Run the Vines is a popular trail running series that has been hosted by Onsite Events for 10 years! Races take place across the picturesque Drakenstein, Slanghoek, Worcester, and Boland regions. Participants can explore the stunning Cape Winelands at their own pace, with a race hosted at a different wine farm every month. The series is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy combining physical activity with great food and wine afterwards.
AfriCamps is a proud sponsor of this trail series, offering each runner a 15%-off glamping voucher at the finish line. Runners can also look forward to an AfriCamps lucky draw at selected races, where one runner will receive a glamping voucher to use at any of our 19 locations across the country. Don’t miss the final run of the year taking place in our own backyard at the beautiful Doolhof Wine Estate!
A 3km kids’ run is available for children under 8 (must be accompanied by an adult)
Kids under 12 can participate for free
You can sign up for each event individually
The series has a cap of 60 entries
Enter the events marked 🏕️WIN below for a chance to be the lucky draw winner of a complimentary night’s glamping! Here’s a list of the upcoming Run The Vines venues and events for 2025:
Saturday, 12 April 2025 at De Wet Cellar in Worcester
Please note: While Run The Vines strives to stick to the dates and venues listed, changes may occur. You will be notified if this happens. For updates and confirmed dates, visit entries.onsite-events.co.za before each event.
If there’s one thing we love as much as glamping, it’s the delicious food we enjoy while doing it! Our lives and adventures revolve around food, and at AfriCamps, we know there’s no better celebration of food (and life) than when the fires are lit, sides are prepped, and the only thing left to do is BRAAI.
Every year on 24 September, we celebrate Heritage Day in South Africa. The braai has become synonymous with our country’s heritage, giving rise to Braai Day in 2005. But make no mistake – South Africans don’t need a reason to light the fires. With thousands standing by with their braai spice in hand every weekend, we’re sharing some of our favourite glamping-friendly recipes.
Suggested by AfriCamps camp owners from across South Africa, each recipe brings something special to the table, whether you’re enjoying them at your favourite AfriCamps location or home.
African Cape Malay Marinade
AFRICAMPS AT DOOLHOF, WELLINGTON
The Doolhof Team believes a braai can’t go wrong if it’s served with “wine, wine, wine!” However, a good marinade can make or break your braai. Try their African Cape Malay Marinade recipe with fish or meat.
INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp cumin seeds, paprika, ground coriander
1 tsp each of thyme leaves and rosemary
3 crushed garlic cloves
zest and juice of 1 lemon
50g fresh coriander
2 tsp plain feta
1 tsp salt
100ml olive oil
100ml sunflower oil
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine all ingredients in a jug blender and blend into a loose paste.
Pour half of the marinade over your meat 30 minutes before the braai and use the remaining marinade for basting as you braai.
Important tips:
Don’t marinate for longer than 30 minutes as the salt and lemon may overpower the meat.
Spices like heat!
Just before the meat is done, baste it one more time.
Remember to take credit for the marinade!
Karoo Lamb Chops
AFRICAMPS AT DE PAKHUYS, CEDERBERG
Thys and Mark, co-owners of AfriCamps at de Pakhuys share the secret to a perfect braai: good company, good food, and a great location. They recommend a glamping tent, a few braai buddies, and a sunny weekend. This delicious lamb chop recipe should round it off perfectly!
INGREDIENTS
Karoo lamb chops from de Pakhuys Farm
salt and pepper (to taste)
lime to squeeze just before coming off the fire
INSTRUCTIONS
Season the lamb chops with salt and pepper (to taste), then braai them to perfection. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy your delicious meal. And don’t forget to share the secret recipe with your friends.
Karoo Lamb Chop Marinade
AFRICAMPS AT KAROO 1, HEX VALLEY
It should come as no surprise that the owner of a farm in the Karoo recommends a Karoo lamb chop for Braai Day! It’s like a taste of the Karoo, straight from the source.
INGREDIENTS
8 Loin Chops
1/4 cup Olive oil
1/8 cup Fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp Honey
1 tbsp Rosemary
1/2 tbsp Fresh crushed garlic
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Black Pepper
1/2 tsp Chilli Powder
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
INSTRUCTIONS
In a ziplock bag, combine the olive oil, honey, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Add your chops, seal the bag and massage the marinade into the lamb.
Refrigerate for about 1 to 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavour.
Preheat your braai or grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the chops for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the lamb is cooked through and slightly charred. Be careful not to overcook.
Stuffed Butternut with Spinach and Feta
AFRICAMPS AT STANFORD HILLS, STANFORD
Enjoy this delicious recipe for stuffed butternut with spinach and feta, shared by camp owners Jami and Peter Kastner from AfriCamps at Stanford Hills. This flavourful and filling side dish is perfect for sharing with friends and family, especially those who may be vegetarian. Don’t forget to complete your meal with a glass of wine from Stanford Hills Wine Estate.
