Zebula scores a hole-in-1

You'll even see a tiger or two.

For golfers there's the Peter Matkovich course designed to USGA-specifications. Dale Hayes and Steve Dunn were among the initial developers so the championship course ticks all the boxes. It is also very picturesque which is of great appeal to lodge guests who get to enjoy it from the walking and bicycle tracks that criss-cross the course.

For families there's a zoo of sorts with scary snakes, a pair of crocs, and the most adorable tiger (yes) and lion cubs. There's also a vast selection of activities to entertain all from the most sedate to the adrenaline junkie either on the premises, on nearby properties (such as elephant trekking) or in their vast wildlife enclosure and equestrian centre on the opposite side from the main gates.

And for the more energetic

Zebula also has a squash court, fully-equipped gym, and resort-style pool with faux rocks and waterfalls.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast.

Our accommodation was at the Zebula Lodge, managed by Protea Hotels, but there is also accommodation in the Waterberg unit or by renting privately owned homes on the estate. Because it is just two and a bit hours from Johannesburg it is especially popular for weekends-away. Bela Bela, previously known as Warmbaths, is celebrated for its hot springs and the Forever Resort, 45-minutes from the Lodge, is worth stopping at for a few hours en route to "take the waters."

If you like to bike

We hired bicycles for the two days we stayed there and it was wonderful being able to get so close to animals like Sable, Eland and loads of other antelopes that roam freely around the reserve. There was a nyala that liked the sweet grasses near our room and would be out every morning when we opened our suite's sliding doors.

There is something especially moody about the Waterberg and the summer light makes the bushveld look golden.

The lounge is just the place to relax and swap tales of wild Africa.

While on a horseback safari - a real highlight again because of the easy proximity to the animals (no predators) thunder struck just as we were trotting along the edge of the waterhole. My mount bolted which I am so glad about as I'd been terrified about this happening. Look, for an inexperienced rider such as I am, it was scary, but I also felt a high sense of personal triumph at being able to stay calm. I didn't fall off which was my greatest fear.

Up close enough for a nibble

We got so super close to a giraffe while on horseback that she could have nibbled my earlobes if she'd been inclined.

Accommodations are extremely roomy - suites are huge, at least twice as large as you'd expect from a city hotel with equally vast bathrooms. This is a bush lodge only in that it is surrounded by bushveld and there are animals nearby but it comes with all the resort trimmings - DSTV, spa baths, twin basins, separate toilet, Wi-Fi, in-room phones etc.

Based on the five planes on the runway during our stay and the expensive 4 x 4's in the parking area, Zebula attracts the moneyed crowd.

And then you can finish off the day with a dinner just as hearty as your breakfast was.

Food is served in a buffet restaurant on the ground level of the Club House aka reception area while upstairs there is an elegant yet relaxed a la carte restaurant, along with a long bar and conference centre. We found the food delicious and the service good despite the resort being very busy.

Drawbacks included an unsightly electricity substation directly in our field of vision and the very hot temperatures. We had to retreat to our air-conditioned rooms for a few hours every afternoon as it felt like temperatures late in November were in the 40s.

Protea Zebula Lodge. Farm 534KQ D1000, Mabula District, Bela-Bela, Limpopo. T: +27 (0) 14 734 7700; az.oc.alubez@snoitavreser.