Single-parent travel is not for the faint-hearted. It’s never a good thing to be outnumbered by small folk with big opinions – but away from home, it can be nothing short of terrifying! All kidding aside, there’s managing the logistics, shopping, packing and planning, all of which can be a strain on one’s pocket and peace of mind.
Which is why I was absolutely delighted when I came across the Single Parent Special while scrolling on the AfriCamps website – pay for myself, kids stay free. “Oh, hallo, hallo!”…I thought, “what’s this?”
And what “this” is, guys, is glamping – glamorous camping with good linens, comfy beds, great Wi-Fi, a fully kitted kitchen, brilliant showers with plenty of hot water, an indoor fireplace and a deck with views for days.
Made accessible and affordable to those of us managing on one income! “Hooray – where do I sign?”
When glamping at AfriCamps, you take the minimum – no pots, pans, cutlery, bedding, towels required – just clothes, toiletries, food and a couple of board games and hey presto, it’s a holiday!
Then there are those four magic words that just seal the deal: “wood-fired hot tub.”
“Well, someone’s thinking!” I muttered to myself. (Single parents do a lot of that.)
“And they’re thinking of people like me – an oftentimes frazzled mamma bear, who needs a bit of comfort and a mod con or two to maintain her sanity when travelling with two wriggly rascals!” It didn’t take me long to choose our destination either – the Cederberg over the winter months, with the first of the wild flowers budding, called our names – so to AfriCamps at de Pakhuys we headed. Rocks, daisies and blue skies beckoned, not to mention the idea of soaking for hours in warm water beneath the biggest skyload of stars.
Packing Tips
Don’t overdo it. You need less than you think. Especially clothes. Keep it simple. Most of what you need is there. And trust me, you’ll spend a lot of time in your cozzie!
Take fewer clothes, but be sure to save boot space for dry wood and fire starters – in the form of fynhout. While all AfriCamps locations have shops that sell wood, because of the demand, you cannot be sure it’s as dry as you’ll like it. And wet wood when you’re trying to get a fire going has the same effect on the human psyche as too-slow internet. Lots of blitz and dry wood, baby! You’ll thank me.
Save even more space (and sanity) by booking cook-your-own breakfast and/or braai baskets – (I used girl math, so handy) – calculating that the money one saves on the single parent discount can go towards these awesome hampers that kit you out with full meals – a range of breads, meats, salads, cheese etc. The braai basket at AfriCamps at de Pakhuys came with boerie and succulent lamb chops, three salads, fresh rosemary, lemons and roosterkoek, plus marshmallows! Such a treat. The breakfast basket had enough bacon for ten men (okay, I exaggerate, but there was a lot!) Plus eggs, mini pork bangers, Ouma bread, jam, grated cheese, yoghurt, muesli, fruit and croissants!
What to Do and See
Every AfriCamps has wonderful natural attractions, and de Pakhuys is no exception. There is also a lot to see and do en route and in the surrounding area. Here are our three top picks:
What a great source of sights and information – our impromptu museum guide, Herschel Janjies, who manned the entry desk on the day we visited, regaled us with stories and information about the history of rooibos tea, the Khoisan, the endangered Clanwilliam Cedar tree, and the life and accomplishments of C. Louis Leipoldt (basically an German-Afrikaans Renaissance man, who grew up in the region, and whose grave you’ll spot on the pass just before you get to de Pakhuys). My children, who are 9 and 11, loved Herschel’s tour, and were especially impressed that he’d learnt a few sentences in !Xam – an extinct San language.
Located just 5 km from AfriCamps at de Pakhuys – if you drive towards Ceres, is Traveller’s Rest, the starting point for an incredible hike that takes you to nine indigenous rock art sites created between 200 and 6000 years ago by San hunter-gatherers. The trail winds its way along the banks of the Brandewijn (Brandy) river to rocky outcrops with paintings of animals and people created by South Africa’s first nation peoples. It’s really something not to be missed – and if you take it easy, pack plenty of snacks and water, I’d say children from six and up could manage the 5-kilometre trail with ease. Give yourself between 2-3 hours to complete the route. Totally worth it.
3. Waterfall Hike at de Pakhuys
AfriCamps at de Pakhuys lies deep in the heart of Rocklands, a part of the Cederberg that’s a world-class destination for a form of climbing known as ‘bouldering’. Wherever you go, you’ll see (usually young 20-somethings) wandering around with mattresses on their backs like human tortoises – heading into the hills to clamber the craggy outcrops that surround you. But for those of us who just fancy a walk in nature, I’d recommend the waterfall walk as your best bet. It meanders through some epic scenery, and while it has some tricky sections, the magnificent waterfall makes it worth it. It’s really a spectacular experience and takes about an hour there and back.
The Hot Tub for the Win
For the most part – get that wood-fire for your tub started asap, and the earlier the better. To manage expectations, be aware that it takes anywhere from 2-4 hours to get comfortably warm in winter and you need to feed the fire well to get temperatures up and to maintain them. But once you’ve got that water just the way you like it – don’t go anywhere. Just lounge and splash the hours away – making sure your children bring you a cold drink every few hours – you’ve earned it. Cheers to that – and the Single Parent Special!
