An African wildlife safari is surely on most travel bucket lists for 2015. To get round to ticking this one off, you don’t need weeks of leave, buckets of savings or travel plans to far flung destinations. The Waterberg, in South Africa’s Limpopo province is just a scenic drive away from Johannesburg and is varied, beautiful and very wild.

A full on wildlife safari is waiting there, and you could even tick it off over a weekend. Here are five good reasons to head out on safari in the Waterberg:

1. Horse riding safaris

The Waterberg is known to offer safaris that come on four legs with a mane and tail. It’s a chance for up-close game viewing opportunities while being part of the wild environment. The Ant Collection, a lodge based in the Waterberg wilderness, offers horse-back safaris and they are beyond passionate about horses and riding in the wild. They reckon their riding safari activities are the most unique and rewarding way to encounter African wildlife in its natural environment.

2. Scenic drive from Johannesburg

Many international visitors are welcomed to the city of Jo’burg to begin their African adventure, as it is a central airport hub to connect to other beautiful parts of the continent. But any true and tried traveller knows that an important part of any holiday, especially in Africa, is the road trip through the diverse landscapes in anticipation of the destination ahead.

The Waterberg is a scenic three hour drive north of OR Tambo International Airport and stakes its claim as road trip worthy getaway for worldwide visitors and locals alike.

3. Unique variety of game

The Waterberg lies on an intercontinental divergence zone which translates to a wider variety of flora and fauna than many places in Africa. The Waterberg is one of diverse topography and vegetation ranging from wide-open plains to beautiful mountainous areas, enabling it to naturally sustain the widest variety of game possible.

Sable antelope are today one of the most conservation dependent species in South Africa and rarely seen in any national park, but the Ant Collection’s private reserve started with a small core herd in 2001 and has since established a successful and viable breeding herd. The reserve is one to take note of in your travel diary, as it is privately owned by Ant and Tessa Baber, dating back to a century ago when Ant’s family planted its roots at this very location in the malaria-free Waterberg.

4. Multi-generational activities

The Waterberg region prides itself on open air experiences, and the best thing about the outdoor lifestyle remains the fun it offers for all ages. Bush walks, game drives, and horse riding safaris cater for the whole gang.

5. Protecting the rhino

Save the Waterberg Rhino was founded in November 2012 after Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill Bush Homes suffered two rhino poaching incidents on the reserve in 2011. The non-profit organisation has since teamed up with the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve and stoprhinopoaching in order to raise funds to protect rhinos on privately owned land around the Waterberg Biosphere area.

The organisation continually posts updates on their Facebook page about the daily happenings on the rhino protection front and one way to keep these grey giants part of the Waterberg appeal is to like the page and follow along.