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 (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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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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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 reception
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Onsite shop
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Playground
Your Hosts
Many guests have had the pleasure of staying at the picturesque Gowan Valley Guest Farm. The property and its owners, The Bouwers, have earned a stellar reputation based on previous guest experiences since the Bouwers became the owners in 2015. In 2019 Brett and Deanne Bouwer joined the AfriCamps team and we couldn’t be happier to branch out to the captivating Natal Midlands with 5 brand new AfriCamps glamping tents.
How did it all begin? We have AfriCamps at Oakhurst’s camp owners, Jake and Claire Crowther 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 to develop on their farm. On a family holiday to Wilderness, The Bouwers visited old friends of theirs, Jake and Claire Crowther and that’s when they came across the AfriCamps concept. Although our Wilderness tents were still in construction in August 2018, they knew our fully equipped luxury glamping tents were perfect to set up on their beautiful Natal Midlands 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 strolls through the gorgeous rose gardens on the farm and settle down at a grassy picnic spot.
Swimming & 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. 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. Try your luck and catch yellowtail or trout – strictly catch and release.
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.
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 (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 or enjoy the braai facilities. For the more adventurous, the Karkloof canopy tour is a must, or bring along your mountain bike for the beautiful trails.
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.
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Meals and extras
Breakfast
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. Each breakfast baskets serving include:
Eggs
Streaky bacon
2 Mini pork sausages
Double cream yoghurt
Muesli
2 slices of Low GI health bread
Butter / Jam / Cheese
Medium roast ground coffee
Seasonal fruit / fruit salad
Orange juice
Milk
Cost:
R130 per adult
R 90 per child (0 to 12 yrs)
Breakfast baskets should be booked a day in advance.
Dinner
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. 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.
R195 per adult
R125 per child (0 to 12 yrs)
Braai baskets should be booked a day in advance.
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 the farm for assistance with this.
Rates
Rates
Our tents sleep up to 5 guests, but our shared rates are based on a two person stay. Please note that the rates below are just a price indication, use our online bookings calendar to check current rates and availability. Food & beverage and activities & tours are not included in the price, unless otherwise stated.
Rates as from 18 March 2020
Low season
18 March to 30 September
R1340,- per couple sharing (R670,- pp.)*
High season
1 October to 3 December
10 January to April 2021
R1840,- per couple sharing (R920,- pp.)*
Peak season
4 December to 9 January 2021
R2340,- per couple sharing (R1170,– pp.)*
* Rates for additional Guests (up to 5 total):
R250 per adult, R125 per child 3-16yr
Rates as from 1 May 2021 – 30 April 2022
Low season
18 March to 30 September
R1340,- per couple sharing (R670,- pp.)*
High season
1 October to 3 December
10 January to April 2021
R1840,- per couple sharing (R920,- pp.)*
Peak season
4 December to 9 January 2021
R2340,- per couple sharing (R1170,– pp.)*
* Rates for additional Guests (up to 5 total):
R250 per adult, R125 per child 3-16yr
Amenities
| AfriCamps tent | 2 bedroom (sleeps 5) | ||
| Air conditioning for heating and cooling | Wi-Fi at reception | ||
| Bathroom with shower | Outdoor wood-fired hot tub | ||
| 2x queen size beds | 1 single bunk bed | ||
| Indoor fireplace in the tents | Braai facilities (BBQ) | ||
| Electric blankets | Swimming in a beautiful river (no pool available) | ||
| Self-catering | Breakfast basket available to pre-order | ||
| Bar fridge | Braai basket available to pre-order | ||
| Coffee plunger | Secure parking | ||
| Microwave | 4-burner gas stove | ||
| Fully equipped kitchen | 230V power plugs inside the tents |
Number of tents per camp
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
- Daily cleaning service
- Wood and firelighters for the wood-stove and campfires (for sale at property shop)
Pets
Unfortunately no pets allowed on the farm.
Gallery