How to Book the AfriCamps Single Parent Special:
With AfriCamps’ Single Parent Special, kids can stay FREE when joining single parents on their glamping getaways. Fully equipped tents offer the best of both worlds: cosy little comforts and outdoor adventures galore that tick all the boxes on your child’s getaway wish list.
At AfriCamps, we understand the value of making the most out of South Africa’s public holidays, and we’re here to help you do just that! We know how busy life can get, and it’s all too easy for those long weekends to sneak up on us without a plan in place. But fear not, because we’ve got your back. We’ve hacked the 2024 holiday calendar to provide you with the ultimate guide to turning those public holidays into unforgettable glamping getaways.
March, April & May: The Holy Grail of Public Holidays in SA
21 March – Human Rights Day | 29 March – Good Friday | 1 April – Family Day
Take just 1 day’s leave on 22 March, and voila, you’ve got yourself a 4-day getaway! Or if you’re feeling extra adventurous, why not take 5 days’ leave on 22 and 25-28 March for 12 days of glamping? The school holiday starts 21 March and ends on 2 April, so this is the perfect time to put those leave days to use and enjoy a family holiday.
27 April – Freedom Day | 1 May – Workers Day
Sneak in 2 days’ leave on 29 and 30 April, and you have a well-deserved 5-day break. Add another 2 leave days on 2 and 3 May, and enjoy a 9-day holiday.
June, August & September: Cosy Weather, Spring Flowers, and Braai Day
16 June – Youth Day (observed Monday 17 June)
Take 4 days’ leave on 18-21 June, and treat yourself to a cosy 9-day holiday. With schools closed between 15 June and 8 July, these 9 days are perfect if you want to enjoy a getaway with the kids.
9 August – National Women’s Day
Grab 4 days’ leave on 5-8 August, and you’ve got yourself 9 days of glamping.
24 September – Heritage Day
Take 1 day’s leave on 23 September for a 4-day escape or secure a 9-day holiday by adding another 3 days’ leave on 25-27 September. With the schools closing on 21 September and starting back on 1 October, these couple of leave days have family holiday written all over it.
December: South Africa’s Favourite Month
16 December – Day of Reconciliation | 25 December – Christmas Day | 26 December – Day of Goodwill | 1 January 2025 – New Year’s Day
Ready for a festive season to remember? Take 3 days’ leave on 23, 24, and 27 December, and unwrap a 9-day holiday. Want to prolong the festivities? Add 2 more leave days on 30 and 31 December, and extend your holiday to a glorious 12 days.
Don’t let those precious public holidays slip away without making the most of them. Whether you’re craving a quick weekend escape or looking for an extended adventure, AfriCamps is here to make it happen. Check our availability now and book your glamping adventure here.
Spring in Cape Town welcomes the onset of longer, warmer days and a treasure trove of wildflowers. Every year, in August and September, thousands flock to the Cape West Coast region for this breathtaking natural phenomenon. The journey stretches from Cape Town all the way north to Namaqualand, and inland to areas like the Biedouw Valley. Luckily for Capetonians, the spectacular Biedouw Valley is located near the Northern Cederberg’s Pakhuis Pass and is only a scenic 3-hour drive away. Even luckier, AfriCamps at de Pakhuys, Cederberg is located in the heart of it all, so we’ve got your wildflower accommodation sorted! Gear up for a wildflower expedition from Cape Town to the Biedouw Valley with our nifty wildflower guide.
The blooming Biedouw Valley
Travelling east from Clanwilliam, traverse the remarkable Pakhuis Pass, and you’ll reach the Biedouw Valley enclosed by the Biedouw Mountains to the north and the Tra-Tra Mountains to the south. After the winter rains, a myriad of wildflowers bloom, blanketing the landscape with nemesias, lachenalias, babiana and ixias – or the orange, yellow, white, and blue spring flowers as we know them.
Photo: Clanwilliam Tourism
When to go
Mid-August to mid-September usually presents the most stunning wildflower displays, however flowers can be seen as early as late July, and into October, depending on the winter rains.
Where to stay
Located 30 minutes’ drive from Clanwilliam and nestled amidst vineyards and striking rock formations in the Agter-Pakhuis Valley, AfriCamps at de Pakhuys, Cederberg is the ideal spot for your wildflower adventure. Here, you’re not only observing the wildflowers; you’re staying amidst them. Relax and unwind in your fully equipped boutique glamping tent with breathtaking views of colourful blooms stretching towards the Pakhuis Mountains. Enjoy creature comforts like a private outdoor wood-fired hot tub, indoor fireplace, luxurious extra-length queen-sized beds, a spacious rain shower, and air conditioning.
How to get there and stops en-route
From Cape Town to AfriCamps at de Pakhuys
The quickest route to AfriCamps at de Pakhuys is via the N7, passing through Clanwilliam and the Pakhuis Pass, but we suggest taking some scenic detours to stop and smell the wildflowers, and savouring something yummy while you’re at it.
