Eastern Cape is known to be one of the South African Provinces to have the best scenic tourism vibes with vacation accommodations, attractions and fun outdoor activities to explore. Some are better explained well by Bhekizizwe Radebe through his lens, a born and bred photo journalist through the lens of his camera.
Born and bred in KwaZulu-Natal in a small town called Ixopo, to Bhekizizwe, photography plays a big role in Tourism and Beyond.
Ever since Bhekizizwe relocated to the EC straight after varsity, he has been moving region to region of the province, photographing different sites and scenery that could be ideal for a potential traveler who is hopeful of visiting in the near future. For the rest of April he will be sharing a series of places he has experienced in the province.
He speaks first of the Pumba Private Game Reserve which is utside Makhanda (Grahams town ) Just along N2 towards Gqeberha direction. Pumba is one of reserves that is home of Big Five of which includes a rare white lions.
Bheki describes in his shared memory, the experience and hospitality of Pumba Private Reserve as a 5 star standard, an experience he had during his stay in the two lodges including the Water lodge and Bush lodge.
“I remember upon Arrival we were welcomed by friendly at the main entrance where we signed indemnity form then we were taken by their Safari cars to the main reception, which is at the center of reserve, the drive through is interesting as you can bump into any animals.”
Arriving at the Parking near reception you are welcomed by friendly staff waiting with warm hand towels to wipe your hands before you can proceed to reception for Check inn. The privacy is guaranteed as each Chalet is stand far from its neighbors. And the room it self gives you spectacular view as majority of walls is glass.
Bheki cannot get over the beautiful star gazing scenery that comes with all the pulled up curtains at night, the silhouette of the mountains and trees are perfect food the eyes as he describes it.
“Our visit was in June and at night its cold there, but when we came from the dinner the Air con was already blowing warm air, the fire was already made on the small fire place, as well as the five bar heater was on and a water bottle tucked in between the sheets and duvet.”
The set up in the bathroom
You will find sleeping shoes well placed next to the bed with a gown placed and ready for you on top of the bed. On a small table by the wall you will find placed, a cherry on the bottle for night cap.
“The room has huge bathroom with a nice bath tub with a view and shower. You will also find another shower outside, which gives you a perfect morning view of animals roaming on the other side of electric fence.
Food
Launch, Dinner and Breakfast are just deliciously mouth watering. After Breakfast you are taken for a game drive. Bheki considers this place a peaceful and definitely perfect for couples .
“We were lucky to bump into Temba the white lion there. the reserve has other animals including Elephants, Giraffes and Hippos in the lake.”
Photography and tourism for Bhekizizwe
This photographer cannot imagine a marketing article of particular hotel or holiday destination without a picture.
“Photography links well with tourism…for example just imagine the Hole in the wall without pictures. A picture can speak thousand words. Most of travelers book and arrange their trips because they saw a particular picture. I mean just imagine selling holiday package without proper photography to tell the tail.”
“Sometimes we book particular venues because of the pictures we saw online under that particular establishment.”, he concludes.
