While on a work trip in the Eastern Cape, I had the pleasure of visiting a true gem—Pabala Private Nature Reserve, just outside Port Elizabeth—with my sister Amanda. I’d heard whispers about its pristine landscapes, immersive experiences, and heartfelt hospitality—but nothing could have prepared me for the magic of it all.
This is not just another game reserve. Pabala is where glorious views, genuine people, and a deep respect for the land come together in the most inspiring way.
A stay at The Views Suite: Breath-taking serenity
Our overnight stay in The Views Suite was nothing short of exceptional. True to its name, the views from this suite are simply glorious—rolling hills, lush valleys, and a canvas of blue sky that stretches endlessly.
The suite offers modern comforts: Wi-Fi, a coffee station, a small fridge, a fireplace with wood and firelighters, and impeccably clean interiors. While there’s no microwave, you’ll hardly miss it with the level of comfort and quality offered. The linen was a standout feature—soft, luxurious, and clearly selected with care.
Just before reaching the suite, we had our first and most entertaining encounter: Bertie, a golden wildebeest with an identity crisis who now prefers the company of sheep. Apparently, when the locals call the sheep, Bertie appears from the hills like he’s been summoned to a red carpet event. Pure joy!
Honey tasting with beekeeper Johan Cronje
A highlight of our visit was the honey tasting experience, hosted by Johan Cronje, a 21-year-old beekeeper whose intelligence and passion for his craft completely blew us away.
Johan shared how he placed beehives in dry areas of the farm, and how those hives have sparked new plant growth—proving how powerful bees are for ecosystems. His fynbos honey is rich, floral, and crafted with love and science in equal measure. It’s a must-do when visiting Pabala.
For the more adventurous, Pabala also offers a bee experience, where guests suit up, visit the hives, and even tap honey straight from the source.
Homegrown spirits and The Padstal Shop
To our delight, Pabala has its own gin and vodka distillery on the property. Locally produced and beautifully bottled, these spirits reflect the flavour of the land—smooth, fragrant, and unique.
You can shop these in The Padstal Shop, along with their 100% raw honey, Pabala-branded merchandise, and other local treats.
Flavours and heartfelt conversations
That evening, we enjoyed a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the talented Chef Zelda. Every dish was full of flavour, beautifully presented, and just what you need after a day in the wild.
I was also pleasantly surprised to see Vida Mineral Water at each guest’s place setting—a thoughtful touch that shows how much care goes into the guest experience. Locally produced in Jeffrey’s Bay, it contains all 84 essential minerals and trace elements from a 100% natural source to keep you hydrated throughout your stay. A small detail, but one I really appreciated.
The evening was made even more memorable by our host, Wernich Cronje, the passionate owner of Pabala. His laughter is contagious, and his dedication to the reserve is deeply inspiring. It felt less like a formal dinner and more like being welcomed into someone’s home.
Game drive wonders, wildlife views and crisp morning air
The next morning, we set off on a game drive led by our incredible guide, Biza. His knowledge, calm energy, and jaw-dropping driving skills took us through the hills and valleys of the reserve. We passed the furnished tented camps, ideal for nature lovers, and the bush boma, perfect for braais and private events.
During our game drive, we saw a rich variety of wildlife including zebras, giraffes, ostriches, golden wildebeests, kudus, nyalas, springboks, blesbokke, duikers, bushbuck, waterbuck, impalas, and even the elusive mountain reedbuck—all roaming freely through the stunning Eastern Cape landscape. For bird lovers, Pabala is a paradise, with species flitting between indigenous trees and wide-open skies.
The drive culminated in a picnic at a breath-taking viewpoint, overlooking citrus farms and valleys below. Our basket was filled with tasty treats, and a steaming cup of coffee in the crisp morning air was the cherry on top.
Hospitality that feels like home
From our arrival to our departure, the Pabala team made us feel like family. Thank you to Denica Taljaard (COO), Werner Heyns (General Manager), and Memory Chidembo (Front Office) for ensuring everything ran seamlessly. Their care and professionalism reflect the values that make Pabala such a special place.
More than a conference venue: A place with soul
Pabala is ideal for conferences, team-building getaways, and private functions—but more than that, it’s a destination where you can reconnect with nature, breathe clean air, and experience genuine human connection.
With activities ranging from guided nature walks, game drives, honey tastings, and local gin/vodka tastings, there’s something for everyone. But what truly sets Pabala apart?
The People.
At The Obvious Choice, we believe that people make places—and the Pabala team is the heartbeat of this nature reserve. Their warmth, authenticity, and commitment to service make this more than just a getaway. It’s a memory, an experience, and a feeling you’ll carry long after you’ve left.
Looking for a place that’s scenic, soulful, and sustainably run? Pabala Private Nature Reserve is your obvious choice. For more behind-the-scenes footage, follow Pabala on Instagram and like their page on Facebook.
Until next time,
Deidré
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