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Kickstart the New Year with a Corporate Retreat in the Bush

Close off the year or kick off a new one in style with a corporate retreat or end-year function at Summerplace Game Reserve, a hidden gem in the Waterberg, Limpopo, just three hours from Johannesburg. Whether you’re celebrating milestones or recharging your team for the year ahead, Summerplace offers the perfect balance of nature, comfort, and inspiration.

Why January & February Are the Smart Months to Retreat

January and February are often overlooked, yet they’re ideal for corporate functions and team-building getaways. The festive rush is over, rates are more favourable, and the bush is alive after the summer rains. It’s the perfect time to gather your team, refresh your goals, and start the new year connected and motivated.

At Summerplace, you’ll enjoy peaceful surroundings, fresh cuisine, and the space to think creatively, far away from boardroom distractions.

A Boutique Venue for Meaningful Corporate Retreats

At the heart of Summerplace Game Reserve lies our boutique conference and dining venue, the soon-to-launch Glass Barn. With panoramic views of the Waterberg mountains, it’s designed for strategic sessions, workshops, and private dining.

Surrounded by wildlife and wide-open space, your team can shift effortlessly between planning sessions and outdoor activities. Cycle through the reserve on our guided mountain-bike trails, enjoy sundowners under an acacia tree, or gather around the fire for a three-course bush dinner prepared by celebrity chef Dylan Jonsson.

Exclusive-Use Packages for Privacy and Focus

Book exclusive use of Summerplace Game Reserve for complete privacy and control of your retreat experience. Our luxury villas and cottages can host up to 22 guests single and 44 sharing, making it ideal for executive teams or boutique company gatherings.

Each stay includes:

• All meals crafted by our in-house culinary team

• Access to the Glass Barn for meetings or dining

• Guided outdoor activities and wellness experiences

• Use of our mountain-biking and walking trails

• Professional event coordination by the Summerplace team

Every moment is tailored to help your team reconnect, refocus, and realign.

Beyond Business: Celebrate in Style

Whether you’re marking the end of a successful year or launching new goals, Summerplace transforms business events into unforgettable experiences. Picture your team sharing stories around a crackling fire, toasting success under a sky full of stars, and rediscovering what makes them thrive together.

From elegant plated dinners to casual braais under the trees, we’ll help you design a bespoke end-year function that perfectly fits your company culture.

Plan Ahead, Book Your 2026 Corporate Retreat Now

January and February bookings are filling up fast as companies look for a fresh, inspiring start to the year. Escape the city, reward your team, and begin your next chapter surrounded by the untamed beauty of the Waterberg.

Enquire today to plan your 2026 corporate retreat or end-year function at (Insert link to the corporate page)

Summerplace Game Reserve find your flow in nature.

A Bushveld Escape: Safari and Nature Experiences at Summerplace

For many travellers, nothing beats the quiet magic of the bushveld. The stillness of early mornings, the call of birds across the plains, and the thrill of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat — it’s the kind of experience that stays with you. At Summerplace Game Reserve in Limpopo, we welcome guests who want to reconnect with nature, whether on a game drive, a guided walk, or from the comfort of a lodge veranda overlooking the wilderness.

 

A Reserve Full of Life

Summerplace is home to a wide variety of wildlife, from kudu and giraffe to warthog, zebra, and plenty of birdlife. On a drive through the reserve you might find yourself stopping often, not just for the bigger animals but for the small details — a hornbill darting across the road, the tracks of a leopard in the dust, or a dazzling sunset through the trees.

For photographers, the reserve is a dream. The bushveld light changes by the hour, and every outing offers new opportunities for unforgettable shots.

Game Drives and Guided Walks

Our guided game drives take you deep into the reserve in the comfort of a 4×4 vehicle. With the knowledge of experienced guides, you’ll discover not only the wildlife but the ecology, tracks, and hidden stories of the bush.

Prefer something more intimate? A guided walking safari is the chance to slow down and truly immerse yourself. Walking among the wildlife gives you a fresh perspective and a deeper sense of connection to the natural world.

