Things to Do in Bela-Bela
Seafood platters: The fact that the sea is hundreds of miles away has not stopped De Zee Meeuw Huis from becoming a culinary sensation in Bela-Bela.
Quality seafood is served in the middle of the Bushveldt, right next to an amazing antique-and-bric-a-brac shop by the name of The Railway Trading Company.
Keep it clean: The Aventura Resort and Hydro is a popular, family-friendly spot where you can soak up the goodness of the famous hot water springs. The Hydro will keep the parents occupied while the kids go wild on the waterslides.
When Lions Feed: Unspoilt Bushveldt remains one of Mabalingwe Game Reserve’s major draw cards and guests from around the world come here to relax in the shadow of the majestic Waterberg Mountains. Saddle up for an outride, venture onto a 4x4 trail, or commune with the King of the Beasts.
Monkeys magic: Bambelela Wildlife Sanctuary (it is a guest farm, too) help to hand-raise orphaned vervet monkeys and baboons to help return them to the wild.
Their extensive menagerie also includes pet warthogs, exotic monkeys and mongooses. Join them on a tour and help out in the Monkey Kindergarten. Walking wild: Tramp into deep gorges and jump into crystal pools in the unique Waterberg ecosystem.
Several day trails or 2-day hikes are on offer. Zip-and-zoom: Sign up for an adrenaline-packed canopy slide along ten cables (the longest spans 230m!) through a natural paradise brim-full of indigenous trees, and with more than 250 exquisite bird species to spot. Bushveld Experience: Sondela Nature Reserve offers a range of accommodation options and activities such as quad-biking in a superb Bushveldt ecosystem.
Check it out: Quaint, quirky, arty and strange … everything from dusty road stalls to chic art galleries are sure to delight; don’t miss Peet’s Road Stall. Pachyderm pleasure: Get acquainted with Africa’s gentle giants by choosing between a touch & feed experience, an elephant-back safari or a refreshing dip while on the back of one of these massive mammals. Yesteryear: Get in touch with your ‘inner farmer’ at the very interesting Settlers Agricultural Museum.