INGREDIENTS
1 Butternut (Cut in Half Lengthwise)
1 Hand Full of Fresh Spinach
1/2 Chopped Onion
2 Cloves of Garlic
1 tbsp Butter
1 tbsp Lemon Juice
1/4 Cup Crumbled Feta Cheese
Fresh Herbs
INSTRUCTIONS
Cut the butternut in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
Melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Squeeze out any excess water.
Stir in the lemon juice and feta cheese.
Stuff the spinach mixture into the hollowed-out butternut squash halves. Wrap each half tightly in aluminium foil.
Place on the grill or braai over medium-low heat. Cook for 45 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
Greek-style Leg of Lamb
AFRICAMPS AT PAT BUSCH, ROBERTSON
Lindi and Stephen Busch, the owners of AfriCamps at Pat Busch, share their go-to recipe: Greek-style leg of lamb inspired by Justin Bonello. With a symphony of herbs, this dish will transport you straight to the mountaintop.
INGREDIENTS
Lamb
2.5kg deboned leg of lamb
500ml Bulgarian yoghurt
6 cloves of finely chopped Crushed Garlic
3 Lemons
A Small Handful of Finely Chopped Rosemary
A Couple of Pinches of Smoked Paprika
Salt and Cracked Black Pepper
Vinaigrette
4 Brown Anchovies
A Drizzle of Olive Oil
A Clove of Garlic
Half Squeezed Lemon
INSTRUCTIONS
Lamb
Combine the yoghurt, garlic, lemon juice, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper.
Using a sharp knife, make several small holes in the leg of lamb and rub the marinade all over. Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for two days.
After two days, braai the lamb over medium coals for about 30 minutes, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness.
Baste the lamb with the leftover marinade periodically. You want the lamb to caramelise on the outside, and be cooked, but still pink, on the inside.
Once done, remove the heat, put the lamb aside to rest and rustle up a quick vinaigrette, which will break down the fattiness of the meat.
Vinaigrette
If you have a blender handy, blitz until fine.
If you’re in the great outdoors, use a mortar and pestle to mix the anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Three-cheese Braaibroodjie
AFRICAMPS AT KAM’BATI, SWELLENDAM
A braai is not a braai without a traditional braaibroodjie! Jaco and Dene Badenhorst, camp owners of AfriCamps at Kam’Bati, suggest pairing your steak with their delicious three-cheese braaibroodjie (Afrikaans for ‘barbecue sandwich’).
INGREDIENTS
2 Slices of Bread per Sandwich
Butter
KIRI cream cheese
Grated Gouda Cheese
Feta
Sliced Onions
Sliced Tomatoes
INSTRUCTIONS
Spread butter and cream cheese on one slice of bread.
Add onion slices and tomatoes with a sprinkle of Aromat and black pepper.
Add grated gouda cheese and crumble some feta cheese over it.
Place the last slice of buttered slice bread, and close the sandwich.
Place the sandwiches on the braai grid over low heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Ostrich Biltong Potjie
AFRICAMPS KLEIN KAROO, OUDTSHOORN
This uniquely South African dish comes highly recommended by AfriCamps Klein Karoo owners, Arnold and Esti-Mari. It’s a perfect combination of a gamey taste and a smokey, rich favour.
INGREDIENTS
1 Chopped Onion
1 tsp Garlic
1 Punnet of Mushrooms
1 Packet Smoked Cheese Sausages
500ml Fresh Cream
1 Packet Brown Onion Soup Powder
200ml Chutney
750g Pasta of your choice
750g Ostrich Biltong
300g Grated Cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat a little butter or oil to the pot, and add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for a few minutes. Add sliced the mushrooms and sauté with the onion and garlic.
Slice the smoked cheese sausages, add to the pot and cook until heated thoroughly.
Cook pasta in a separate pot. Drain and set aside.
Add the drained pasta to the pot with sautéed onion, mushrooms and smoked cheese sausages.
In a small bowl, combine fresh cream, brown onion soup powder, and chutney.
Combine the pasta and cream mixture and let it simmer for a few minutes to combine flavours. Mix well and add the biltong and grated cheese to the pot.
Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the flavours have combined.
Rump Tail
AFRICAMPS AT OAKHURST, WILDERNESS
Jake and Claire Crowther, the owners of AfriCamps at Oakhurst, recommend trying the rump tail. This cut, also known as Pichana, is a South American speciality that’s best cooked over a very hot fire to sear the outside and quickly braai the meat. It’s perfect as a flavourful starter!