Peaceful Lodge Life

At Summerplace, nature is never far away — even when you’re back at your lodge. Wake up to birdsong, sip your morning coffee with views of the plains, and end the day under a sky full of stars. Our lodges and guesthouses are designed to offer comfort while keeping you close to the rhythms of the bush.

Between activities, you can unwind at the pool, play a round of tennis, or simply sit back with a book and let the wild surroundings do the rest.

Close to the Kruger, Without the Crowds

Many international visitors know South Africa for Kruger National Park — but not everyone wants to compete with busy roads and crowded sightings. At Summerplace, you get the same bushveld atmosphere and wildlife encounters, but in a more personal, peaceful setting.

And with our location just a few hours from Johannesburg and Pretoria, we’re a convenient choice for both local travellers and overseas guests looking for an accessible safari experience.

For Nature Lovers of All Kinds

Whether you’re a keen birder, a wildlife photographer, or simply someone who loves wide open skies and the sound of the bush at night, Summerplace has something to offer:

  • Morning and evening game drives with expert guides
  • Walking safaris for a slower pace of discovery
  • Wildlife encounters with antelope, giraffe, zebra, and more
  • A tranquil, crowd-free environment
  • Comfortable bushveld accommodation to return to after a day’s exploring

Plan Your Bushveld Getaway

If you’re dreaming of a safari that balances comfort, peace, and authentic wildlife encounters, Summerplace Game Reserve is waiting for you. Come for a weekend escape, a family holiday, or as part of your South African travel journey — either way, the bushveld will leave you inspired.

Ready to explore? Book your nature escape at Summerplace Game Reserve.

Adventure + Outdoor Enthusiasts

If you’re the type who feels most alive on two wheels, chasing the next trail run, or discovering new outdoor challenges, then Summerplace Game Reserve is your kind of escape. Tucked away in the Limpopo bushveld but close enough for a weekend trip from Johannesburg or Pretoria, our reserve is a haven for mountain bikers, trail runners, and outdoor lovers who want more than just a getaway — they want adventure.

Kilometers of Trails, Endless Possibilities

With over 160 km of mountain biking and trail running routes, Summerplace is home to some of the most exciting singletrack in South Africa. The trails wind through wild landscapes — open plains, rocky outcrops, river crossings, and forested sections — offering something for every level of rider and runner. Whether you’re training for your next endurance event or just out to stretch your legs, the variety keeps every outing fresh.

Our network is built with passion and precision, attracting riders from across the country who are chasing their next adventure. And if you don’t bring your own bike, we’ve got you covered with top-quality rentals — Specialized, Trek, and other trusted brands.

Adventure Events in the Bushveld

Summerplace is proud to host events like the African Icon MTB Stage Race, which puts both riders and trails to the ultimate test. These races turn the reserve into a playground for endurance athletes, with the bushveld’s beauty and toughness making every kilometre unforgettable.

Not competing? No problem. You can still experience the same trails that challenge the pros, all at your own pace.

More Than Just Riding and Running

Adventure doesn’t end when you hop off the bike or kick off your running shoes. At Summerplace, the bushveld itself is part of the experience. Guided walks and game drives let you see the wild side up close — giraffe, kudu, zebra, and countless bird species all call this reserve home.

And when the day’s adventure is done? Cool off in the pool, play a game of tennis, or relax with a drink as the sun dips below the horizon.

The Perfect Weekend Escape

For city-based adventurers from Johannesburg, Pretoria, or further afield, Summerplace is the ideal weekend getaway. Close enough for a quick trip, yet far enough to feel completely off-grid, it’s the kind of place where you can press pause on city life and lose yourself in nature.

Stay in one of our lodges or guesthouses, enjoy hearty meals, and swap stories around the fire with fellow riders and runners. It’s the kind of community atmosphere that makes Summerplace more than just a destination — it’s an experience you’ll want to return to.

