In 2001, this region covering 650 000ha of savannah dissected by a low-lying range of mountains was awarded Biosphere Reserve status by UNESCO. For an exhilarating view of the region, climb to the summit of the Krantzberg, within the boundaries of the Marakele National Park. In the same part of the Waterberg region, to the northwest of the regional capital Bela-Bela, several private reserves, such as the Mabula Game Reserve and the Thaba Pitsi Nature Reserve, provide an opportunity to get up close to some of Africa's largest wild animals.