Things to do at ElementsLocated in the vast, peaceful and incredibly beautiful malaria-free bushveld region of the Limpopo Province, this stunning golf estate lies only an hour's drive from the north of Pretoria in the magnificent Waterberg region. • Two bedroom and four bedroom golf lodges The Waterberg MountainsThe Waterberg Mountains stretch along more than 5 000 km 2 of spectacular vistas and scenic valleys – the ideal destination off the beaten tourism track. The area is steeped in history and some artefacts found here date back to Stone Age times. The area is a mosaic of cultural tradition which is reflected by the different rural tribes, such as the Bapedi, Tswana and Basotho. Lapalala WildernessThis 25 000-hectare wilderness in the Waterberg area contains rare roan and sable antelope, white and black rhino and a plethora of animals and birds. Lapalala is a sanctuary for endangered animals. In addition to these local reserves, Elements has its own private game reserve. Horse-back SafarisThe Waterberg area is recognised as one of the best places to take part in horse-back safaris. There are a number of well-established outfits that will cater for all your needs. A combination of a tented safari camp and a horse-trail safari is certainly an option for enthusiastic riders. ArchaeologyThe Bushveld is more than three million years old. Archaeological finds and San paintings are just glimpses of lives that have been played out in the region. Part of a pit prop from an Iron Age mine shaft found in the Rooiberg area west of Bela-Bela gave a radio-carbon date of approximately 1500 AD. EconomyThe region is one of the most mineralised in the world and forms part of the Bushveld Igneous Complex - a unique complex of volcanic rocks formed more than 600 million years ago and considered to be one of the geological wonders of the world. It is rich in chrome, platinum, nickel, iron, tin, tungsten and other metals which gave rise to the thriving mining industry of the region. Natural AttractionsThe greatest draw-card of the Bushveld remains the extraordinary natural attractions. The Waterberg, a geographical wonder supporting a biome of some 14 500 square kilometres, offers scenic vistas, exciting game viewing and a holiday in the mountains - rustic and close to nature, or in splendidly opulent surroundings. Bird watchers will also thrill to the sight of Cape vultures as they effortlessly glide throught the air, looking down on yellowwood trees, huge cycads and tree ferns in the Marakele National Park near Thabazimbi. The park is home to around 800 breeding pairs. Elements' private game reserve houses Kudu, Impala, Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, Blesbok, Red Haartebeest and Mountain Reedbuck, as well as smaller indigenous species. The Nylsvley wetlandsThe Nylsvley wetlands are home to the largest number of water birds in Southern Africa. The bird species list for the entire area numbers over 400, of which more than 200 can easily be spotted in a single day. Visitors can stay in the camping ground or in one of the many lodges close by to enjoy natures bounty. The Bushveld not only offers superb destinations, but fine examples of how tourism is being developed to benefit all the people of the region. While the African Ivory Route has become one of the icons of the Bushveld, it has also empowered the communities along the route to become involved in tourism. The African Ivory Route is ideal for the eco-connoisseur, a person drawn to the African wilderness. Steeped in the history of ivory hunters and gold traders going back more than a thousand years ago, the route offers scenic camps, exciting off-roading and many other adventure opportunities for safari enthusiasts. Hot mineral springsThe hot mineral springs- often described as natures gift to mankind- are incredibly relaxing and restore sanity to all who holiday there. TownsThe main towns of the Bushveld region are Bela-Bela (Warmbaths), Lephalale (Ellisras), Modimolle (Nylstroom), Mookgophong, (Naboomspruit) and Thabazimbi. Each town in itself is worth visiting as each boasts a surprising number of historical, cultural and natural attractions and offers a host of activities to enjoy. While much of the Bushveld is seemingly old-world and rustic, tourists are assured of a solid tourism infrastructure of excellent facilities and modern conveniences. It's situated between two to three hours from the hustle and bustle of the densely populated Gauteng. The Bushveld is easily accessible, even on weekends and the area is malaria free which adds to the allure of the region.
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