West Coast National Park (Via R27)
An hour’s drive from Cape Town, this is a perfect spot for lunch and to stretch your legs. In August and September, the Park is vibrant with colourful wildflowers when it opens the normally restricted Postberg section to day visitors. Not only will you see the remarkable flowers, but you’ll also steal glimpses of migrating whales along the coastline. The Park offers lovely picnic and braai spots overlooking the Langebaan Lagoon or the coast. Alternatively, the Geelbek Restaurant serves a range of traditional dishes. West Coast National Park Visitor Brochure.
Desert Rose Farm Stall, Piketberg (Via N7)
This charming stopover is located between Moorreesburg and Piketberg, right at the N7’s Koringberg turn-off. A gateway to destinations like the West Coast, Cederberg, and Namaqualand, this farm stall is a traveller’s delight on the Cape Town – Namibia route. Complete with a gift and convenience shop, as well as a restaurant offering both dine-in and takeaway options, Desert Rose is an excellent lunch choice for those en route to the wildflowers.
Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West (Via R311)
Riebeek-Kasteel and Riebeek West are small towns offering a vibey atmosphere and a number of award-winning olive and wine farms to explore. This route is a delightful detour if you prefer a circle route and want to see more of the region. One of our favourites is the family-friendly open-air Kringe Inni Bos restaurant located on Kloovenburg Wine and Olive Estate. Another popular culinary gem is The Barn, offering a scenic backdrop of the Riebeek Valley.
Photo: Kloovenburg Wine and Olive Estate
Where to view the wildflowers during your stay
Pakhuis Pass
As you make your way over the Pakhuis Pass, the intricate rock formations give way to the open vistas of the Agter-Pakhuis Valley. The contrast between the rugged mountains and the softness of the spring flowers is truly remarkable to see. Here you’ll also find AfriCamps at de Pakhuys where 10 boutique glamping tents await amongst a plethora of wildflowers.
AfriCamps at de Pakhuys, Cederberg
AfriCamps at de Pakhuys boasts two established hiking trails meandering through sandstone boulders and wildflowers on the farm. The Waterfall Trail is a moderate 6 km trail along the banks of the Brandewyn River down into a nearby kloof where the river plummets 500 metres into the Karoo basin, resulting in lovely waterfalls, rapids, and astounding rock formations. ‘Die Plaat’ Trail is a moderate hike along a Jeep track. The hike takes approximately 2 hours but can be adjusted for those who feel like a shorter walk and offers elevated views of the surrounding mountains and valley, which are particularly exquisite to witness during spring.
Ramskop Wildflower Garden
These gardens contain a variety of more than 350 species of cultivated wildflowers. The walks on the laid-out paths through the garden also offer a beautiful view over the Clanwilliam Dam and of the Cederberg Mountains. Enjoy the short hiking trail from the flower garden to the dam wall.
Photo: Clanwilliam Tourism
Clanwilliam Dam
Clanwilliam Dam, set against the backdrop of the Cederberg mountains, offers a vibrant foreground of wildflowers. With inviting braai and picnic areas, it’s an ideal spot for family outings with captivating views. The dam is also a popular spot known for water-based activities like swimming, waterskiing, and stand-up paddling. Anglers are in for a treat too, with the dam known as a prime location for small-mouth bass fishing.
Photo: Clanwilliam Tourism
Wuppertal Village
A visit to the historic Wuppertal offers a rare window into a village of the early 1800s. The village seems to have gotten lost in time, consisting of quaint thatched cottages portraying the Cape Dutch style. This beautiful missionary village southeast of Clanwilliam will take you on a winding journey through 75 km of breathtaking scenery where wildflowers enclose the landscape.
Clanwilliam Wildflower Show
In August, the Clanwilliam Wildflower Show showcases local flora replanted inside the town’s historic Dutch Reformed Church, allowing locals and visitors to appreciate its diversity and beauty. This ten-day show running from the last week of August transforms the church into a kaleidoscope of floral activity.
Date: 25 August – 3 September 2023 Open daily: 08h30 to 17h30 Entrance fees: Adult – R70 | Pensioner – R50 | Child – R10
Photo: Clanwilliam Wildflower Show
While you’re there – Other activities in the area
Sevilla Rock Art Hiking Trail & Traveller’s Rest
The easy 5 km walk on Traveller’s Rest Farm takes you past nine San rock art sites while following the Brandewyn River offering insight into ancient San culture. During spring, the wildflowers bring even further depth of beauty to this historically rich experience. Permits for the Sevilla Trail can be obtained from the Traveller’s Rest farmstall. Don’t miss lunch at their restaurant including traditional fare like Eland stew, Bobotie, Chicken Curry, Mac Cheese Burgers, Sandwiches, and other delicious South African favourites.
