Whatever the question, camping is the answer! Fortunately for South Africans, our country is known for its beautiful landscapes, and you will always find a spot for your caravan or tent to enjoy this scenery. The Western Cape is no exception and boasts some fantastic campsites. Rikus Truter from Lekker Kampplekke shares his favourites with us.
1. Kam’Bati Resort
The award-winning campsite is located on an Overberg farm, approximately 20km west of Swellendam, and offers campsites, selfcatering units and a glamping option in one of the five luxury tents. The Sonderend and Breede rivers flow past the grassy campsites, which are equipped with electricity and spotless ablution facilities. The resort is very safe, convenient and wheelchair-friendly. The pool area is a great attraction for young and old. Other activities that visitors can enjoy include farm rides, bird watching safaris, mountain biking and hiking.
NEAREST TOWN: Swellendam (20km)
SHOP: Yes
PET-FRIENDLY: No
FISHING: Yes (river)
CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Yes (Wifi)
ACCESSIBILITY: Gravel road
RATES: From R240 per adult per night depending on the time of year you book. Only one family (two adults and two kids between 4-17) are allowed per stand. Kids pay R120 per night and pensioners R180 per night. *The self-catering chalets are available from R990 per night and the pricing for the luxury tents is available upon request.
CONTACT: +27 87 012 5356 | reservations@oena.co.za | www.oena.co.za/ kambati-river-resort
2. Noukrans Bush Camp
Kick off your shoes and forget about work, traffic and all the city noise at this little piece of heaven on earth. Noukrans Bush Camp is located on the working dairy farm Goedehoop, and offers 10 stands nestled between hundreds of oak trees – the oldest of which were planted in the 1920s. There are no power points, but hot and cold water for showering and washing-up is available, while solar panels are used for lights. A tour of the milking facilities can be arranged, and the little ones can even help to feed the calves. Birders will be happy to know there are 151 different bird species to be found on the farm and surrounding areas.
NEAREST TOWN: Heidelberg (20km)
SHOP: No
PET-FRIENDLY: No
FISHING: No
CELL PHONE RECEPTION: No
ACCESSIBILITY: Gravel road
RATES: R100 per adult per night. Kids between 7 to 8 pay R50 and kids under 6 is free
CONTACT: +27 82 562 9658 | besprekings@noukransboskamp.co.za www.noukransboskamp.co.za
3. Molen River Farm(Groot Brakrivier)
If unspoilt scenery is your thing, then Molen River Farm is the ideal place. The campsite comprises nine spacious sites in a green gorge next to a dam on this working farm, with electrical points and neat ablution blocks. The forest-covered gorge is home to a variety of bird species and a guided hike to explore the area can be arranged.
NEAREST TOWN: Groot Brakrivier (3km)
SHOP: No
PET-FRIENDLY: Yes
FISHING: Yes (dam)
CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Limited
ACCESSIBILITY: Gravel road
RATES: From R150 per adult per night plus R60 per person, depending on the time of year you book. Six people are allowed per stand, and kids under 6 are free.
CONTACT: +27 83 216 0018 / +27 82 854 8805 | myburghs.molen@gmail.com
4. Franschhoek Camping
Franschhoek Camping is a luxurious, boutique-style campsite about 5km from Franschhoek, on Heuwelsig farm. The campsite offers camping for motorhomes and vehicles with rooftop tents and all 10 pitches offer a breathtakingly beautiful view of the valley and the surrounding mountains. Each site has a built-in lapa with a braai to make your camping experience even more enjoyable. Activities include mountain biking and hiking or visits to the surrounding wine farms. You can also rent a hot tub for your private use.
NEAREST TOWN: Franschhoek (5km)
SHOP: Yes
PET-FRIENDLY: No
FISHING: No
CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Yes
ACCESSIBILITY: Tar road
RATES: From R450 per night for two adults (additional person/kids: R100 per night).
CONTACT: +27 82 959 5836 | heuwelsig@gmail.com www.franschhoekcamping.co.za
5. Rooiberg Lodge
Rooiberg Lodge is located in the heart of the Klein Karoo, at the foot of the Rooiberg Mountains. It lies within a nature reserve, covering about 14 000 hectares of fynbos and succulent Karoo. There is an abundance of wildlife and bird life, and the reserve is a proud member of the Gouritz Biosphere Reserve. There are a variety of accommodation options, including 16 campsites, self-catering units and the luxurious Manor House that can accommodate from small to large groups of up to 30 people. A highlight is the exquisite dining experience at the thatched restaurant where traditional South African food is served. Guests can also enjoy a game drive, mountain bike ride, hiking, fynbos nature walk or a 4×4 adventure.
NEAREST TOWN: Vanwyksdorp (12km)
SHOP: No
PET-FRIENDLY: Yes (arrange upon booking)
FISHING: Yes (river)
CELL PHONE RECEPTION: No
ACCESSIBILITY: Gravel road
RATES: R225 per adult per night (Kids under 16: R100 per night)
CONTACT: +27 87 802 3578 | info@rooiberglodge.co.za | www.rooiberglodge.co.za
* Prices and facilities highlighted in this article are subject to change without notice. – Ed.