INGREDIENTS
Rump Steak
Olive Oil
Braai Salt Rub
Course Salt
INSTRUCTIONS
Coat the rump steak on both sides with olive oil and a generous amount of braai salt rub (to taste), and do not remove the fat layer as it is a healthy fat and this is where the tremendous flavour comes from.
Place the steak on a braai grid on a very hot fire. Braai for a few quick minutes on each side, until it’s nicely seared and slightly charred.
Remove the steak from the braai and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes. Then, slice it into thin 5mm slices.
Sprinkle the sliced steak with a twist of course salt, to taste, and serve immediately as a starter.
Stuffed Kudu Backstrap
AFRICAMPS ADDO, EASTERN CAPE
The Hayter Family, camp owners of AfriCamps Addo, believe the kudu backstrap is a must-try and a game-changer! And we can see why — it’s a flavour explosion of rich, gamey goodness, creamy blue cheese, and smokey bacon.
INGREDIENTS
Marinade
50ml Soy Sauce
80ml Olive Oil
30ml Lemon Juice
3 Chopped Garlic Cloves
Salt and Pepper
Filling
50ml Butter
2 Chopped Chives
100g Sliced Button Mushrooms
2 Chopped Garlic Cloves
200g Crumbled Blue Cheese
Salt and Pepper
300g – 500g Streaky Bacon
INSTRUCTIONS
Marinade
Create a flavorful marinade in a small bowl by combining soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped garlic cloves, salt and pepper, to taste.
Let your kudu soak in this marinade for a day or two in the refrigerator.
Filling
Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat, and sauté the chopped chives until softened.
Add the mushrooms and fry till most of the liquid has disappeared. Stir in chopped garlic and cook until mushrooms are browned.
Remove from heat and set aside to cool. Once cooled, add the crumbled blue cheese with salt and pepper (to taste) to the mixture.
Remove the kudu from the marinade and pat dry with a paper towel.
Slice the kudu backstrap in the middle and fill with the filling.
Wrap the filet with streaky bacon and secure it with toothpicks.
Cabbage on the Coals
AFRICAMPS AT GOWAN VALLEY, THE MIDLANDS
This cabbage recipe from AfriCamps at Gowan Valley has come a long way. Many years ago, Brett, the camp owner at Gowan Valley, and Jake Crowther, the owner of Oakhurst, were touring through Africa. Upon arriving at a farmer’s house, they wanted to impress the farmer’s three beautiful daughters by contributing something to the braai. Their choice? A cabbage! And so, this simple recipe was born. (Tip: Kids will love this veggie, especially if it’s followed by braaied marshmallows!)
INGREDIENTS
1 whole cabbage
brown onion soup powder
butter
foil
INSTRUCTIONS
Cut the cabbage into large slices without slicing all the way through.
Sprinkle brown onion soup and butter between the slices, cover with foil, and braai for 45 to 60 minutes, turning occasionally.
Venison Sirloin
AFRICAMPS AT WHITE ELEPHANT SAFARIS, PONGOLA GAME RESERVE
Dr Heinz and Debbie Kohrs, camp owners of AfriCamps at White Elephant Safaris, bring a taste of the African bush to your table with their venison sirloin recipe. This dish only requires five ingredients and pairs perfectly with a traditional chakalaka game braai wors and a glass of delectable red wine for a truly authentic South African experience.
INGREDIENTS
Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Fresh Lemon
Ina Paarman Garlic Pepper Spice
400g Venison Sirloin (Kudu or Wildebeest)
INSTRUCTIONS
Pour into a shallow dish and combine a large glug of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, a squeeze of lemon juice and a good sprinkle of garlic pepper.
Lay the venison sirloin in the marinade, ensuring it’s well-coated on all sides. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, turning it occasionally.
Braai the venison sirloin slowly over hot bushveld wood coals (knob thorn or sickle bush wood).
Remember that venison is lean, so medium-rare is the ideal cooking temperature to prevent it from drying out.
After braaing, let the venison rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin medallions.
Sweet Simple S’mores
AFRICAMPS AT MACKERS, HAZYVIEW
Michelle and Ryan, the camp owners from AfriCamps at Mackers, have a sweet and nostalgic treat that’s sure to be a hit. Their s’more recipe only requires two ingredients and is a favourite among little explorers and adults alike.
INGREDIENTS
Caramel Marie Biscuits
marshmallows
INSTRUCTIONS
Toast the marshmallows over an open flame until they’re golden brown and gooey.
Place them between two biscuits, gently squeeze them together to spread the marshmallow, and let them cool slightly before taking a bite.
Brush the steaks with oil and season generously with Robertsons Braai & Grill Spicy BBQ.
Place on a grid over hot coals and braai for just long enough to brown the meat on all sides.