Alpha Excelsior Wine Farm
Visit Alpha Excelsior and taste their Rugged Rocks wine range made by hand and learn about this traditional winemaking method. Additionally, guests can sample Alpha Excelsior’s extra virgin olive oil, produced from hand-picked olives brined and bottled on the farm. As you explore, the wildflowers around the farm add to the ambiance. Weekday tastings must be booked in advance. On weekends, tastings are held at the Hen House from 10h00 to 16h00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Velskoendraai
Velskoendraai is situated at the entrance to Clanwilliam. The innovative menu features seasonal dishes elevated by fresh produce. Stop for breakfast, Roosterkoek, and traditional dishes like Tripe, Waterblommetjie-bredie and Whole Lamb neck. This is a great option for families offering a play area for the kids. And while indulging in their mouthwatering meals, don’t miss out on the surrounding wildflowers that add a touch of nature’s magic to your dining experience.
Photo: Veldskoendraai
Rooibos Tea Tasting
With the Cederberg being the only place on the planet where rooibos grows naturally, it is only fitting to learn more about this beloved beverage at a tea tasting. House of Rooibos, offers a variety of 13 different rooibos and honey-bush teas are available in the tearoom and tea garden, along with rooibos cappuccinos, milkshakes, iced teas, and ice creams. Rooibos Tea House stocks over 100 rooibos blends and flavours which range from natural, herbal, fruity, and sweet, to green, spicy and floral. These are all available for both tasting and purchase.
Photo: Clanwilliam Tourism
Whether it’s your love for nature, history, or cuisine that drives you, Cederberg promises a wealth of experiences. Start planning by booking your glamping stay at AfriCamps at de Pakhuys here.
Every dog lover knows that vacations are always better with our furry friends by our side. And what’s better than a glamping getaway where you can enjoy all of life’s little luxuries PLUS an adventure with your canine companion in the great outdoors!? From the rugged Cederberg Mountains and warm hospitality of the Karoo to the pristine plains of Oudtshoorn and the tranquil vineyards of Stanford, AfriCamps boasts four captivating locations where both you and your furry friend can revel in outdoor adventures.
AfriCamps at de Pakhuys, Cederberg: The perfect place to paws and relax
Nestled in the captivating Cederberg Mountains against the backdrop of striking rock formations, AfriCamps at de Pakhuys offers a tranquil escape for dog parents and an outdoor adventure for doggos. Open spaces provide dogs with ample freedom to roam and bask in the fresh mountain air. While their humans soak in the scenic beauty of the rugged landscape and ancient San rock art, their pups can delight in the myriad of natural sights and scents that surround them.
AfriCamps at Karoo 1, Hex Valley: Dog-friendly glamping 2 hours from Cape Town
AfriCamps at Karoo 1, located on a farm in the Hex River Valley, boasts 13 boutique glamping tents that are nestled in a beautiful, rugged landscape softened by Karoo shrublands. The picturesque farm and intricate rock faces make for magnificent views, best enjoyed from the outdoor wood-fired hot tubs next to each tent. Doggos and their humans are welcomed by Benji, the goodest boy and resident doggo who gives guests the first taste of the warm Karoo hospitality they will experience during their stay. Bring along your favourite adventure buddy and come and explore the stunning property along our many hiking and MTB trails!
AfriCamps at Stanford Hills, Stanford: Paw-some since day 1!
With a dog-friendly onsite restaurant and tasting room, and loads of outdoor activities, AfriCamps at Stanford Hills in Stanford has been welcoming pets since day one. This camp perfectly combines delicious food and wine with nature and the great outdoors. Even better, furry family members can join in on all of the fun! Some of our four-legged guests’ favourite activities on the farm include hiking trails on the fynbos and protea-covered farm, running along on mountain biking trails, having a splash in the farm dam, accompanying their humans on fishing trips, and if they’re lucky, snatching a piece of braai meat when no-one’s watching.
AfriCamps Klein Karoo, Oudtshoorn: A glamping adventure with man’s best friend
AfriCamps Klein Karoo is situated on an authentic working ostrich farm just outside Oudtshoorn. Our fully equipped dog-friendly glamping tents are surrounded by the arid landscape of the Karoo and breathtaking views of the Swartberg Mountain range. Rufus, our resident doggo (and quite a legend among our guests) is the number one doggy explorer of our camp and we can certainly say – he approves! With loads of space to run freely, your dog can now accompany you to this pristine setting. After a day of tail-wagging fun, settle down next to the braai and soak up the extraordinary views while enjoying the company of your best friend!
Plan on visiting one of our dog-friendly camps with your doggo? Kindly note we allow one dog per tent by prior arrangement. Please let us know if your pup will be joining you by sending an email to hello@africamps.com.
Oscar, Linda, and their two kids Jonah and Milou, better known as Onze Rondreis, are making their way across South Africa. After spending 30 days exploring The Mother City and its surroundings, this travelling family set out for the N1 on a road trip to Johannesburg. Of course, a small detour to AfriCamps Klein Karoo along the way was an opportunity they could not pass up. Read all about their glamping adventure in the uniquely South African town of Oudtshoorn.
From Cape Town via the magnificent route 62, we travelled to a quiet village called Oudtshoorn. At the heart of the Klein Karoo, we stayed in a boutique glamping tent with a dam in our backyard and amazing views of the mountains. While the children went to the playground just behind the tent, we had our first drink on the deck and enjoyed the amazing sunset.
