Traveling with Kids Archives - Page 2 of 2 - AfriCamps Boutique Glamping South Africa

Launch of AfriCamps at Pat Busch

There is no doubt in our minds that Klaasvoogds Meander in Robertson holds some of the most exquisite hidden gems in South Africa. This becomes very apparent after you take the turnoff into the valley and drive up towards Pat Busch Mountain Reserve. Pat Busch is nestled between the beautiful Langeberg mountains and this is where you will find our third camp, AfriCamps at Pat Busch Mountain Reserve.

africamps boutique glamping south africa

On the 2nd of November, we launched the third camp in our Africamps collection. The day was a warm 36’ C and the sunshine brought with it the invitation of summer. Everyone arrived early afternoon and we headed off to Tent 5 for the welcome drinks and meet and greet.

Photo by : Morne Breede photography

This camp introduced an upgrade to the tents with regard to the extended deck and braai area. Which has already become a favourite among everyone who had previously seen the other tents at AfriCamps Klein Karoo and AfriCamps at Kam’Bati. The extended deck meant that we could house everyone on the deck for speeches and a toast.

Photo by : Morne Breede photography

Now that we have officially opened AfriCamps at Pat Busch, We had a chance to welcome Stephan and Lindi into the AfriCamps family. It was a 3 month period between the launch of AfriCamps at Kam’Bati in Swellendam which opened in August. Then the AfriCamps team headed off to Robertson to join Stephan and Lindi to start the build for this location. It’s quite amazing what they have achieved in such a short period of time. The tents fit naturally into the surrounded nature and have the charm of the mountain reserve embedded in the details. This can be seen in the consol solar hanging lights which lights up the pathway to the tents and the new deck design.

Stephan and Lindi Busch, your hosts at Africamps at Pat Busch Mountain Reserve.

Photo by : Morne Breede photography

After the toast, we walked over to the dam where we had a taste of the award-winning Marbrin olive oil. Marbrin Olive farm is another one of those hidden gems in the valley.

Photo by : Travel bug Rose

The dam played it’s part nicely as it invited everyone to take a dip and cool off. Some of the little ones were quite entertained and had fun dipping their toes into the water. The boat became a quick favourite of some of our guests who decided to try it out.

Photo by : Morne Breede photography

The free time before dinner gave guests the opportunity to take a dip in the swimming pool. While some took in the nature, with a quick walk around the property, others lazed back on the deck chairs and enjoyed the serene quietness of this idyllic place.

Photo credit: Mademoiselle Nomad

With each build, the Africamps team finds their favourite products and restaurants in each area that we set up. A standard for the last build was Saggy Stone beer, which has become an AfriCamps favourite. Jackie brought her range of beer for guests to try out and pick their favourite.

Photo by : Morne Breede photography

Dinner was held on the lawn by the pool with a long tresel table set out for the meal. A massive thank you to the Yoga Kitchen and Misa’s mobile catering for the delicious food. You both have catered to the foodie in us, with the spit braai and the delicious salads that accompanied it.

The rest of the evening …the Esona wine was flowing and the atmosphere was cheerful as we took in the beautiful sunset.

Photo by : Morne Breede photography

After a good night’s sleep we awoke to the nature sounds. Then breakfast baskets were delivered at the tents and the rest of the guests joined us at the hall for a delicious breakfast and coffee.

Photo credit: Mademoiselle Nomad

Overall this was another great launch which we got to share with great company. Thank you to all who joined us for the launch, we hope that you will be back to visit sometime. It was great to welcome you into the AfriCamps family.

Photo by : Morne Breede photography

Thank you Stephan, Lindi and the Pat Busch Team, The Yoga Kitchen, Breede Photography, Travel Bug Rose, Things to do with kids, Mademoiselle Nomad, Cape Town magazine, Madiba Travel, Saggy Stone, Marbrin Olive estate, Esona Wines, Weltevrede Bubbly, Misa’s mobile catering.

