Escape the Bustle – Somabula Nature Reserve

Situated on 400 hectares reserve filled with indigenous trees, Somabula Nature Reserve near Cullinan offers the perfect weekend break away from Gauteng. The reserve, turning off the R515 between Rayton and Cullinan is less than 40 minutes from Pretoria, and one hour from Johannesburg. We packed our tent and loaded our bikes after work on a Friday afternoon and was set up, drink in hand before sunset. Not many campsites offer that level of accessibility from Gauteng.

The reserve does not have a pool, restaurant or bar on-site, so it may not suit those looking for a holiday resort. If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxed weekend in nature, Somabula may offer one of the best experiences in the region. The stands are situated far apart, which along with the option of private ablutions, offers a sense of secludedness and privacy. Each stand is also equipped with a sturdy boma, tap and established trees for shade. The stands do not have power so you should make the necessary preparations for this.

There are about 30 kilometres of riding and walking trails in the reserve. The trails are mostly made up of Jeep track with the occasional rocky section which may add some difficulty for beginners. The management team has set out a number of marked routes on a map which you can get for free at reception. The shortest marked route is about four kilometres, the longest, Protea, being 12 kilometres. The Protea route has a monster climb about halfway which should challenge even the most skilled riders among us.

These same routes can be hiked as well, taking hikers past Somabula’s impressive variety of game including zebra, giraffe, kudu and wildebeest. The reserve offers night game drives where visitors can expect to see an array of nocturnal animals such as the lesser bushbaby and porcupine.

In addition to camping the reserve offers self-catering stone and wooden chalets situated in secluded treed areas. These chalets can accommodate up to 4 people per chalet and are fully equipped with linen, towels, crockery, braai areas, gas cooking, refrigeration facilities, solar hot water and lighting. For the more adventurous visitors “The Outspan” consists of four beautifully restored ox wagons in a ring with a communal social and ablution facilities.

Close by, the small village of Cullinan offers plenty of restaurants, art shops and adventurous activities. The town, founded in 1905 and made famous for its diamond discoveries has various tours, information centres and museums to remind visitors of its colourful past.

If you are looking for a quick weekend break away, look no further than Somabula. Bookings can be made by emailing the booking office at info@somabula.co.za or phoning reception at +2782 550 1892.