Bezhoek Tented Camp.

 

 

 

 

“Arrive as strangers, leave as friends”

Welcome to Bezhoek Tented Camp.

This would be the view from the staff perspective when awaiting the arrival of new guests.

Or guests leaving the dining room and heading off to the tented accommodation that is out of sight on the left of this picture.

 

 

 

Before taking you to your accommodation, allow the staff to show you around the main building to orientate yourself as to where you will be eating the meals prepared for you by the in-house kitchen staff.

Eating in a communal dining room allows guests to interact and share their experiences of game drives and sleeping under canvas.

And do you REALLY want to self-cater when you are on holiday?

 

 

 

There is something about a fire burning indoors that is both welcoming and familiar at the same time.

It engenders a feeling of belonging to arriving guests and of sadness to those who are leaving.

 

 

 

Remember the adage “Wait for an hour after a meal before you swim”? That was drummed into me by my parents when I was growing up, although they could never explain exactly why I should wait.

Spoiler alert…

The myth has been debunked.

No, you don’t have to wait to swim after you’ve eaten.

Swimming right after a meal has not been proved to be dangerous at all. The concern was  digestion diverts blood flow from your muscles to your stomach, swimming might somehow inhibit that necessary blood flow to the stomach, causing cramps so severe that you could drown.

HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS!

There have been no documented deaths attributed to anyone swimming on a full stomach.

Therefore, here at Bezhoek, you can eat in your swimming costume and then dive straight into the pool, should you feel like it!

 

 

 

Stomach full, it is time to head to your accommodation that is situated less than 100 m from the main building.

In an open area that overlooks the plains of Bezhoek Nature  Reserve, 9 safari tents have been set up that are the epitome of luxury and comfort.

 

 

 

Seeing there are no predators in the area, guests can leave the tent flaps open when they are either inside or outside enjoying the view.

It is suggested that the tent is zipped closed when you are out on an activity as the Vervet Monkeys tend to investigate the contents of the tents and any open suitcases or food items.

And you do not want to return to a tent that has been trashed by these long-tailed tent raiders.

 

 

 

A warm fleece blanket, as well as an electric under-blanket, will keep guests toasty warm during the cold winter months.

Did you know?

Sleeping under canvas has some recordable benefits…

 Sleeping in a tent is a great way to reconnect with nature. And the carbon-footprint of a tented camp is significantly less than that of a regular lodge/hotel.

Sunlight increases melatonin and the exercise you can enjoy either on your bike, walking or running one of the Bezhoek trails, will boosts endorphins. Hence you will feel happier outdoors.

Disconnecting all electronic devices is also a great way to encourage you to interact with other guests rather than constantly looking at a glowing screen. This human contact cements family connections and allows you to make new and interesting friends. 

Less time with artificial light means more time in natural sunlight, resulting in a surge of Vitamin D…and that is a bonus for us all.

 

 

 

Each of the safari tents has a coffee station with a gas kettle and a small fridge. A supply of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, milk and rusks is provided, however you are welcome to bring your own beverages of choice. Relax on your deck, with a hot or cold beverage (depending on your preference), chat to your neighbours and take in the exquisite sunrise views over the reserve that only Africa can provide.

 

 

 

I remember a tin tub similar to this one being used for washing laundry when I was growing up in the 50s and 60s in the Eastern Cape.

It is wonderful to see them repurposed and still being useful in 2022.

 

 

 

More corrugated iron in the shower, and a ceiling that keeps the heat in rather than letting it escape during the winter months.

The exposed copper piping adds an authenticity to the interior of the bathroom that is lacking in modern homes where it is all hidden within concrete walls.

 

 

 

There is nothing quite like a Bezhoek sunset to make you feel grateful for the time you have enjoyed in the company of strangers who have become friends.

 

 

 

Fire is one of man’s most life-changing discoveries as it gives us the ability to stay warm and cook our food.

Or in the case of Bezhoek Tented Camp, the opportunity to share time with new friends and tell tales of what you have all enjoyed during the time that you have spent under canvas.

The cooking will be done by the kitchen staff. so one less chore for the guests to be concerned about.

 

 

 

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 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”.