Scattered over the private Jembisa Game Reserve, our four self-catering Palala River Cottages are all different and can accommodate couples looking for a romantic getaway to families after adventure and fun or groups of friends. Activities include self or guided game drives, mountain bike tracks, hiking & walking trails and so much more. Meals can be ordered in advance from the Palala Pantry.
River Cottage
The most romantic and secluded stone and thatch cottage on the river. Situated right on the riverbank, this private cottage is the perfect mix of stylish comfort and excellent facilities from which to explore and enjoy the bushveld and view game from the viewing deck.
Situated on the banks of the Palala river, this private cottage is the perfect mix of stylish comfort and excellent facilities from which to explore and enjoy the bush.
A single bedroom draped with a mosquito net, a sunken bathroom, spacious sitting room with open plan kitchen and a shady verandah from which to enjoy game viewing, read a book or relax in the hammock. River Cottage does not have cell phone reception or WiFi.
Podica Chalets
Get back to nature. Three traditional rondavels set in the riverine bush, 50m from the beautiful Palala River. Each rondavel is fully equipped and has a braai area and outside shower. Wildlife may wander through the camp and the birding along the river is excellent.
Podica bush camp has 3 traditional rondavels. One of the rondavels is a double, another is a double and 2 single beds and the third is a double with a sofa bed. It is perfect for families or small groups wishing to take the whole camp, or couples looking for a getaway in the bush. Podica does not have cell phone reception or WiFi.
All the Podica rondavels are open-plan and fully equipped with a kitchenette, bathroom with shower only, outdoor shower and veranda. Each has a hammock and private outdoor braai area. Firewood is available. The camp can be taken by one party or each rondavel booked separately.
Kingfisher Cottage
Close to the beautiful Palala River with open views across the hills. Guests may hear hippo, zebra and other wildlife from the lodge and may see a variety of wildlife from the garden. The main lodge sleeps 6 (1 bedroom with a double bed, 2 bedrooms with 2 single beds each) and the two en-suite rondavels sleep 2 guests each (double beds). Guests can enjoy a crystal clear swimming pool, shaded braai area and free WiFi. Kingfisher Cottage does not have cell phone reception.
Kingfisher cottage consists of a 3 bedroom farmhouse set in a garden with a swimming pool and braai area. There are also 2 en-suite rondavels in the garden, creating a total of 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.
The spacious open plan sitting and dining room has a log fire for winter months. Some firewood is provided, and additional wood is available. It is perfect for families or small groups and for larger parties can be taken in conjunction with Podica bush camp (3 traditional rondavels 500 metres upstream on the other bank of the river). It can be serviced by arrangement. There is a bird hide a short distance from the cottage on the edge of the Palala river.
Samia Cabin
Samia is an elevated wooden cabin, privately situated with stunning views across the Waterberg mountains and river. Beautifully appointed, including a lounge with fireplace and external viewing deck and braai area.
Samia can comfortably accommodate 6 guests in 3 en-suite bedrooms with mosquito netting. The bedrooms are beautifully appointed with private access to the viewing deck. All of the bedrooms can be converted from a double room into a twin room. All bathrooms have both a bath and shower. Samia Cabin has cell phone reception and free WiFi.
This cabin is perfect for a family or group of friends wanting a peaceful getaway in the bush. The cabin has a communal fully-equipped kitchenette, dining area and lounge with a fireplace. Outside boasts with a viewing deck with stunning views, boma area and covered parking. Bed linen and towels are provided.
In addition to the activities on our private Jembisa Game Reserve there are several nearby excursions that our guests can enjoy.
Lekhalo Safaris Zipline is situated on the Dorset Road 40km from Jembisa. A two-hour tour with 6 exciting lines that vary between 150m and 90m. A unique design on the landing zones brings adventure with beautiful views. Max of 10 people allowed per group. Min height 95cm and max weight 120kg. Enjoy a homemade burger at our restaurant.
Vaalwater is our local town and has coffee shops, bistros, and some excellent arts & craft shops. There are 2 supermarkets located in Vaalwater. Restaurants - Seringa Cafe. Palala River Cottages is just 40 minutes away.
For those interested in safari golf we have a few highly rated South African Golf courses, such as Euphoria (70km away), Koro Creek (80km away) and others.
There are 2 Big 5 reserves in the surrounding area that allow day visitors to book guided game drives.
Visit this historical Church, designed by Sir Herbert Baker, and one of the landmarks of the Waterberg. Services open on Sundays
On top of the experience of being in this beautiful wilderness there are a wide range of activities for our Palala River Cottages guests to enjoy. Guided game drives, night drives & bush walks are additional options at an extra cost and subject to availability.
Guest are welcome to self-drive on the reserve and all guests are provided with a map on arrival. The majority of the roads can be accessed by normal vehicle, however there are additional routes for 4x4 as marked out on the map of the reserve. No self-driving after night fall.
