Near the eastern gateway to the Baviaanskloof Wilderness area, in South Africa’s malaria-free Eastern Cape, lies the valley of the Gamtoos River and on the edge of a stream is Tia Ghee Tented Camp.

Tia Ghee, partner of Baviaans Mega-Reserve, is a peaceful and tranquil bush camp in thick indigenous forest offering catered tented accommodation. Just 100 km from Port Elizabeth and 70 km from Jeffrey’s Bay Tia Ghee is close to the little rural village of Patensie. Tia Ghee is a San word meaning 'secluded' and there could be no better description. Only three and a half kilometers from the tar road, this secluded and heavenly bush camp, nestled at the foothills of the Elandsberge in forested terrain ensures you feel you’re in the middle of nowhere!

The only sounds to be heard in this natural forest are the birds, the breeze rustling the leaves and occasionally the bark of a distant baboon or a shy bushbuck. When the rain has fallen, the sound of the stream which runs right through the camp, is wonderful.

Tia Ghee Tented Camp – Accommodation and Facilities

Two of the nine tents are family tents and one of these has its own private shower and toilet. The remaining 7 tents are two-man tents and 3 of these have their own private shower and toilet. The rest of the tented accommodation share the ablution facilities where there are hot showers and flushing toilets.

Tia Ghee’s accommodation is in tents spaced out for privacy in the forest along the course of the stream.

The tents stand on their own in a clearing on a permanent wooden deck and comfortable beds and all bedding and towels are provided. Each tent has a wooden deck with an awning and chairs for sitting outside.

Electric 12 volt lights next to the beds are provided for convenience, but otherwise the only lighting in the camp after dark is provided by lanterns and oil lamps which enhance the fairy tale atmosphere. If you would like an additional bed or a small child’s tent it can be arranged on request.

Relax and unwind as you read a good book while lying in a hammock slung between trees in the camp.

There is a room for social occasions which can accommodate 25 people.

There is no cell phone coverage at the camp so you are guaranteed freedom from interruption, whether at your 'Bosberaad' or just enjoying the peace and quiet. If, however, you need to make a call, there is coverage closer to the tar road just a short drive or a pleasant walk away. The only ‘television’ you will see is the flickering of the campfire!

Tia Ghee Meals

Tia Ghee is fully equipped and breakfasts and dinners are provided and served in the lapa so as to make the experience of staying at Tia Ghee as relaxed as possible for guests. Lunches are available on request.

Tia Ghee – Activities

Hiking/Mountain Biking Trails - There is a hiking trail which takes about one and a half hours leading to a waterfall. (The waterfall is dependent on recent rainfall and so we cannot guarantee that it will be in spate.) Mountain bikes may also be used along the 4x4 trail.

The Gamtoos River valley, in addition to being picturesque, is a productive irrigation farming area.

Excursions - Excursions can be arranged on week-days if you are interested in seeing a working citrus or potato farm.

Flora – for anyone interested in indigenous trees and wild flowers the varieties all around the camp of yellowwood, wild fig, sneeze wood, cheeswood, the endemic Cape Kranz Ash, plumbago, and wild olive will keep you spell bound for hours. The plumbago, in the early evening, turns from its daytime blue to almost translucent silver.

Birds and wildlife - Bird lovers will think they are in paradise. There is an abundance of wild life and birds. To name just a few there is the frequently heard Emerald Spotted Wood Dove, the fruit eating Knysna Loerie and Forest Buzzards are almost certain to be seen. Impala, Nyala, and Caracal also inhabit the forest and keen eyes can sometimes spot the shy bushbuck, even on the fringes of Tia Ghee itself.

4 x 4 routes - a very challenging 4x4 route, which takes over three hours, is available. This we strongly suggest is only attempted as part of an organised 4x4 tour excursion. You do need lowrange for this.

Fishing, in the Gamtoos River.

Golf – there is a golf course in Hankey, 20 kms away.

Rates

Please confirm prices when making your reservation.

D,B&B @ R360 per person per night

Tent with a private bathroom, D,B&B @ R420 per person per night

A 50% deposit is required to confirm the booking.