Competition winner Clarie Keet unpacks her experience at AfriCamps Klein Karoo. Claire was one of many who entered our facebook competition last year and won a long weekend’s stay for her and some friends.
“Towards the end of 2015, I won a free Africamps weekend away and immediately rallied some girlfriends for a ladies-only glamping weekend. With padkos packed, Route 62 ahead of us and a car full of friends, we headed off to Africamps in the Klein Karoo for a much awaited city escape.
Africamps boasts Karoo hospitality at it’s finest, friendliest and most generous. And even though we didn’t pay a cent for it, our hosts went above and beyond to make sure we had a great stay. From a hearty welcome braai, to snow white linen; delicious breakfast spoils to bubbly sundowners – we were spoiled rotten. It’s not called glamping for nothing. The tent we stayed in was beautifully furnished, complete with a radio in the shower. Because, well, why not?
Africamps is situated just outside Oudtshoorn and we took Route 62 to get there. It is a drive that all good South Africans should try to do at least once. A breakfast stop in Montague and the obligatory photo stop at Ronnie’s Sex Shop are two must-do’s enroute. The arid scenery of the Klein Karoo is quite spectacular and, even though the drive from Cape Town is five hours, it whizzed by. When we drove back to Cape Town, we drove through the beautiful Seweweeks Poort Pass just after Carlitzdorp. We then stopped from coffee and more Karoo treats in Matjiesfontein. There are so many little gems in this part of South Africa!
We arrived at Africamps on the Friday afternoon and immediately took to the dam in front of our tent for a long swim. An evening braai with local Karoo meat and our host’s delicious homemade potato and beetroot salads was the perfect way to start the weekend. After a relaxed Saturday wakeup and brunch in our luxe tent, we went picnicking at the Rust en Vrede waterfall. It’s incredibly scenic and the icy water is well worth a quick dip. We then went off to the Cango Caves. After another gorgeous swim in the dam, we were treated to a game drive while Esti-Mari and her team decked our tent out with mezze platters, champagne and a beautifully set table.
Things we enjoyed:
- Refreshing swims in the dam
- Attention to detail
- Seeing loads of buck drinking in the dam
- Having our catering taken care of for us
- Feeling like tourists in our own country
Things you should pack:
- Sunscreen
- Ground coffee if you prefer filter coffee in the morning
- A cool box for picnic missions
- Something warm for the evenings
- Wine and lots of it
Thanks to our wonderful hosts for the incredibly generous prize. We loved every minute of our stay and can highly recommend your beautiful camps to anyone looking for a weekend escape.”
Post by Claire Keet.