The classic way to enjoy exploring and game viewing is in 4x4 open vehicles with experienced guides and trackers. Our diverse habitat makes game drives fascinating and thrilling, and includes drives across open savannah, through syringa woodland, evergreen forests, cliff roads and across rivers. Our guides enthral all ages with their knowledge and stories. Subject to availability and at additional cost.
Learn how to track and approach game and explore the fauna and flora. A never-to-be-forgotten experience in this magnificent wilderness. Subject to availability and at additional cost.
With 7km of the Palala river meandering through the reserve, a river walk is a delight. Wildlife species to be encountered are hippo, crocodile, otters, monitor lizards, pythons plus the general game of the reserve come down to drink. Water birds are abundant.
Guests not allowed to self-drive at night but there is the opportunity to book a guided game drive to see nocturnal animals, such as jackal, brown hyena, leopard, porcupine, aardwolf, civet cats, bush babies and the rare aardvark. Surrounded by the vast starry canopy of African night, the atmosphere is different, and senses are heightened. Subject to availability and at additional cost.
Our trails are popular with MTB enthusiasts - cycle alongside herds of zebra or get up close to a giraffe whilst getting some exercise at the same time. There are a variety of routes to suit all ages, abilities, and energy levels. Including 5, 10, 20 km routes. Guests are welcome to bring their own bikes or hire from reception. Subject to availability and at additional cost.
As a result of the existence of the Palala River, there are sites of archaeological importance at Jembisa, such as bushman paintings.
For those looking for a more active experience, there are a number of hiking and running trails on the reserve where guests can take in the beautiful views of the landscape on foot.
We are fortunate to have 7km of The Palala River meandering through our private game reserve which offers fabulous fishing. The Palala River is home to a wide range of fish including 11 endemic species. Frequently caught are bass, bream, and yellow fish. BEWARE there are crocodile and hippo in the Palala River.
Due to the great diversity of habitats on the reserve, there are over 400 species on our bird list.
For even more relaxation you can choose from a selection of massages that can be enjoyed either al-fresco or at your accommodation. Subject to availability and at additional cost.
A romantic single-bedroom thatched cottage, set in a beautiful private game reserve on the banks of the Palala River. Lounge with fireplace, kitchenette, bath&shower, external covered terrace, braai area & outdoor shower. Game drives, walks extra cost.
3 private game reserve rondavels near the Palala River sleep 2. Features an open-plan living area, kitchenette (fully equipped with stove, microwave, cutlery), bathroom, outside shower & braai. Game drives and bush walks are available at an extra cost.
Samia is a well-presented wooden cabin, privately located in the beautiful Waterberg. Sleeps 6 guests in 3 king/twin en-suite bedrooms. Kitchen, dining area/lounge with fireplace. External viewing deck, braai and pool. Game drives and walks extra cost.
Kingfisher Cottage is in a beautiful private game reserve, sleeping max 10 people in 2 king,1 double, and 2 twin rooms. Two of the rooms are 10m away in separate rondavels in the garden. Plunge pool, Wi-Fi, braai. Game drives and walks at an extra cost.
If cancelling 7 days before arrival, forfeit 50% of the booking total.
A 50% deposit on all bookings is required to secure the reservation.
The balance in is required 7 days prior to arrival.
Cancellation
charges are as follows:
- 15
- 30 days prior to arrival 25% cancellation fee
- 8
- 14 days prior to arrival 50% cancellation fee
- 0
- 7 days prior to arrival 100% cancellation fee
- All
cancellations must be received in writing
Check in Time: 14H00 | Check out Time: 11h00
From Johannesburg International Airport
* Take R21 to Pretoria for about 20 minutes
* Take the N1 highway North towards Pietersburg / Polokwane.
* Turn off at the Kranskop toll gate (third toll gate) to Nylstroom/Modimolle.
* Go through Nylstroom/Modimolle to Vaalwater ( 60km).
* In Vaalwater turn right at the stop street towards Melkriver (there is only one stop street in Vaalwater).
* Go 42 km and turn left onto a gravel road marked Melkriver School/Lapalala.
* After 6km turn right (there is an old Cape Dutch farm house on the right hand side) and pass the turn off for Melkrivier School on your right.
* From the school turn off drive 3.3km, the main entrance to Jembisa Lodge will be on your right.
Samia Cabin
* The gate for Samia is opposite the Jembisa main gate.
Kingfisher Cottage
* Continue past the main entrance to Jembisa.
* After 1km the road bends to the left.
* At the bottom of the hill, the Kingfisher gate will be on your right. Kingfisher entrance is before the Palala river bridge.
Podica chalets
* Continue past the main entrance to Jembisa.
* After 1km the road bends to the left, go over the Palala River Bridge and through the electric gate.
* Drive another 1km and keep to the right of the fork and follow the Podica signs.
River Cottage
* Do not take the Lapalala turn, but stay on the Melkrivier Road from Vaalwater until you reach a T-Junction.
* Turn left at the T, and approximately 2 kms on the left hand side you will see a farm gate. The keys will be at the gate.
* This is just before you cross the Palala River.
All ages welcome
