The Groot Rivier Valley, has a surprisingly lush bushveld area and is only two-and-a-half hours drive from George. This gem can easily be discovered over a weekend. A group of friends and I spent a weekend at Timbila Game Reserve at the invitation of Georgians, Kobus and Hanlie Kleyn, who recently acquired the reserve where 19 wild buck species and other larger hoofed animals (giraffes and zebra) can be found.
Timbila's comfortable bush camp accommodation is an ideal gathering place for nature lovers. It is exactly halfway between Willowmore and Steytlerville. Leaving from Knysna on Friday, we made it over the rugged, scenic Prince Alfred Pass, tra-velling to Uniondale.
Breathless with anticipation and arriving in the cool of day, we were not disappointed. The Nyala Camp, where we stayed, sleeps 6 and is made for cosy fire-side chats - highly practical for people who value their comforts. The kitchen has all the mod cons for self-catering. All three camps and the farmhouse have electricity. The Nyala Camp comprises of two tents (with a shared shower and bathroom) and a stone house (with an en-suite bathroom).
At night, while stargazing, you can't help but be enchanted by the tranquil forest sounds. On Saturday morning, after coffee and rusks, we set off on a game drive with our guide and farm manager, Hendrik Neethling, who showed us the beauty spots and the game.We drove slowly and spotted nyala, gemsbok, kudu, red hartebeest and the giraffes (the latter stared us down).
A month ago the area received a good down pour of 80mm rain, so we were fortunate that the 1 300 hectare farm was very green - a sight to behold. While taking a late afternoon walk with our tour guide, Toppie Booysen, we smelt and touched the huge variety of plants. The landscape is dotted with wild plum (Harpephyllum caffrum) and a thicket of 'soetdoring' trees that could be seen moving from time to time as troops of vervet monkeys played. Nature in its full bounty revealed itself and we were able to admire the 'witgat' tree with its distinctive white tree trunk.
To sum up, Timbila is an oasis for animal life, including the smaller creatures like the shy bat-eared fox. The evocative cry of the fish eagle can be heard here, as well as owls at night. Timbila means 'rhythms of the earth' and lies tucked in between the Groot Rivier mountains and the Swartberg mountains, which provides shelter for this valley. Each of the three bush camps are unique. Mahlangeni camp's upper deck offers breath taking views across the Grootberg mountains and the nearby river where weavers have their nests whilst the Timbila camp has plank walkways right up to the riverbanks.
The Kleyns are keen to share nature's bounty with nature lovers. Staying in the Nyala Camp has a minimum set fee of R500 per night (for two guests) and R200 per person for additional guests. "We are not a big five reserve, this enables you to get close to nature and discover that there is no wealth but life," said Kobus. For more information go to the website www.timbila.co.za or contact 044 923 1188.
Mahlangeni camp on the Groot River banks.
A game drive with farm manager Hendrik Theunissen (left) is a highlight during a stay at Timbila Bush Camp in the Great Karoo. Photo: Pauline Lourens
ARTICLE: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
