Bela Bela, formerly known as Warmbaths, is often described as Limpopo’s friendliest town. With its warm mineral springs, rich bushveld backdrop, and easy-going charm, it’s a destination that surprises visitors who expect “just another stopover.”
But scratch the surface and you’ll find more: gourmet meals, wildlife adventures, world-class spas, and a buzzing nightlife scene anchored by Goldrush Bela Bela, the town’s premium entertainment venue. Whether you’re after rest or a rush, this small town serves up both with style.
Start your day the way generations of South Africans have done, soaking in the natural geothermal waters at the famous Forever Warmbaths Resort. The mineral-rich water bubbles up from underground springs at 52°C before being cooled and filtered into various pools. These waters are said to improve circulation, soothe aching joints, and rejuvenate the skin.
The resort has something for everyone:
- A dedicated spa for massages and beauty treatments
- Water slides and play zones for children
- Peaceful adult-only pools for those seeking stillness
For nature lovers, consider starting your morning at Bambelela Wildlife Care and Vervet Monkey Sanctuary, located just outside town. The sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates orphaned monkeys, and a morning tour offers education, compassion, and rare close-up animal interactions.
Food, Art, and Small-Town Treasures
By midday, you’ll be ready for a bite, and Bela Bela doesn’t disappoint.
Head to The Shack Eatery, a rustic favourite serving wood-fired pizzas and traditional South African platters. Prefer something quieter? Try Zebula Lodge’s Bistro, with beautiful bushveld views and locally sourced ingredients. On Saturdays, many cafés offer buffet-style brunches with everything from omelettes to chakalaka.
After lunch, take a stroll through town. Small shops and roadside stalls sell everything from:
- Handmade pottery
- Handwoven baskets
- Shweshwe fabric accessories
- Biltong and dried fruit sourced from local farms
Vendors often share stories behind their crafts, giving you more than a souvenir, offering you a cultural connection.
Wildlife, Wellness, and Wedges
Now that you’re fed and relaxed, choose your pace:
For the Active Traveller
The Elements Private Golf Reserve is one of Limpopo’s most scenic courses. It’s ranked in the country’s top 30 and features rolling fairways surrounded by indigenous vegetation and wildlife.
For Wildlife Enthusiasts
Drive 20 minutes to Mabalingwe Nature Reserve, where you can take a guided game drive or explore on your own. The reserve is home to rhino, hippo, giraffe, and leopard. Birders can also spot over 300 species in the area.
For Spa Seekers
Visit Iketla Wellness Spa, nestled in the bush just outside town. Their
packages include outdoor massages, facials, and herbal steam treatments, perfect for a reset before the evening’s entertainment.
For the Curious Sipper
Pop into L’abri Fountain Brewery & Gin Distillery for a tasting session. You’ll find small-batch craft gins made with rooibos, citrus, and other indigenous botanicals. Their tasting deck overlooks the bush, making it a relaxed yet refined stop.
Then Turn Up the Heat at Goldrush Bela Bela
As the sky turns golden, it’s time to head toward the town’s premier indoor entertainment experience: Goldrush Bela Bela.
Located centrally, just off the R101, the venue draws locals and tourists alike with its combination of approachable gaming, premium service, and a genuinely fun vibe.
What to Expect:
- Electronic Bingo Terminals (EBTs)
- Soft lighting and sleek décor
- A lounge-style environment where you can play without pressure
Whether you’re in your twenties or in your seventies, there’s space for you here.
Feeling lucky or just content, you can wrap up your night with a drink at the Goldrush lounge, or step out for a bite at Tacoma Spur or Ocean Basket nearby. For a rustic, local atmosphere, Khaya Ndlovu Restaurant & Pub provides firepit seating and a solid bar menu under the stars.
Where to Stay
Whether you’re looking for luxury or simplicity, Bela Bela offers a range of accommodation within 10 minutes of the casino:
- Forever Warmbaths Resort – Ideal for families
- Sondela Nature Reserve – A blend of bush and boutique
- Elephant Springs Hotel – Centrally located, clean, affordable
- Thaba Pitsi Lodge – More secluded, perfect for couples
Come for the Calm, Stay for the Spark
Bela Bela is full of quiet magic, mineral springs that restore, bushveld trails that inspire, and markets that tell stories through craft. But as the sun goes down, there’s another side to this town: one of laughter, excitement, and yes, a bit of luck.
Goldrush Bela Bela has added something vital to this community, a way to gather, to celebrate, and to feel a little thrill without leaving home.
So whether you’re planning a weekend escape or just looking for a place that offers a little bit of everything, give Bela Bela more than a passing glance.