AFRICAMPS AT KAROO 1, HEX VALLEY

Meet Taryn, Howard, and their kids Dylan, Emma, and Erin – owners of this beautiful Karoo farm and AfriCamps at Karoo 1, Hex Valley. Though accustomed to the hustle and bustle of city life in Cape Town, they cherish every opportunity to escape to their Karoo oasis where they can spend time enjoying the great outdoors.

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 a 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The Karbonaatjie meat parcel of the 1800s has since been replaced by delicious traditional Karoo dishes, pizzas, and family meals prepared by our expert chefs.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.

The Karoo 1 team is ready to extend warm Karoo hospitality and looks forward to welcoming you to their hidden gem.

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

AfriCamps at Karoo 1 offers a number of well-developed trail networks on the farm and in the local community.

Please note, hiking and MTB trails are the same.

Blue Route (13 km) – easy
Trail Map

Green Route (4.5 km) – easy
Trail Map

Orange Route (10 km) – easy
Trail Map

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

Don’t forget your mountain bike to explore the diverse terrain! 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.

Please note, hiking and MTB trails are the same.

Blue Route (13 km) – easy
Trail Map

Red Route (25 km) – difficult, not child-friendly
Trail Map

Take the detour to Fossilkoppie and the lookout over the valley.

Green Route (4.5 km) – easy
Trail Map

Orange Route (10 km) – easy
Trail Map

Karoo 1 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.

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.

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 & 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.

Aquila Private Game Reserve Day Safaris (27 km)

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 5 with your experienced guide in the unique Karoo setting. Enquire from reception and our host will gladly assist you with your booking.

1. Early Morning Safari

Duration: 07h00 – 12h00
Included: Welcome drinks, buffet breakfast upon arrival, a 2 to 3 hour traditional safari game drive, and a complimentary Eco Synergy Tour. Don’t forget to pack your swimming costume, sunblock and hat, as guests are invited to enjoy Aquila’s outdoor infinity pool during the safari leisure time.
Excluded: Beverages, transfers, and activities (other than specified).
Tours are subject to availability and weather permitting.

2. Sunset Safari

Duration: 15h00 – 19h00
Included: Welcome drinks, snacks and refreshments, and a 2 to 3 hour sunset safari game drive.
Excluded: Beverages, transfers and activities (other than specified).
Tours are subject to availability and weather permitting.

Die Veldskoen Farm Stall (20 km)

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.

4×4 Trails

A selection of 4×4 trails can be found in the surrounding areas. Kopbeenskloof, Leeuwenboschfontein, or Matroosberg 4×4 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 (78 km)

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.

Breakfast Baskets

We offer ‘Cook-Your-Own’ breakfast baskets that can be collected at reception. 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 special request.

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

Braai Basket

We offer ‘Cook-Your-Own’ traditional South African braai baskets that can be collected at reception. 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 special request.

Cost: R250 per adult | R180 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.

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.

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.