AfriCamps Klein Karoo is a spacious camp with 12 glamping tents, each boasting views of the dam. There is a small playground, a large pool, and a small pool for the little children. The hospitality at the camp is great! While checking in, the host gave us the tent next to the play area (a different tent than we were assigned) so that our children could visit the playground by themselves, fantastic! Small snacks and drinks are available at reception while bottled water, which you can fill up at the reception, is provided in the tent.
We arrived quite late and decided to have dinner at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge Restaurant, a 5-minute drive from the camp. This was also recommended by our host AfriCamps. What a great place! While eating the most delicious burger (or of course other mains), you can hear the honks of hippos. The game lodge also has three elephants (unfortunately, we didn’t get to see them). This is definitely a place you have to go when you’re staying at AfriCamps!
In Oudtshoorn, there are a lot of activities, depending on your preferences. During our stay, we went on a tour at the Safari Ostrich Farm during which we rode on a tractor with a guide. It was fun for both the children and adults and really informative. Before or after the tour you can enjoy the lovely meals while the children have fun at the playground.
Back at the tent, our braai baskets, which we ordered at the reception, were delivered. They included lovely pieces of meat, delicious bread with garlic butter, and two different homemade salads. Of course, we also had some marshmallows for the children! When it started to get cold and late, the children fell asleep in their warm beds (preheated with electrical blankets). With a glass of wine and the wood stove on, it was the perfect end to the day. Tip: in the evenings, go outside and enjoy the darkness. There are so many stars, and if you look around with a flashlight, you might see some impalas or elands walking in front of your tent!
The next morning when we woke up, our breakfast baskets were delivered. With some bread, yoghurt, fruit, muesli, eggs, bacon, sausages, milk, and orange juice, it was a luxury to start the day!
After breakfast, we went to the Cango Caves. During an hour-and-a-half-long tour, we wandered through the caves, 600 meters deep, and visited six chambers. This tour was both informative and fun! The children could walk and explore the caves by themselves! Nice tip: don’t bring jackets, it’s warm and humid, so no need for extra clothes.
After all, we loved our visit to AfriCamps Klein Karoo, the perfect place to relax and enjoy your favourite activities.
Take advantage of our 3-night specials and save R500 on your next AfriCamps adventure. For more information or to book your stay at AfriCamps Klein Karoo, click here. Interested in visiting one of the 13 AfriCamps locations? Click here to learn more.
The last year at AfriCamps has been jam-packed with camp expansions, and we just love seeing our camps grow. In the last year alone we have added 21 tents to our existing camps!
We started our expansion journey in 2020 with three new tents (with outdoor wood-fired hot tubs) at AfriCamps at Stanford Hills on the renowned wine and protea farm, Stanford Hills Estate, and in 2020 two more tents followed. Our guests’ favourite family-fun river resort just outside Swellendam, AfriCamps at Kam’Bati was soon to follow and has now expanded to 13 tents – becoming the largest AfriCamps location in the country. That is, until our next expansion is complete: AfriCamps at Doolhof in Wellington. Yep, you asked and we listened! AfriCamps at Doolhof in Wellington is expanding from six to 16 tents later this year.
What to expect from our new boutique glamping tents?
You can look forward to all the luxuries you have come to know and love from AfriCamps. As per usual, each glamping tent is equipped with a spacious wooden deck looking out onto the surrounding landscape, an open-plan living and dining area with an indoor fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen. Our tents comfortably sleep up to five guests in two bedrooms with direct access to a shared en suite bathroom. There is an extra-length queen-size bed in each bedroom as well as an extra single bunk bed in one of the bedrooms. The spacious bathroom has a large rain shower that many a guest has returned for. Each tent has an air conditioner and there are electric blankets on all the beds. All new tents also boast our iconic private outdoor wood-fired hot tubs.
AfriCamps at Doolhof, Wellington
Only a short hour’s drive from Cape Town and situated on the esteemed Doolhof Wine Estate, it’s not difficult to see why guests often have to book months in advance to secure a weekend spot here. Good news: With 10 new tents, the camp will more than double in size allowing more guests to experience the camp. More good news: We will maintain the boutique glamping feeling by building the new tents in a separate section on the farm.
AfriCamps at Doolhof is the perfect glamping destination for a weekend escape into nature. Located beneath the historic Bainskloof Pass and at the foothills of the Groenberg Mountain Range, the camp is surrounded by picturesque views of mountains and vineyards where the soothing sounds of the Kromme River fill the air. Families can enjoy strolling through the beautifully kept vineyards on a 5 km vineyard hike while the kids peddle along on their mountain bikes. Wellington is well-known for its mountain biking trails, a few of which start on Doolhof Wine Estate. Guests can also choose from a selection of spa treatments that can be enjoyed from the comfort and privacy of their tents. Of course, no stay at AfriCamps at Doolhof would be complete without visiting the tasting room to sample some of the estate’s award-winning wines.
Building will commence soon – keep an eye on our website and social platforms for updates!
