Close, Yet Far Enough Away

[ Resort Review ] Somabula Nature Reserve, GP

- Richard Van Ryneveld

If you are looking for a tranquil spot to relax and chill out, look no further than Somabula. I “discovered” this resort (only an hour from Joburg, about 40 minutes from Pretoria) by chance. And now it’s one my caravan parks of choice, as it’s close, yet far away from the Big Smoke.

Somabula is a private game reserve set in prime bushveld dotted around with a host of indigenous trees. On my first visit, I remember a pair of giraffes’ intrigued amusement at my attempt to set up a new off-road camper.

There is no electricity at the campsite, which might be one of the reasons I like it so much, as it means things are always nice and quiet.

Somabula is almost equidistant from the historic diamond-mining town of Cullinan and another small village called Rayton. My first stop is always Rayton Biltong & Braai for great biltong and a coil or two of their superb wors. The butchery is just behind the large Pick n Pay. Cullinan also has larger shops, so everything you need for camping is close at hand.