Place a big heat-safe or cast-iron pan on the grid.
Add the butter and Dijon mustard. Place the steaks in the pan and coat them well with the butter mixture.
Cook the steaks in the pan until done to your liking.
Salad
Add beetroot to a large pot, cover with water and bring to a boil then reduce to simmer until soft.
Drain the beetroot and place them aside to cool, then peel and slice for later use.
In one medium-sized bowl, add beetroot, red onion, olives, feta cheese (crumble) mint and Knorr Moringa dressing, mix well and serve.
Succulent Halloumi and Veggie Skewers
AFRICAMPS WATERBERG, LIMPOPO
Juliet and Dr Philip Calcott, the camp owners of AfriCamps Waterberg, share their vegetarian-friendly recipe for succulent halloumi and veg skewers. This flavourful and easy-to-make dish is perfect as a starter or a side dish, and it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
INGREDIENTS
1 Pack Braai Halloumi
Onion or Red Peppers (Optional)
1 Punnet of Button Mushrooms
1 Pack of Cherry Tomatoes
Crushed Garlic
Olive Oil
Braai Skewers
INSTRUCTIONS
Cut 2 cm cubes of halloumi, and if the mushrooms are big cut them in half, otherwise use them whole.
If adding onions or peppers, cut these into similar-sized chunks to the halloumi.
Thread alternate chunks of your ingredients onto the skewers.
Brush the skewers with a mixture of olive oil and crushed garlic.
Braai the skewers until browned, being careful not to burn the ingredients or let the cheese melt and drop off.
For added protection, you can place some tin foil on the braai to prevent items from falling off the skewers.
These skewers are perfect as a starter or a side dish to accompany your main course. Enjoy them with a refreshing salad and a glass of South African wine.
Blueberry and Brie Braaibroodjie
AFRICAMPS AT MILORHO, MAGALIESBERG
Made with the finest export-quality blueberries from their neighbouring farm, Iain and Renee Shields from AfriCamps at Milorho share their blueberry and brie grilled cheese braaibroodjie recipe. This simple dish is a perfect way to savour the natural sweetness of the local harvest.
INGREDIENTS
1/2 Cup Washed Blueberries
1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
1 tsp Honey
4 Slices Artisan Bread
Handful of Fresh Basil Leaves
Slices Brie cheese (Desired Amount)
Room Temperature Butter
INSTRUCTIONS
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the blueberries, balsamic, and honey. Stir to mix well.
Gently cook and mash the blueberries until they soften and turn jammy, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
Butter the outside of each slice of bread. On the one unbuttered side, spread a layer of the blueberry mixture, then top with basil leaves, and a few slices of brie, or the desired amount.
Top with the remaining slice of bread, buttered side up. Repeat for the next sandwich.
Place the other slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
Place sandwiches in a folding grilling basket, braai over medium heat, browning each side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Whether you’re glamping at one of your favourite AfriCamps locations or firing up the braai at home, we hope you’ve enjoyed these delicious glamping-friendly recipes inspired by our South African heritage.
A stay at AfriCamps is not just about glamping. It is a chance to experience the surroundings, taste the local produce and simply unwind in nature. AfriCamps at Pat Busch offers the most breathtaking mountain views and plenty of ways to explore the mountain up close. Get closer to the fynbos, streams, mountain dams and birdlife. Explore the surrounding wine farms famous for award-winning wines, or just have fun with the family, swimming the day away.
Here are a few activities to tick off during your stay at AfriCamps at Pat Busch…
Swimming
During our hot summer days nothing is better than going for a dip. The salt water pool is a favourite among the kids. Keep an eye on them from the sun beds while soaking up the rather magnificent mountain views (you can’t really go anywhere at Pat Busch without being surrounded by the majestic Langeberg Mountains.) Get a spot of shade beneath our sun covers, stretch out on a sun bed and get lost in a good book.
Thrill seekers might prefer to cool off in our farm dam after a hike or mountain bike ride. Our farm dam is located beyond the tents at the top of the property. You will also find row boats and kayaks available for rent. Try your luck at catching Bass and Tilipia (strictly catch-and-release).
Mountain Biking
Rent a bike for a half-day or a full-day to explore the farm and the surrounding area. How does a wine tour by mountain bike sound? A 30km route takes you past some of our neighbouring wine farms for tastings or meals. Book your bike with us in advance (helmets included).
Hiking
When arriving at Pat Busch, you can already spot some of the trails leading up the mountain. These can be quite intimidating, but fear not, there are trails for all fitness levels! These hiking trails are not open to the public, so you can hike in complete privacy. Make sure you pack enough water, power snacks, good hiking boots, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.