Why Adventure Seekers Love Summerplace

  • 160 km of MTB & trail running routes in the heart of the bushveld
  • Bikes available for hire (no need to lug your gear)
  • Guided game drives & walking safaris for when you want to slow the pace
  • Comfortable lodge stays with everything you need to recover and recharge
  • Close to Johannesburg & Pretoria for easy weekend escapes

Plan Your Next Adventure

If your idea of the perfect escape is dusty trails, wide open skies, and the thrill of the ride, Summerplace Game Reserve should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re here for a weekend of MTB, a trail running getaway, or to tackle one of our signature events, you’ll find adventure waiting at every turn.

Ready to ride? Book your adventure at Summerplace Game Reserve today.

Weddings & Romantic Celebrations

Weddings & Romantic Celebrations

When it comes to weddings, every couple wants a setting that feels unforgettable. At Summerplace Game Reserve in Limpopo, the bushveld provides exactly that — wide open skies, sweeping views, and the beauty of nature all around. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony, a destination wedding with family and friends, or a romantic honeymoon getaway, Summerplace offers a venue where love and landscape come together.

A Wedding Venue in Nature

Imagine saying “I do” beneath a canopy of trees, with giraffe grazing in the distance and the bushveld stretching out around you. At Summerplace, ceremonies are framed by nature itself, offering a unique alternative to city-based wedding venues.

As one of the most romantic bushveld wedding venues in Limpopo, Summerplace combines natural beauty with the comfort and facilities needed to host your big day. From the ceremony to the reception, the reserve’s spaces can be adapted to suit your style — whether rustic and relaxed or elegant and refined.

Reception Under the Stars

Evenings at Summerplace are made for celebration. Picture long tables lit by lanterns, a fire crackling nearby, and a sky full of stars overhead. With flexible outdoor and indoor spaces, couples can design a reception that reflects their vision, while guests enjoy the atmosphere of a true bushveld escape.

Catering can be arranged to suit your preferences, from plated dinners to relaxed buffets or traditional South African braais. The focus is on creating a celebration that feels authentic and memorable.

Honeymoon and Romantic Getaways

For couples looking to combine their wedding with a honeymoon, Summerplace is ideal. After the celebrations, newlyweds can stay on to enjoy the peace and privacy of the reserve. Spend days exploring on game drives, sharing sunsets, or relaxing at the lodge — it’s a natural transition from wedding day joy to honeymoon bliss.

Even beyond weddings, Summerplace is a favourite for anniversaries, proposals, and couple’s getaways. The bushveld setting offers the perfect balance of adventure and intimacy.

Why Couples Choose Summerplace for Weddings

  • Unique bushveld wedding venue just a few hours from Johannesburg and Pretoria
  • Flexible spaces for both intimate and larger celebrations
  • Romantic natural backdrops for ceremonies and photography
  • Accommodation for the bridal couple and guests
  • Option to combine weddings with honeymoons or anniversary stays

A Destination for Love and Connection

Summerplace isn’t just a venue — it’s a destination where couples and guests can make lasting memories. Guests often choose to extend their stay, turning the celebration into a full bushveld holiday with game drives, trail walks, and evenings by the fire.

For couples, that means more than just a wedding day. It’s a whole experience to share with the people who matter most.

Plan Your Bushveld Wedding

If you’re looking for a wedding venue that’s as unique as your love story, Summerplace Game Reserve in Limpopo is ready to welcome you. From proposals and engagements to weddings and honeymoons, the bushveld provides the perfect stage for your celebration.

 

Start planning your wedding now: https://summerplacegamereserve.com/contact-us/

Game Drives and Guided Walks

Game Drives

Embark on unforgettable guided game drives through Summerplace’s vast wilderness, where expert rangers lead you across scenic trails in search of giraffe, zebra, kudu, sable, eland and the abundant birdlife. Summerplace presents the rare opportunity to see both roan antelope and Tsessebe which are not found in many game reserves in South Africa. We have three breeding herds of roan antelope and multiple breeding herds of tsessebe antelope.  Our 18 dams and riverine areas also provide the ideal habitat for the elusive common reedbuck and our hills are home to mountain reedbuck.  Whether you’re catching golden-hour views during a sundowner drive or spotting wildlife in the early morning light, each outing offers rich insight into the reserve’s diverse ecosystems and incredible photo opportunities.

