The roadside display of dislodged number plates on the dust road to Tamboti Vreugde is evidence of the road corrugations, but the trip is a quick one from the tarred road, lasting mere minutes before you arrive at the entrance to the resort. The campsites are grassed and beautifully maintained, and the rustic chalets are adorned with fittings made from wood that is indigenous to the area.
There is a large function area and a beautiful chapel that seats 160 people, that is available for weddings and special events. The chapel is straight out of a fairytale. The sounds of the bush prevail at Tamboti Vreugde, only interrupted by the occasional splash of a camper jumping into the pool. There is a small shop on the premises, where necessities such as wood, blitz, milk and other items can be purchased without having to drive to the ‘mall’, as they call it in those parts, which is a few kilometres away. I purchased my braai pack there on my way to Tamboti, and the so-called ‘mall’ consists of a sparsely populated general dealer, butcher and a bottle store.
The owner of the resort is Eddie Engelbrecht and his firm handshake and engaging manner added to the allure of this bushveld lodge set in the very heart of Dinokeng Game Reserve. Eddie told me about the beginnings of Tamboti Vreugde, as well as about the various types of game on his farm and in the surrounding Dinokeng Game Reserve.
The caravan park at Tamboti has 65 sites with a total of 78 power sources. The park is covered mostly with Kikuyu and wild Traury grass, and there are taps all around the park. There are four ablution facilities with three family bathrooms, and all are cleaned every morning. Large trees cast ample shade for campers, and the portable braais on every camping stand are cleaned daily, as are the waste bins.
There is a two-bedroomed self-catering chalet that sleeps eight people, a two bedroom chalet that sleeps six people, and four one-bedroomed chalets that sleep four people – for those who want a little added luxury. There are two lapas and a boma for general use by guests and campers, and two splash pools as well as a children’s pool. There is also a heated indoor swimming pool for the cooler days. When you throw in the playground and trampolines for the children you realise that the only time you’ll see them is when they are thirsty and hungry, or when it’s time for bed.
The game in the reserve bordering the electric, fenced-off campsite houses the Big Five as well as kudu, nyala, zebra, springbok, hornbills, francolin, guinea fowl, and many other species. At Tamboti Vreugde, it is easy to become one with nature.
So, if you’re ever up Dinokeng way, look up Tamboti Vreugde Bushveld Holiday Resort and seek out Eddie Engelbrecht. Ask him why the seeds dropped by the Tamboti tree hop and jump when on the ground. Ask Eddie to show you the photo of the huge rinkhals he caught in the chicken coop. Ask him why waterbuck have distinct, white crescent markings on their rumps. Or, just sit back quietly; the sound of the bushveld has a way of telling its own story, if you’re willing to listen.
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