At the foothills of the Waterberg Mountains in Limpopo lies Bela-Bela, a town renowned for its geothermal hot springs that bubble up from the earth. Previously known as Warmbaths, the town's current name, Bela-Bela, is derived from the Northern Sotho word for "boiling, boiling," a tribute to the area's cauldron of hot spring water.
Water has a significant, life-giving presence in Bela-Bela and its surroundings. Limpopo’s name translates as “strong gushing waterfalls” in Sepedi, named after the Lebepe (Limpopo) River. The river flows north from the meeting point of the Marico and Crocodile Rivers, forming a natural border between South Africa and Botswana and Zimbabwe. For hundreds of years, it has supported life of various kinds living along its banks.
The Limpopo River forms a natural border between South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
A Brief History
Bela-Bela (Tswana/Pedi for "the pot that boils") - formerly known as Warmbaths, Afrikaans: Warmbad - is a town in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The town is situated in the Waterberg District of the Limpopo Province. It lies off the N1 road between Pretoria and Polokwane (Pietersburg). The Voortrekker Carl Van Heerden established the first Boer farm in what is now Bela-Bela and called it Het Bad. In 1920 Warmbaths was proclaimed a township (in the legal, not racial sense) and the township was designed by architect John Abraham Moffat in that year. In 1950, it became a magisterial district. Abel J. Bela Bela has proven to be a town of intellectual importance through its academic achievements.
The Bela-Bela hot springs were used by the local Tswana people for healing purposes for hundreds and hundreds of years. Today, the rest of South Africa (and the world) has cottoned on, and the town has channelled the waters into popular holiday and health resorts.
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In 1873 President Burger of the then South African Republic (ZAR) first saw the tourism and recreational potential that Het Bad had to offer. He proposed the purchase of the farm to the ZAR. The ZAR at first refused the proposal but when President Burger wanted to purchase Het Bad from his own funds they accepted the proposal.
Location and Accessibility
Bela-Bela is in the south-west of the province and is within easy reach of Johannesburg and Pretoria. It’s just over two hours from Johannesburg and an hour-and-a-half drive from Pretoria, driving north on the N1. Johannesburg’s Lanseria Airport is the closest airport, 123 km away. Hire a car and embark on a self-drive holiday.
Map of Bela-Bela in relation to major cities.
Why Visit Bela-Bela?
But, there’s more to the area than just its delightful warm waters.
Forever Resorts Warmbaths
22,000 litres of this warm bubbling water gush out every hour at Forever Resorts Warmbaths, the first port of call for any weary body. Water temperatures hover around a smoking 53 degrees Celsius, and there’s an outdoor pool fed by the springs, hot and cold pools, indoor hydro pools, Jacuzzis, a foefie slide, wave pool and other warm-water facilities and activities.
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Rates for day visitors are from R160 per adult during high season.
Warmbaths Dam
The Warmbaths Dam is a hotspot for fishing and various water sports. Bring your boat for a day of water-skiing or sailing. Motorised boats and other watercraft are welcome at Bela-Bela Dam with the correct permits. There are also picnic and braai facilities at the site.
The dam lies 8 km outside of the town. Follow directions for the Boat Club on Alma Road.
Bela Bela Forever warm baths, Limpopo. #southafrica #limpopo #Belabela
Waterberg Zipline Adventures
Get a bird’s-eye view of the Waterberg and an adrenalin rush with Waterberg Zipline Adventures.
Located between Bela-Bela and Modimolle, at Thaba Monate Game Lodge.
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R420 per person.
Exploring the Waterberg Bushveld
The Waterberg bushveld offers experiences centred around its natural wonders. There are ample mountain paths to hike and cycle, with big game and bird spotting in the bushveld. Welgevonden Game Reserve, the Entabeni Safari Conservancy and Mabula Game Lodge are popular game lodges and not too far from Bela-Bela.
Mapungubwe National Park
One of the most unique national parks in the country, Mapungubwe National Park is also well worth the drive from Bela-Bela. The Mapungubwe National Park lies at the northern tip of Limpopo, four hours from Bela-Bela. The unique national park is situated at the meeting point of two mighty rivers, the Limpopo and Shashe rivers.
This SANParks accommodation is situated in a riverine forest in the western section of the park, about 40 km from the main gate near the Maloutswa Pan Bird Hide and archaeological sites. Eight self-catering log-cabin chalets sleep two guests each. There is no cellphone reception, but, there is (more importantly) a swimming pool and braai facilities.
Make sure you go to the Limpopo and Shashe rivers’ Confluence Lookout Point for the most unforgettable views.
It’s a four-hour drive north of Bela-Bela.
Accommodation Options
There are many B&Bs, guesthouses and lodges in and around Bela-Bela and the Waterberg area. If you are looking for high thread count linen and fine dining, overnight at one of the fabulous game reserves.
Overnight Stays
If you want longer than a day to soak in the bubbling waters of the hot springs, consider staying overnight. There are also the lodges and comfortable safari tents in the Ramoswe Game Reserve, on the resort’s property. A campsite with electricity is from R300 per night.
Bela-Bela Lodge
Travellers basing themselves near the attractions of Bela-Bela, yet far enough away from any hustle and bustle, can check-in at Bela-Bela Lodge. The thatched roof and rock walls of the lodge blend perfectly into the surrounding rocky outcrops of the Waterberg. Choose from two- to eight-sleeper ‘luxe-rustic’ self-catering units or a room only if self-catering facilities are not needed.
Make use of the property’s swimming pool, relax in the bar, lounge or gardens, or play a game of putt-putt (mini-golf) or table tennis.
Mabula Game Lodge
For a best-of-both bushveld and baths break, check-in at Mabula Game Lodge. You can spot the Big Five in the malaria-free reserve, enjoy candlelit dinners in the boma under the inky black African sky, and learn about the Ground Hornbill Conservation Project. Treat yourself to horseback or hot air balloon safaris.
Dining in Bela-Bela
While you won’t find many a fine dining establishment in Bela-Bela (unless you count the lodge restaurants), most resorts in the area have good on-site restaurants. Otherwise, nothing beats a braai under the stars.
There are a few surprises in Bela-Bela, including a craft brewery and a tiny padstal.
Peet se Padstal
A padstal (roadside deli or small shop) is worth a visit, hungry or not. Peet se Padstal boasts a restaurant with some good menu options (there’s also a set Sunday menu option). Shelves are stocked with all the good farm-style nibbles.
If you’re passing through Polokwane, make sure you stop at Zwashu, a local culinary institution serving delicious traditional African fare. Meat dishes are the star of the show. The menu includes oxtail, pork trotters, lamb shank, chicken and beef stew.
Local Municipality
Bela-Bela Municipality (Northern Sotho: Mmasepala wa Bela-Bela; Tswana: Mmaspala wa Bela-Bela; Afrikaans: Bela-Bela Munisipaliteit; Tsonga: Masipala wa Bela-Bela) is a local municipality within the Waterberg District Municipality, in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The seat is Bela-Bela. The municipality lies north of Hammanskraal.
The municipal council consists of seventeen members elected by mixed-member proportional representation. Nine councillors are elected by a system of first-past-the-post voting in nine wards, while the remaining eight are chosen from party lists so that the total number of party representatives is proportional to the number of votes received.
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