Inside Qwabi Private Game Reserve: Big Five Safaris in the Heart of South Africa (2025 Guide)
- Craig Howes
- Jul 24, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: May 19
Not every day you find a luxury safari destination that feels wild and well-heeled. Qwabi Private Game Reserve, tucked away in the malaria-free Waterberg region of South Africa, is precisely that. Home to the Big Five, a bold conservation vision, and the standout Babohi Lodge, Qwabi is fast becoming one of the country’s most exciting safari stories.
Whether planning your first African safari or looking for an exclusive alternative to the Kruger, here's everything you need to know about Qwabi in 2025.
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A Photographer's Perspective: What Makes Qwabi Different
"I’ve been incredibly fortunate to explore Africa extensively. As a professional safari photographer and filmmaker, I’ve experienced some of the continent's most stunning lodges and reserves. Each one has its magic. But Qwabi surprised me. It has this rare diversity where you catch glimpses of the Kalahari, parts of Kenya, and the iconic Limpopo and Kruger landscapes—all in one reserve. It feels both familiar and completely new. And that red earth? Unreal." — Craig Howes, African Safari Mag Editor
Where Is Qwabi Private Game Reserve Located?
Qwabi lies in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, within the UNESCO-declared Waterberg Biosphere. It’s just over three hours by car from Johannesburg, making it one of the most accessible private reserves in the country. Despite its proximity to the city, it feels completely remote once you’re in it.
What Makes Qwabi Unique?
Qwabi isn’t just another game reserve. Here’s why it stands out:
Big Five territory with exclusive traversing zones
Just three luxury lodges on 11,000 hectares—you barely see other vehicles
Malaria-free zone, making it family- and first-time-safari friendly
Landscapes that echo four ecosystems: the Kalahari, Kruger, Kenya, and Limpopo
Strong conservation mission, including protection of the endangered Ground Hornbill
The reserve is home to four safari lodges: Babohi Lodge (flagship and ultra-luxury), Letamo Lodge, Semela Lodge, and the original Letamo Camp. Each offers a distinct experience while sharing access to the same spectacular wilderness.
Wildlife & Game Viewing at Qwabi
Qwabi is home to the Big Five, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and more. Two lion prides are currently on the reserve, and because of their size and exclusivity, sightings feel private and unhurried.
Highlights from my stay:
A cheetah walked directly in front of our vehicle at sunset
I spotted Ground Hornbills three times in two days
I watched elephants while swimming in my room's plunge pool
While there aren’t wild dogs here (they need larger territories), the game drives are rich and diverse.
It’s also worth noting that the reserve's size, while impressive at 11,000 hectares, naturally limits specific animal dynamics. For instance, you’re unlikely to see roaming mega-herds or shifting predator territories the way you might in Kruger or the Serengeti.
The number of large predators and their interactions are managed to maintain balance in the ecosystem. That means you're more likely to encounter known prides and territories rather than surprise newcomers—an upside for consistent sightings, but a limitation for those chasing dramatic territorial battles or rare predator rivalries. Here (they need larger territories), the game drives are rich and diverse.
Babohi Lodge: Qwabi’s Luxury Flagship
Babohi Lodge is a true standout. I stayed here, and it’s one of those rare camps where the details don’t just impress—they transport you.
Suites feature king-size beds, Nespresso machines, and Woodbury & Co. amenities.
Each room opens to the bush with decks and views of waterholes
The rim-flow pool overlooks a wild valley—I watched elephants from my lounger
The wellness centre and gym are bush-facing and beautifully designed
It’s luxury, yes, but with soul.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Qwabi?
Dry season (May–Sept): Clearer game viewing, golden bushveld hues
Green season (Oct–Apr): Lush scenery, birds galore, and newborns
Being malaria-free and elevated, Qwabi is comfortable year-round.
Is Qwabi a Good First Safari?
