AFRICAMPS AT GOWAN VALLEY, THE MIDLANDS, KZN
Glamping in the heart of South Africa’s Midlands Meander
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AfriCamps at Gowan Valley is located in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal’s Midlands Meander route and is the perfect destination for a family glamping getaway.
Five AfriCamps Boutique Glamping tents are situated on the enchanting Gowan Valley Guest Farm surrounded by rolling hills, endless fields, and the mighty Mpofana river.
Your gracious hosts Deanne, and Brett Bouwer farm Nguni Cattle and Golden Kiwis on the property. As soon as the team welcomes you on the farm you will experience the warm hospitality the Midlands is known for.
The Midlands Meander is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, picturesque countryside and welcoming locals. You will experience the stunning nature, thrilling adventure activities, inspiring South African history, local crafts and delectable country-style food spots.
Balgowan is a farming area, popular for cycling and fishing in the many dams and streams. The Midlands caters for a wide audience from foodies to adrenaline junkies, to serenity seekers – all in the beautiful and mystical surroundings.
On the farm, explore the 4km walk which passes through indigenous forest to an enormous 500-year-old Yellowwood tree, walk along the Mpofana River, see the Golden kiwi fields and Nguni cattle. Settle down for a picnic next to the river and try your luck at catching Yellow tail or Trout – strictly catch and release!
In surrounding areas visit the Howick and Karkloof falls, experience the Karkloof canopy tour, trek the Midlands on horseback, visit the Nelson Mandela Capture site and spend some time at the popular Piggly Wiggly for family fun and sumptuous meals.
VIDEO: GLAMPING IN KZN’S MIDLANDS MEANDER
AfriCamps at Gowan Valley is surrounded with things to see, do, taste and experience. Take a look!
About the tents
EXPLORE THE MIDLANDS MEANDER
Things to do
AfriCamps at Gowan Valley and the surrounding Midlands Meander routes offer activities to suit all interests, from chasing waterfalls, to savouring the area’s delectable food and wines.
DELIVERED TO YOUR TENT
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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5 AfriCamps tents
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sleeps up to 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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Inverter & battery power backup
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Private bathroom with rain 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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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
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Onsite shop
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Swimming in river or pool
Your Hosts
Even before AfriCamps opened on the farm, Gowan Valley Guest Farm and owners, Brett and Deanne Bouwer, have earned a stellar reputation for their charming farm accommodation in the heart of the Midlands Meander. In 2019 Brett and Deanne Bouwer joined the AfriCamps team and we couldn’t be happier to branch out to the captivating Natal Midlands – our first camp in the province.
How did it all begin? We have our wonderful camp in Wilderness to thank for that! Being keen campers themselves (in the more rustic sense of the word), the Bouwers were quite intrigued by the idea of adding a glamping option to their property. They were already looking for a new and interesting accommodation offering for their farm when they saw the AfriCamps tents for the first time. On a family holiday along the Garden Route, the Bouwers visited old friends, Jake and Claire Crowther, who just happen to be the owners of our camp in Wilderness! Although our Wilderness tents were still being built at the time, the Bouwers knew AfriCamps’ fully equipped glamping tents were going to be the perfect match on their beautiful Natal Midlands farm. Less than a year later, we opened five tents on Gowan Valley Guest Farm!
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. You will receive the host’s telephone number in your bookings confirmation email. For check-in after 5pm please call the hosts at the camp to make arrangements.
Activities on the farm
Hiking Trail
Guests can enjoy a 4km walk through indigenous forest where they will see the enormous 500-year-old Yellowwood tree, pass the mighty Mpofana River, the newly planted kiwi fields and Nguni cattle.
Picnics
Take a stroll along the river on the farm and settle down at a grassy spot for a picnic.
Fishing
The property is graced by the crystal clear Mpofana river which flows strongly through the farm. As part of a water scheme, the river also provides water to the farm. Try your luck and catch yellowtail or trout – strictly catch and release.
Swimming
A hollowed-out section in the river is a great spot to go for a dip or enjoy the river from the banks by settling down for a picnic. There is also a crystal clear swimming pool surrounded with lush green grass – perfect to cool down in on warm days.
