every plate. Meals are made fresh, from scratch, using seasonal ingredients and often paired with stories from the kitchen. Start your day with a hearty breakfast, linger over a long lunch, or book a three-course dinner that showcases Dylan’s signature flavours. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are always available. Whether you’re sharing amazing pizza under the stars or dining on your stoep with the sounds of the bush around you, the Summerplace dining experience is as relaxed as it is memorable.

Things To Do

Adventure or relaxation – at Summerplace, you can have both. Set out on guided game drives or walking safaris to experience the bush up close or take to over 160 km of mountain biking and trail running routes, with top-quality bikes available for hire. Prefer a slower pace? Enjoy a game of tennis, a refreshing swim, or simply unwind by the pool with views of the wild. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re chasing adrenaline or peaceful moments in nature.

• Mountain Biking
• Trail Running
• Game Drives
• Guided Walks
• Bike Hire
• Pool
• Tennis Cours

Accommodation

Tucked into the hills and valleys of 3 500 hectares of untouched bushveld, Summerplace offers 22 private units, from elegant villas to luxury Hideout Tents. Each space is shaped by its setting — surrounded by birdsong, dappled light, and wide-open views. Here, mornings are slow. Afternoons stretch out. Evenings settle in with the sound of jackals calling in the distance. Whether you’re here to rest, explore, or simply breathe, our stays are designed to help you feel grounded in nature and far from everything else. Only 2½ hours from Johannesburg and Pretoria, but it feels like a world away.

Admin Fee:

• R55.00 once off per reservation.

Summerview

Perched above the reserve, Summerview is a private villa offering one of the most striking vistas in the Waterberg. Surrounded by the stillness of the bushveld and open skies, this five-bedroom retreat invites you to slow down, spread out, and connect.  The main house includes four spacious bedrooms and four bathrooms, while a separate garden cottage offers an additional en-suite room. The open-plan kitchen and lounge flow effortlessly onto the stoep, creating a welcoming space for long meals, quiet reading, or lazy afternoons by the fire.  An 18-meter swimming pool stretches along the edge of the garden, while the wood-fired Kol Kol hot tub offers the perfect place to soak under the stars. This unit is also pet friendly, so your four-legged family members are welcome to join the adventure.

Two of the bedrooms feature king-sized beds that can be converted into singles. The remaining rooms include one fixed king-sized bed and one queen-sized bed. The garden cottage also includes a king-sized bed that can be converted into two singles. All rooms are finished with 100% cotton linen and soft towels, with every detail designed for comfort.

Facilities

• Private Bathrooms
• Outdoor fireplace
• Kitchen
• Outdoor furniture
• Uncapped WiFi
• Private Parking
• Board games / Puzzles
• Laundry (additional charge)
• Non-smoking throughout
• Pet friendly
• Wood-fire hot tub

Rates

Min 2-night stay

Bed & Breakfast: Accommodation and Breakfast
Half Board: Breakfast, Dinner and 1x Game Drive daily
Full Board: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and 2 x Game Drives daily

Summerhill

Tucked into the ridge of Marula Hill, Summerhill is a secluded self-catering home designed for gathering. Sleeping up to 12 guests, this elegant bush retreat offers uninterrupted views of the reserve, best enjoyed from the spacious deck where wildlife often wanders by.  Inside, four standalone cottages each offer a king-sized bed (convertible to singles), en-suite bathroom, and a private kitchenette with tea-and-coffee-making facilities. Rooms 2 and 4 also include adjoining spaces that sleep two extra guests each, making them perfect for families or friends traveling together. Every room is finished with 100% cotton linen and fresh towels for your comfort.  At the heart of Summerhill is a generous open-plan lounge, kitchen, and dining area. It’s ideal for long, fire-lit meals or relaxed afternoons on the stoep. While the bedrooms are detached for privacy, this shared space brings everyone together.  Outside, a swimming pool is set into the deck, alongside a wood-fired Kol Kol hot tub, perfect for starlit soaks after a day on the trails. There’s also both an indoor and outdoor braai area, giving you the freedom to cook and connect no matter the weather.  Summerhill is fully solar powered, so you can enjoy your stay with peace of mind, knowing your comfort is powered by the sun.

Facilities

• Private Bathrooms
• Outdoor fireplace
• Kitchen
• Outdoor furniture
• Uncapped WiFi
• Private Parking
• Board games / Puzzles
• Laundry (additional charge)
• Non-smoking throughout
• NOT pet friendly
• Swimming pool

Rates

Min 2-night stay

Bed & Breakfast: Accommodation and Breakfast
Half Board: Breakfast, Dinner and 1x Game Drive daily
Full Board: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and 2 x Game Drives daily

Hideouts

Tucked beneath the main venue and surrounded by the Summerplace bushveld, The Hideout is a private escape for two. With sweeping views, a shaded stoep, and a wood-fired hot tub, it’s a place to slow down and reconnect with nature.  Each freestanding tent includes a compact kitchenette with a bar fridge and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. While not self-catering, it offers just enough for relaxed, no-fuss comfort. Meals can be prebooked and enjoyed at the Summerplace Restaurant.  The Hideout is a WiFi-free zone, inviting you to unplug and fully embrace the bush experience.  Each Hideout tent features a king-sized bed that can be converted into two singles, along with an en-suite bathroom. Finished with 100% cotton linen and soft towels, every detail is designed for comfort.

