Beautiful Bela Bela: Three things you have to do

There's lots to do in Bela Bela. Photo: Elephant Springs Hotel / twitter

Other than taking delicious dips in the warm baths of Bela Bela, there’s actually lots more to do in the area. Here are a few things you can check out…

There’s lots to do in Bela Bela. Photo: Elephant Springs Hotel / twitter

Adventures with Elephants in Bela Bela

Why you should visit: Considered one of the most popular activities in Bela Bela, Adventures with Elephants is an elephant conservation that offers unique elephant encounters to the public. You’ll get to meet all the elephants and learn all about them in a wonderful immersive educational experience. You can even give these gentle giants a bath!

How much does it cost: An elephant expeience will cost R600 per adult and R340 per child under 12. Make bookings here.

How to get there: Adventures with Elephants is about 45 km away from Bela Bela via the R516.

Visit a Cheetah Conservation

Why you should visit: Yet another wildlife encounter to have is at Cheetah Experience, a non-profit animal conservation in Bela Bela. The facility is home to a number of endangered and threatened species, including cheetahs, leopards, male non-breeding lions, servals, caracals, African wildcats, wolves, meerkats and even a Siberian tiger. Visitors are offered educational tours to learn about these animals, and how they can join the fight to protect them.

How much does it cost: Tours cost R200 per adult and R150 per child over two-years-old. Book here.

How to get there: Cheetah Experience is just 13 km from Bela Bela via the R101.

Visit these magnificent creatures at Cheetah Experience. Photo: David Groves / unsplash

Take a canopy tour

Why you should visit: Get a bird’s-eye view of the Waterberg and an adrenaline rush with Waterberg Zipline Adventures. Canopy tours are two-and-a-half hours and comprise of ten slides varying from 70 to 230m in length. Experienced staff are also qualified field guides, so they will identify the area’s flora and fauna while you’re zipping through the trees. If you’re not brave enough to go it on your own, book a tandem guided tour.

How much does it cost: A canopy tour costs around R420 per person. See here for more details and booking.

How to get there: Waterberg Zipline Adventures is located between Bela Bela and Modimolle, at Thaba Monate Game Lodge.

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Sundeeka Mungroo

Sundeeka Mungroo is a content writer, foodie and all-round adventure-seeker. She's a graduate of the University of South Africa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature, and has worked as a copywriter and editor in the digital marketing industry. Sundeeka currently writes for I Love South Africa and The South African. She lives in the beautiful Mother City and loves exploring all that South Africa has to offer.