Looking for a family getaway near Pretoria or Johannesburg? Shona is a private, self-catering bush house in Limpopo, about two and a half hours' drive away. Giraffe, zebra, kudu and impala roam the estate, the kids ride along in your own game viewer, and the whole house is yours for the weekend.
Leave after lunch on Friday and you're at Shona Langa Nature Estate, between Bela-Bela and Thabazimbi in the Waterberg, about two and a half hours later. Somebody in the back seat will spot the first impala before you reach the house.
The whole house is yours
- Two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. The main bedroom has a queen bed and a shower. The second bedroom has two three-quarter beds that push together into a king, and a bath, which helps at bedtime.
- It sleeps four. Two stretchers make room for two more, at R250 each a night. Babies under two stay free; bring your own camp cot.
- A full kitchen, a braai, a private boma, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning in both bedrooms and the living area.
Giraffe at the feed tyre
The estate is about 2,000 hectares, home to 29 giraffe, more than 65 zebra, lots of kudu and impala, and plenty of other animals. They all roam freely. There's a feed tyre near the house, so now and then a giraffe, a few zebra, kudu or impala wander right up while the coffee is brewing. Other days they're out in the bush and you go and find them. That's the luck of the bush.
Your own game viewer
The game viewer comes with the house at no extra charge. Drive the estate roads at your own pace with the kids riding along, whenever you like.
Despina said it best in her Google review: "Having our own safari vehicle was the best. The kids loved our drives."
A tip from us: the animals come to drink at predictable times. Find a waterhole, switch off the engine and wait. It's a good lesson in sitting still, for kids and grown-ups.
The hot tub, and no pool (yet)
There's no swimming pool yet. There is a wood-fired hot tub, and kids can use it with an adult. You light the fire and it takes about one and a half to two hours to heat, so start it after lunch and it's ready by sunset.
Walk, cycle and fish
You can walk, cycle and fish on the estate. Bring your own bikes and fishing rods, because we don't supply them.
A family weekend, Friday to Sunday
- Friday: arrive before dark, unpack, and get the boma fire going for a braai.
- Saturday: an early drive in the game viewer while it's cool, breakfast on the patio with one eye on the feed tyre, the hot tub fire lit after lunch, a sunset soak, and stars after dinner.
- Sunday: a slow walk or bike ride, one last stop at a waterhole, then the drive home.
The quiet
"A very quiet, peaceful nature reserve," Michael wrote on Airbnb after a stay with his kids. Nompumelelo put it simply: "My kids really enjoyed the stay and so did we." The quiet is what guests mention most. After a week of school runs and screens, that's the point.
Day trips with kids
- Adventures with Elephants, about 50 minutes away: a guided, hands-on time with elephants (no riding). Book ahead.
- The Warmbaths hot springs in Bela-Bela, about 1 h 20.
What to pack
- All your food and drinks. Shona is self-catering, and the nearest shops are in Bela-Bela, about 1 h 20 away.
- Extra firewood. We leave a supply, but it's never enough for the boma and the hot tub.
- Bikes and fishing rods, if you want them.
- A camp cot for a baby.
- A torch or two.
Quick answers
Is Shona a good family getaway near Pretoria?
Yes. It's a private, self-catering bush house in Limpopo, about two and a half hours from Pretoria and Johannesburg, with giraffe and zebra on the estate and your own game viewer.
Can kids ride in the game viewer?
Yes. It comes with the house, and the kids ride along.
Can children use the hot tub?
Yes, with an adult.
Is there a pool?
Not yet.
How many people can sleep there?
Four in two bedrooms, plus two on stretchers at R250 each a night.
Where is it?
In Shona Langa Nature Estate, near Bela-Bela, between Bela-Bela and Thabazimbi in the Waterberg.