Karla Janse van Vuuren, a writer for Rapport newspaper, went glamping at AfriCamps Champagne Valley in the Drakensberg and discovered that this stunning region has much more to offer than just breathtaking views! Here’s what she had to say…

Adventure, Relaxation, and Glamping at AfriCamps Champagne Valley

We are fortunate to live in a country where we have the freedom to choose our holiday adventures. Will we head to the coast, explore the bushveld, or perhaps enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Drakensberg in winter—fingers crossed for some snow? For those residing in Gauteng, it’s just a four-hour drive to the mountains. The Central Drakensberg, particularly the Winterton area (known as Cathkin Park or Champagne Valley), is filled with exciting activities for holidaymakers.

Accommodation options are plentiful, ranging from all-inclusive resorts with amenities for everyone—from playgrounds for the kids to relaxing spaces for adults. Golf enthusiasts can even enjoy nearby golf courses. For families with children under 10, creativity is key, and what could be more fun for a child than camping? However, if camping isn’t your style, consider AfriCamps glamping, which meets all your needs.

AfriCamps Champagne Valley began welcoming guests in November last year, situated alongside the Inkosana Berg Lodge & Spa, which previously catered to backpackers. The camp features 10 tents, each offering stunning mountain views, placing you right in the heart of the action. As you leave the camp and turn onto the R600, whether you go left or right, a multitude of activities awaits you.

Indulge in the mountain

For us, holidays are synonymous with delicious food. Our first stop for a satisfying lunch was Valley Bakery, a family-run establishment known for its incredible baked goods. Everything is made with 100% natural flour, which they grind themselves. You can enjoy a variety of delights, including tarts, sandwiches, pizzas, and burgers, and don’t forget to pick up some of their flour to try your hand at baking at home. Be sure to grab a pack (or two) of their cookies for a snack later—I highly recommend the coffee cookies!

The bakery also features a lovely play area for children, where we were entertained by playful blue monkeys swinging in the pine trees. Make sure to allocate a few hours to explore the Berg Air Lifestyle Centre, where there’s something for everyone. You can buy local cheese at The Cheese Shop, sample chocolates at Drakensberg Chocolate Memories, or enjoy a drink at Drakensberg Brewery.

For breakfast, we visited the Champagne Bistro-Café and chose the Ploughman’s Breakfast Platter (R220). It was a generous spread of toast, fragrant tomato jam, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, a frittata, and crispy potato rösti—enough to satisfy our family of four. Afterwards, we stopped by the Farm Friends stable to pick up souvenirs and treat ourselves to some creamy gelato. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long, so later in the afternoon, we headed further down the R600 to Scrumpy Jack’s for a delightful baked honey cheesecake!

The Champagne Bistro-Café at the Mountain Air Centre.

Take a Scenic Walk

You can’t be in the mountains without going for a walk. We initially considered a route in the nearby Maloti-Drakensberg Park but instead opted for the Osborn route on the property of Hannes Scharf, which is associated with the Drakensberg Wellness Retreat. This suggestion came from the friendly manager at AfriCamps, Limahl Sookraj. Hannes has lived here his entire life and knows the area intimately.

With two small children in tow, we approached the 3 km circular route with caution and patience, but the stunning scenery made it all worthwhile. We climbed down the mountain using a ladder and walked behind cascading waterfalls. Hannes shared fascinating insights about the local San drawings and the region’s geology. Along the way, we spotted baboons frolicking and curious moose watching us with wary eyes.

Back at our starting point, Hannes introduced us to the trout swimming in the clear mountain waters and those being raised in tanks. “At least they have a chance against the otters and other predators!” Hannes laughs. If you have more time (and a taste for adventure), consider visiting Vertical Rush, where you can rappel down cliffs or try the exhilarating King Swing. Also, Scootours offers 4×4 routes up the mountain on a Monster Mountain Scooter.

Animal lovers will enjoy Falcon Ridge, where a daily bird of prey show takes place at 10h30. Alternatively, you can visit Dragon Rock Reptile & Nature Center to interact with creatures ranging from snakes to chameleons. For those interested in culture, the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School is nearby, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a performance during your visit.

More about AfriCamps and its tented camps

If the thought of camping makes you break out in a cold sweat, AfriCamps is sure to warm your heart. The idea of a traditional camping holiday—where you endure a long drive to your destination, set up your own accommodation, share bathrooms with strangers, and battle dust and bugs—has never appealed to me. However, glamping—short for glamorous camping, as offered by the proudly South African partner company AfriCamps—is a completely different experience.

These luxury tented camps are located at 18 sites across South Africa, from Wilderness on the Garden Route to Hoedspruit near the Kruger National Park (the newest camp, Milorho in the Magaliesberg, welcomed its first guests on July 12). Each camp offers everything you need for a relaxing getaway. Each tent features two bedrooms (accommodating up to five people), a bathroom with a shower, a kitchen equipped with a fridge and microwave, and a fireplace to keep you warm during the winter months. The highlight is the hot tub, heated by a fire, where we enjoyed quiet moments (yes, even in the middle of winter) while watching the sunset over the mountains.

Don’t miss the chance to try the braai and breakfast baskets offered by AfriCamps. The braai basket is filled with steak, roasts, sausages, garlic rolls, salads, marshmallows for roasting, and date pudding with custard—more than enough for our family of four. We savoured the breakfast basket after we walked the Osborn trail, devouring bacon, sausages, mushrooms, eggs, muffins, yoghurt, and fruit like hungry wolves.

Accommodation prices vary by camp, season, and any special offers available. For more details, visit www.africamps.com.

AfriCamps sponsored part of Janse van Vuuren’s accommodation.

Photos: Gerrie Janse van Vuuren

Read Karla’s article in Rapport here.

