Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ayMy, oh, my, what a wonderful dayPlenty of sunshine headin’ my wayZip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay!
“Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” is a song composed by Allie Wrubel with lyrics by Ray Gilbert for the Disney 1946 live action and animated movie Song of the South, sung by James Baskett.
I have often wondered that if I could get all the occupants of a tented camp to open and close their zips in unison, would we be able to come up with a melody similar to the Disney song above?
A welcome drink after a pleasant drive from Johannesburg. The N4 makes the 2 hour drive easy and there is only a short section of sand road to navigate before arriving at the gate that gives access to the property on which Bezhoek Tented Camp is situated.
Even after some heavy rains, the road was drivable in a regular sedan.
That being said, I believe that arriving at any camp or lodge should be on a gravel or sand road as that adds to the authenticity of the experience…for me anyway.
But not that you need to have 4×4 driving experience or a vehicle that will take you up a vertical incline in 1st gear. (As an aside, neither the experience or the vehicle are required to get you from the main road to the gate and from the gate to the camp site.)
There are 9 luxury tents hidden within the shade of the trees. There are parking spaces between the tents and the main lodge building is only a short walk away.
As the tents are placed on an above ground deck that offers the perfect place to relax with a beverage and a snack while watching the sunset or just to look out over the vast grasslands.
You might even spot one of these looking back at you!
What makes Bezhoek Tented Camp special? It is the opportunity to see some of the 302 bird species on the property. In the short time we were there we saw in excess of 100…making it an ideal weekend getaway for birders and twitchers of all levels.
These two Mocking Cliff Chats were a first for me!
Home for the first weekend of 2023…
The tent has everything a guest could wish for.
A comfortable bed, that has, aside from a warm duvet, an electric blanket, which will be a huge benefit in the winter months.
There is a gas burner with a kettle and a tea and coffee station, so that guests do not have to traipse back and forth to the lounge for a hot beverage…again a big plus, especially late at night if a warm cuppa is required.
A fridge in the tent keeps the cold beverages and food chilled until required. At present, self-catering is not an option. However, given the quality and the quantity of food as part of the ‘full-board’ package, I do not know why guests would want to cook for themselves. Bezhoek is a place to relax and enjoy the landscape, animals, birds and stunning rock formations…leave the cooking for when you are back home.
The rather quirky, but authentic en-suite bathroom features an basin, shower and toilet.
No more walking to shared communal ablutions, like guests have to do in many tented camps and caravan parks.
Fed off a gas geyser, the hot water is instantaneous and VERY hot. Most welcome while enjoying either an early morning or late night shower.
As an aside, there is a coat rack in the corner of the bathroom that my wife found most useful for hanging her clothing on.
Just one of the views that abound on the farm.
North, South, East and West…guests can look off into the distance in any direction, unhindered by huge mountains or vast tracts of trees. Certainly something different.
Twin peaks? Not quite, but the trees that dot the landscape allow for a variety of photo opportunities when there are no birds or mammals around.
Dinner in front of a roaring fire and the end of a busy day…
Could guests ask for anything more? I don’t think so.
With the full moon peaking through the clouds, it is goodnight from Bezhoek Tented Camp. I cannot wait to see what lies in wait for us when dawn breaks.
To find out more about what the camp offers, click on the logo above.
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