After a long, cold winter and the nail-biting drama of exams, Henry Jonker and his two sons, Lian and Jean, finally had the chance to escape the daily grind and recharge. And what an escape it was!
The first leg of our holiday had us heading to the beautiful Agama Tented Camp in Namakwaland, where Uncle Victor and Aunt Linda welcomed us with open arms. It was an unforgettable experience for the three of us – a feast for both body and soul.
I still laugh when I think back to Lian’s expression as we stepped into our luxury tent. He looked utterly gobsmacked – understandable, though, given that he’s used to our ‘basic camping’ expeditions where a portable shower and fold-up chairs are considered indulgent. Agama boasts seven luxurious tents, each with an en-suite bathroom and even a gas heater to ward off chilly winter nights. Fancy camping indeed!
Exploring Namakwaland’s beauty
The property, about 15km from Garies, spans an impressive 6 800ha of rugged beauty. During flower season, the reserve bursts into a kaleidoscope of colours, attracting photographers and nature lovers alike. But it’s not just the flowers that grab your attention – you might just find yourself face-to-face with a herd of about 40 gemsbuck. A truly spectacular sight for city folk like us!
The tents are perfectly situated, a short stroll from the reception and swimming pool area. Each one is connected to the main lodge by a winding pathway that lets you soak in the tranquillity of the surrounding bush. It’s the kind of place where silence has its own soundtrack, and the only thing that interrupts your thoughts is the occasional bird call.
Kids, new friends, and plenty of fun
From the moment we arrived, Lian was on a mission to find the swimming pool. Once he’d located it, he disappeared entirely, leaving Jean and me to unpack the bakkie. Later, we found him happily splashing away, fully embracing the holiday vibes.
The excitement didn’t end there. Friends of Uncle Victor and Aunt Linda – Karien and Mariette, visiting from Wellington – added to the fun, especially for Lian. With new friends to chat and play with, he didn’t have to rely solely on the company of his dad and brother.
Between rugby, cricket, and endless rounds of Rummikub, the kids were never bored. As for me, I cherished the quiet moments – a hot chocolate with Lian over a chessboard in the morning or stealing some time to catch up on my reading.
An open-air adventure
One afternoon, Uncle Victor surprised us with a game drive in their open-top Land Cruiser. He proudly showed off the resident gemsbuck and shared his plans for a new bush camp he wants to develop. The idea is to offer campers an even more remote, back-to-basics experience – a dream come true for those who love total solitude in the wild.
The sprawling landscapes have a way of drawing you in. On our last morning, I found Jean sitting on the deck, gazing thoughtfully into the distance. “All good, champ?” I asked. “Yeah, Dad. A guy could live here easily,” he replied. I nodded, and we enjoyed our coffee and rusks in companionable silence while Lian was no doubt off creating some kind of chaos.
Food that feeds the soul
Let’s talk about the food. If there’s one thing Jean and I are always ready for, it’s a good meal. At Agama, we were spoiled rotten! Aunt Linda and Karien’s cooking reminded me of those epic Sunday roasts my mom used to make – hearty, homemade, and brimming with love.
Lian, with his wiry frame, eats like a bird, but Jean? Watching him tuck in was like witnessing a feeding frenzy at a hostel dining hall! Even with our enthusiastic helpings, we barely made a dent in the generous portions.
Evenings at the camp were just as memorable. Uncle Victor ran the show behind the bar, and the boma came alive with laughter as guests gathered around the fire for a proper South African braai. It’s this warm, communal atmosphere that makes Agama feel so special – like you’re visiting family you didn’t know you had.
All good things…
Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and it was with heavy hearts that we packed up and said goodbye to Agama Tented Camp. The next leg of our trip would take us along the West Coast, starting at Groenriviermond Lighthouse. But that’s a story for another day.
To Uncle Victor, Aunt Linda, Karien, and Mariette – thank you for sharing your little slice of Namakwaland heaven with us. Your hospitality, laughter, and incredible cooking made this visit truly unforgettable.
And to my two boys, Jean and Lian: next time you claim Dad only takes you to remote, desolate places, remember this trip. Agama was pure luxury – and we loved every minute of it! For more information or bookings, contact Karien at bookings@agamacamp.co.za.
Follow Henry Jonker’s travel blog on www.jonkeradventures.com or find him on social media: @jonkeradventures