The Launch of AfriCamps at Kam’Bati

AfriCamps at Kam’Bati was launched with champagne and great company. Being the second location in our collection we have a great sense of pride as this one rolled around. As we edged closer to the launch date we saw the camp bloom with an upgrade to the design and our team’s adaptability with handling the new terrain much different from the rocky Klein Karoo. This new location brought with it, it’s own special charm and as you enter off the N2 and drive through the farm, the green pastures unveil a deep sense of relaxation. Depending on what time you arrive, you will have either the beautiful sun shining over these pastures or the beautiful sunset to welcome you to AfriCamps at Kam’Bati.

Entrance to Africamps at Kam’Bati Photo by Pieter Wolhüter, official photographer for LekkeSlaap.co.za and Travelground.com

The day started off with grey skies, which cleared up around 10am bringing through a gorgeous day. Our guested started arriving after 2pm and were welcomed with a glass of bubbly. Some got to explore on their own and others got a guided tour. A great collection of people stood around chatting and getting to know each other.

Perfect for toasts Photo by Pieter Wolhüter, official photographer for LekkeSlaap.co.za and Travelground.com

Cheers to the start of our second camp, AfriCamps at Kam’Bati Photo by Pieter Wolhüter, official photographer for LekkeSlaap.co.za and Travelground.com

This welcoming energy from new and old friends gave this special day the feeling of a family gathering. We loved having everyone over and were blessed again with a great bunch of people.

The team from AfriCamps Klein Karoo got to meet the new team from AfriCamps at Kam’Bati, and thus our AfriCamps family has now grown. Jaco, Deen, Liza and Tanja were the perfect hosts for this day, making everyone feel welcomed to their stunning property.

Jaco topping everyone up. Photo by Pieter Wolhüter, official photographer for LekkeSlaap.co.za and Travelground.com

After the glass or two of bubbly, some guests got to settle into the tents. We learnt that the only way to truly travel, especially for glamping, was to bring your own cooler box full of champagne. This is now the glamping standard thanks to Liza from Nosy Rosy and her bestie, Vanya. As the rest of our guests made their way to the conference area, one tiny guest got to test out the kiddies play area.

First welcome from AfriCamps at Kam’Bati. Photo by Pieter Wolhüter, official photographer for LekkeSlaap.co.za and Travelground.com

Living room, kitchen, dining room and woodstove at AfriCamps at Kam’Bati

Second bedroom – queen sized bed and single bunk bed above the queen. Both comes with comfy duvet, fluffy pillows and electric blankets. Photo by Pieter Wolhüter, official photographer for LekkeSlaap.co.za and Travelground.com

Tent on stilts for AfriCamps at Kam’Bati Photo by Pieter Wolhüter, official photographer for LekkeSlaap.co.za and Travelground.com

As the sun began to set the fire for the braai was lit and dinner was on it’s way. More drinks and one great speech by Jeroen, to thank all those involved in making this AfriCamps dream a success. It’s been 10 months since we launched AfriCamps Klein Karoo and we have had great reviews from guests who have stayed with us, such great reviews can only come from the welcoming hospitality from our hosts.

A wonderful speech by Jeroen AfriCamps at Kam’Bati

The evening continued much like the family braai with the young ones going to bed early, some turned in to enjoy a glass of wine by the fire in the tents and some, of course, stayed up celebrating until the early hours of the morning.

The morning started off with breakfast baskets delivered to the tents by Liza and Tanja. These fresh morning smiles helped set the pace for the day as people enjoyed the last few hours in the tent and around the property.

Breakfast baskets at AfriCamps at Kam’Bati – Fresh, wholesome and healthy. Photo by Pieter Wolhüter, official photographer for LekkeSlaap.co.za and Travelground.com

Breakfast is served at AfriCamps at Kam’Bati. Best enjoyed as you take in the morning view from the deck of your tent. Photo by Pieter Wolhüter, official photographer for LekkeSlaap.co.za and Travelground.com

To sum up this weekend, it was a joyous occasion with friends new and old who are now part of the AfriCamps family. AfriCamps at Kam’Bati is open for bookings which can be done through our website. So come along and check in with us and enjoy this new location and all of it’s charm.

