Cool off at Weesgerus

This camping spot just outside Modimolle sees them at least once a year, says Geert de Jong of Pretoria.

Back when I bought our very first caravan, we immediately went camping at Weesgerus. Since then, we’ve camped there every year over the Easter weekend. I always book our spot for the next year before we leave, in fact.

WHAT’S THE CAMPSITE ALL ABOUT?

There are more than 100 stands laid out in groups of 16 in circles with ablution facilities in the middle. You get a concrete braai and a grid, a power point, a tap and plenty of shade trees on your stand.

There’s not much grass around and the resort is busy paving a section of each stand. You’re in the Bushveld and you feel really close to Mother Nature, because the impala and guinea fowl walk unhurriedly among the stands and you also see loads of meerkats.

ARE YOU HAPPY WITH THE ABLUTION FACILITIES?

Weesgerus recently renovated all the ablution blocks and gave them new tiles, basins and urinals. The facilities are adequate and are kept clean and tidy by contracted cleaners. Also, I’ve never had to queue for a shower.

Each ablution block has one family bathroom plus a washing machine. The dishwashing facilities are also there.

WHAT KIND OF ACTIVITIES ARE ON OFFER?

This is a family resort in the true sense of the word. In the hotter months, the supertube is the biggest attraction, and then there are three outdoor pools (one for the little ones, a big cold-water one and another that’s heated) and a heated indoor pool.

There are also pedal cars and a mini golf course, plus a host of regular activities at the pool, including face painting for the kids or a competition for the adults to find the most impressive potbelly. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the whole day chilling at the pool, laughing and socialising.

DOES THE RESORT HAVE A SHOP?

Yes, you can buy the basics here: wood, ice cream, bread, milk and sweets, for example.

There’s also a restaurant where we often have breakfast. It’s about R60 for a meal I don’t always manage to finish. You can also order a beer or other drinks at the restaurant and there’s is a kiosk with take-away meals, including hot chips.

ANY OTHER ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS?

There are self-catering chalets that are also laid out in a circle formation – they sleep from two and six people each.