Situated in the diverse and beautiful Limpopo province and deriving its name from the geothermic hot springs in which the town was built, Bela-Bela formerly known as Warmbaths is a fascinating place to explore.
Picture: Rassie Jacobs
Located about two hours from Johannesburg and only an hour from Pretoria, Bela-Bela is a great place to go for a quick weekend getaway from the busy city centre.
There’s a lot to do in this small town, but to make the most of your weekend getaway, check out our list of 6 things to do while visiting this splendid location.
1. Waterberg Zipline Adventure
Picture: Waterberg Zipline Gallery
The Waterberg Zipline tour will take you on a trip you’ll never forget, full of thrills and some of the most beautiful nature scenes. If you liked watching Tarzan or just like being high up and seeing beautiful places, this is your chance to experience nature as you’ve never done before. There is a variety of plants, and trees that are native to the area, 250 beautiful bird species, and a wide range of flowers and wild animals.
The tour takes you on a 2-hour adventure where you slide from one platform to the next through some of the most beautiful mountains in the world, the Waterberg. Between Bela-Bela and Modimolle in the province of Limpopo. Gauteng is only an hour away by car.
- Cost: R450 per person
- Location: here
- Where to stay: Thaba Monate Game Lodge
2. Bela Bela Township Historic Tour
Picture: TripAdvisor
This tour is perfect for people who want to see how people live in a South African township. When you travel with a private guide, you can meet locals and see parts of the township that you wouldn’t be able to see on your own. During the tour, you can try home-brewed pineapple beer, visit Nelson Mandela Village, watch dance performances, and eat a delicious meal made by locals.
- Cost: R705 per adult
- Location: here You will meet your guide at the entrance of the Department of home affairs on Moloto Street, who will be wearing black with a touch of green. (Bookings are essential for this tour and can be accessed here)
- Where to stay: Buyskop Lodge
3. Zebula Golf Course
Picture: Zebula Golf Course Gallery
Zebula Golf Course is a classic Bushveld par 72 course, set in the open plains of the Zebula game reserve with herds of game roaming freely. The course is relatively flat yet undulating, inviting to play with generous fairways and clusters of trees that act as hazards. Voted the Golf Digest’s Best New Golf Course 2004 and awarded the 5-star Golf Experience for 2010 by Compleat Golfer, Zebula has matured wonderfully over the past few years into a truly great course to play. Zebula was designed by the legendary Peter Matkovich, a golf professional for 25 years, and a world-respected golf course designer for more than 15 years.
- Cost: R600 for non-affiliated adults, R330 for non-affiliated juniors, and R350 for golf cart hire
- Location: here
- Where to stay: Zebula Golf Estate & Spa
4. Mabula Quad-Biking Safari
Picture: Mabula Adventure Safari Gallery
At Mabula Game Lodge, which is only two and a half hours from Johannesburg and in the Malaria-Free Waterberg region of the Limpopo Province, you can have an amazing experience in South Africa’s bushveld. While on a quad bike, you can see many different kinds of animals, birds, and plants during the self-driven safari. The landscapes, which range from grassy plains to rocky outcrops, are perfect for the free-roaming “Big Five” and all the small creatures that make for a magical wildlife experience you’ll never forget.
- Cost: R1070 per adult and R535 for those under 16 (Children under 16 required to ride as passengers)
- Location: here
- Where to stay: Mabula Game Lodge
5. L’abri Farm Shop & Brewery
Picture: Amy_Joy_Mac
L’abri Farm Shop and Brewery is a great hidden gem, even though it does not meet the requirements of a traditional restaurant. Situated on a dirt road in a place that feels like someone’s backyard. At this quaint local spot, people can buy everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to delicious homemade pizzas and craft beers. So, if you need to get supplies for a road trip, grab a quick bite to eat, or just relax with a cold beer, this rustic local spot is perfect for you.
- Cost: Menu will be provided on arrival
- Location: here
- Where to stay: Warmbaths (A Forever Resort)
6. Warmbaths, A Forever Resort
Picture: Warmbaths Forever Resort Gallery
On the N1, you can easily get to Warmbaths, A Forever Resort from Johannesburg. It is in the African bushveld and will give you the most unique and unforgettable vacation. The resort is great for groups of friends or families with members who like different things because it can meet their different needs and expectations. The famous waterpark is said to be the best in the Limpopo region. There are options for day trips and overnight stays.
- Cost: R200 per person
- Location: here
- Where to stay: Elephant Springs Hotel
ALSO READ: 5 weekend getaways in Mpumalanga