 

 

Guided Walks

Step off the beaten path and immerse yourself in the finer details of the bush on a guided walk with our experienced rangers. Learn to track wildlife, identify bird calls, and discover the hidden wonders of the Waterberg’s flora and fauna. These slow-paced explorations offer a deeper, more intimate connection with nature—perfect for curious minds and adventurous spirits alike.

 

Book Now

 

Your Top Team Deserves More Than a Boardroom!

Your Top Team Deserves More Than a Boardroom!

Tucked away in the Waterberg, just over two hours from Pretoria, Summerplace Game Reserve offers a boutique corporate retreat for those who value time, space, and meaningful connection. Here, business meets wilderness, and strategy sessions end with sundowners under the Waterberg sky.

Family-owned and run, Summerplace Game Reserve was born from a love for the bush and a desire to create something personal. Over the years, we’ve grown into one of South Africa’s most sought-after destinations for executive getaways, a place where nature sets the pace and every detail is thoughtfully considered.

We specialise in premium midweek retreats for close corporate groups. Our ideal number? Between 10 and 22 guests, enough for dynamic energy, but intimate enough that every person feels part of something special. With a mix of luxurious private lodges, the setup is perfect for both single occupancy and sharing.

Your Itinerary, Elevated

This isn’t a package. It’s a handcrafted experience, with days shaped around your objectives and downtime designed for genuine rest. While you’re here, you’ll enjoy:

  • Three-course bush dinners under the stars, curated by our celebrity chef, Dylan Jonsson
  • Thoughtful, flavor-forward menus that celebrate seasonality and simplicity
  • Spacious, comfortable lodges with amazing views and full privacy
  • Access to 160+ km of private trails for biking, running, or walking
  • Guided game drives and sundowner excursions
  • Outdoor and indoor gathering spaces, including our new conference venue, The Glass Barn, currently under construction
  • Fully solar-powered infrastructure with reliable backup systems, so your experienceruns seamlessly from start to finish

“We needed a place where our staff could relax and be spoiled by us as a company. We wanted comfortable, upmarket accommodation, good food, and a place where we could relax and play a few games. Summerplace offered all the above and more.” — Wilna van Heerden, DNA Outsourcing (Pty) Ltd

“More and more companies are choosing Summerplace for their business breakaways. We’re remote enough to be removed from distractions, but close enough that travel from Pretoria or Johannesburg isn’t a challenge. Each group is different, and we build the experience around what matters to them.” — Simone Baber, Managing Director, Summerplace Game Reserve

When the workday ends, the wild begins. Guests can hop on a trail, stretch their legs on a guided walk, or soak in golden hour from the back of a game viewer. This isn’t just time away, it’s time well spent.

To start planning your escape, reach out to us at bookings@summerplacegamereserve.com or +27(0) 83 302 5123

 

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Plan Your Perfect Stay: What to Do at Summerplace

Plan Your Perfect Stay: What to Do at Summerplace

There’s no one way to experience Summerplace—and that’s exactly what makes it so special. Whether you’re craving wide-open adventure or the stillness of untouched nature, every guest finds their own rhythm here in the bushveld.

Morning

Wake slowly to birdsong and soft bush light filtering through the trees. Join a guided walk with one of our experienced rangers and witness the landscape come alive—hoofprints in the dust, antelope grazing in the gold of early light, stories written in the soil.

Midday

Return to a generous brunch, where fresh flavours and warm company go hand in hand. Meander through the boutique for locally crafted keepsakes, or simply stretch out by the pool with a book and let time soften its grip.

Afternoon

Feel the rush of freedom on two wheels as you take on our signature mountain bike trails, or settle into a game drive and let the landscape reveal itself—giraffe on the ridge, kudu in the shade, the quiet magic of the wild all around you. As the sun dips low, find yourself at a lookout with a G&T in hand, watching the sky shift from amber to ash.