Guided Day Hike
Duration: 2,5 – 3 hours
An early start is advisable because in high summer months the temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees. A qualified field guide will walk with you through the area. During this hike he will tell you everything that you want to know about the local fauna and flora! *Minimum of 2 adults. Subject to prior arrangement and availability.
Self-Guided Hiking Trails
There are also three self guided hiking trails on the property. On arrival at AfriCamps you can find information on the various hikes inside the welcome book in your tent. !
Middelrug Trail
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
The hike begins at the farm dam just beyond the tents. This is a fantastic trail to hike in the morning, not only because of the cool weather but also for the sunrise. The hike will return along the stream and kloof. The hike is quite steep but other than that not difficult.
Hermit’s Ridge Trail
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Hermit’s Ridge Trail is named after the legend of an old hermit who used to live in the Langeberg Mountains. The story goes that he hoarded a fortune in Kruger Rands and the secret of this treasure was lost when he died. Start at the gate near Oak Cottage where the trail takes you deeper through the Poplar Forest where, if the legend is true, the treasure can still be found. This trail from bottom to top should take about 2-3 hours, but don’t forget to add on the return time for returning via Karin’s trail.
Karin Trail
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
This beautiful hike is named after Pat Busch’s wife, Karin Busch. You can choose to continue this hike from the top of Hermit’s Ridge Trail, or follow the trail there & back. This popular trail follows the mountain streams along shaded valleys. Indigenous trees, boulders and the gurgling stream are your companions.
Watch the sunset
Sunsets at AfriCamps at Pat Busch Mountain Reserve are simply one of the best sunsets you will ever see. Watching the sun disappear behind the mountains, see the sky change colour from orange to pink. There are simply no words to describe it! Make yourself comfortable in one of the comfy deck chairs outside and watch the sun slowly going down. (A glass of Robertson’s finest wine will make it even more special.)
Guided Wine Tour
Last but not least, Pat Busch Mountain Reserve offers a guided wine tour which starts at the property. This tour shows you around the beautiful sights and tastes of the Robertson Wine Valley. And no worries about driving! Your chauffeur will drive you all the way to the world-famous wine cellars. Lunch, wine tastings and an underground cellar tour is included. If you want to extend your tour with a boat trip along the Breede Rivier, your guide is happy to add that in the tour. All tours can be tailor made to suit your preferences. A minimum of 2 persons is required for a guided tour. *Subject to availability and prior arrangement.
We look forward to host you at AfriCamps at Pat Busch. For more information and bookings click here.
There are few places in South Africa that could be called paradise. One springs to mind, especially for those who are familiar with the popular resort of Plettenberg Bay. Conveniently situated only within half an hour from this town is a gem of a destination, The Crags.
You will be almost overwhelmed with the plethora of activities, adventures and places to visit. A definite favourite for locals and tourists alike is the boutique wine estate, Bramon Wine Estate.As the first wine estate in The Crags, they pioneered vineyards with their first vines, Sauvignon Blanc, resulting in Plettenberg Bay being classified as a Wine of origin region.
Winning awards both nationally and internationally (most recently double gold in 2015), this family run estate lead to the birth of Plettenberg Bay’s own Bubbly and Wine Route
The aspiring owners Peter and Caroline Thorpe hope to create a ‘Sparkling Wine Route’ in the near future. Enjoy the restaurant uniquely set in the vineyards and gardens overlooking the Elephant Sanctuary and Tsitsikamma Mountains; or the cathedral-like cellar.
For the more adventurous, the pristine indigenous forest of AfriCamps at Ingwe offers a haven for plant, bird and animal life and is a very special location to restore your soul. Relish in a pre-hike breakfast or lunch picnic as you are guided along a hiking trail in the natural forest, hearing about the flora and fauna of the region. Or savor celebratory sundowners as part of your hike.
The Eden to Addo Corridor, being the most bio-diverse corridor in the world, passes through a portion of the farm where AfriCamps at Ingwe is situated.
For the intrepid adventurer, the family hike with the Eco Warriors is guaranteed to quench your thirst for adventure and exploration and is also for a good cause, namely the Green Ticket
Orienteering, trail running, mountain biking and horse riding are also among the numerous activities on offer. Or plant a tree in support of the local NPO. For those wanting a restful time, soak up the tranquil sounds of nature, breath in the fresh air and enjoy the spectacular forest, mountains and calm surroundings.Discover delightful water adventures with the Keurbooms River Gorge, Bitou River & Wetland and Keurbooms Lagoon; all offering guided canoeing eco adventures. The Keurbooms River Nature Reserve is a world heritage site with sightings of ververt monkeys, blue duiker, mongoose, grysbok and the elusive leopard. This is best suited for the active traveller who loves the outdoors while having fun on the water. Each of these canoeing adventures offers something distinctive.