On 11 June 2021, the AfriCamps at Kam’Bati team welcomed the first guests to stay in our 100th AfriCamps boutique glamping tent in South Africa! This incredible milestone followed the expansion of AfriCamps at Kam’Bati where eight new tents, each with a private outdoor wood-fired hot tub, were built. Our eight new tents have magnificent views over the farm and farm dams, with the Breede River and an array of resort activities beckoning for adventure in the distance.
Enjoy your morning cuppa while the farm’s geese and ducks parade between the tents. In the winter months, you may catch a glimpse of snow on the Langeberg Mountains, and between July and September, the bright yellow canola blooms steal the show. No matter the time of year, the new and improved AfriCamps at Kam’Bati is a treat to the senses. (Even the breakfast and braai baskets received an upgrade!)
The first AfriCamps location to grow with five new tents was AfriCamps at Stanford Hills. Not only did we build new tents, but the new tents each have a private outdoor wood-fired hot tub right next to them. Just like the original tents, two of the new tents boast views of the beautiful Stanford Valley and farm dam from their elevated decks, and three of the new tents (on ground level), overlook the mountains, densely covered with endemic fynbos. These three tents each have their own little lawn, perfect for kids to play and explore.
Situated on the acclaimed Stanford Hills Wine Estate and only a two-hour drive from Cape Town, this boutique glamping camp forms part of our Cape Winelands glamping route. Guests can choose between a relaxing break sipping on estate wine (the Pinotage is a must), and sampling delicious platters at the onsite restaurant, or opt for an adventurous getaway for the whole family. The scenic hiking and mountain biking trails through fynbos-covered mountains and numerous opportunities for fishing, horse riding, whale watching, and swimming, draw families who love being active in the great outdoors to this camp. The best part…these activities can be enjoyed by the entire family, including the four-legged members!!
ALSO READ: Two pet-friendly AfriCamps – Stanford Hills and Klein Karoo
Over the past few months, AfriCamps guest, Chris Corbet stayed at every single AfriCamps Glamping Boutique property as he made his way across our beautiful country. Chris runs Kangela, a lifestyle brand for fellow travelers seeking adventure and discoveries. As with many of his previous adventures, Chris documented his journey on camera (check out his awesome videos on YouTube) and shared his experience at AfriCamps on his blog, Kangela Life, which is filled with exciting stories and stunning photography. Read about Chris’ AfriCamps experience below!
We recently embarked on a glamping road trip across South Africa, traveling from north to south, staying at all 11 AfriCamps properties along the way. Over 5000 kilometres in six weeks, visiting some of the most iconic places in the country. Starting from Hoedspruit, gateway to the Northern Kruger National Park. Hazyview, which offers incredibly close access to the Southern Kruger. Then on to Pongola in KwaZulu-Natal, the green and friendly Midlands Meander, and then down to the Western Cape. From bushveld, the big five, rolling green hills, mountains, and vineyards, this really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
AfriCamps at Hoedspruit, Greater Kruger
The AfriCamps property at Hoedspruit is located around 20 kilometres outside town, on the road to the Kruger, and is owned and managed by Louwjie and Monika Roux, third-generation owners of the property. A truly special place, with luxury tents, ranged along the banks of a large dam, all fully equipped and fitted. It’s the ideal spot to get the full camping experience close to nature and with easy access to Kruger Park for day visits.
The tents are right on the water, you can literally fish for bass or carp from your deck or while braaing. Not all AfriCamps properties have wood-fired hot tubs yet, but Hoedspruit does. Having experienced it, I can say with hand on heart that there is no better way of spending an evening than sitting in the warm water, watching the stars, which are just so much brighter out here, without urban lights to disturb the darkness.
Monika will gladly provide a braai or breakfast pack, and wood and basic supplies are available from the little shop at reception. There is also a really cool pub, “The Nyala”, which is a good spot to enjoy a cold beer while catching up on your email or Instagram. There was no mobile signal at our tent, but there is signal at the reception, and Wi-Fi as well (not that fast, but totally usable).
Mackers is just outside Hazyview, a mere 30-minute drive from the Phabeni Gate entrance to the Kruger Park, and is owned and managed by Ryan and Michelle McKain (The Mackers). A unique place, with glamping tents, ranged along the banks of the Sabie River, all fully equipped and fitted.
The camp itself is found down a fairly long driveway that winds its way through the incredibly lush green forest to the banks of the river and is a welcome sight after a long day driving or game viewing in the Kruger. Tents are as expected, equipped with everything you might need and are protected from the heat of the Lowveld days by massive old trees. If you are lucky the shy resident otter might even come and say hello.
We went on a hike along the river to a beautiful waterfall, such a pleasure to wander (sometimes it’s a bit of a climb though) through the forest, always accompanied by the sound of the river running over the rocks.
The main attraction in the area is of course the Kruger Park, which is an easy 30-minute drive, but the town of Hazyview also has some interesting restaurants. The property is a very convenient base for exploring the Panorama Route.
