Summerplace Game Reserve - Marula Cottage

Accommodation Description

Marula Cottage holds a special place at Summerplace Game Reserve — it was the first accommodation ever built on the property, and that history shows in its character. Set at the base of the Marula Trail, this two-bedroom self-catering cottage looks out over open reserve views, with a generous old Marula tree offering shade on the stoep. The open-plan kitchen and lounge is practical and easy — everything you need for a proper bush stay without the fuss. Each bedroom has a king-size bed convertible into two singles, and the cottage shares one bathroom. Finished with 100% cotton linen and soft towels, the details are there. Fire up the braai for the evening, kick back with a book, or let the sounds of the Waterberg bushveld fill the space around you. Pets are welcome on request, making this a great pick for guests travelling with four-legged companions.

Setting Description

Summerplace Game Reserve occupies 3,487 hectares of the UNESCO-accredited Waterberg Biosphere Reserve in Limpopo's Waterberg region, just outside Vaalwater. The reserve sits at altitude between 1,293 and 1,516 metres above sea level, creating a dramatic landscape of hills, ridgelines, river valleys, and open bushveld. Wildlife here is serious — roan antelope, tsessebe, sable, giraffe, eland, kudu, zebra, and over 150 recorded bird species roam freely across the property. Summerplace has built a national reputation for its 160km of purpose-built mountain biking trails, ranging from flowing singletracks to technical rocky descents. Guided walks, game drives, trail running, and birding round out the activity offering. An on-site restaurant led by award-winning chef Dylan Jonsson serves breakfasts, lunches, wood-fired pizzas, and pre-booked three-course dinners — or guests can braai at the cottage. Johannesburg is approximately 3.5 hours away.

What We Love

-The original and most characterful cottage on the reserve, with a stoep shaded by an old Marula tree.

-Fully self-catering with a braai — perfect for a proper bush break on your own terms.

-Pet friendly on request, with trails where dogs can roam alongside you.

-Access to 160km of world-class mountain biking trails, guided walks, birding, and game drives.

-On-site restaurant with exceptional food from an award-winning chef — or have a meal delivered to the cottage.

-Set within a 3,487-hectare UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, with rare species like roan antelope, tsessebe, and sable.