Blissful in Bobbejaansberg

It’s hard to believe that a mere 30 km outside of Pretoria you can camp kneedeep in the Bushveld. It’s here where you appreciate the peace and quiet of nature with your family, says Morné and Mariët Myburgh from Germiston.

Tussen-I-Bome (meaning “among the trees”) is known for its oxwagon accommodations. But for those who’d rather pitch a tent, co-owner Gerhard van Jaarsveld suggests the 12 caravan stands. Tussen-I-Bome lies just outside of Pretoria, 25 km along on the Moloto Road (R573) just after the Hammanskraal turnoff. After a further 2 km dirt road, it lies next to the road to the left.

Where did you hear about Tussen-I-Bome?

Our kids, Marné (10) and Minette (8), visited the area while on a Voortrekker camp. Easter weekend was around the corner, and after their camp we decided to look for a campsite in the same area for the long weekend. Many of the resorts are busy during these times. We preferred to get away from the bustle. I phoned ahead to find out more about the facilities, and the end result was a camping weekend.

What do the stands look like?

The stands are located behind the other accommodation. It’s also, as the name implies, among the trees, and you camp on dirt, but you don’t feel squashed in between your neighbours. The stands are also not demarcated and the space on your stand is welcome. Every stand has its own tap and power point. We camp with an Off Trax Outplay off-road camping trailer, but here you can also camp with an ordinary caravan or trailer. In fact, a retired couple spent the weekend here with their ordinary camping trailer. The ablution facilities can only be described as excellent.

What can you do here?

One of the first animals you’ll probably meet is Vlekkie, the tame zebra. Gerhard immediately told us about Vlekkie and said he’d even come and eat out of our hands. The kids enjoyed our stay at Tussen-I-bome, and Vlekkie visited us every day. There are two swimming pools – one close to the office and one on a hill. The area is part of the Bobbejaansberg and there are four hiking trails. One of the hiking trails took us all the way up to the top pool where we had a picnic. Also remember your mountain bike. There are more than enough safe trails to enjoy your surrounds.

Is there other accommodation?

Besides the caravan stands (and the ox-wagons), there’s also a chalet for 10 people, a bush lapa for six people, plus a guesthouse (bed and breakfast) for up to 15 people.

What does it cost to camp here?

The stands are R250 p.n for up to four people – thereafter it’s R50 p.p.