Wilge River Bush Camp is a camping and caravan site on the banks of the Wilge River in the Bronkhorstspruit area of Gauteng, just over an hour from Pretoria and under two hours from Randburg. There are no chalets here: this is camping, deliberately and well, on grassed stands with shade, each with its own braai stand and a view of either the river or the surrounding hills.

The camp is laid out for privacy. Stands are generously sized and separated, with power boxes between them (bring a blue camping plug and a long extension), a water point at each site and rubbish bins provided. Three ablution blocks serve the camp: two smaller ones on the outer edges and a large central block with separate ladies' and men's bathrooms, several toilets and showers, two baths in the ladies' side and a scullery at the back for all campers.

Two lapa areas look out over the river, one open and one enclosed with a table tennis table. Beside them is a large swimming pool with a smaller kiddies' pool, and three braai areas just past the pools that are perfect for a picnic overlooking the water. There is a big open space for children to ride bikes, play ball and fly kites, fishing in the river, and tubes available for the river or the pool. Non-motorised boats and paddle boards are welcome, launching by the bridge.

For birders this is a serious destination. The camp keeps a checklist, based on the BirdLife South Africa Checklist of Birds 2023, running to **409 species recorded on the property**, of which **34 are Red Data species**: 7 Endangered, 16 Near Threatened and 11 Vulnerable. Grey Crowned Crane, Blue Crane, Martial Eagle, Black Harrier, African Marsh Harrier, Cape Vulture, Secretarybird, African Finfoot, Southern Bald Ibis, Denham's Bustard, African Grass Owl and Half-collared Kingfisher are all on the list, which the camp publishes in full alongside a dedicated Red Data list.

Please note the camp opens on selected dates only: the last weekend of every month, long weekends and school holidays. There is no wifi, which is rather the point, and pets are welcome free of charge.