Facilities

• Private Bathrooms
• Outdoor fireplace
• Coffee & Tea Station
• Outdoor furniture
• Private Parking
• Board games / Puzzles
• Laundry (additional charge)
• Non-smoking throughout
• NOT pet friendly
• Wood-fire hot tub

Rates

Min 2-night stay

Bed & Breakfast: Accommodation and Breakfast
Half Board: Breakfast, Dinner and 1x Game Drive daily
Full Board: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and 2 x Game Drives daily

Bushwillows

Nestled at the foot of Marula Hill, Bushwillow is a beautifully appointed self-catering home that offers the perfect balance of privacy and immersion in nature. With sweeping views across the reserve and regular visits from roan antelope and giraffe, it’s a place to slow down and reconnect.  This two-bedroom home sleeps up to four guests. Each bedroom features a king-sized bed that can be converted into two singles, along with an en-suite bathroom, 100% cotton linen, and soft towels for your comfort.  The open-plan living space includes a well-equipped kitchen and a relaxed lounge area that flows onto a covered stoep. Whether you’re enjoying a laid-back braai or simply soaking in the quiet, Bushwillow invites you to unwind.  For a touch of indulgence, the wood-fired Kol Kol hot tub offers the perfect way to end the day—enjoy it warm beneath the stars or cool during sunny afternoons.

Facilities

• Private Bathrooms
• Outdoor fireplace
• Kitchen
• Outdoor furniture
• Uncapped WiFi
• Private Parking
• Board games / Puzzles
• Laundry (additional charge)
• Non-smoking throughout
• NOT pet friendly
• Wood-fire hot tub

Rates

Min 2-night stay

Bed & Breakfast: Accommodation and Breakfast
Half Board: Breakfast, Dinner and 1x Game Drive daily
Full Board: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and 2 x Game Drives daily

Marula Cottage

As the first accommodation ever developed on Summerplace, Marula carries the most character. Set at the base of the Marula Trail, this peaceful two-bedroom cottage looks out over open views of the reserve. After a morning in the saddle, guests can unwind in the generous shade of the old Marula tree or gather on the stoep to take in the landscape.  The open-plan kitchen and lounge area is simple and inviting, offering everything you need for a relaxed, no-fuss stay. Fire up the braai for dinner or kick back with a book while the bushveld hums around you.  This unit is also pet friendly, making it a great choice for guests traveling with furry companions.  Each bedroom features a king-sized bed that can be converted into two singles. The cottage includes one shared bathroom. Finished with 100% cotton linen and soft towels, every detail is designed for comfort.

Facilities

• Private Bathrooms
• Outdoor fireplace
• Kitchen
• Outdoor furniture
• Uncapped WiFi
• Private Parking
• Board games / Puzzles
• Washing Machine
• Non-smoking throughout
• Pets are allowed on request
• Swimming pool

Rates

Min 2-night stay

Bed & Breakfast: Accommodation and Breakfast
Half Board: Breakfast, Dinner and 1x Game Drive daily
Full Board: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and 2 x Game Drives daily

New Wine

Tucked between the base of Marula Trail and the start of Aloe Trail, New Wine offers a quiet self-catering stay with beautiful views of Marula Mountain and the surrounding bushveld. Shaded by wild olive and weeping boer-bean trees, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after time on the trails.  While close to The Shed, New Wine faces the opposite direction, ensuring a private and peaceful atmosphere. The open-plan kitchen and lounge open out onto a generous stoep where you can braai, read, or simply enjoy the stillness.  A wood-fired Kol Kol hot tub adds a touch of luxury to your stay, and the unit is pet friendly, so your furry companions are welcome too.  The main bedroom includes a king-sized bed. The second bedroom features two single beds that can be converted into a king. Each bedroom has its own bathroom. Finished with 100% cotton linen and soft towels, every detail is designed for comfort.

Facilities

• Private Bathrooms
• Outdoor fireplace
• Kitchen
• Outdoor furniture
• Uncapped WiFi
• Private Parking
• Board games / Puzzles
• Laundry (additional charge)
• Non-smoking throughout
• Pets are allowed on request
• Wood-fire hot tub

Rates

Min 2-night stay

Bed & Breakfast: Accommodation and Breakfast
Half Board: Breakfast, Dinner and 1x Game Drive daily
Full Board: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and 2 x Game Drives daily

Rosemary Cottage

Rosemary Cottage is a comfortable and stylish three-bedroom, three-bathroom retreat offering a bit more luxury than our smaller units. With a fully equipped kitchen, dishwasher, and washing machine, it’s designed for guests who appreciate extra convenience during longer stays.  The open-plan lounge and kitchen create an inviting space to gather, while the charming stoep is ideal for lazy afternoons or quiet morning coffees. A Weber grill is available for relaxed outdoor cooking, and the private wood-fired hot tub adds a warm and tranquil touch to your stay.  This pet-friendly unit is perfect for families, couples, or friends seeking a little extra space and comfort in the heart of the bushveld.  The main and second bedrooms each feature a king-sized bed. The third bedroom includes two single beds that can be converted into a king. All rooms have their own bathroom and are finished with 100% cotton linen and soft towels, with every detail designed for comfort.

