AFRICAMPS AT DE PAKHUYS, CEDERBERG

Meet the Botha and Kruger families – olive, rooibos, sheep, and “rock” farmers who have been running de Pakhuys since its humble beginnings in 2003.

De Pakhuys covers 1,000 hectares of land, including parts of the flat valley floor and massive chunks of an elevated rocky plateau. The rugged outcrops are dotted with about 600 world-renowned climbing sites. The land is situated within the greater Cederberg conservancy and apart from some commercial farming, the vegetation is left untouched to protect the biodiversity of the region.

De Pakhuys farm is situated in the Agter-Pakhuis Valley. The valley’s only link to the town of Clanwilliam is by one of the most scenic mountain passes in the Western Cape, the Pakhuis Pass. Literally translated, Pakhuis means warehouse. The origin of the name is not certain but probably refers to the majestic, stacked rock formation along the route. Recently tarred, the winding Thomas Bain build pass, climbs up to 914 metres above sea level offering breathtaking views of the rugged Cederberg and the innumerable hills towards the Hantam and Calvinia on the horizons.

Here in the mountains, the air is crisp, the sky a crystal blue; down on the earth below, a multitude of twisted and special orange-shaped rocks jutting out from amidst the greenery of shrubs and the occasional tree. It is a space of serene beauty and quiet contemplation, in which anyone of any age and ability can attempt their hand at an activity they never in a million years thought of trying before. Rocklands, Cederberg, is a place of something new and of something special. The Cederberg mountains kick deep into your heart – the Waboom and Gharrabushes, the shy Klipbokke, and the baboons, not to mention the ever-elusive Cape Leopard.

The Botha and Kruger families look forward to welcoming you to AfriCamps at de Pakhuys!

Check-in: From 14h00 to 17h00 on day of arrival
Check-out: Before 10h00 on day of departure

Check-in arrangements need to be made and guests are kindly requested to inform the specific AfriCamps host of their estimated time of arrival. This way you are ensured of a smooth check-in experience. Full check-in information will be provided in your booking confirmation email.

HIKING TRAILS

There are two established hiking trails meandering through sandstone boulders and along the river on the farm.

Waterfall Trail

A moderate 6 km trail along the banks of the Brandewyn River down into a nearby kloof where the river plummets 500 metres into the Karoo basin, resulting in lovely waterfalls, rapids, and astounding rock formations. For the fortunate bird watcher, you might spot the Verreaux’s eagle nesting high against the cliffs.

Sylvains Trail

This trail follows a mountain path leading up to the Die Plaat area of the farm. The 30-minute hike is steep, requiring moderate fitness. It’s a must for sunset lovers, offering stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

Heuningvlei  Trail

This trail traces the old 4×4 track from the top of Pakhuis Pass to the historic village of Heuningvlei. Experience the Cederberg’s breathtaking beauty on what is considered one of the Western Cape’s most scenic walks!

‘Die Plaat’ Trail

Another moderate hike along the 4×4 track to Die Plaat area of the farm. The hike takes approximately 2 hours but can be adjusted for those who feel like a shorter walk and offers elevated views of the surrounding mountains and valley, which are particularly exquisite to witness during the spring flower season.

Bouldering

De Pakhuys offers a range of bouldering sites including Girl on our Mind 6C, Minky 7B, Black Velvet 8A, Gliding Through The Waves Like Dophins 8A+, Ray of Light 8B, and Witness the sickness 8A.

View Rocklands topos here.

Crash pads are available at the camp and can be booked in advance.

Black Diamond DropZone: R130 per day
Black Diamond Mondo: R150 per day
Single pad (second season): R90 per day

Book a crash pad here.

Please note: No climbing is allowed in Rocklands without a valid climbing permit. Permits can be obtained online or purchased at reception.

Swimming

When it comes to cooling down during summer months, guests are spoiled for choice. Take a refreshing dip by the waterfall at the end of our Waterfall Trail or bring along your lilos and some tubes to relax in our farm dam.

Private massage therapy

Enjoy a relaxing back and neck massage from the comfort and privacy of your boutique glamping tent. Our qualified massage therapists also offer sports massages, ideal after a day of pushing your muscles at our bouldering sights. Hop in your private outdoor wood-fired hot tub afterward and feel your body relax and unwind.

Private yoga sessions

Book a private yoga session with a qualified yoga instructor and practice your mind and body from the comfort of your tent while surrounded by the stunning Cederberg landscape. Special classes are available for children, pregnant women, and seniors on request.

1.5 hours: R300 pp | R500 for two people | R200 pp for more than two people

Please book at least 3 hours in advance to secure your spot.

Wood-fired hot tubs

All 10 tents offer the exclusive use of their own outdoor wood-fired hot tub. A wood-fired hot tub is the purest form of relaxation. Soak up the stunning surroundings while listening to the calming crackle of the fire, or take a dip to cool down on hotter days.