White Elephant Safaris is at Lake Jozini in the Northern KwaZulu-Natal Pongola Reserve, and it’s the most recent addition to AfriCamps. The property is 50 kilometres from the closest town, Pongola, and is built on a low hill overlooking the massive Lake Jozini. It’s the genuine African “bush” experience, with warthog, nyala, and other wildlife grazing right in front of the wooden deck. And, relaxing in the wood-fired hot tub, watching the sun set over the bush is a sight that you have to experience to appreciate.
There are 12 luxury tents, all with magnificent views over the unspoiled bush, towards Jozini and the mountains of Swaziland in the distance, all fully equipped and fitted. It’s the ideal spot to get the full wilderness experience, and a boat-based game viewing trip on the lake gets you in close touch with the creatures who call this lovely place home. If you get tired of braaing or cooking, nearby Nkwazi Lodge is a 10-minute drive from AfriCamps, where you can get an excellent meal, coffee and cake, or a sundowner.
Our stay at AfriCamps at Gowan Valley took place during a very rainy time, which is a pity, but it also gave us the opportunity to experience more “winter-like” glamping. At one time, I had three fires going, one in the wood-burning fire in the tent, one in the braai, and another for the hot tub.
Gowan Valley is in the heart of the KZN Midlands Meander route with its rolling green hills and endless views. With only five tents, it’s got a “special” feel about it, in an incredibly beautiful setting surrounded by rolling hills, forests, endless fields, and the swift-flowing Mpofana River. If you are into trout fishing, apparently the river is stocked with some decent fish, sadly I didn’t have my gear, so that will have to be for another visit. There is also an easy(ish) hike through the indigenous forest and along the banks of the river.
Owners Deanne, and Brett Bouwer farm Nguni Cattle and Golden Kiwis on the property, which is overlooked by the five AfriCamps tents. We were welcomed by the friendly and ever so helpful Tarryn, who warmly demonstrated the friendly hospitality for which the Midlands is so well known. Expect the two very friendly farm dogs to join you for a braai, they joined us on both nights we were at the camp, but they are very well behaved and don’t “expect” anything to fall off the table (or not much anyway).
Nestled in a hidden valley near The Crags, outside Plettenberg Bay, Ingwe is right up there for a spot as the most beautiful AfriCamps in the country. I honestly didn’t have high expectations for Ingwe, maybe that’s because I’m not a fan of Plettenberg Bay but was blown away by the sheer beauty of the place. The tents, situated high above the indigenous forest-covered valley below, have views to die for, and the red plastic wood-fired hot tub is a bit different to the ones we saw at other camps, it reminded us of a Le Creuset bowl 😉
There is a hiking trail on the farm called the “couch potato”, whoever named it is clearly quite fit because while not THAT hectic, there are a few pretty steep sections. But it’s very shady and takes you through some beautiful parts of the farm. For the more adventurous, try the Robberg Peninsula trail in Plett. We did the shorter, five kilometres route. If time and fitness allow, there is a longer route right to the end of the peninsula which is around 11 kilometres.
Plett has a pretty large selection of restaurants from which to choose if you want to go out for lunch or dinner. We went to Enrico’s, which is right on the beach at Keurbooms Strand and the food is out of this world. It opens for lunch at 12 midday, and by 10 minutes past the hour, it was already full. We were lucky to get a table, but I’d advise booking.
After experiencing the glamping lifestyle over the couple of weeks leading up to our stay at Oakhurst, I can say with sincerity that this is my new favourite way to spend a weekend. Oakhurst is a working dairy farm, quite a large one, at 640 hectares. There are a whole bunch of activities on the farm itself, and the surrounding area is well geared for visitors, with loads of ways of getting in touch with nature, and plenty of really good restaurants and pubs within really easy reach.
The farm is run by Jake Crowther and his wife Claire, sixth-generation descendants of the original purchaser, Henry Dumbleton. It’s been in the family for six generations or 180 years.
Apart from walks on the farm itself, and fishing for bass in the large farm dam, there is also a wide choice of forest, beach, and mountain walks in the area. We did a short walk through an indigenous forest to the Big Tree, which is a couple of km from the farm. The Big Tree itself is a massive Outeniqua Yellowwood, estimated to be over 800 years old. That would make the tree already 200 years old when Joan of Arc was giving the English a hard time, 300 years old when Henry VIII was giving his wives a hard time, and 400 years old when Jan Van Riebeeck arrived at the Cape and gave the locals a hard time. For a history buff, it’s a huge privilege to sit under the tree and just imagine the history that has passed by during its lifetime.
Oudsthoorn is a town that always revolved around the ostrich industry, but these days it’s just got so much more to offer. From game viewing safaris, where the big five can be spotted, to the world-famous and unique Cango Caves, not to forget really good restaurants and wine estates. And the AfriCamps Klein Karoo property is really well placed to serve as a base for exploring this still relatively undiscovered region.
This was the very first AfriCamps that was launched in 2015, which has been the benchmark for all that’s followed. And I must say, these tents have really stood the test of time, the design hasn’t changed, because they got it so right the first time. And they are clearly robust because the condition of the tents at this camp is excellent. There’s a stunning pool (it was still a bit cold to swim when we stayed), and a kiosk where you can buy basics and a cold beer.
