The Bezhoek Tented Camp
The tented camp is situated in the Bezhoek Private Nature Reserve, a paradise of over 4500 ha of pristine nature tucked away in the Olifants River valley, ready to be explored.
Conveniently located just under 2 hours from Johannesburg and Pretoria outside Middelburg Mpumalanga in a malaria-free area.
The tents are located approximately 100 meters from the central guest facilities. You can relax at your tent or the swimming pool, lounge, and veranda. Your delicious homestyle meals are served at the central guest facilities dining area or in our special boma.
Unguided activities include hiking, trail running, and mountain biking.
Whilst not a Big 5 reserve, Bezhoek has much to offer. Wildlife includes leopard, hyena, giraffe, eland, sable, oribi, blesbok, and many other species, which roam freely across extensive river frontages, permanent wetlands and streams, riverine forestation, gorges, savannah plains, rocky outcrops, and majestic cliffs.
It is always special to spot the honey badgers and porcupines.
The reserve has over 302 bird species, including African Finfoot, Verreaux’s Eagle, White-bellied Korhaan and Southern Bald Ibis as well as the better-represented groups including Kingfishers, Goshawks, Swallows, Nightjars and Owls.
The reserve is proclaimed a protected area due to irreplaceable bio-diversity. This is partly attributed to the cycad populations, over 100 grass species, fauna, flora and rock art.
Book solo or with friends. Maximum 16 spots are available per breakaway.
Feel free to join as a non-hiker and enjoy the non-hiking activities. Nothing is compulsory.
Duration: 3 or 4-day Packages / Choose your date
Bezhoek Private Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga , Middelburg
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner. Afternoon game drives and guided morning walks. Access to over 100km of hiking/mountain bike trails. Tea/coffee/water in the main guest area and guest tents. A welcome drink, Gin & Tonic at sundowners, and a glass of wine at dinner.
Excluded: Drinks, bring your own or purchase from the bar. A conservation fee of R100 per person per night is payable at the camp. Gratuities and transport to and from the camp.
Please bring your own snacks
This is the perfect breakaway for the nature lover who wants to explore the terrain on foot, or maybe you just need a break from city life.
The camp is ideal just to relax and soak up mother nature. Bezhoek does not only offers hikes, but you can bring your mountain bike and make the best of your spare time.
Our itinerary is put together to get the best from the reserve, some distance on foot, and then a lovely relaxing game drive with sundowners to end off the day.
All activities stated in the itinerary are guided.
The Accomodation
The Luxurious tents and en suite bathrooms are equipped to allow you to “rough” it in style and comfort.
Each tent is equipped with a fan and electric blankets, ensuring your stay is as comfortable as possible all year round. A coffee station with a gas kettle, coffee, tea, milk and rusks and a fridge are provided. Sit on your deck and take in the exquisite sunrise and sunset views over the reserve
The tents are just a short walk from the dining area and swimming pool, whilst a leisurely stroll or bike ride to the lookout point offers guests a panoramic view over the Olifants River Valley. This is the ideal spot for sundowners and a selfie.
Each Tent Contains Linen and towels, a torch, a charging point for mobile devices and laptops, an umrella, hand soap and toilet paper, deck chairs and table, Kettle, gas stove, coffee, tea, and milk
The Hiking
This is a slackpacking adventure where the group returns everyday to the camp. The fitness level is average, but being healthy and walkfit is important .
We love to enjoy nature and getting the best out of the walks. The group hike is not a race and we encourage the participants to take in the beautiful scenery and to interact with the nature guide.
However, there are many routes to hike, mountain bike, or trail run in your free time, unguided.
The group hike occurs early in the morning with a walking time of approximately 4 hours, with breaks. Kilometres depend on the terrain and the group.
An example Day Itinerary
Day 1
13h30 – 14h00 – Check Inn
14h30 – Light Lunch
15h30 – 16h00 – Afternoon Game drive with sundowners.
19h00 – Dinner is served
The itinerary can change according to the weather etc.
Full Day Itinerary
05h30 – Kit up in walking gear. Please pack extra snacks or breakfast goodies if you are an early eater.
06h00 or 07h00 – Start your morning hike. Don’t forget to pack snacks. Departure time will depend on the season
Cooked breakfast back at camp or a packed sandwich, snacks and fruit for an en-route brekkie
14h00 – Lunch on the deck
15h30 or 16h00 – Afternoon Game Drive with Sundowners
19h00 – Dinner is served.
The itinerary can change according to the weather etc
Day of Check Out
06h30 – Set off for your last game drive, alternatively do an unguided activity.
09h30 – Farewell breakfast
10h30 – Checkout and Departure