A big thank you to all who made their way to AfriCamps at Kam’Bati for our launch.

Vanya enjoying the view. Photo by Liza Botha from Nosy Rosy

Our AfriCamps Team from Cape Town and Klein Karoo, Inge and Lourens from Cape Town Magazine ,Ankia Wolf and Pieter Wolhüter from Travelground/ Lekkerslaap, Liza and Vanya from Nosy Rosy, Amanda and Dave from Swellengram Media, Nicki and Allision from Swellendam Tourism, Trevor from Bulletin Media, Rikus and Loret from Lekkerkamplekker, Eloise Krige from Overberg Magazine, Stephanie from Two Feather horse trails and Max and Kat from Felix Unite River Adventures.

All bookings can be made via our website. Come sit back and relax with us at our new location.

Ostrich Farm Tours

Ostrich farm tours are famous for this region. The tours which run at AfriCamps are headed up by Laura and her team, on one of the largest Ostrich farms in South Africa.

We chatted to Laura to get the behind the scenes look at how it all got started and to find out a bit more about these birds.

When did you first start the Ostrich farm tours?

About 15 years ago, just after I met my husband. My mom in law asked me to show her guests at the B & B she was running at the time, the farm, as I speak German and Dutch.

How many Ostriches did you start with?

About 1000, and we now farm with over 25 000 birds, ages ranging from one day to about 15 years’ old.

Did you name them all?

No, we do not have so many names, to start with……

Do you or Piet have a favourite Ostrich?

We had a little dwarf female that grew to about half a metre, and then stopped… But unfortunately we had to kill her when bird flu was diagnosed on our farm about 6 years ago. All the birds had to be killed then, it was a very sad day. We had to start all over again.

Can you see different personalities in these birds?

Ostriches are very stupid animals. Their brains weigh about 40g, compared to the eye that weighs 60g! So you can just imagine. They stress very easily and they are frightened by the slightest noise or light. When thunder strikes, the just keep running around in circles like a chicken without a head. The breeding males are very aggressive; they do not allow anyone near them.

How old is the oldest Ostrich that you have?

Our breeding males are about 15 years old. We have one breeding pair on the farm, Jannie and Rosie, named after my mom and father in law. They are about 25 years old.

It basically says on Wikipedia that male ostriches’ have one true love. Is this true?

“Territorial males typically boom in defence of their territory and harem of two to seven hens;^[48] the successful male may then mate with several females in the area, but will only form a pair bond with a ‘major’ female.^[48]”

Yes, they say that ostriches mate for life. We have at least 2 females to each male, and they have to stay together on the farm. After the breeding season – Aug – April – they separate the males and females. They get a 4-month holiday, during which we harvest the feathers to export to Rio for the Carnival. Then we must make sure that the same males and females are put together again. They have tags on their necks to identify and help with this process.

Who takes care of the ostriches?

Japie Potgieter has worked on the farm with us for over 13 years. He knows everything there is to know about ostriches. When to pluck, vaccinate, feed, weigh etc. How many birds at any certain time on the farm – and he is responsible for about 10 000 of these birds! He has a team of dedicated workers (not everyone on the farm knows how to work with ostriches).

Ostrich Farm Tour Information

Witness first-hand how these large birds are plucked, fed, weighed, and how we raise these peculiar birds from day old to 12 months. On this 2-hour tour, you might have the opportunity to see them hatch and take their first breaths.

R250 per adult

R125 per child (6-12)

We have family packages available – please enquire.

Daily scheduled tours @ 9h00. Private tours (outside of the scheduled times) for smaller groups available on request.

Keep fit at AfriCamps Klein Karoo

While some of us need our weekends away to relax with a glass of wine in hand on the deck of a beautiful tent, there are those who are will gladly wake up at 6 am to keep fit. We have two trails at AfriCamps Klein Karoo which will give you the beautiful backdrop of nature while you run through a field of succulents and pass by buck lazily grazing on the property or use the deck to create your perfect yogi space.