Just 16 km outside the Route 62 town of Robertson is the lovely Pat Busch Mountain Reserve. It’s a place of unsurpassed natural beauty, hidden away in a breathtakingly beautiful mountain valley. As a place to get away from the daily grind, spend your days hiking the mountain trails, fishing in the dam, or chilling by the pool, it’s all right here. And being only a couple of hours’ drive from Cape Town, it’s an easy weekend getaway in unspoiled nature.
Pat Busch is very much about solitude and reconnecting with nature, which is all around, and in abundance. But having said that, there is a decent Wi-Fi connection in most of the tents, for those who absolutely HAVE to stay connected. We were in #10, which is right at the end, so the connection wasn’t great, but that wasn’t an issue for us, when we had to connect, we took a walk down to the pool where there’s a strong signal.
Robertson has some great restaurants, we had an awesome lunch at Bourbon Street, a great vibe, excellent food and it was packed, so they must be doing something right. The area is home to some excellent wines as well, we just chilled and enjoyed the peace of the reserve, but wine lovers won’t be left wanting.
Doolhof Wine Estate is a short distance from the Cape Winelands town of Wellington, making it the closest AfriCamps property to Cape Town. There are six tents surrounded by beautiful vineyards, mountains, and clear mountain streams. The tents are somewhat closer together than the other camps, but even so, there is no sense of a lack of privacy. We stayed during the week, so there was only one other tent occupied, so it was like we had the place to ourselves anyway.
It’s home to some really excellent wines, grown and produced on the estate. An afternoon of wine tasting and food pairing is time well spent for wine lovers. I can say from first-hand experience, parking off in the hot tub on a warm summer evening, with a chilled glass of Doolhof Rosé (yes, I enjoy a Rosé), is hard to beat.
The stream that runs through the estate is well known with trout anglers for its wild brown trout, sadly I didn’t have my fly-fishing gear. Some really nice and easy walks along the river and through the vineyards are an excellent way of walking or exploring, and a visit to the labyrinth is worthwhile. In fact, the name of the estate comes from the fact that the original owners of the farm thought that the deep and hidden valleys seemed like a labyrinth, which is translated into Afrikaans as Doolhof.
The penultimate property on our long road trip from north to south was at Stanford Hills, on a boutique wine estate near the Southern Cape village of Stanford. It’s located roughly halfway between Hermanus and Gansbaai (most famous for its white shark diving). The farm is spread across the lower slopes of the Klein River mountain range, about two hours from Cape Town. Tents all overlook the farm dam, and while this camp didn’t have hot tubs when we visited, new tents were being erected which will be (or are by the time you read this) equipped with wood-fired hot tubs.
While there aren’t that many restaurants in the village of Stanford, you won’t go wrong at the Tasting Room restaurant on the farm, where you can enjoy amazing food, using all local ingredients, and enjoy wine grown and made on the farm. It’s child and dog friendly, a real family affair.
There’s lots to do in the area, fishing in the farm dam, hiking through the vineyards or mountains, shark or whale watching at Gansbaai, or the bustle of Hermanus. It’s no wonder that it’s a favourite with Capetonians for a weekend getaway.
Kam’Bati is on the banks of the Breede River, a few kilometres from Swellendam in the Western Cape. It was the last of 11 AfriCamps properties that we visited, and definitely one of our top three.
The weather wasn’t great, more like winter than early summer, but the surroundings and quality of the accommodation and facilities were outstanding. The property is very much geared for families, and also for traditional campers and those who prefer four solid walls, with the on-site chalets.
I can really recommend it, and it’s close (around two hours’ drive) to Cape Town too. The staff was so friendly and helpful, we found that in general, the Western Cape management, unlike further north, have a more hands-off approach, so it was refreshing to actually meet and interact with the guys and girls looking after the guests. This is a purely personal preference, I’m sure that many folks prefer to keep a distance in these times.
It’s got a bit more of a holiday “resort” kind of feel to it, with putt put (mini-golf), water slides for the kids, a very cool lounge and entertainment area, and a well-stocked shop. The AfriCamps tents are set aside from the family area, so privacy and peace, and quiet are no problem at all if that’s what you are looking for. I can well imagine that there could be quite a party vibe in less troubled times and over holidays.
Let’s face it, camping is one of those things that people either love or hate, there is very little middle ground. Glamping may be the answer. You can leave all your gear at home and still get the full camping experience. The smell of the canvas, the sound of the wind flapping the tent, the outdoor aspect but without the downsides of camping, like pitching a tent, trekking your dishes to the ablution block to wash up, sharing showers and communal cooking facilities, or sheltering from the rain in a tent or caravan.
Booking a tent is very easy through the AfriCamps website, with real-time availability and online payment with instant confirmation. And, checking in is also easy and contact-free, so if social distancing in style is what you are after, this will definitely work for you.
We traveled as guests of AfriCamps, who graciously offered our accommodation, with no strings attached. Other travel costs, food, drink, and excursions were at our own expense.
