The valley of the Gamtoos River in South Africa's malaria-free Eastern Cape is the western gateway to the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area. Less than one hour's drive from Port Elizabeth and even less from Jeffrey's Bay, a short way from the village of Patensie, there lies a tranquil bush camp in thick indigenous forest offering tented accommodation - Tia Ghee. Tia Ghee is catered and fully equipped so as to make it as straightforward an experience as possible.

Tia Ghee is the Khoi for "secluded" and no word could describe it better. Although less than three and a half kilometers from the tar road, this bush camp is in such forested terrain at the foothills of the Elandsberge that you could be in the middle of nowhere if it was not so conveniently located.

In this natural forest the only sounds to be heard are the birds calling, the breeze rustling the leaves of the trees, occasionally the distant bark of a baboon and the chuckling of the stream which runs right through the camp (when there has been rain).

All sorts of life are abundant here. The emerald spotted wood dove is frequently heard, the Knysna loerie may sometimes be spotted feeding on the fruits of the trees and forest buzzards are almost certain to be seen, to name just a few. Impala, nyala, and caracal also inhabit the forest and keen eyes can sometimes spot a bushbuck, even on the very fringes of the camp itself.

Those who enjoy South African trees and wildflowers will enjoy exploring the forest with its Yellowwood, Wild Fig, Forest Eelder, Stinkwood, Sneezewood, Cape Ash, Wild olive, Plumbago and many more.

This is the place to come if you enjoy peace and tranquillity and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With no cell phone coverage, you can't be disturbed by your phone or anyone else's.

Tia Ghee is also ideal as a stopover on your way to or from the Baviaanskloof. (For a virtual tour of the Baviaanskloof, visit www.baviaanskloof.za.cx.)

For team building or a "bosberaad" with a difference, Tia Ghee makes the ideal setting for up to 25 persons.

Activities

Apart from relaxing and simply wandering through the forest studying the indigenous trees and plants or birding, there is a hiking trail leading to a waterfall which takes about one and a half hours. (The waterfall is dependent on recent rainfall and can not be guaranteed to be in spate.)

Mountain bikes can also use this trail.

The Gamtoos River valley, in addition to being picturesque, is a productive farming area. If you are interested in seeing citrus or potato farming close-up, excursions can be arranged on week-days only, of course.

There is a challenging 4x4 route of about three hours' duration not far away. A vehicle with low range is recommended for this and we suggest that it is best undertaken as part of an organised 4x4 tour excursion.