Facilities

• Private Bathrooms
• Outdoor fireplace
• Kitchen
• Outdoor furniture
• Uncapped WiFi
• Private Parking
• Board games / Puzzles
• Dishwasher/Washing Machine
• Non-smoking throughout
• Pets are allowed on request
• Private wood-fire hot tub

Rates

Min 2-night stay

Bed & Breakfast: Accommodation and Breakfast
Half Board: Breakfast, Dinner and 1x Game Drive daily
Full Board: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and 2 x Game Drives daily

Saringa Cottage

Set at the base of Marula Hill, Saringa is a charming self-catering cottage made for two. Surrounded by the stillness of the Summerplace bushveld and sweeping views of the reserve, this peaceful hideaway is ideal for couples or solo travelers looking to reset and reconnect.  The open-plan kitchen and lounge create a relaxed, easy-flow space that opens onto a shaded stoep. Whether you’re preparing a quiet dinner, enjoying a braai, or simply watching the light shift across the bush, Saringa invites you to slow down.  For a little extra indulgence, the wood-fired Kol Kol hot tub awaits. Enjoy it warm under the stars or cool during the heat of the day.  The cottage features one bedroom with a king-sized bed that can be converted into two singles, along with an en-suite bathroom. Finished with 100% cotton linen and soft towels, every detail is designed for comfort.

Facilities

• Private Bathrooms
• Outdoor fireplace
• Kitchen
• Outdoor furniture
• Uncapped WiFi
• Private Parking
• Board games / Puzzles
• Laundry (additional charge)
• Non-smoking throughout
• NOT pet friendly
• Woodfired Hot Tub

Rates

Min 2-night stay

Bed & Breakfast: Accommodation and Breakfast
Half Board: Breakfast, Dinner and 1x Game Drive daily
Full Board: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and 2 x Game Drives daily

The Sheds

Once part of the original farmyard, The Shed has been thoughtfully converted into three self-catering units, each offering a relaxed and practical base for your bushveld adventure. After a day spent trailblazing some of the 160 km of singletrack to ride and run, guests can gather on the wide farm stoep to soak in the quiet and fresh air.  Units 1 and 3 each include two bedrooms, one shared bathroom, and an open-plan lounge and kitchen designed for easy living. Whether you’re traveling as a family or a small group, these units offer everything you need for a comfortable stay.  Unit 2 is the smallest accommodation option on the property, ideal for solo guests or couples. It features an open-plan bedroom with a compact kitchenette and en-suite bathroom, making it a cozy, no-fuss retreat.  All bedrooms in The Shed feature two single beds that can be converted into a king. Finished with 100% cotton linen and soft towels, every detail is designed for comfort.

Facilities

• Private Bathrooms
• Outdoor fireplace
• Kitchen
• Outdoor furniture
• Uncapped WiFi
• Private Parking
• Board games / Puzzles
• Laundry (additional charge)
• Non-smoking throughout
• NOT pet friendly

Rates

Min 2-night stay

Bed & Breakfast: Accommodation and Breakfast
Half Board: Breakfast, Dinner and 1x Game Drive daily
Full Board: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and 2 x Game Drives daily

York’s View

Located on the northern side of the reserve, York’s View is a spacious self-catering farmhouse ideal for families or groups looking to reconnect in nature. The wide wrap-around stoep offers sweeping views of the eastern Waterberg and provides the perfect setting for long chats, lazy afternoons, and quiet moments in the shade.  The open-plan kitchen, lounge, and entertainment area is generous and welcoming, designed to bring everyone together. Whether you’re gathered around the fire or enjoying a relaxed meal on the stoep, this space makes it easy to settle in. The six bedrooms are detached from the main living area, offering extra privacy for guests.  A private swimming pool is set into the deck, offering a refreshing break on warm bushveld days.  Each bedroom features two single beds that can be converted into a king. The house includes four bathrooms in total. All rooms are finished with 100% cotton linen and bath towels. Please bring your own swimming towels.

Facilities

• Private Bathrooms
• Outdoor fireplace
• Kitchen
• Outdoor furniture
• Uncapped WiFi
• Private Parking
• Board games / Puzzles
• Laundry (additional charge)
• Non-smoking throughout
• Pets are allowed on request
• Private Pool
• Woodfired Hot Tub

Rates

Min 2-night stay

Bed & Breakfast: Accommodation and Breakfast
Half Board: Breakfast, Dinner and 1x Game Drive daily
Full Board: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and 2 x Game Drives daily