Paddle on the lagoon, venture to the other side to visit Keurbooms beach or canoe to either the Bitou or Keurbooms River. In and around the lagoon there is lots of wildlife to be seen, such as flamingos, spoonbills and oyster catchers.
The Keurbooms River Gorge is one of the most beautiful in the world, with numerous secluded beaches amidst the natural forest and high gorge solid with vegetation in an untouched atmosphere
Along the way, settle on white beaches with picnic baskets, a good book and a bottle of wine; while the kids safely explore. The Bitou River section winds along a channel through a wetland system, with plenty of birdlife including South Africa’s national bird, the Blue Crane; and the African Fish Eagle. Enjoy the Keurbooms Lagoon with the beauty of Bird Island and the largest breeding colony of Kelp Gulls, amongst other bird species.
One can easily understand now why this region is named the ‘Jewel of the Garden Route’, with its splendid natural selection of beauty in its forests, beaches, lagoons and magnificent mountains.
If you are planning to visit one of our AfriCamps camps, you should know that the camps also offer some activities.
AfriCamps at Klein Karoo offers you a sunset game drive and stargazing. You can rent mountain bikes and do hikes at AfriCamps at Pat Busch; and you can play putt-putt and enjoy the nice swimming pools at Africamps at Kam’Bati.
Sunset drive in Klein Karoo
Experience a close encounter of the fauna and flora (excellent bird watching opportunity) of the Little Karoo with our specialist guide. During the drive there is the possibility to view some wildlife and ending the day with a beautiful sunset over the mountains. Thereafter returning to your tent for dinner. Duration +- 2 hours. This is all including drinks and snacks.
Star gazing
Join us for a fascinating 45 minutes tour of the Southern Celestial Hemisphere at the comfort of your own tent (Subject to availability, amount in group and clear skies). And enjoy the beautiful starry sky of Oudtshoorn.Thank you Fabrice Debatty for the picture
Rent a Mountain bike at AfriCamps at Pat Busch
In 2014 we purchased two new Axis 90 mountain bikes with front suspension & Shimano 18 speed parts. These bikes are great quality and very comfortable.Try out some fun mountain bike action over the weekend or explore the Klaasvoogds Valley by cycling to nearby restaurants for breakfast or drinks. Bike rental includes helmets.
Hiking in our private mountains
Beautiful scenery awaits the nature lover! The reserve offers several trails, from mountain fynbos & protea hikes to kloof hikes along wooded streams. Hiking trails are not open to the public – exclusively for the enjoyment of our overnight guests so that guests can walk or hike in complete safety. Each cottage has a detailed map of our trails. Please remember to never hike alone, and to be prepared with enough food & water, good hiking boots, common sense and a jacket. Take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints. Hikes take 3-5 hours and can be difficult.
Swim at AfriCamps at Kam’Bati
There are 3 swimming pools and water slides at Kam’Bati. The relatively new (Jan Hagen) landscaped entertainment area is situated at the old conference centre parking area in the middle of the resort. Besides that there are some nice play areas next to it. For the parents there is a new pool lounge to relax in while the kids are playing!
Play putt-putt
Next to the swimming pool you can find the putt-putt hole course, this course consists of 8 holes. This is fun for the kids and adults who can thoroughly enjoy it! So as you can see you don’t have to leave the property to have an awesome stay at AfriCamps at Kam’Bati! If you want to know more, check our website here!
We are opening a new AfriCamps glamping location in Stanford! It’s a great place and there are a lot of things that you can do in this area. We’ve made a selection for you, of our highlights of things you must do during your stay in Stanford.
1. Whale Watching
From June until November, Southern Right whales are highly visible along the Cape south coast, making this the perfect time of year for a whale-watching trip. You can do these trips at several companies near Stanford but you don’t even have to go out on a boat to see them because Hermanus, overlooking Walker Bay, is considered to be the best land-based whale watching spot in the world. Southern Rights often come in close to the shoreline, sometimes appearing only metres from the shore. Hermanus’ cliffs offer an incomparable viewing point.
You can also do a whale-watching from the sky! It’s a unique experience to see the whales from the air.
2. Shark Diving
Go shark cage diving close to Stanford to see these amazing creatures. The area around Stanford is known for the numerous sharks who visit this area. You can go on a half day tour with a shark diving company, where you will go into a cage and see sharks up close!
The Stanford Wine Route officially launched late 2015 and is seen as one of the up and coming wine routes in South Africa. This close-knit group of wine farms with their cooler temperatures have produced outstanding wines over recent years. This wine route meanders through the Stanford valley and each wine farm welcomes you into their tasting room. The Stanford Wine Route encompasses Springfontein Wine Estate, Raka (try the Biography Shiraz), Brunia, Boschrivier, Sir Robert Stanford, Stanford Hills, and Lomond Wines.