Kaaimans Trail

Named after the dam on the property, the Kaaimans Trail is one for the whole family. Whether it’s an evening stroll that you are after, your morning jog or a quick mountain bike fix, you will get it all from this quaint trail.

This trail starts at Tent 5 and is approximately 700m. Perfect for taking young children on a nature walk. Use it as the perfect time to teach them about the Karoo plants and animals, as they double up on exercise and exploring.

The rest of the family can use this trail as a substitute for their gym time. Add in some of these workouts, Trail Fit: Full Body, No Equipment Necessary, Outdoor Workouts, to ensure you get your full exercise experience.

Springbuck Trail

The Springbuck trail is our more advanced trail that covers the whole farm. This one is for the more advanced mountain bikers who want to see and explore the farm. Set off on through the rocky land as you pass the breeding grounds for the springbuck to find out just how this trail got its’ name. The Springbuck Trail is about 6.5KM, ask Esti-Mari for more details on the exact route.

Yoga on the deck

Take your home or studio practice to the next level and take your yoga mat on holiday with you. Imagine waking up to the calming sounds of the Karoo and working through a few sun salutations on the deck at sunrise. Get one of your travel mates to snap a picture for that ultimate Instagram yogi experience.

10 Tips for Traveling with Kids

So you have booked your family vacation to AfriCamps and after the initial excitement of actually going on holiday, the reality of driving 6 hours in a car with tiny humans sets in. A quick panic and fear might cause you to pause and reconsider this already booked holiday. Don’t worry you are not the first to attempt this mission and you are definitely not the last. We have searched around and found our list of top tips from parents who have gone before you. They have made the mistakes and learnt lessons so that you don’t have to relive them.

Take a deep breath and relax. Your journey will be easier with these 10 Tips for traveling with kids

Planning goes a long way especially with kids, so pack the night before and ensure that everything you need has been crossed off the list. You wouldn’t want to find out half way on the R62 that you forgot the first aid kit.
Packing, every mom out there seems to swear by the second smaller bag of extras. This is packing a small bag with an extra set of clothes, another t-shirt, a comfy jacket and their fav toy. This will save you the trouble of stopping the car and digging clothing out of the bigger bag.
We all know the wrath of a hungry adult, now imagine that wrath in a little human. Preparing for the bursts of hunger along the way can be fun.

Let them help the night before to make little snack packs for themselves. This way they feel included and won’t complain when you hand them a bag since they packed it themselves.
Top tip with this one is no sugar, or limit the amount of sugar that you give them, no bouncy kids in the backseat.

Games and activities. The road can seem longer than it is if you have bored kids in the car. Take care of all their little needs by packing a bag full of toys and activities.

Some great ideas:

Dry erase board with some markers
Magnetic toys on a baking sheet
A ribbon tied to the car seat with a safety pin – you can use this idea to tie the cup, the markers, the stuffed toy anything you want to the car seat so that you are not having to pull over to find Mr. Fluffy.
Top tips:
Bring a ball with for the stops along the way to get rid of some of that extra energy.
Wrap small toys before you leave and unwrap them along the way for new toys on the road.

Education along the way. One great tip is to print out a map and laminate it the let kids trace the route and mark off the landmarks along the way.
First aid box. Never leave for a road trip without it. You never want to end up midway to your destination with a crying kid in need of a plaster.
Baby wipes, Ziploc bags and rubbish bags. This is self-explanatory but a definite must on all road trips.
Their own blanket and pillow. This helps a lot with kids adjusting to their environment. AfriCamps comes with blankets and pillows, however your little one might just feel more comfortable with their own blanket.
Traveling times. Always add in extra time when traveling with kids. Overestimate to take into consideration lengthy stops.
Top tip: Try and leave as early as possible most moms make use of this method since kids fall back asleep once they are in the car.

(Thanks to Super moms Illana Ferreira and Willemijn Assink for the top tips)