African Icons Event – 28 to 31 August 2025

Plan Your Perfect Stay: What to Do at Summerplace

We are excited to announce the annual Absa African Icons charity cycling event, taking place from the 28th to the 31st of August 2025 at the Summerplace Game Reserve. Tickets are limited to just 60 riders, so book yours today and join us for an unforgettable weekend of stunning views and cycling adventures in the heart of the Bosveld. With over 160km of trails at Summerplace Game Reserve, shaped by the natural terrain of the Waterberg, we offer rides and routes suited for riders of all levels, and just like last year, the ladies will have their very own routes, ensuring everyone can ride. You’ll have the opportunity to ride alongside some of the country’s most legendary sports icons, who will be revealed soon, at this year’s 3-day social MTB event. The adventure kicks off with a welcome dinner on the 28th of August 2025, and our first ride will take place on the morning of Friday, 29 August 2025.

Ready to Ride with Us? Here’s How It Works!

This year’s entry process is a little different to make sure we match you with the best accommodation option. Simply enter below. Once we receive your details, we’ll get in touch to discuss your options, finalise your entry, and send you the rider forms and payment details.

Book Now

SUMMERPLACE EXPANDS BEGINNER/NOVICE/INTERMEDIATE MTB TRAILS NETWORK

David Baber and his team have extended the trails network at Summerplace Game Reserve to better cater for Beginner, Novice and Intermediate mountain bikers and offer more distance for Advanced riders. Here’s what’s new and why you should ride it as soon as possible…

Summerplace Game Reserve has always offered exciting trails for Advanced, skilled mountain bikers. But during 2024, landowner and avid mountain biker, David Baber, has been on a quest to add more trails that appeal to Beginner, Novice and Intermediate mountain bikers. He’s also made some of the existing trails less intimidating.

Earlier this year, the Orange Route was built. A mostly singletrack 23 km trail that explores the northwest section of the reserve, including three ascents and descents of a hill that adds a decent amount of elevation and some special views.

There’s now a wide range of MTB routes for Beginner, Novice and Intermediate riders. Photo: Glacier Waterberg Traverse

Over the winter, David and his team have added trails to the Langwater section of the reserve – on the left as you drive from the main gate to the Summerplace Restaurant. This is primarily a savanna area with very gradual climbs and descents. This allowed for the building of trails that link the existing small game-drive roads to deliver a Brown Route, that measures 28.4km and a longer Yellow Route, that measures 39.2km.

The Brown Route is ideal for Beginner and Intermediate level riders, starting on Aloe trail and exploring the south eastern area of the reserve.

Aloe’s rocky roll-downs made it somewhat intimidating for many riders in the past, but the trails team has added loads of soil to ensure they’re now roll-downs and more accessible to a wider range of riders. These roll-downs deliver the required momentum to fully enjoy one of the most fun, flowy trails at Summerplace Game Reserve.

Mellow Miles, Killing Kilometres, Salad, Eco Mode and Great Gnu are all new trails, which take the Brown Route into the wild-life rich plains area of the reserve, where Giraffe, Zebra, Tsessebe, Kudu and Impala are regular sightings from the saddle.

The new Pink Route is 15km long on gravel roads and jeep track – perfect for Beginners. Photo: Glacier Waterberg Traverse

The Yellow Route follows much of the Brown, but is more appropriate for Advanced and Intermediate riders looking to add distance with some engaging features.  The Yellow Route previously included Marula Flow, Marula, Aloe and Rooibos trails. It still has those, but has a fresh trail called Chicken Legs, which is now the descent off Marula Hill. It includes some switchback turns that have been superbly crafted with packed rocks. The switchbacks only occupy a short segment near the top and near the bottom of this descent, which has stunning views of the Waterberg and is a load of fun to ride.