Wood-fired Hot Tubs
All five tents offer the exclusive use of their own wood-fired hot tub. A wood-fired hot tub is the purest form of relaxation. Soak up your beautiful Midlands surroundings while listening to the calming crackle of the fire. Or take a dip to cool off on the hotter days.
Exploring the area
Markets / Crafts
Piggly Wiggly (11km): A must-visit one-stop hub for food, activities and gifts the whole family will enjoy. In the centre of the Highgate Wine Estate enjoy wine tours and tastings in our beautiful family wine cellar. Indulge in breakfasts, light meals, lunches, pizzas, refreshments and, of course, a variety of coffees and teas at the coffee shop. Candle dipping and the miniature steam train ride around Piggly Wiggly will keep the kids busy on weekends. The active guests can take part in the 5km Parkrun. Visit Meander Fine Wines for 700 wines from the Cape, Natal and around the world. The Pizza Place offers freshly made country pizza. The Greenery will give you your healthy juice fix along with bagels and salads. Stock up on meat from The Pantry and visit chocoholics can visit Chocolate Heaven for the chocolate dipping experience… or just to buy some delicious chocolates. AfriCamps guests can enjoy a complimentary glass of wine at Highgate Wine Estate, or order wines from Meander Fine Wines and it will be delivered straight to the farm!
A visit to Notties Junction (12km): Indulge in all the quirky finds while shopping at The Junction. 16 unique shops invite guests to grab a bite to eat, stretch their legs, or pick up some souvenirs.
Outdoor Attractions
Howick Falls (23km): The nearby area of Howick is waterfall country. Explore one or all three of the trails at Howick Falls to capture the perfect photo. At Howick Falls, also known as KwaNogqaza which means ‘place of the tall one’, the uMngeni river plummets 95m into a gushing pool. You can hike to the foot of this waterfall via the official Howick Falls Gorge Walk.
Midmar Dam (23km): This well-known dam which also hosts the annual Midmar Mile is perfect for boating, fishing, sailing or just soaking up the sun!
Karkloof Falls and Canopy Tours (37km): A visit to the Karkloof Nature Reserve promises a mesmerizing experience considering the 80+ bird species flying overhead, and the 88m Karkloof waterfall crashing down from the cliff face. Bring a picnic, enjoy the braai facilities, or enjoy the beautiful MTB trails. For the more adventurous, the Karkloof canopy tour is a must. AfriCamps guests save 15% on Canopy Tours (excl peak season)!
Drakensberg Mountains: During your visit to the Midlands, you will be able to access parts of the Central and Southern Drakensberg. Not up for the drive? You can simply view ‘The Giant’ from the Nottingham Road turnoff.
Highmoor Nature reserve (61km): This World heritage site in the Kamberg Valley forms part of the Mkhomzi Wilderness Area and takes you into the Southern Drakensberg mountains surrounded by grasslands and streams. Visit the reserve for hiking trails, fly fishing, rock art sightings.
Maloti Drakensberg Park (53km): Beautiful day walks like the self-guided Giants Cup Hiking Trail and a wealth of rock art sites are must-sees. Fly fishing, rock-climbing, mountain biking, bird watching and swimming or some more options.
Midlands Meander Horse Trails (7.5km): A breathtaking horse trail winds through mountains, hills, dams, and pine trees in Lidgetton, a short 7.5 km drive away. Options include outrides, pony rides and even lessons.
Nelson Mandela Capture Site
Nelson Mandela Capture site (15km): This famous Nelson Mandela Capture Site commemorates a significant moment in South African history with a visitor centre and a world-renowned sculpture. Nelson Mandela was arrested on 5 August 1962 outside of Howick. He spent the next 27 years of his life in prison.
Golfing
With two world-class golf courses around the corner, make a golfing glamping tour of it! Take a swing at Gowrie Farm, only 11km away. This course is known as one of the top 30 most fun courses in the country. (And we are serious advocates for fun) It is also the 3rd best short course in the world outside of America.
Bosch Hoek is a beautiful country course with loads of charm and becomes a beautiful display of colour in Autumn. The cosy club house with its fireplace is particularly inviting after as round of golf during winter.
Midlands Meander Routes
Pick one of 5 Midlands Meander routes and experience the best food, drinks, arts and crafts of each section. Visit the Midlands Meander website to get your map.
