These magnificent sandstone cliffs rise high above open plains that are reminiscent of the Serengeti.
And, believe it or not, I did not have to travel more than halfway up Africa to enjoy this view.
Would you believe that this property was only about 2.5 hours from Johannesburg, and slightly less from Pretoria.
Situated between Witbank and Middelberg, an area better known for coal mining than nature and wildlife, Bezhoek Tented Camp could be seen as a diamond in the rough…seeing that you can get diamonds from coal.
However, before I hear your cries about mining in a nature area, be assured that the owners of Bezhoek have fought off the attempts of the mining companies to prospect on the property.
The owners are well aware of what they have become custodians of, from the plethora of cycads to the sandstone area known as ‘Disneyland’ to the rivers that flow through the reserve. Any additions or alterations are carefully monitored, in order to make sure that every visitor has the best experience possible.
Who would not want to wake up to a view like THIS?
A flotilla of Egyptian Geese glides slowly and quietly (yes they can be quiet) across the languid Olifants River.
And speaking of birds, there are 302 confirmed species on the reserve. Enough to make any birder/twitcher sit up and take notice.
Do you know the difference between a twitcher and a birder?
“A twitcher is someone who goes to great lengths to view new bird species. Whereas most bird watchers will be content with spotting birds on their local patch or anything they come across while out in the field or on their travels, twitchers actively hunt down birds, usually to add to their life list“.
Now you do…
“I am soooooooooooooo cute”! But leave a window or a tent flap ajar, and these Vervet Monkeys can morph into adept burglars.
And yes, even though they look like the proverbial butter would not melt in their mouths, they are wild animals and can attack and bite with a ferocity that defies their size.
Like most rivers, this one can occasionally flood, and when it does, it changes how the water flows through channels old and new.
Detritus left behind is predominantly tree remains that add character to the river, rather than detract from the innate beauty.
Most rivers in South Africa are accessed by the local populations which use the water for a variety of purposes. Often those rivers are polluted and their water is not suitable for human consumption.
That being said, all the water within the reserve has been tested and is suitable for both human and animal consumption.
A young guest heads off to his tent. The tented camp is family-friendly and designed to be enjoyed by young and old.
Glamping is a word that has come to be the new norm for camping that has been taken to the next level…
Did you know? The definition of ‘glamping’ is the following:
A form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping. Glamping is likely to satisfy any city slicker seeking a little refuge in nature—without foregoing any of life’s luxuries.
Derived from the words ‘glamorous’ and ‘camping’, glamping is an outdoor escape that combines the closeness to nature associated with camping with the luxury and convenience of proper self-catered accommodation.
At Bezhoek Tented Camp, that definition does not accurately describe the luxury safari tents guests experience.
These are the modern generation of tents that are not at all like the old-style camping tents that could only be accessed by crawling in and out and standing upright when inside was not an option.
Luckily tent technology has made those tents redundant, and the modern versions allow for the ease of movement and spaciousness that campers who spent time in those old tents longed for.
Because the experience goes above and beyond that basic tenant, making certain that those who visit come away having been entertained, informed and educated about what it is that Bezhoek offers to those who want more than just a wildlife interaction.
Each tent is an en-suite bathroom that has a toilet, basin and shower, constructed out of corrugated iron giving it an authentic if somewhat rustic look.
Aside from electric blankets, the tents also have a fridge and a small gas stove and a kettle.
There is a TV set and internet in the main building should guests require one or both.
It always amazes me how reticent we humans are to detach from connectivity with the ‘outside’ world, even for a short period of time.
What did we do before the advent of mobile phones?
A short walk from where the tents are situated, there is the main building that houses a reception, lounge, dining area, swimming pool as well as offices.
Although it looks as if these guests will be eating alone, in actual fact the dining room can accommodate all those that might be in camp.
Breakfast is served. I am hoping to return soon to report back on both the lunch and dinner menus.
The sunsets and sunrises at Bezhoek are spectacular and need to be seen to be enjoyed.
This is what Africa is well known for and guests often remark on how they are filled with gratitude in the morning for being able to watch a sunrise and in the evenings the sunsets are the perfect end to a memorable day at Bezhoek Tented Camp.
To find out more about what Bezhoek has to offer, click on the logo above to visit their website.
Remember, being so close to Johannesburg and Pretoria, you can leave home after work on a Friday and be in time for the Friday evening game drive. You could even consider leaving early on a Monday morning in order for you to turn a regular weekend into a 3-night long weekend.
From their website.“Bezhoek is the proud recipient of “Irreplaceable Biodiversity” status, a title bestowed upon it because of the more than 100 grass species, cycad populations, red data flora, extensive river frontages, permanent wetlands and streams, riverine forestation, gorges, savannah plains, rocky outcrops, majestic cliffs and rock art to which it is home”.
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