Louis and Elsie Krouwkamp are enthusiastic campers who pack their caravan as often as possible for a relaxing weekend away from the concrete jungle. They especially enjoy the retirement weeks at Rust Oord Bosveld Camp, and share their experience with readers.
Hidden between a few North West Province farms is Rust Oord Bosveld Camp, and although it is only about 25km outside of Brits, you feel worlds removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. We noticed that there is virtually no road noise in the camp, which is always a bonus if a quiet getaway is on your agenda!
The resort has only 16 relatively large stands and no selfcatering chalet options as yet. For us, the heated pool was a massive treat, the bonus being that the temperature is adjusted daily to suit the climate and the needs of campers. However, we found getting in and out a bit of a challenge as the stairs are on the smaller side. According to the owner, Alicia van der Spuy, there are plans to build an indoor hot pool and a large outdoor cold pool. At this stage, the facilities are not wheelchair- and walking-frame-friendly, but this will be rectified with the improvements that are being planned. Another exciting development is that several long-stay sites – each with its own ablution block – will be built slightly further from the other sites. Virtually all of the current sites are separated by natural vegetation, with a few separated by wood partitions, ensuring your camping experience is super private.
There are two ablution blocks that are cleaned regularly throughout the day. The separate male and female facilities are centrally located, and they feature dishwashing facilities. All the stands have a brick braai stand with a tiled side table, rubbish bin, electrical point (ordinary three-prong plug), tap and night light. Each site is serviced daily, and, upon our arrival, the entire site was swept clean and raked to remove any thorns.
Rust Oord Bosveld Camp also has two private bush camps which each have their own private bathroom facilities and electricity. These are a short distance from the main camping sites, but a path has been cleared and offers access to the pool, cafeteria, hall, and bar. Security at Rust Oord is superb. The resort is located on a beautiful 20ha farm, which is surrounded by an electric fence with 24-hour monitoring, backed up by a reaction team.
The roaring of lions kept on a neighbouring farm is sure to entertain campers in the mornings and late afternoons, while bird lovers will be able to tick off many endemic species. Campers who tackle the hiking and cycling routes are likely to spot a variety of small antelope species. The circumference of the boundary line is 3km, which makes for a perfect morning walk.
The resort is busy over weekends and those who like a familyfriendly atmosphere will enjoy the sounds of young ones racing about the pool and small childrens’ park. Peace and calm descend during the week, when the quiet will suit pensioners and people who want to enjoy nature and silence. The mild bushveld climate means that you can camp here anytime during the year. We can really recommend Rust Oord Bosveld Camp, especially for pensioners looking for a safe and restful escape into nature. After each visit, we feel rejuvenated and ready for the concrete jungle we call home.
Artist weekends
Rust Oord regularly presents artist weekends, with the next one on the calendar a “Country-ini-Bosveld” weekend with Chris Baumann from 27-29 May, 2022. The package (R779 per person for the weekend – with a minimum of four people per stand) includes two nights’ camping, a spit braai with side dishes, and an engraved draught glass.
Pensioner weeks
The resort also offers pensioner weeks at a special rate of R1 150 for seven nights’ camping (one pitch with two people and one vehicle). Special entertainment during the week includes a welcome/icebreaker event (where the resort provides scones, tea and coffee), a joint braai (the fire, pap and sauce are provided), and a Bingo afternoon where participants can win their next mid-week stay. There is also help on offer to pitch and break down your camp, and the cafeteria manager swings by daily to check if you have specific dietary requirements or special requests. The cafeteria and bar are open, and meals can be ordered to enjoy there or as take-aways.
Pensioner weeks for 2022:
• 11-18 May 2022
• 1-8 June 2022
• 20-27 July 2022
In a nutshell
NEAREST TOWN: Brits (25km) SHOP: Yes (for basic camping and grocery needs)
PET-FRIENDLY: Yes, but small breeds (on a leash) only
FISHING: No
CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Yes (WiFi at the pool, cafeteria and bar areas)
ACCESSIBILITY: Maily tar road (be careful for potholes), with the last 4km on gravel (accessible to all vehicles and road caravans).
RATES:
- Main camping area: R445 per stand per night for four people. Extra guests are charged R125 per person per night (for those older than 12) and R100 per night for kids between 2-12 years old. Kids under 2 camp for free.
- Private bush camp: R750 per stand per night for four people. Extra guests are charged R175 per person per night (for those older than 12) and R140 per night for kids between 2-12 years old. Kids under 2 camp for free.
- Mid-week: R650 per stand for 2 people (out of season only).
- Day visitors: R75 per person en R50 per child (2-12 years old). It is only allowed if there are already family and friends camping.
- CONTACT: +27 82 494 5570 | bookings@info.co.za | www.rustoord.co.za
*Arrival and departure times are traditionally 10:00 and 14:00, but alternative times may be requested when booking.