It’s easy to get to, malaria-free, and delivers luxury without crowds. With only a few lodges on a large reserve, you feel like you have the bush to yourself. You don’t need to worry about bumping into ten other vehicles at a leopard sighting.
Qwabi Private Game Lodge Reviews- What to Expect.
Pros
Malaria-free (no medication needed)
Two prides of lions, the Big Five, present and active
Few lodges = minimal traffic, more intimate sightings
Beautiful and varied terrain
Incredible value compared to Kruger or Sabi Sands
Close to Johannesburg
Attentive and friendly service, often with staff mentioned by name
Complimentary laundry service and luxurious amenities
Stunning views and exceptional lodge facilities
Knowledgeable guides and unforgettable safari experiences
Red Warthogs
Cons
No wild dogs due to the reserve size
Wildlife movement can become predictable over more extended stays
Not self-driving friendly (all game drives are guided)
Access road to the lodge can be rough — a high-clearance vehicle is recommended
Minor issues reported with spa services and internet directions. One guest noted the spa experience and navigation were below expectations, which affected their otherwise exceptional stay
Qwabi Game Lodge: Lodges in Qwabi
LETAMO, BABOHI, SEMELA, and LETAMO LODGE are the 4 Lodges in Qwabi Private Game Reserve.
What You’ll Experience at Qwabi
Qwabi Private Game Reserve isn’t just a safari destination—it’s a sanctuary for your senses. Nestled in the breathtaking Waterberg Mountain Range, its 11,000 hectares of red earth and golden savannah unfold into an immersive landscape teeming with wildlife.
Expect twice-daily game drives in open vehicles, led by skilled rangers who know every corner of the reserve. You’ll track the Big Five, encounter critically endangered species like the Ground Hornbill, and uncover the smaller, often overlooked details of the bush on guided walking safaris.
When night falls, prepare to be amazed by the stars. Qwabi offers an incredible stargazing experience with almost zero light pollution, sometimes led by what the team affectionately calls "star rangers."
Add in the warm hospitality, luxurious lodges, and the melodic orchestra of the bush—and you get a safari that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Final Thoughts
Qwabi Private Game Reserve is one of those places that still feels undiscovered. It’s luxurious, accessible, and wild in the right ways. Whether watching lions from your game drive, sipping sundowners by the fire, or simply taking in the quiet of the red bushveld sand, Qwabi invites you to reconnect with nature—and yourself.
Ready to plan your safari escape? Book directly with the lodge or let African Safari Mag connect you with trusted travel planners.
About the Author
Craig Howes is a professional safari photographer, filmmaker, and the founding editor of African Safari Mag. With extensive travel across the continent’s top game reserves and wilderness regions, his work captures the raw beauty and emotional depth of safari life. You can follow Craig’s adventures and visual stories on Instagram @craighowes.
About African Safari Mag
African Safari Mag is your trusted online guide to the wild. We spotlight luxury lodges, rare wildlife encounters, and planning tips for once-in-a-lifetime African adventures. From the Okavango Delta to the Serengeti, we bring insider stories, expert advice, and breathtaking imagery straight from the bush.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which province is Qwabi Private Game Reserve in? It is located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, about a three-hour drive from Johannesburg.
Who owns Qwabi Private Game Reserve? Qwabi is part of the Newmark portfolio of privately owned game reserves. Lodges within the reserve include Letamo Lodge and Babohi, both known for luxurious accommodations and exceptional service. Newmark also operates Motswari near Kruger, Nkomazi in Mpumalanga, Mount Camdeboo in the Eastern Cape, and the Serengeti Sojourn mobile camp in East Africa.
Does Qwabi Private Game Reserve have the Big Five? Yes. Qwabi is home to free-roaming populations of the Big Five—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo—along with cheetahs and various other iconic African wildlife.
Planning your own Big Five escape? Read our following guide on luxury safari lodges in South Africa or subscribe for more behind-the-scenes safari content.
Article by African Safari Mag Editor Craig Howes.
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