Bela-Bela

Formerly Warmbaths, known for its natural hot springs and resorts.

History

Tswana groups knew the springs from the 1800s, and the Voortrekker Carl van Heerden established the farm Het Bad there. In 1873 the Transvaal government under President Burgers bought the land and founded a spa called Hartingsburg. During the Anglo-Boer War the British renamed the post office Warm Baths (1903). Warmbaths was proclaimed a township in 1920 (laid out by J.A. Moffat), and became a town council in 1960. It was officially renamed Bela-Bela ('the pot that boils') on 14 June 2002.

Getting there

Bela-Bela lies just off the N1 about 1 hour (roughly 90 km) north of Pretoria and just under 2 hours from Johannesburg; the R101 runs through town and the R516 leads west towards Thabazimbi. Mokopane is about 119 km north via the N1. The nearest scheduled airport is OR Tambo; a small general-aviation airfield (FAWA) is on the R101.

Weather & climate

Warm summer-rainfall climate: average daily maximum about 27 °C and minimum about 11 °C, with around 630 mm of rain a year, mostly falling as December-January thunderstorms. Winters are dry, sunny and mild by day but can be frosty at night. Malaria-free.

Things to do

  • Diepdrift Hiking TrailsNetwork of moderate trails near Bela-Bela, including two overnight hikes, two day trails and the longer Sable trail.
  • Forever Resort hot springsNatural hot-spring pools and water slides.
  • SA Camp FestAnnual gathering in Bela-Bela for fans of German-themed vehicles, with outdoor camping and entertainment, drawing thousands of visitors.
  • Stamvrug Hiking TrailsTrails in a nature reserve near Bela-Bela, including a two-day backpacking route with a hut overnight.
  • Wag 'n Bietjie Hiking TrailModerate-to-easy 22 km, three-day hiking trail that starts and finishes in Bela-Bela.
  • Waterberg MeanderSelf-drive tourism route of roughly 8,000 sq km through the Waterberg savannah, accessible from Bela-Bela.
  • Zebula Country Club Golf Course18-hole golf course at Zebula Golf Estate & Spa, with game viewing on the estate.

Things to see

  • Mabalingwe Nature ReserveLarge Big Five-area nature reserve near Bela-Bela with timeshare and private lodges, game drives and bushveld scenery.

Businesses in Bela-Bela

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HP Hornbill Private Lodge Private self-catering lodge listed under Bela-Bela. Self-Catering Bela-Bela, Limpopo IV Idwala View Lodge Self-catering lodge in Mabalingwe. Self-Catering Bela-Bela, Limpopo IP Itaga Private Game Lodge Private game lodge in the Bela-Bela area. Lodges & Game Lodges Bela-Bela, Limpopo KS Keleo Safari Lodge Bushveld safari lodge listed under Bela-Bela. Lodges & Game Lodges Bela-Bela, Limpopo KE Klip en Kristal Guest House Redbrick guest house in suburban Bela-Bela with a pool, gardens and breakfast included. Guest Houses & B&Bs Bela-Bela, Limpopo KL Kudu Lodge Self-catering lodge on the Ditholo Wildlife Estate. Self-Catering Bela-Bela, Limpopo KR Kudus Rest Game Lodge Rustic lodge just outside Bela-Bela offering rooms and self-catering, popular for family and hunting stays. Guest Houses & B&Bs Bela-Bela, Limpopo KT Kwafubesi Tented Safari Camp Tented safari camp listed under Bela-Bela. Lodges & Game Lodges Bela-Bela, Limpopo LB La Bella B&B Bed and breakfast in Bela-Bela, close to the town's shops and restaurants. Guest Houses & B&Bs Bela-Bela, Limpopo LB Lala Bela Guesthouse Guest house with self-catering accommodation in Bela-Bela. Guest Houses & B&Bs Bela-Bela, Limpopo LG Langkloof Game Farm Game farm near Bela-Bela with lodge and self-catering accommodation. Lodges & Game Lodges Bela-Bela, Limpopo LM Langkloof Mountain House Self-catering mountain house at Langkloof near Bela-Bela. Self-Catering Bela-Bela, Limpopo LT Langkloof Toera House Self-catering house at Langkloof near Bela-Bela. Self-Catering Bela-Bela, Limpopo LL Lejwe La Metsi Private Reserve Private nature reserve near Bela-Bela with lodge rooms and a bush villa, pool and gardens. Lodges & Game Lodges Bela-Bela, Limpopo LR Leopards Rock Bush Boutique Boutique bush lodge in the Waterberg region near Bela-Bela. Lodges & Game Lodges Bela-Bela, Limpopo LA Letamo at Qwabi Game Reserve Game lodge on the Qwabi Game Reserve near Bela-Bela. Lodges & Game Lodges Bela-Bela, Limpopo LB Loodswaai Boshuisie Self-catering bush cottage in the Bela-Bela area. Self-Catering Bela-Bela, Limpopo LC Luna Crescente Self-catering unit in Bela-Bela. Self-Catering Bela-Bela, Limpopo LP Luna Piena Self-catering unit in Bela-Bela. Self-Catering Bela-Bela, Limpopo LR Luna Rossa Self-catering unit in Bela-Bela. Self-Catering Bela-Bela, Limpopo MG Mabula Game Lodge Big-five game lodge in the Waterberg, about two hours from Johannesburg. Lodges & Game Lodges Bela-Bela, Limpopo M8 Makhato 84 Bush Lodge Self-catering bush lodge in the Sondela Game Reserve. Self-Catering Bela-Bela, Limpopo NL Newburg Lodge Self-catering lodge on Newburg Farm near Bela-Bela. Self-Catering Bela-Bela, Limpopo NL Newburg Luxury Bush Tents Self-catering bush tents on Newburg Farm near Bela-Bela. Self-Catering Bela-Bela, Limpopo

Property in Bela-Bela

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