Found in the diverse and beautiful Limpopo province, Bela-Bela (formerly known as Warmbaths) is a fascinating town to explore.
Roughly two hours’ drive from Johannesburg and an hour or so from Pretoria, Bela-Bela offers plenty to see and do.
Famed for its natural hot springs, it is the perfect place to go for resort holidays, game and nature experiences and of course, quality downtime in the countryside.
Tip: If you want to book a stay, Afristay has a superb collection of Warmbaths / Bela Bela accommodation.
#1 Experience Adventures with Elephants
Opened in 2010, Adventures with Elephants offers visitors an amazing opportunity to experience, learn more about and educate themselves on these magnificent giants.
Visitors have the chance to meet the herd and learn all about them from “trunk tip to tail”; enjoy a self-drive on the AWE game farm (where you are almost guaranteed to bump into the elephants); self-cycle through the bush and view the wildlife from your bike; and even bathe with the ellies!
There are also opportunities to ‘bring and braai’ or picnic… And, if you can’t visit in person yet, you can even do a virtual Zoom session with the elephants!
All activities are affordable and well-priced, making them accessible to all who visit.
Note: For additional activity and price information and opening hours, please contact Adventures with Elephants directly – or visit their website.
Contact: +27 (014) 734 7730, adventures@zebula.co.za
Website: adventureswithelephants.com
Address: Adventures with Elephants, D1000 Mabula District, Bela-Bela, Limpopo, South Africa.
#2 Visit Bambelela Wildlife Care and Vervet Monkey Rehabilitation Farm
Bambelela does important work rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing three of South Africa’s five primate families: the lesser Bush Baby, the Chacma Baboon and the Vervet Monkey.
Here, guests can enjoy everything from memorable day visits to cosy self-catering chalets and even volunteering, with limited openings available each year.
On the guided tours, you will learn all about these unique creatures and see first-hand the precious nature of hand-rearing and looking after these wild animals and primates.
Note: Tours are by appointment only. For pricing and additional info, please contact Bambelela directly – or visit their website.
Contact: +27 (014) 736 4090, info@bambelela.org.za
Website: www.bambelela.org.za
Address: Bambelela, Groot Nylsoog KR447, Bela-Bela, Limpopo, South Africa.
#3 Pop by L’abri Farm Shop and Brewery
If you work up a thirst or appetite in Bela-Bela, one of the most popular local spots to visit is L’abri Farm Shop and Brewery.
Here, you can find everything from fresh produce and food (such as mouthwatering pizza) to great beer and even the L’abri Lodge or bush camp.
Stock up on essentials, grab some food for the road or sample some of the amazing beer at this rustic hidden gem.
Contact: +27 (084) 426 7196, +27 (082) 605 1492
Website: N/A
Address: L’abri Farm Shop and Brewery, Bela-Bela, Limpopo, South Africa.
#4 Visit Mabalingwe Nature Reserve
No visit or stay in Bela-Bela is complete without a wildlife or nature experience – and happily, Mabalingwe Nature Reserve is perfect for both! Here, you can enjoy an incredible African experience, suitable for the whole family.
The 9500-hectare landscape allows visitors to truly lose themselves in the stunning South African bushveld, which is home to abundant birdlife, indigenous trees and of course, diverse wildlife too.
In addition to the self-catering chalets and bush camps, guests can enjoy fun (day or night) game drives, eco-tainment, spa treatments at Mbali Day Spa and even getting married here!
The nature reserve has incredible facilities, with everything from restaurants to fun activities, such as mini golf, tennis, as well as an entertainment area, kids’ play room and lovely swimming pools.
Contact: +27 (014) 001 7011, contactus@mabalingwe.com
Website: www.mabalingwe.co.za
Address: Mabalingwe Nature Reserve, R516 Rooiberg, Thabazimbi Road, Bela-Bela, Limpopo, South Africa.
#5 Check Out Loebies Gasteplaas
At Loebies Gasteplaas (Guest Farm) and Predator Park, guests can enjoy a heart-warming experience at this soothing country escape.
The guest farm is also extremely child-friendly, meaning the whole family can enjoy a wonderful, quality time together.
Enjoy a tour of the predator park, check-in for a relaxing weekend escape or simply pop by for a homely meal at the tea garden.
Contact: : +27 (083) 520 9172, +27 (083) 374 5254, loebies@mtnloaded.co.za
Website: www.loebies.com
Address: Loebies Guestfarm, Klein Elandsfontein, Bela-Bela, Limpopo, South Africa.
#6 Head to Geluksfontein Goat Cheese Farm
Geluksfontein Goat Cheese Farm is a breath of fresh air that allows guests to enjoy guided tours, cheese demonstrations – and of course, saying hi to the lovely resident goats!
You can also grab a meal at the restaurant, Goatina Pub & Grill, where you can tuck into delicious breakfasts and lunches. (There is also wine and a selection of different beverages available.)
The farm also offers basic accommodation for those who wish to linger longer- but there is no doubt that the guided tours, goats and cheese demonstrations are the biggest drawcard here!
Contact: +27 (083) 704 4229, info@goatmilk.co.za
Website: www.geluksfontein.co.za
Address: Geluksfontein Goat Cheese Farm, Bela-Bela, Limpopo, South Africa.
#7 Check Out Ingilozi Park
For those seeking an even more exotic experience, look no further than Ingilozi Park. Here, visitors can meet a variety of African animals, many of which are pretty rare and exotic..
Choose between two-hour guided drives or game viewing from the hides and enjoy seeing many different animals, including white and copper springboks, exotic antelope, white blesbok and many more.
Or enjoy a hearty bush BBQ… This feast is sure to delight and satisfy young and old alike! There is even a special kiddies’ menu, ensuring that all ages are catered for.
For activity rates and additional information, please contact Ingilozi Park directly – or visit their website.
Contact: +27 (060) 554 5950, info@ingilozipark.co.za
Website: ingilozipark.co.za
Address: Ingilozi Park, R516 Rooiberg/Thabazimbi Road, Bela-Bela, Limpopo, South Africa.
#8 Head to Zebula Golf Estate and Spa
At Zebula Golf Estate and Spa, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including Zebula treasure hunts, visiting the snake and reptile park, enjoying nature safaris, tennis and squash courts, swimming, game viewing while you golf and much more.
There is also an excellent spa, the Spa at Zebula, perfect for some pampering; as well as accommodation and some great restaurant cuisine too.
Visit this incredible golf estate for a host of fun experiences in Africa’s premier bush, golf and spa destination.
Contact: +27 (014) 734 7700, reservations@zebula.co.za
Website: zebula.co.za
Address: Zebula Golf Estate and Spa, Farm No 534, KQ, D1000, Mabula District, Bela-Bela, Limpopo, South Africa.
#9 Stop by Thaba Kwena Crocodile Farm
At Thaba Kwena Crocodile Farm, guests can enjoy an experience “not to be missed” – with everything from fully guided day tours, a curio shop and kiosk/café cuisine on offer at this croc farm.
Thaba Kwena, a long-standing local attraction, is now one of the biggest crocodile farms in South Africa, making it an unmissable place to visit when near either Bela-Bela or Modimolle.
Join them for a fun day out and learn more about these fearsome, yet fascinating predators.
Contact: +27 (073) 466 7113, wicus@tkwena.co.za
Website: thabakwena.co.za
Address: Thaba Kwena Crocodile Farm, Buisfontein 24, Bela-Bela, Limpopo, South Africa.