Things to Do in Bela Bela 2026 | Top Attractions Near Gallery Inn

Bela Bela (Warmbaths)

Limpopo’s Favourite Getaway Town

Bela Bela — formerly known as Warmbaths — is one of South Africa’s most beloved inland destinations. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Waterberg Mountains in Limpopo Province, it draws visitors from all over the country year-round.

The town is world-renowned for its spectacular natural hot springs, which produce 22,000 litres of 52°C mineral-rich thermal water every hour. Beyond the springs, Bela Bela is a gateway to extraordinary wildlife experiences, unique animal encounters, championship golf and a thriving spa culture.

Gallery Inn sits just 7km from the town centre — perfectly positioned for you to explore everything Bela Bela has to offer and return to the comfort and peace of the bushveld every evening.

Kids activities and trampoline at Gallery Inn Bela Bela

Warmbaths Forever Resort Bela Bela hot springs

Bela Bela’s Famous Attraction

Warmbaths — A Forever Resort

Bela Bela’s legendary natural hot springs are the beating heart of the town and one of Limpopo’s greatest natural wonders. The springs bubble up at an astonishing 52°C and produce a constant 22,000 litres of mineral-rich thermal water per hour — a phenomenon that has drawn visitors for centuries.

The Tswana people knew these waters as healing long before the resort was built. Today, Warmbaths, A Forever Resort is the iconic destination built around the springs — a full day-out destination offering something for the whole family, from toddlers to grandparents.

Staying at Gallery Inn puts you just 10 minutes away from all of this — the perfect base to enjoy the springs and return to the peace and privacy of the bushveld each evening.

Distance from Gallery Inn: Approximately 7km — 10 min drive | Tel: +27 (0)14 736 8500

Visit Warmbaths Forever Resort Website

What’s Waiting for You

Everything at Warmbaths Resort

Warmbaths pools and water park Bela Bela

Pools & Water Park

Heated outdoor swimming pools
Natural hot mineral pools at 52°C
Therapeutic rheumatism pool
Wave pool & splash island
Children’s kiddies pool
Giant slides & super tubes
Fu-Fi slide & river ride

The Hydro & Spa

The resort’s luxurious spa offers a full menu of treatments by specialist therapists in a tranquil, mineral-rich setting. Massages, body wraps, facials and hydrotherapy treatments make this the ultimate relaxation experience.

Full body massages
Mineral pool hydrotherapy
Facials & beauty treatments
Specialist wellness therapists

Family Activities

Mini golf
Tennis & squash courts
Volleyball
Game drives in nature reserve
Teambo Fun Zone
Kiddies play park
Team building activities
Wedding & event venues (up to 600 guests)

Dining & Day Visitors

Tacoma Spur Restaurant
Snack bar & Pick Up Bar
Resort stock shop
Day visitor braai facilities
Open daily to day visitors & overnight guests

Gallery Inn Tip: Visit on a weekday morning to beat the weekend crowds — the mineral pools are bliss when it’s quiet. We’re only 10 minutes away, so you can enjoy a full day at the springs and be back at your chalet in time for a sunset braai.

Game drive sundowner fire stop at Mabalingwe Nature Reserve near Bela Bela

Wildlife

Big Five Game Drives

Just a short drive from Gallery Inn lies Mabalingwe Nature Reserve — an 8,500-hectare Big Five reserve in the heart of the malaria-free Waterberg Mountains. Home to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and white rhino, a game drive here is nothing short of extraordinary.

Guided game drives run in the early morning (06:30–08:30) and late afternoon (16:30–18:30) when wildlife is most active. Expert rangers share knowledge of the land and stay in radio contact to ensure the best possible sightings. Self-drive options are also available on the well-maintained reserve roads.

Beyond game drives, the reserve offers guided bush walks, horseback safaris, night drives and tours of the predator sanctuary.

Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo & Rhino (Big Five)
Hippo & Crocodile at WP Wessels Dam
Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest & Sable
Hyena, Warthog & 36 Species of Mammals
220+ Bird Species — a birdwatcher’s paradise

Mabalingwe Nature Reserve — approx. 28km from Bela Bela · Malaria-free · Open year-round

Visit Mabalingwe Nature Reserve Website

Sunrise over the game drive road through Mabalingwe Nature Reserve Waterberg

Game Drive Tips & Times

Morning drives: 06:30 – 08:30 — best for predator sightings
Sunset drives: 16:30 – 18:30 — golden light, nocturnal animals stirring
Night drives: bush babies, owls & hyenas after dark
Best season: May – Sep (dry season — thinner vegetation, animals at waterholes)
Bring warm layers, binoculars & a camera with zoom
Self-drive routes available — no guide required

Gallery Inn Tip: Stay with us as your base — head out for a dawn game drive, return for a late breakfast and pool time, then catch the sunset drive before a braai back at the chalet. The perfect bushveld day.

Unique Experience

Adventures with Elephants

One of the most extraordinary experiences in South Africa — Adventures with Elephants allows you to walk alongside, interact with and truly connect with these remarkable animals in a responsible conservation setting just outside Bela Bela.

Their philosophy is simple: “Conservation starts with understanding.” Each year more than 15,000 guests pass through their gates, leaving with a deeper appreciation of African elephants and a memory that lasts a lifetime. The facility uses ambassador elephants to inspire genuine awe and foster a connection that no game drive can replicate.

Whether you are visiting with children, as a couple, or as part of a group, this is an experience that will be talked about long after you return home.

Distance from Gallery Inn: Approximately 15km — 20 min drive

Book an Experience at Adventures with Elephants

Choose Your Experience

What’s on Offer

Educational Experience

An interactive learning journey focused on African elephant behaviour, ecology and conservation. Ideal for families and anyone wanting a deeper understanding of these intelligent creatures.