Meals and extras
Breakfast
We offer ‘Cook Your Own’ breakfast baskets with freshly packed ingredients for guests to prepare in their tents. Pre-order your breakfast basket when making your booking. Breakfast baskets should be booked a day in advance.
Each breakfast basket serving includes:
Eggs
Streaky bacon*
Three mini pork sausages*
Double cream yoghurt
Muesli
Two slices of Low GI health bread
Butter, jam and cheese
Medium roast ground coffee
Orange juice
Milk
*Vegetarian option (available on request): Meat substituted with vegan lentil patty, mushrooms and cherry tomatoes.
Cost: R165 per adult | R125 per child (0 to 12 yrs)
Dinner
We offer ‘Cook-Your-Own’ traditional South African braai baskets with freshly packed ingredients 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 serving includes:
200g steak (children: 100g steak)*
Boerewors*
Chicken kebab*
Green salad
Garlic bread roll
Corn on the cob
Marshmallows on a stick
*Vegetarian option (available on request): Meat substituted with vegan patty, mushrooms and vegan sausage.
Cost: R225 per adult | R160 per child (0 to 12 yrs)
Dining Out
There are a number of great restaurants in the area – from coffee shops to fine dining. We recommend:
Cleopatra Mountain Farm House
Lions River Craft Brewery
Piggly Wiggly
Terbadore
Blueberry Café
La Lampara
Booking is essential especially during peak seasons, please ask your hosts for assistance with this.
Load Shedding Measures
In order to mitigate the effects of load shedding on our guests, we’ve installed battery power backups in each tent at AfriCamps at Gowan Valley 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
Our tents sleep up to 5 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 bookings calendar to check live rates and availability. Extras like meals, activities and tours are not included in the price, unless otherwise stated.
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 – 30 September 2024 (Midweek: Sun-Thurs)
Excludes long weekends
R1590 per couple sharing
Low season Weekends + Long Weekends
1 May – 30 September 2024 (Weekends: Fri – Sat)
14 – 16 June 2024
8 – 10 August 2024
R2090 per couple sharing
High Season
1 October – 7 December 2023
7 January – 30 April 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
Rates from 1 October 2024 – 30 Sept 2025
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 – 30 September 2025 (Midweek: Sun-Thurs)
Excludes long weekends
R1740 per couple sharing
Low season Weekends + Long Weekends
1 May – 30 September 2025 (Weekends: Fri – Sat)
13 – 15 June 2025
R2240 per couple sharing
High Season
1 October – 12 December 2024
12 January – 30 April 2025
R2240 per couple sharing
Peak season
13 December 2024 – 11 January 2025
R2740 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 2025 – 31 January 2026
All rates exclude a once-off R250 cleaning fee per booking. This fee will be added to your total during the booking process.
High Season
1 October – 11 December 2025
11 January – 31 January 2026
R2440 per couple sharing
Peak season
12 December 2025 – 10 January 2026
R2940 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 and conditions
Please find our full terms and conditions here: www.africamps.com/terms-and-conditions
Accommodation
All tents sleep a maximum of 5 people. The following items or services are not included in the price, unless otherwise stated:
- Food & beverage
- Activities & tours
- Additional daily cleaning service (available on request)
- Wood and firelighters for the indoor fireplace, outdoor wood-fired hot tub and braai (for sale at camp reception / shop)
Pets
Unfortunately no pets allowed on the farm.
Specials
3-NIGHT SPECIALS
Stay longer for less with our 3-night glamping special and SAVE R500!
From R5320 for 2 adults sharing, excl. fees
- Valid until 7 December 2023
- Excludes long weekends
- 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
How to book
- Visit www.africamps.com and select the camp and the dates you wish to visit.
- Select the applicable 3-night special option at the top of your screen.
- Make sure the amount has been discounted before confirming your booking.
PENSIONER SPECIAL
Enjoy 15% off a midweek stay!
From a discounted rate of R1224 per night for 2 adults sharing, excl. fees
- Valid until 7 December 2023 for midweek stays only
- Excludes weekends
- 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 R1440 per night for 2 adults sharing, excl. fees
- Valid until 7 December 2023
- Excludes long weekends
- 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.
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