Let’s dive into another adventure at AfriCamps Hoedspruit with The Binge Travelers! Glamping tents, wildlife, and The Great Kruger Park nearby – it’s some serious safari vibes.

Cruising Kruger National Park

Ready for some wild fun? After bidding farewell to Kruger Shalati, we hit the road for a self-guided game drive through Kruger National Park. Despite a day of rain, the skies cleared just in time for our journey, treating us to sunny weather. Picture this: four hours of driving through the park in our car, spotting zebras, giraffes, elephants, and more along the way! We even had the incredible experience of witnessing an eagle feasting on a tortoise right on the road. Sure, it’s not quite the same as having a guide, but trust us, it’s still a blast. 

A warm welcome

As the sun starts to sink below the horizon, we roll up to AfriCamps Hoedspruit, where we’re warmly greeted by the owner, Monica. Not only did she ensure a smooth check-in, but she also took the time to share some words in Afrikaans with us (something we had been wanting to learn since we started this trip!). Our tent boasts a killer view of the tranquil lake, where we caught sight of fish leaping all around. Eager to unwind, we wasted no time firing up the grill, pouring ourselves some wine, and settling in for a cozy evening of board games. Thanks to the super handy ‘braai’ basket we booked – filled with meats, potato salad, veggies, and garlic bread – we had everything we needed for a tasty meal. And what’s a perfect evening without roasted marshmallows to top it all off? Aaaah, pure bliss!

A tent fit for adventure

Each of the 11 boutique glamping tents at AfriCamps Hoedspruit offers a cozy retreat amidst the wilderness. Equipped with modern amenities like air conditioning, a fully stocked kitchen, and a private bathroom, these tents redefine luxury camping. Step outside onto your wooden deck to soak in the sights and sounds of nature, or cozy up around the fire pit under the starry African sky. And don’t forget to indulge in the ultimate relaxation with your very own outdoor wood-fired hot tub, where you can unwind after a day of adventure.

Exploring the enchanting domain

Located near Kruger National Park, AfriCamps Hoedspruit offers more than just luxury accommodation – it’s a gateway to adventure! Nestled around a tranquil dam frequented by wildlife, including nyala, zebra, kudu, and more, the camp provides endless opportunities for nature lovers. Whether you’re casting a line for catch-and-release fishing or paddling in a canoe on the dam’s serene waters, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! And with guided game drives, tours to nearby attractions like the Panorama Route and Blyde River Canyon, and traditional village tours, the camp promises an unforgettable stay.

The breathtaking Blyde River Canyon

AfriCamps Hoedspruit isn’t just about Kruger National Park – it’s also your ticket to exploring the breathtaking Panorama Route! So, picture this: our first morning kicked off with a delicious breakfast basket we booked – filled with eggs, meats, coffee, fruit, bread, you name it! With our bellies satisfied, we hit the road for Blyde River Canyon, just a quick 40-minute drive away. And let us tell you, it’s not your average canyon – oh no, it’s the third largest in the whole wide world!

As we embarked on a guided boat safari, we were welcomed by a fascinating array of wildlife – crocs, hippos, and a rainbow of birdlife nestled among the lush greenery. But that’s not all – we were also treated to jaw-dropping sights like “the weeping face of nature“ and the iconic Three Rondavels. Talk about starting the day on an epic note! 

Greenest canyon on the planet

This canyon proudly holds the title of the third largest in the world. Spanning an impressive 26,946 hectares, it rivals even the renowned Grand Canyon in the United States and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia! But what truly sets it apart is its vibrant greenery, earning it the prestigious distinction of being the largest ‘green canyon’ on the planet! As you gaze upon its towering precipitous cliffs plunging into the depths below, you’ll be captivated by its dramatic landscape, stretching an astounding 26 kilometers in length and plunging approximately 800 meters deep. And nestled at its heart lies the Blyde Dam, reaching an impressive altitude of 665 meters when at full capacity, adding to the allure of this remarkable destination. So, prepare for an unforgettable journey into the heart of natural splendor as you explore one of South Africa’s most visited attractions, the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon!

Sunset safari & dinner to remember

Ah, the sweet serenity of midday at our tent – lounging by the lake, soaking in the hot tub, and exploring our little piece of paradise. But come 3 o’clock, it was time for the grand finale: our sunset safari in Khaya Ndlovu Game Reserve, right on the edge of Kruger National Park! A quick 30-minute drive and we were off on our last safari adventure.

With lions on our minds, we set out with ranger ‘Lovers’ leading the way. And let us tell you, folks, he certainly lived up to his name! Not one, not two, but three majestic lions made an appearance, giving us the thrill of a lifetime. After all, they were the only of the Big Five we still hadn’t seen! 

But the excitement didn’t stop there – we also had up-close encounters with rhinos (those rangers aren’t afraid to go off-road!), cheetahs, and even a chameleon that we got to hold in our own hands! And what’s a safari without a feast to remember? We toasted to the day’s adventures with gin and tonic sundowners and indulged in a mouthwatering three-course meal at Khaya Ndlovu Safari Manor, a luxurious 4-star lodge. Talk about ending our safari adventure on the most delicious note possible!

Farewell, AfriCamps Hoedspruit!

And just like that, our three-week adventure in South Africa comes to an end. But what a grand finale it was! Located in the heart of South Africa’s untamed wilderness, AfriCamps Hoedspruit truly captured our hearts with its perfect blend of luxury and adventure. From its ideal location near Kruger National Park to the wide range of experiences it has to offer, this place is just what you need for a great time. As we say goodbye, we’re so thankful for all the fun times and cool adventures. But don’t worry, AfriCamps Hoedspruit, we’ll definitely be back for more safari fun one day! Thanks for all the awesome memories!

Read more about this travel duo on The Binge Travelers blog.