River Lodge Gallery

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ADDRESS

Witfontein Road
Vaalwater
South Africa

SOCIAL

Kaingo is a 16 400 hectare (41 000 acre) private game reserve in the Waterberg District, of the Limpopo Province of South Africa. A pleasant 2.5-hour drive from Johannesburg, makes Kaingo one of the most accessible premier malaria free big game reserves in the country. It is a declared protected area with Critical Biodiversity 1 classification and a core area of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, which was officially declared by UNESCO in 2001.

As a declared Nature Reserve with the primary objective of Natural Resource Conservation the Reserve is run along pure, sustainable management and development principles, with an exceptionally low development and tourist footprint. Kaingo Reserve Foundation, a non-profit public benefit organisation is the appointed management authority of the reserve.

The grassy plains and savanna abound with animals such as giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and impala. It is the diversity of habitat on the reserve that encourages such a wide range of wildlife as well as over 300 bird species, including rare species such as African finfoot and Narina trogon.

Kaingo protects a unique and special environment and the reserve’s owners, and management is deeply committed to conservation and research. It is one of the few reserves where the full tourism income goes towards positive conservation. Every visiting guest directly supports the reserve’s primary objective of conservation.

Rich in human history there is also an array of rock art sites on Kaingo. With hundreds of images spread across 15 sites, Kaingo offers the biggest variety of rock art and archaeological finds dating to the Stone Age.

Fishing

Engage in fishing activities in the Mokolo River, home to 32 different fish species. The area offers picturesque spots for mostly catch-and-release fishing, with the option to have caught bass prepared by our kitchen chefs as a delightful snack.

Conservation

We’re striving to conserve the biodiversity, ecological integrity, landscape characteristics and cultural resources of Kaingo Game Reserve for future generations. As custodians of nature for the next generation we have an opportunity and thus responsibility to make a significant contribution to the protection of the Waterberg.

To restore natural environment
To re-establish & protect bio-diversity
To maintain the waterberg’s ecological process

Exceptional Wildlife

Home to the Big 5 and 72 other mammal species.
A birder’s paradise with 352 bird species.
Explore 32 species of fish in the Mokolo River.
Discover a variety of insects, reptiles, and plant species.

Rock Art Tour

Join an Ancient Rock Art & Heritage Tour to learn about the area’s ancient history.

Educational Bush Walk

Focus on the often-missed smaller details like animal tracks and signs.
Opportunity to encounter the Big 5 on foot.
Recommended attire includes closed-toe shoes, neutral clothing, and a hat.
Bring essentials like sunblock, sunglasses, water, binoculars, and a camera.
Age limit: 16 to 70 years, subject to guide’s discretion.

Mokolo River Boat Cruise

Embark on a serene Mokolo River Boat Cruise to witness the wildlife of Kaingo. Our expert guides ensure an educational journey through the reserves beauty. With the gentle boat pace, experience up-close encounters with animals and the diverse fauna and flora of the region.
Weather Dependant
*NB: River levels are low at the moment.

Safari Game Drives

Enjoy breathtaking scenic views, including rivers and mountain tops.
Experience drives led by knowledgeable and qualified guides.
Explore unique geology and diverse biomes.
Relish morning coffee and evening sundowners in stunning locations.