Baber has also designed additional Beginner, Novice and Intermediate routes on less challenging sections of the original routes. So there is now one Beginner route and Four Novice routes totalling 78km in distance and four Intermediate routes that offer a total distance of 94km. With 15km of jeep track and gravel roads, the new Pink Route is designed specifically for Beginners.

David Baber checking the rocky switchback turns on Chicken Legs trail. Photo: Glacier Waterberg Traverse

“With our gravity trails now well established and attracting both high profile events and recreational riders seeking a challenging trails network, we have spent this year focussing on adding trails that all mountain bikers can enjoy. We now have a total of 12 mountain biking routes – one of which is specifically for Beginners, four routes suitable for Novices, four routes for Intermediate riders, two routes for Advanced riders and one route for Expert riders,” said Baber.

Summerplace Game Reserve offers a wide range of self-catering accommodation as well as a restaurant that serves meals for hungry mountain bikers. To book your stay at Summerplace Game Reserve to ride the new trails, click here.

Many of the new trails will be incorporated into the two-stage Glacier Waterberg Traverse, which takes place at Summerplace Game Reserve from 9-11 May 2025. To find out more, or to enter, click here.

 

SUMMERPLACE GAME RESERVE: COMPANY YEAR-END GETAWAY SPECIAL

Looking for somewhere fresh for your end-of-year corporate getaway? Summerplace Game Reserve, just over two hour’s drive from Pretoria, offers an authentic fully catered bushveld experience in the Waterberg that will deliver a meaningful, memorable end-of-year send-off.

Whether it’s a celebration of a successful year; a strategic team-building exercise, an opportunity to entertain key clients; or a bosberaad, Summerplace Game Reserve is equipped to ensure you can focus on your objective in a tranquil setting that’s removed from the city hustle, but which has all the necessary modern amenities.

We are running a 15% discount on a midweek three-night, full-board rate if booking is done before 10 October 2024. We can accommodate up to 60 people in our various lodges and we have an on-site restaurant to manage all the catering.

The consistent maintenance of our roads means that all vehicles can manage the drive once the route leaves the tar road. Most of the drive is on the N1 freeway with the final section on good quality tar and gravel roads through the towns of Modimole and Vaalwater.

Summerplace Game Reserve regularly hosts corporate functions. From Blue Chip companies to small and medium-sized businesses, we are able to customise your corporate getaway to your needs. With unlimited, always-on WiFi, solar power and borehole water, Summerplace Game Reserve is equipped to operate off the grid and ensure your corporate event runs smoothly from start to finish.

“As the word spreads, more and more companies are choosing Summerplace for their business breakaways. We are remote enough to be removed from the company premises and related distractions, but close enough that the travel time isn’t a challenge from Pretoria and Johannesburg,” said Simone Baber, Director Summerplace Game Reserve.

“Because we are able to customise our corporate breakaways to each client’s needs and don’t just offer a singular package, we have hosted quite a variety of company bookings in the past 18 months. The fact that we have luxury, self-catering lodges and also offer a fully catered package gives companies flexibility too,” added Baber.

“We needed a place where our staff could relax and be spoiled by us as a company.  We wanted comfortable, upmarket accommodation, good food, and a place where we could relax and play a few games.  We also wanted an option where we could bring our own drinks when we relaxed at the lodges. Summerplace offered all the above and more,” said Wilna van Heerden of DNA Outsourcing (Pty) Ltd, a HR and payroll solutions company that recently booked a company breakaway at Summerplace.

As one of the leading wilderness trails destinations in South Africa, Summerplace Game Reserve offers a network of engaging trails for mountain biking, trail running and hiking. We have a fleet of rental eBikes – ideal for those that don’t have their own bikes but who want a riding experience in the bush.

With over 40 species of large mammals and more than 140 bird Summerplace Game Reserve is a wildlife haven as well as a Waterberg region conservation hub for Roan Antelope, Sable Antelope, Tsessebe and Mountain Reedbuck. We also offer sundowner drinks excursions or game drives to bid a scenic farewell to the day.

To find out more about our corporate conference options, email bookings@summerplacegamereserve.com

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