BOULDERING

With 3,771 routes in 86 crags, Rocklands is a bouldering paradise. This dramatic sandstone landscape has become increasingly popular as a world-class climbing destination amongst the international climbing community, offering some of the top bouldering sites in the world. The main bouldering area for Rocklands can be accessed from a parking lot near the top of Pakhuis Pass, which offers widespread views over the distinctly rugged and craggy sandstone landscape.

View Rocklands topos here.

Crash pads are available at the camp and can be booked in advance.

Black Diamond DropZone: R130 per day
Black Diamond Mondo: R150 per day
Single pad (second season): R90 per day

Book a crash pad here.

Please note: No climbing is allowed in Rocklands without a valid climbing permit. Permits can be obtained online or purchased at reception.

Hiking trails

The lesser-known northern Cederberg mountains and surrounding Rocklands are home to some of the most scenic hiking trails in the Cederberg. Some of these quieter trails are unique in that a fellow walker might not be seen for a couple of hours or throughout the entire trail.

The Pakhuisberg Day Hike (10.2 km from camp)

A circular 13 km hike both starting and finishing at the Kliphuis campsite entrance. This moderately difficult hike takes you into Pakhuisberg, offering elevated views of the surrounding rocky landscapes and peaks with close-ups of indigenous wildlife and the diverse fynbos vegetation. Permits must be purchased from the Kliphuis campsite office before the hike.

The Heuningvlei Jeep Track (7.2 km from camp)

The Heuningvlei Jeep Track hike is said to be one of the most scenic hikes in the Western Cape. This moderately difficult hike (depending on how far you go) offers breathtaking views of the surrounding raw Rocklands landscape and expansive Agter Pakhuis Valley. The entrance to the hike is from the gravel parking at the top of the Pakhuis Pass. You can either walk all the way to Heuningvlei, (which is about 11 km away) or turn back at any point you like.

The Sevilla Trail (7.6 km from camp)

A relatively easy 5 km walk from Traveller’s Rest Farm. This fascinating San rock art trail takes you passed nine different rock art sites while following the Brandewyn river. The Sevilla Trail is a comfortable walk that offers insight into ancient San cultures. Local farm game including Springbok, Eland, and Hartebeest may be seen along the trail as well as the common dassie (or rock rabbit) and local baboon troops. In addition to the intricate indigenous fynbos that surrounds the Sevilla Trail, during springtime, the wildflowers offer an even further depth of beauty to this historically enriching experience. Permits for the Sevilla Trail can be obtained from the Traveller’s Rest Farmstall, where a free basic description of the nine rock art sites is available.

Wine and olive oil tasting at Alpha Excelsior

Produced on the neighbouring farm, Alpha Excelsior, Rugged Rocks wine is produced by traditional methods from the neat Shiraz, Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards you see around the farm. The entire process is done by hand – going back to the way that wine has been made for centuries and is aged in oak barrels, ensuring optimal conditions for the wine to mature. The farm offers a winery tour on which guests can taste some of their delicious wines and learn more about the winemaking process.

Please note that operating hours and days may differ. Call +27 (0)63 315 6560 to check availability and book.

Alpha Excelsior planted its first olive trees in 2006 and now has 6.5 hectares of Mission and Frantoio Olives. The fruit is small with a bold, intense flavour. Their olives are all hand-picked, brined, and bottled on the farm. Any olives that are not bottled are cold-pressed with their own olive press to produce boutique extra virgin olive oil. Their olive oil is available for tasting and can be purchased at the winery.

San rock aRt

The Cederberg mountains are home to some of the best-known San rock art sites in Southern Africa, which is thought to have the richest legacy of rock art on the planet. There are over 2,500 known rock art sites in the broader Cederberg region, dating between 250 to as old as 8,000 years. These ancient rock paintings are therefore extremely important sites of Southern African ancestry, offering insights into a time and culture which has largely disappeared.

The best way to explore these historic sites is along the Sevilla trail, a relatively easy 5 km walk from Traveller’s Rest Farm. This fascinating San rock art trail passes nine different rock art sites while following the Brandewyn river.

Rooibos tea tastings

Rooibos tea is an iconic South African warm drink that has been enjoyed by locals for more than 300 years. With the Cederberg being the only place on the planet where rooibos grows naturally, it is only fitting to learn more about this beloved drink on a tea tasting.

House of Rooibos

House of Rooibos, a relatively new initiative of Rooibos Ltd., the largest rooibos tea producer and distributor in the world, offers an extensive variety of rooibos teas including original, organic, and flavoured teas. A variety of 13 different rooibos and honey-bush teas are available in the tearoom and tea garden, along with rooibos cappuccinos, milkshakes, iced teas and ice creams.

Rooibos Tea House

Rooibos Tea House stocks over 100 rooibos blends and flavours which range from natural, herbal, fruity, and sweet, to green, spicy and floral. These are all available for both tasting and purchase. They also offer a unique tea tasting which allows you to choose any seven rooibos teas and enjoy them while reading about the history of rooibos, the production process, and some further facts about this famous South African tea.

