Tulbagh - Welbedacht Game and Nature Reserve

Tulbagh – Welbedacht Game and Nature Reserve

Just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town, in the Tulbagh Valley, Welbedacht Game & Nature Reserve offers an idyllic country retreat.


Tucked away amongst trees, fynbos and wild flowers are 6 well appointed self catering cottages and a beautiful, thatched barn for group bookings, retreats and family gatherings. Secluded for peace and privacy, all units have shady verandas, private mountain water plunge pools, braai (BBQ) areas and log fire places.    Enjoy game viewing, nature trails, bird watching, swimming in the dam, exploring the labyrinth or a visit from our free roaming horses. There are mountain biking trails that begin and cross through Welbedacht and beyond, horse riding trails close by and the historic town of Tulbagh with its grand architecture and a range of restaurants and vineyards to visit.
With its spectacular valley views, majestic surrounding mountains, wild and beautiful landscapes to explore and tranquil spaces for roaming or resting, a visit to Welbedacht is bound to be a memorable experience!


ACCOMMODATION:


6 SLEEPERS: Orchard Cottage & Gum Tree Cottage


Both of these units have two bedrooms, each with a double bed and a bathroom en-suite. The large open plan living area has a fire place, kitchen, dining area, sitting area and 2 single pull out beds. Double doors open onto a shady veranda with a private mountain water plunge pool, braai (BBQ) and views of the entire Tulbagh Valley.


4 SLEEPER: Eagle Cottage


Eagle Cottage has a double bedroom and a smaller children’s bedroom with 2 single bunk beds. The kitchen and living area are open plan with a fire place and doors leading to the covered veranda. There is a braai (BBQ) area, a mountain water splash pool and a natural garden enclosed by low stone walls.


2 SLEEPERS: Stone Cottage, Pine Cottage & Tortoise Cottage


These units each have an open plan bedroom with a double bed, a lounge and kitchen area and doors opening onto a covered veranda. There is an indoor fire place, an outdoor braai (BBQ) area and a private mountain water splash pool with views over the dam.


GROUPS, RETREATS & FAMILY GATHERINGS: The Blue Butterfly


The Blue Butterfly is a beautifully restored barn with facilities on the ground floor including a large lounge & studio space, a sitting room with a fireplace, a covered veranda and the self-catering farm-style kitchen that can seat your whole party. There is a fire pit, a braai (BBQ) area and lush gardens enclosed with low stone walls.
The Blue Butterfly has a total of 7 en-suite bedrooms with a total of 18 single beds. For groups of more than 18 persons, include some or all of the cottages!


ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS:


Walk the nature trails: Marked walking trails meander through the fynbos, rhenosterveld and wetland areas of the reserve. The trails vary from 15 minutes to 2 hours.


Swim in the dam: Within walking distance of all units is the swimming dam. A peaceful spot surround by lush brush, trees and an abundance of bird life.


Go mountain biking: Mountain biking trails cross Welbedacht and traverse beyond and into the Tulbagh Valley. Check out the Tulbagh Mountain Biking site for routes and further information.


Explore the labyrinth: This unique labyrinth is beautifully integrated into its environment, a forest of blue gum trees, and is a wonderful space to feel a sense of connection with nature.


View the wildlife: Welbedacht is home to springbok, zebra, wildebeest and a herd of free roaming horses. Here you will also find a large variety of fauna, such as pole cats, caracal, cape fox and numerous buck species.


Go birding: Big trees, the vast variety of plant life and the savannah wetland grasses provide shelter and an abundant source of food for dozens of species of raptors and hundreds of other bird species. Welbedacht is a veritable haven for birds and bird watchers alike!


Go horse riding: Nearby, on neighbouring farms, horse trails are offered that take you through farmlands and orchards or through mountains and valleys.


Take in the historic town of Tulbagh: The historic town of Tulbagh is 9 km (a 10 minute drive) from Welbedacht. Take a stroll down Church Street which boasts a wealth of Cape Dutch Architecture, several restaurants, a museum, monuments and beautiful gardens.


Just rest & relax: Here, away from the hustle and bustle, you may just find that all you long for is a book and a quiet, shady spot. You may wish to find a peaceful nook, let go of all distractions and immerse yourself in the immense beauty of the surrounding nature.


PET POLICY: Small to medium dog breeds (limit of one to two dogs per cottage), cats, horses & caged birds welcome all year round by prior arrangement and at the owners or management’s discretion. Well-behaved, socialised larger dogs breeds by special prior arrangement only. Dogs, cats and caged birds sleep inside – bring own pet beds & bowls. Paddock for horses. Dogs are not permitted on the furniture or beds owners may be charged for any damages. Pets are not allowed to roam and must be kept under direct supervision at all times. Dogs that are inclined to roam must be kept leashed at all times outside and in the vicinity of other guests. Aggressive and/or barking dogs will not be tolerated. Pets are not permitted in or around the Blue Butterfly Retreat or Homestead (due to own dogs) or the enclosed 15Ha game area. Guests are requested to clean up after their pets. Orchard and Eagle Cottages have low stone walls that enclose the cottages. Easy access to walks. Consideration must be given to resident dogs, birds, horses and wildlife pets must respect our fauna, dogs who roam will disturb wildlife. Pets stay FREE. Doggie Damages Deposit Required: NONE, however, guests are fully responsible for their pets and their pets’ behaviour and actions. Non-compliance with these rules or if the pets become a nuisance (i.e. roaming / barking) will result in management asking guests to leave the Reserve – without the option of reimbursement.


RATES:

Minimum 2 nights on weekends / Minimum 3 nights on long weekends


PAYMENT POLICY:


A 50% deposit is required to guarantee the reservation at the time of making the booking.


The remaining balance of the accommodation is due 7 – 10 days prior to arrival, unless the booking date is less than 7 days prior to the arrival date, then the full amount will be due in order to confirm your booking.


CANCELLATION POLICY:


All special rates booked will be non-refundable. Cancellation is free until 14 days before arrival. Cancellation within the 14 days before arrival; 50% of the total price is payable.


Cancellation within the 7 days before arrival; 100% of the total price is payable.


PET POLICY: Small to medium dog breeds (limit of one to two dogs per cottage), cats, horses & caged birds welcome all year round by prior arrangement and at the owners or management’s discretion. Well-behaved, socialised larger dogs breeds by special prior arrangement only. Dogs, cats and caged birds sleep inside – bring own pet beds & bowls. Paddock for horses. Dogs are not permitted on the furniture or beds owners may be charged for any damages. Pets are not allowed to roam and must be kept under direct supervision at all times. Dogs that are inclined to roam must be kept leashed at all times outside and in the vicinity of other guests. Aggressive and/or barking dogs will not be tolerated. Pets are not permitted in or around the Blue Butterfly Retreat or Homestead (due to own dogs) or the enclosed 15Ha game area. Guests are requested to clean up after their pets. Orchard and Eagle Cottages have low stone walls that enclose the cottages. Easy access to walks. Consideration must be given to resident dogs, birds, horses and wildlife pets must respect our fauna, dogs who roam will disturb wildlife. Pets stay FREE. Doggie Damages Deposit Required: NONE, however, guests are fully responsible for their pets and their pets’ behaviour and actions. Non-compliance with these rules or if the pets become a nuisance (i.e. roaming / barking) will result in management asking guests to leave the Reserve – without the option of reimbursement