As with the other wine routes, this one holds a number of smaller wine festivals throughout the year with the Stanford Stumble being one of the known favourites.
River cruises are a relaxing way to spend the day. These cruises will take you through the Klein River and will offer you breathtaking views of the Klein River Mountains. Relax on the boat, braai, jump in the river or get pulled along in a tube. These cruises cater for everyone. If you are lucky you can spot 129 species of birds who make this area their home. There are a few companies in this area who arrange these river cruises. Platanna: www.platanna.com or African Queen: www.africanqueenstanford.co.za and River Rat www.riverratstanford.wordpress.com
One of the best and most highly recommended ways to explore this beautiful area is by horseback. These horse riding tours will allow you to escape into nature for one, two or three-hour tours.
Fancy a bit of adventure, why not go into the mountains for a nice hike or a mountain bike ride. This is an incredibly beautiful area and you will not get bored for a second. You will find these hiking and mountain bike trails all around Stanford.
Stanford is home to beautiful indigenous flora and fauna which make this area a delight to explore. For all the mountain bike enthusiasts this area covers part of a few famous mountain bike races, the most famous being the Cape EPIC.
You are spoilt for beauty when you head through to Stanford as the surrounding areas are all spectacular. Cape Agulhas being one of them. This is the southern-most tip of Africa, perfect for a day trip to see the point where the Atlantic ocean and the Indian ocean meet.
This week we announced our next location, Stanford Hills Estate. Time to break out the champagne and get excited because this location is packed with beauty and a wide range of activities to keep both young and old entertained.
Take a look at this sneak peek of this stunning location. Video by James Yeats and Mattis Hansen.
Can you picture yourself walking through this beautiful estate, grabbing lunch at the Tasting Room, swimming in the dam or exploring via horseback?
Stanford itself is located 2 hours from Cape Town. This quaint town is on the banks of the Klein River. This area is becoming a known highlight by foodies who flock there for their delicious food, found in both the markets and restaurants in the area.
One of the highlights on this property is their restaurant, The Tasting Room, which uses local organic and free-range products.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when we say Robertson? It must be wine. Known for it’s wine tasting and beautiful views, this town in the Western Cape of South Africa offers much more than just your odd wine tasting on route down the coast. Have a look at our list of highlights in the area and extend your stay for a few days to explore this area more thoroughly.
Here is our list of the 5 things to do in Robertson.
1. Wine time
Robertson is known as a wine valley, so of course, you have to do a wine tour. But which tour do you have to do? We definitely recommend the Viljoensdrift wine tour. This tour is nestled in the south of the Elandsberg Mountains. The main benefit of the tour is the possibility to do the tour on a boat down the river.
Every first Thursday of June the Robertson wine valley will host the Wacky Wine Weekend festival. The festival takes place over 4 days and with over 40 wineries participating. Boutique wineries and tourist establishments showcase the valley’s award-winning wines. Thousands of wine lovers come to this lovely festival. For around R150 you are allowed to visit this festival every day. You also get a glass, water and a tasting voucher at every winery.
Another popular festival is called the Wine on the river festival, which will take place every second Friday of October. This festival is known as the “most beautiful wine festival” because this festival takes place on the riverside farm of Goudmyn and gives wine lovers the opportunity to taste more than 250 wines from 30 wineries. The ticket prices are between R90 till R180 a day and R190 till R250 for the entire weekend.
3. Best view of Robertson
Want the best view of Robertson then head over and do the tractor trip in Montague. This tractor trip is Nestled at the foot of the majestic Langeberg mountain range.
“The tractor, pulling its load of sightseers, meanders its way up the Landeberg Mountain, reaching an altitude of 1500m above sea level. On the way up you will have a bird’s eye view of the Koo Valley and, once at the top, you can look down into the Robertson Valley.”
If you want to do something different, then you have to visit the world’s largest hedge-maze.This botanical garden is chosen as one of four best botanical gardens in South Africa. A really nice part of this garden is the possibility to do a guided tour, where you can do a ‘’flower tasting’’ and you get to hug a cactus. This entrance has to be booked online here.
If you are looking for an adrenaline rush then you have to go skydiving. Skydive Robertson is one of the longest running Parachute Association of South Africa (PASA) approved dropzone. You can do 2 different falls from 3.500 ft to 11.000 ft. Are you already excited? Book it here.
