Near Bronkhorstspruit on the Zusterstroom Road
Cost – Camp: R600 per stand per night
Pet Friendly (no extra cost)
Electricity and water at each stand
Good cell phone coverage. Swimming pool, table tennis table, lapa, honesty shop for wood and ice, river views.
Driving home from Dullstroom I Googled “pet friendly camping near me” – Wilge River Bush Camp came up in the results and a mail to Briony confirmed that they had a vacancy for the few days over the 31st December into the New Year. Despite the high cost, we decided to escape the city for one last time in 2024 and start the New Year on a high note!
We quickly packed the Tripper, still splattered with a light coating of mud from the previous trip, and headed out to Bronkhorstspruit. The dam is full! So good to see the world green and wet, mielies dark green and growing skyward.
We were surprised when we arrived to recognise the resort from our stay in July 2022 – we had not recognised the name but confirmed the earlier stay by referencing the Blog – https://khululekile.com/2022/07/18/wilge-river-resort/.
Under new management, we anticipated some changes and were pleased to have been given a quiet site at the end of the line of camps. Children’s laughter the only indication that there were others enjoying the resort.
Beautiful Mountain View’s wreathed in cloud and intriguing bush views made special by the male paradise flycatcher, in full breeding plumage, flitting in and out of view. Constant bird calls added to the lazy days despite the drizzle and light rain. Our magical Tripper provided dry, cozy cover and was just perfect!
Ablution blocks are scattered around the property and offer a clean ‘barrack style’ or quaint older cubicles, filled with charm and small challenges – doors don’t quite close, shower heads don’t match or floors a little dirty. The number of mosquitoes amazing! There was however, plenty of hot water and toilet paper replaced daily. Stands were regularly serviced: dustbins kept clean and fire ashes removed.
The swimming pool was a delight and it was possible to wallow in the warm water despite the inclement weather.
A wish list for the new owners:
Walking paths through the riverine bush allowing enjoyment of this spectacular asset.
Access to the waterfall who’s inviting sound came and went during our stay as the wind direction changed
A cleared, signposted, river entrance
Spring cleaned ablutions!
We certainly had the chilled few days we needed and returned to Joburg with batteries fully charged.
Itchy Feet! 