Elephant Nature Walk

Walk alongside the elephants through their natural surroundings, guided by expert handlers. Experience the gentle giants up close in a calm, unhurried environment that feels truly intimate.

Elephant Bathe

Get hands-on and help bathe the elephants — one of the most joyful and memorable wildlife interactions you will ever have. Popular with families and groups looking for something truly special.

Photoshoot & Specialist Programs

Professional photoshoots with the elephants, plus specialist Veterinary Conservation Experiences. Tailor-made activities also available on request.

Gallery Inn Tip: Book your elephant experience in advance as slots fill quickly, especially over weekends and school holidays. We are perfectly positioned as your base — enjoy the elephants in the morning and return to your private chalet and braai for the afternoon.

Adventure

Waterberg Zipline Adventures

For a pure adrenalin rush in a breathtaking natural setting, Waterberg Zipline Adventures at Thaba Monati delivers an unforgettable canopy tour through the heart of the Waterberg Mountains — right between Bela Bela and Modimolle.

The tour features 10 slides ranging from 70m to 230m long, with a spectacular zigzag descent through treetop platforms overlooking mountains, valleys and indigenous bushveld. Qualified guides — who double as field guides — share knowledge of local wildlife and flora along the way.

Nervous about going solo? No problem — a tandem option lets you go attached to your guide. Tours depart every hour, from 8am to 3pm (4pm in December). Restaurant and complimentary water on site.

Price

R 450 per person

Duration

2–3 hrs

Slides

10 slides

Min Age

5 yrs

📍 Distance from Gallery Inn: Approx. 30km · Between Bela Bela & Modimolle · 📞 +27 73 591 2280

Visit Waterberg Zipline Adventures Website

Guest in helmet ready for the zipline canopy tour at Waterberg Zipline Adventures near Bela Bela

Waterberg Zipline guide preparing guest for the canopy tour near Bela Bela Limpopo

More to Discover

More Bela Bela Attractions

Wildlife

Thaba Kwena Crocodile Farm

A commercial crocodile farm offering guided tours with friendly, knowledgeable guides. Learn about crocodile biology up close — affordable, educational and great for families. Includes a restaurant and gift shop with leather goods.

📍 Modimolle, Waterberg

Visit Website › TripAdvisor Reviews ›

Conservation

Bambelela Wildlife Care

A vervet monkey rehabilitation and conservation centre in the Waterberg. Bambelela has successfully rehabilitated over 1000 monkeys since 2008. Visitors, volunteers and vet students are welcome.

📍 Groot Nylsoog, Bela Bela

Visit Website ›

Championship golf course at Euphoria Golf Estate near Bela Bela Limpopo

Sport & Leisure

Euphoria Golf Estate & Hydro

An award-winning golf estate with a championship course and luxurious wellness facilities including hot mineral pools and full spa treatments. A perfect day of sport and relaxation.

📍 Modimolle area, 25km from Gallery Inn

Visit Website ›

Warmbaths Dam tranquil lake near Bela Bela for waterskiing fishing and boating

Water Sports

Warmbaths Dam & Fish Eagle Bay

For boating, waterskiing and water sports, Fish Eagle Bay is the go-to launch site near Bela Bela. The Warmbaths Dam area is ideal for fishing and a relaxing day on the water. A great day out for the whole family, especially in summer.

📍 8km from town centre

Rocky Waterberg mountain trail for hiking and mountain biking near Bela Bela Limpopo

Adventure

Hiking & Mountain Biking

The Waterberg Mountains offer spectacular trails for hikers and mountain bikers of all levels. The annual Mabalingwe Lion Man MTB Race draws over 15,000 participants.

📍 Waterberg Mountain trails

Local Culture

Bela Bela Flea Market

Browse handmade crafts, local produce, biltong, art and curios at the popular Bela Bela Flea Market. A lovely way to support local artisans and pick up unique souvenirs.

📍 Bela Bela town centre

How to Get Here

Gallery Inn — Perfectly Located

Gallery Inn is ideally positioned to explore all of Bela Bela’s best attractions and provide a peaceful base to return to each evening.

Johannesburg

1.5 hrs

~130 km via N1

Pretoria

1 hr

~105 km via N1

Giraffes in Kruger National Park South Africa

Kruger Park

3.5 hrs

~480 km via N1 & R40

Sun City

1.5 hrs

~130 km via R516 & N4

Business & Extended Stays

Contractor & Corporate Accommodation Near Bela Bela

Working on a project in Limpopo? Gallery Inn offers fully self-catering contractor accommodation, corporate retreat packages and extended-stay rates — just 7km from Bela Bela town and close to key project sites across the Waterberg region.

Contractor Accommodation

Contractor & Site Teams

Comfortable, fully equipped self-catering accommodation for contractors and site teams working in the Bela Bela, Mokopane and Lephalale corridor. Weekly and monthly rates available.

Enquire About Rates →

Corporate Retreat

Corporate & Team Building

Dedicated conference venue, entertainment lapa and private braai facilities make Gallery Inn the perfect away-day or corporate retreat destination in Limpopo.

Plan Your Retreat →

Government and group accommodation Bela Bela Limpopo Gallery Inn

Government & Group Travel

Government & Official Groups

Secure, private property with official receipts and group invoicing. Suitable for government officials, audit teams and inspection teams operating in the Waterberg region.

Request a Quote →

Extended Stay

Long-Term & Project Stays

Full kitchen, free WiFi, DStv and laundry facilities in every chalet. Ideal for engineers, consultants and project teams needing a comfortable base for weeks or months.

Discuss Long-Stay Rates →

💬 WhatsApp for Business Rates

Things to Do in Bela Bela