So come for the beauty, the nature, the wine and get some rest in this beautiful part of South Africa, Robertson is just one of the many gems along the Western Cape of South Africa. With our third location, AfriCamps at Pat Busch Mountain Reserve situated in Robertson we are sure that you will find these activities and many others to keep you entertained when you come and stay with us.
There is no doubt in our minds that Klaasvoogds Meander in Robertson holds some of the most exquisite hidden gems in South Africa. This becomes very apparent after you take the turnoff into the valley and drive up towards Pat Busch Mountain Reserve. Pat Busch is nestled between the beautiful Langeberg mountains and this is where you will find our third camp, AfriCamps at Pat Busch Mountain Reserve.
On the 2nd of November, we launched the third camp in our Africamps collection. The day was a warm 36’ C and the sunshine brought with it the invitation of summer. Everyone arrived early afternoon and we headed off to Tent 5 for the welcome drinks and meet and greet.
This camp introduced an upgrade to the tents with regard to the extended deck and braai area. Which has already become a favourite among everyone who had previously seen the other tents at AfriCamps Klein Karoo and AfriCamps at Kam’Bati. The extended deck meant that we could house everyone on the deck for speeches and a toast.
Now that we have officially opened AfriCamps at Pat Busch, We had a chance to welcome Stephan and Lindi into the AfriCamps family. It was a 3 month period between the launch of AfriCamps at Kam’Bati in Swellendam which opened in August. Then the AfriCamps team headed off to Robertson to join Stephan and Lindi to start the build for this location. It’s quite amazing what they have achieved in such a short period of time. The tents fit naturally into the surrounded nature and have the charm of the mountain reserve embedded in the details. This can be seen in the consol solar hanging lights which lights up the pathway to the tents and the new deck design.
Stephan and Lindi Busch, your hosts at Africamps at Pat Busch Mountain Reserve.
After the toast, we walked over to the dam where we had a taste of the award-winning Marbrin olive oil. Marbrin Olive farm is another one of those hidden gems in the valley.
The dam played it’s part nicely as it invited everyone to take a dip and cool off. Some of the little ones were quite entertained and had fun dipping their toes into the water. The boat became a quick favourite of some of our guests who decided to try it out.
The free time before dinner gave guests the opportunity to take a dip in the swimming pool. While some took in the nature, with a quick walk around the property, others lazed back on the deck chairs and enjoyed the serene quietness of this idyllic place.
With each build, the Africamps team finds their favourite products and restaurants in each area that we set up. A standard for the last build was Saggy Stone beer, which has become an AfriCamps favourite. Jackie brought her range of beer for guests to try out and pick their favourite.
Dinner was held on the lawn by the pool with a long tresel table set out for the meal. A massive thank you to the Yoga Kitchen and Misa’s mobile catering for the delicious food. You both have catered to the foodie in us, with the spit braai and the delicious salads that accompanied it.
The rest of the evening …the Esona wine was flowing and the atmosphere was cheerful as we took in the beautiful sunset.
After a good night’s sleep we awoke to the nature sounds. Then breakfast baskets were delivered at the tents and the rest of the guests joined us at the hall for a delicious breakfast and coffee.
Overall this was another great launch which we got to share with great company. Thank you to all who joined us for the launch, we hope that you will be back to visit sometime. It was great to welcome you into the AfriCamps family.
As you exit AfriCamps Klein Karoo to the right and you continue down on the R328 away from the center of Oudtshoorn, this beautiful scenic drive will lead you to the Cango Caves. Located at the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains tucked away in limestone ridges, these beautiful caves are not to be missed.
There are two types of tours on offer at these caves. The Cango Caves standard tour and the Cango Caves adventure tour (if you are fit and able – do the adventure tour). Though the standard tour provides you with a good introduction into these magnificent caverns.
As you move through each cave, the friendly and informative guide will provide you with the rich history, mythology and random humour to ensure that you get the most out the tour.
This is both for young and old. You will truly get the same reaction from people at all ages when they see these magnificent caves.
Some more info on the Cango Caves tours: Cango Caves Standard Tour
All standard heritage tours are led by experienced, knowledgeable, accredited cave guides. Learn about the stalactites and stalagmites that form in these caves. This tour will take you through a number of different halls, each enchanting you with its own mystery and wonder. Fun for the whole family, this tour will capture your imagination and educate you on the beauty of these formations.
Prices Per Person: R85,- Children 5-17: R50,- Bookings Essential
Cango Caves Adventure Tour
All adventure tours are led by experienced, knowledgeable, accredited cave guides. This tour starts off in the same hall as the standard tour but takes you on an adventure that will have you climbing up iron ladders and crawling through the tunnel of love, all the while learning about these mystical formations.
Prices Per Person: R105,- Children 5-17: R65,- Bookings Essential
Prices and activities may differ slightly and are subject to availability.