Visit the historic Wupperthal village

A visit to the historic Wupperthal village offers a rare window into a village of the early 1800s. The village seems to have gotten lost in time, consisting of quaint thatched cottages portraying the Cape Dutch style in all its glory. Although this beautiful missionary village is only a straight 25 km southeast of Clanwilliam, the road takes you through 75 km of breathtaking scenery, down into the Tra-Tra Valley at the northern foothills of the Cederberg Wilderness Area. The village was established in 1828 by two Rhenish missionaries, Johann Gottlieb Leipoldt and J von Wurm.

Muisbosskerm open-air restaurant

For a seafood experience of a lifetime, unique to the West Coast, pay a visit to Muisbosskerm! The restaurant is an hour’s drive from the camp but should not be excluded from your bucket list. Offering the West Coast’s most sought-after seafood dishes like crayfish, a wide variety of fish, baked, smoked, and grilled, the traditional waterblommetjie stew, to the ever-fresh homemade bread straight from the clay-oven, with homemade butter, this is a dining experience that cannot be missed.

Donkey cart adventures

Explore the rugged, wild beauty of the Cederberg on a donkey cart adventure trail. Donkey carts are the traditional way to travel in the Cederberg – locals used to use donkeys to carry their produce to Clanwilliam. The route begins at the top of Pakhuis Pass, where you can leave your car. The two-and-a-half-hour trail ends in the charming Heuningvlei village, one of the 14 Moravian Mission Church outposts. The small local community is known for its production of traditional dried fruit and organic rooibos tea.

BREAKFAST BASKET

We offer ‘Cook-Your-Own’ breakfast baskets with freshly packed ingredients for guests to prepare. Pre-order your breakfast basket when making your booking. Breakfast baskets should be booked a day in advance.

Each breakfast basket includes the following:

Savoury bread
Sliced bread
Jam
Butter
Cheese
Yoghurt
Muesli
Bacon*
Breakfast sausages*
Eggs
Fruit juice
Fresh Fruit
Milk
Ground coffee

*Vegetarian option available on request.

Cost: R180 per adult | R140 per child (0 to 12 yrs)

BRAAI BASKET

We offer ‘Cook-Your-Own’ traditional South African braai baskets for guests to prepare. Pre-order your braai basket when making your booking. Braai baskets should be booked a day in advance.

Each braai basket includes the following:

A selection of 400 g meat (kids basket include 200 g meat)*
Garlic bread
Green salad
Side dish
Marshmallows on a stick

*Vegetarian option available on request.

Cost: R250 per adult | R180 per child (0 to 12 yrs)

In order to mitigate the effects of load shedding on our guests, we’ve installed battery power backups in each tent at AfriCamps at de Pakhuys for your convenience. These backups ensure uninterrupted lighting and warm water during load shedding periods. Please note that wall plugs won’t be operational during power outages.

Our tents sleep up to five guests, but our rates are based on a two-person stay. Please note that the rates below are a price indication, please use our online booking calendar to check live rates and availability. Extras like meals, activities and tours are not included in the price unless otherwise stated.

Cleaning Fee: All rates exclude a once-off R250 cleaning fee per booking. This fee will be added to your total during the booking process.

Please find our full terms and conditions here: www.africamps.com/terms-and-conditions/

Accommodation

All tents sleep a maximum of five people. The following items or services are not included in the price unless otherwise stated:

• Food and beverages
• Activities and tours
• Additional daily cleaning service (available on request)
• Wood and firelighters for the wood stove and campfires (for sale at the property shop)

Pets

We allow one dog per tent on prior arrangement. 

Music

No noise, parties or music are allowed in the camp unless the guest has booked the entire camp for a function.

Day visitors

No day visitors are allowed in the camp. Out of consideration for fellow guests, the camp will only accommodate up to 5 paying guests per tent. 

PENSIONER SPECIAL

Enjoy 15% off a midweek stay!

From a discounted rate of R1352 per night for 2 adults sharing, excl. fees

• Valid until 30 April 2025 for midweek stays only
• Excludes weekends and peak season (13 December 2024 – 11 January 2025)
• Rates are based on 2 adults sharing
• Self-catering glamping tent (sleeps 5)
• Extra adults can be booked at R295 pn
• Extra kids aged 3-16 are R195 pn
• Person booking must be 60+
• ID number required when booking
• ID to be presented upon check-in
• T&Cs apply

How to book

• Visit www.africamps.com and select the camp and the dates you wish to visit.
• Enter your promo code: GoldenGlamping in the Do you have a promo code field. Click on the apply button.
• In the Special Requests block, at the bottom of the booking form, please enter your ID number.

SINGLE PARENT SPECIAL

Kids stay FREE!

From R1590 per night, excl. fees

• Valid until 30 April 2025
• Excludes long weekends and peak season (13 December 2024 – 11 January 2025)
• Self-catering glamping tent (sleeps 5)
• Kids stay free (applies to kids aged 3-16)
• 1 Adult per booking (if an extra adult is added after the booking has been made, the special will no longer apply)
• T&Cs apply

How to book

• Visit www.africamps.com and book your stay.
• In the Special Requests block, at the bottom of the booking form, please enter the voucher code: SingleParentSpecial.
• Select EFT payment, and receive your discounted invoice via email.