AFRICAMPS AT KAROO 1, HEX VALLEY
A tranquil Karoo escape awaits only two hours from Cape Town
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The Hex River Valley, known as the gateway between the Cape and the Great Karoo, is an enchanting valley worth a spot on your Western Cape bucket list. Here folklore meets thriving agriculture, meets remarkable rocky landscapes, and visitors get their first real peek into the Karoo.
AfriCamps at Karoo 1, Hex Valley, boasts 13 boutique glamping tents overlooking the picturesque farm and its surrounding rock faces. The tents dot the landscape and lead the way to a stunning natural rock pool – an oasis against the arid Karoo backdrop.
AfriCamps at Karoo 1 welcomes families, couples, wedding guests, or close groups of friends to retreat away from the busy city, only a short two-hour drive from Cape Town. Guests are welcomed by Benji the lovable sheepdog – your first glimpse into the warm Karoo hospitality you will experience during your stay.
As much as we love this location for its tranquility and rest for the soul, guests can also opt for a more adventurous approach. Hiking trails, mountain biking trails, swimming in the rock pool and even rock climbing all await on the property. Coupled with the world-class facilities available at the established hotel, there is something for everyone. The property offers a restaurant, bar, boma, communal swimming pool, and kids play area. The camp is dog-friendly, so no member of the family has to miss out on the fun!
AfriCamps at Karoo 1 is situated just north of the Hex River Pass between De Doorns and Touws River on the popular Karoo 1 Farm Estate. Mountains, rivers and valleys meet in the Hex River Valley, where the Great Karoo begins. The surrounding mountain ranges, of which the Matroosberg is the highest peak, create majestic views and beautiful rugged landscapes, softened by the first sight of Karoo shrublands. The narrow valley stretches along the N1 from Worcester to Touws River, with De Doorns, South Africa’s leading table grape growing region, at the centre. Did you know that more than half of the country’s table grape exports are from the Hex River Valley? Take in the beautiful tapestries of colour en route to AfriCamps at Karoo 1, especially when visiting in Autumn.
The name Hex River Valley is one of myth and mystery. The area used to be called the Exe River Valley, so named after the crissing and crossing of rivers and ox-wagon trails, but a folk tale of the witch (or heks in Afrikaans) of the Exe River Valley was the reason locals started referring to the Hex River Valley instead. Legend has it that a witch visits the Matroosberg mountains during a full moon in search of her long-lost love. The legend dates back to 1768 but remains a popular local folk tale to this day.
VIDEO: A KAROO ADVENTURE 2 HOURS FROM CAPE TOWN
Welcoming families, groups of friends, and couples to an authentic Karoo farm.
About the tents
EXPLORE THE HEX RIVER VALLEY
Things to do
Enjoy an abundance of outdoor activities at AfriCamps at Karoo 1, or explore the surrounding Hex River Valley. Take a look below!
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE
Extras on the farm
Meals form a special part of any holiday in South Africa. AfriCamps offers delectable locally-sourced breakfast and braai baskets for guests to cook in their fully equipped kitchens or on the braai. Other extra services are also available on request.
Amenities
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13 AfriCamps tents (55 sqm)
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5 Guests per tent
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2 Queen size extra length beds
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1 Single bunk bed
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Outdoor wood-fired hot tub
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Dog-friendly
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Private bathroom with hot shower
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Indoor fireplace
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Air conditioning
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Electric blankets
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Cot and highchair on request
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Swimming & rock pool
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Bar fridge
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Microwave
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4-burner gas stove
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Cutlery and crockery for 5 guests
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All the little extras
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Braai facilities
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Breakfast & braai baskets to order
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Wi-Fi at tents
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Onsite shop
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Restaurant & Bar
Your Hosts
Meet Taryn, Howard, and their kids Dylan, Emma & Erin – your extended family and hosts at AfriCamps at Karoo 1, Hex Valley.
Karoo 1 has a rich and interesting history dating back to the time when ox-wagons traversed the country. In the 1860s, the farm became renowned in the area as a resting place where Voortrekkers stopped off to receive a meat parcel and some warm hospitality from the Hugo family. This pit stop for a wholesome lunch pack was a treasured source of comfort for travellers on their journey further north. The meat parcel was known at the time as a “Karbonaatjie”, and the property soon became known by the same name – ‘Karbonaatjieskraal’.
Being the first Karoo farm as you travel north along the N1, the farm was renamed “Karoo 1”, but the tradition of warm, friendly hospitality has been continued by Taryn and Howard and their passionate team. Soon after becoming involved with the property in 2017, Taryn and Howard fell in love with the great expanse of 1800 hectares, beautiful mountain biking tracks, unique and artistic buildings, and majestic rock pool.
The ‘Karbonaatjie’ meat parcel of the 1800s has since been replaced by delicious traditional Karoo dishes, pizzas, and family meals prepared by our expert chefs. Today the farm is much more than a quick stop-over. Its unique farm accommodation, beautiful Karoo wedding venue, and tranquil surroundings make the property a destination of its own.
We look forward to sharing our hidden gem with you.
Check-In and Check-Out
Check-in: From 14:00 – 17:00 on day of arrival.
Check-out: before 10:00 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.
Activities on the Farm
Hiking Trails
AfriCamps at Karoo 1 offers a number of well-developed trail networks on the farm and in the local community.
Rock Pool
Take a dip in the natural rock pool to cool down from the Karoo’s summer heat, or simply soak up the views over spectacular rock faces. Follow the road past the tents to reach the rock pool.
Mountain Biking Routes
Choose between the 13 km Blue Route trail, the 25 km Red Route trail, the 4.5 km Green Route trail and the 10 km Orange Route trail. All trails start and end at the hotel and are open all year-round.
