You know you’re relaxing at a lekker campsite if you dread having to pack up and go home. For Rikus Truter of Lekker Kampplekke, Utopia in Swellendam is such a destination.
Utopia in Swellendam is undoubtedly in a class of its own and we are already making plans to return for a longer stay! The campsite is located on a working farm and offers a peaceful farm atmosphere in stunning natural scenery and tranquility.
All nine stands are surrounded by high natural windbreakers (trees and shrubs) to not only ensure privacy at your stand, but also provide more than enough shade. Some of the sites have shade all day, but despite this the lawns are beautifully green and healthy. When we arrived at our stand, I summarily kicked off my shoes – the thick green grass (which reminds me of a luxurious Persian partner) under my feet was such a treat! I only put my shoes back on when we had to start packing.
While it was difficult to choose a stand in the beautifully laid out terrain since all the stands are super inviting and well-appointed with electricity and a water tap, we made ourselves at home on the side of the campsite overlooking a small valley. Watching the cattle grazing in the valley when the sun goes down was just what the doctor ordered – pure farm bliss! With delicious cocktails and snacks, we delighted ourselves in the soothing sounds of bulking cattle and marvelled at the natural beauty and tranquility. Later we got our fire going and chatted the night away while preparing our braai dinner. We were spoiled with a full moon that casted natural light over our campsite – pure magic! I found the ablution facilities at Utopia to be quite unique. The showers have a lookout window, so it feels like you are plunging into nature while looking out over the scenery across the valley. The showers have lovely hot water and the water pressure in the showers is strong. Both the ladies’ and men’s ablution blocks have two showers, two toilets and two basins and were always extremely neat. There is also electricity in the ablution block, so mom can take her hair dryer – always a bonus!
For dishes and laundry there is a separate open building with a canopy on top. There are double sinks so you can wash and rinse your dishes. This water was also fiery hot so you could get your dishes nice and clean. If you feel the need to do laundry, there is a deep sink for soaking and washing. The campsite has a lovely large lapa area, ideal as “social central” when a large group of friends or family camp together. What could be better than to relax around the big bonfires and solving the world’s problems with a cold one in hand? There is also a large separate canopy with tavern benches where you can relax. What I especially like about this campsite is the swimming pool. There’s a large lawn next to it, so we could frolic in the water and then relax on our towels in the sun. Again, the care of the lawns is not neglected. The suspension bridge near the pool ensures a beautiful backdrop for taking photos and there is also a large pond with shade trees where you can sit and relax while losing yourself in your favorite book nearby. Here, relaxing and recharging are high on the priority list! As Utopia is a working farm, there is also a large camp with farm animals which is a big attraction for the little ones. During our visit there were the cutest little piglets in the camp, as well as geese and sheep. The one row of campsites is about 30m from there and overlooks the animal camp – so you’ll feel like you have your own piece of farm if you camp here!
For the active campers there are a lot of gravel trails to explore by foot or bike. If you are camping at Utopia for a longer period, you must definitely drive out to Swellendam for a day – it is a charming little town about 12km from the campsite and offers many fun activities. There is a cute market (Under the Oaks Market) on Saturdays, selling the most beautiful handmade goods, freshly baked bread, and other delicious treats. Usually there’s an artist making music. Of course, there are also many cozy restaurants and quaint coffee shops to go and sniff out in Swellendam. This article on Utopia really doesn’t accurately capture just how lovely this little piece of heaven on earth is – you will definitely have to visit it to fully appreciate this gem of a campsite. You won’t regret it!
In a nutshell
NEAREST TOWN: Swellendam (12km)
TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION: Camping
STANDS: 18 (4 people per stand)
SHOP: No (braai wood for sale at reception)
PET-FRIENDLY: Yes (with prior arrangement)
FISHING: Yes (river)
CELLPHONE RECEPTION: Yes
ACCESSIBILITY: Gravel (accessible for most vehicles and road caravans)
RATES: R120 per person per night for adults and R90 per child per night (6-14 years old)
CONTACT: +27 82 774 8543 | wilna@swdconnect.co.za
*Prices and facilities highlighted in this article have been supplied and are subject to change without prior notice. – Ed.