Karoo1 Wedding Venue
Karoo1’s wedding venue is a spectacular location to tie the knot and share the happiest day with your friends and family. Guests stay in the 13 AfriCamps tents as well as the Karoo1 Hotel accommodation. The ceremony takes place in the picturesque hillside chapel and the celebrations continue at the Karoo 1 function facilities.
Restaurant & Bar
Treat yourself to the warm hospitality and lip-smacking Karoo cuisine at our on-site restaurant. Perfect for a light lunch after your hike, or a delectable dinner. Join us for anything from Karoo burgers to heart-warming curries. View the Karoo1 Restaurant Menu here.
Fauna and Flora
If you are not ready to tackle a strenuous hiking trail, simply pack a picnic and go exploring. You will be amazed by the interesting discoveries you’ll make. Spot wildlife and seasonal plant species against the backdrop of the beautiful Karoo landscape.
Wood-fired Hot Tubs
All 13 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 unique Karoo surroundings while listening to the calming crackle of the fire, or take a dip to cool down on hotter days.
Swimming pool
Go for a swim or simply relax next to the hotel pool. The friendly hotel staff will make sure you stay hydrated, so feel free to order your favourite cocktail from them, delivered right to the poolside.
Exploring the Area
Die Veldskoen Farm Stall (20km)
Whether you’d like to stock up on preserves, snacks and fine wines, you need to fuel up on coffee, or you’re in for a sumptuous sit-down lunch in the cosy restaurant or in the beautiful garden – Die Veldskoen (translating to ‘The Field Shoe’) comes highly recommended. Don’t forget to browse their selection of gifts and antiques.
Aquila Private Game Reserve Day Safaris (27km)
Around the corner from AfriCamps at Karoo 1 is the renowned Aquila Private Game Reserve where day visitors can enjoy a guided morning or full-day safari. Spot the Big Five with your experienced guide in the unique Karoo setting.
4X4 Trails
A selection of 4X4 trails can be found in the surrounding areas. Kopbeenskloof, Leeuwenboschfontein, or Matroosberg 4X4 are a few options.
Snow hunting in winter
You may be lucky enough to see snow at AfriCamps at Karoo 1 if you stay in the colder winter months, or you can head to Matroosberg Nature Reserve, known for its snow-capped peaks during winter. Day visitors come all the way from Cape Town to experience the snow. From the camp, a 45-minute drive takes you to the reserve. Klondyke Cherry Farm is another popular snow-hunting hotspot.
Matjiesfontein (78km)
If you’re making your way up the N1, the historic town of Matjiesfontein is worth a pit stop. Arriving in the town, you’re taken back a century. Points of interest include the iconic Lord Milner Hotel, The Old Post Office, the courthouse and jail, the old bank building, the railway station, and the iconic red bus. Grab a coffee in the Coffee House, located in the town’s historic general store. Matjiesfontein is a 50-minute drive from AfriCamps at Karoo 1, and a must-see en route to your next destination.
Meals & Extras
Breakfast Baskets
We offer ‘Cook-Your-Own’ breakfast baskets which are placed in the tents 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
Cost: R165 per adult | R125 per child (0 to 12 yrs)
Braai Baskets
We offer ‘Cook-Your-Own’ traditional South African braai baskets which are placed in the tents 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 400g meat (kids basket include 200g meat)
Garlic bread
Green salad
Side dish
Marshmallows on a stick
*Vegetarian or other option is available on special request
Cost: R225 per adult | R160 per child (0 to 12 yrs)
Restaurant & Bar
Treat yourself to the warm hospitality and lip-smacking Karoo cuisine at our on-site restaurant. Perfect for a brekkie before check-out, a light lunch after your hike, or a delectable dinner. Join us for anything from Karoo burgers to heart-warming curries at the Karoo1 Restaurant.
Load Shedding Measures
Coming soon: In order to mitigate the effects of load shedding on our guests, we’re installing battery power backups in each tent at AfriCamps at Karoo 1 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.
Rates
Rates from 1 October 2022 – 30 Sept 2023
All rates exclude a once-off R250 cleaning fee per booking. This fee will be added to your total during the booking process.
Low season (Weekdays)
1 May 2023 – 30 September 2023 (Midweek: Sun- Thurs)
Excludes long weekends
R1590 per couple sharing
Low season (Weekends)
1 May 2023 – 30 September 2023 (Weekends: Fri – Sat)
Excludes long weekends
R1840 per couple sharing
High Season
1 October – 8 December 2022
8 January – 30 April 2023
15 – 17 June 2023
22 – 24 September 2023
R2090 per couple sharing
* Rates for additional Guests (up to 5 guests per tent allowed):
R295 per adult, R195 per child 3-16yr, child 0-2 years stay free
Rates from 1 October 2023 – 30 Sept 2024
All rates exclude a once-off R250 cleaning fee per booking. This fee will be added to your total during the booking process.
Low season Midweek
1 May 2024 – 30 September 2024 (Midweek: Sun-Thurs)
Excludes long weekends
R1590 per couple sharing
Low season Weekends
1 May 2024 – 30 September 2024 (Weekends: Fri – Sat)
Excludes long weekends
R1840 per couple sharing
High Season
1 October – 7 December 2023
7 January – 30 April 2024
14 – 16 June 2024
8 – 10 August 2024
R2090 per couple sharing
Peak season
8 December 2023 – 6 January 2024
R2590 per couple sharing
* Rates for additional Guests (up to 5 guests per tent allowed):
R295 per adult, R195 per child 3-16yr, child 0-2 years stay free
Terms & Conditions
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 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.
Gallery
