10 things the ladies will love at AfriCamps

At AfriCamps we love when families come together – whether it’s for a holiday, a birthday, or just a getaway. There is truly something for everyone at each of our AfriCamps locations. The kids will spend hours swimming, sliding, canoeing, making new friends on the playground or just roaming around to explore. The men love to come together for a braai or a spot of fishing, and the ladies, well, where do we begin?

The ladies at AfriCamps have rounded up some of their favourite things to do, for some inspiration. Try them all on your next AfriCamps adventure.

1. Early morning run

Our locations boast the most scenic tracks for an early morning ladies run. And what better motivation than knowing breakfast will be waiting… Happily prepared by dad and the kids.

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2. Enjoy breakfast with friends and family

All AfriCamps locations offer sumptious breakfast baskets including the best fresh produce and dairy for you to prepare. Breakfast baskets differ slightly between our locations, as each location fills their baskets with the freshest local produce.

Freshly baked muffins, muesli, fresh fruit, yoghurt, juice, preserves, eggs, bacon, sausage, freshly baked bread, fresh milk, coffee and rusks are some of the items you can expect to find in your basket.

Pre-order your breakfast basket from R110 per person.

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Photo taken at AfriCamps Champagne Valley, Drakensberg

3. Get a head start on your tan

Grab a deck chair, catch some rays and relax! The deck is the perfect tanning spot, but depending on your location, you can relax and catch a tan next to a swimming pool or find a quiet riverside spot. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours – the hot African sun can be brutal in summer.

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Photo taken at AfriCamps Waterberg, Limpopo.

4. Sundowners with a view

It’s not an AfriCamps experience without spending some time relaxing on our decks and enjoying the views. (It’s even better enjoyed with a pink G&T, or whatever your heart desires.)

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5. Walks among fauna and flora

From beautiful blooming Proteas at Stanford Hills to walking among various buck species at Ingwe or Klein Karoo, all AfriCamps are located on beautiful properties where the unspoiled nature can be enjoyed.

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6. Finish that novel you’ve been reading for months.

Whether you do it curled up in front of the fire or stretched out on the deck. Whether it’s The Great Gatsby, Gulliver’s Travels or Eat Pray Love – take a time-out and get lost in a good book.

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Photo taken at AfriCamps Waterberg, Limpopo

7. Did someone say wood-fired hot tubs?!

Visitors to AfriCamps at Ingwe in Plettenberg Bay can warm up in our outdoor wood-fired hot tubs. Simply light the fire and let the brilliant design do the work. Sit back and soak up that Tsitsikamma view.

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8. Find your zen

Our guests have proven our decks to be the perfect spot for stretching out with yoga or pilates. Bring your yoga mat, leave your worries behind.

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9. Massage at Mackers

Our newest camp, AfriCamps at Mackers in Hazyview offers massage treatments from the comfort of your own tent. Book a treatment and prepare to be pampered to the sound of the Sabie River. View the Mackers activities page for the price list.

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10. Take the scenic route

All AfriCamps’ are in close proximity of attractions that make for memorable day drives. Visit Kruger National Park from AfriCamps at Mackers in Hazyview, go wine tasting form AfriCamps at Stanford Hills in Stanford or Pat Busch in Roberston. Explore the 4th oldest town in the country, when staying at afriCamps in Kam’Bati Swellendam, or meet the ostriches and meerkats at AfriCamps Klein Karoo. AfriCamps at Ingwe is surrounded by Garden Route attractions like the Tsitsikamma forest and Plettenberg Bay.

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The story behind SA’s favourite glamping brand

How did two Dutchies create South Africa’s favourite boutique camping brand? The Dutch travel magazine, Oog Voor Afrika recently interviewed AfriCamps’ co-owners Jeroen van Rootselaar and Manou Bleumink on the origins of AfriCamps and their road to success. We couldn’t keep this story from our local community, so, here it is! The story of how two Dutch entrepreneurs revolutionised glamping as we know it in South Africa.

A NEW START

After arriving in South Africa, Manou Bleumink and his girlfriend Willemijn started a homeshare B&B in their rented house to help make ends meet. The demand for student accommodation grew and so they founded Cape Town Rocks. Their successful company filled a gap in the market for the rental of beautiful apartments, houses and student rooms. This was their first encounter with the tourism industry in South Africa.

Jeroen van Rootselaar and his partner Katelijne arrived in South Africa in 2006 with two backpacks, some surf equipment and a website about internships. As a student, Jeroen completed an internship in Cape Town and fell head over heals for the city. The couple saw a gap in the market after their own internship in the Mother City and started the internship agency, 4exchange.

The two companies overlapped in the market for student housing, but after a chance meeting over a beer, Jeroen and Manou clicked instantly.

Soon we started brainstorming about starting a business together and, coincidentally we both thought of different forms of tents and camping gear. That’s how AfriCamps was founded.

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THE CHALLENGE: AFRICAMPS

Manou: ‘We both saw a glamping trend starting in Europe. At various farms and campsites, you suddenly saw cheerfully decorated “safari” tents. That was funny to see for the Dutch in South Africa because the original form of the safari tent really comes from here. The tents in Europe, with their double bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom, however, seemed more like canvas cottages suitable for the whole family. Our idea was to import the glamping trend to South Africa. We could not find local tents that met our requirements and importing tents was too expensive. We decided to buy a sewing machine and learn how to work with industrial sewing machines and canvas.

With the help of YouTube videos, we tried to familiarise ourselves with industrial sewing machines and canvas.

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After eight months of designing, sewing canvas, building furniture and welding couplers, we built a life-size glamping tent in an old asbestos factory building.

Jeroen: ‘Then things went quickly. Investors picked up our plans and with their financial help we set up a production facility in Atlantis. Atlantis has a huge youth unemployment rate, so we trained young, local labourers.

On 1 November 2015, exactly two years after the purchase of our first sewing machine, we opened our first camp at one of the biggest working ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn.

Now we have eight camps at the most beautiful locations in the Western Cape. Since 1 July 2018, there is also a camp in Hazyview, Mpumalanga. All camps can be booked separately, or as a route. Our vision is that guests can experience how an authentic South African family lives in their country, while learning everything about real South African products. As an AfriCamps guest, you will meet the farm owners, become acquainted with their produce and the unique fauna and flora of the area.’

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Photo: AfriCamps at Oakhurst in Wilderness

THE FUTURE

Jeroen: ‘The future of AfriCamps is bright. People show a need for meaningful travel experiences where the local people, the country and food can be experienced in an authentic way. AfriCamps offers that experience like no other. With the opening of AfriCamps at Mackers in Hazyview, Mpumalanga, we have taken the first step in our national expansion plan.’

People from Namibia, Botswana and even Zimbabwe have expressed their interest in AfriCamps. Signs are promising that we can make AfriCamps the glamping brand of Southern Africa.

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Photo: AfriCamps at Mackers in Hazyview.

What is the unforgettable memory? The wow moment?

Manou: ‘There are countless! But what really stood out was when I arrived with my family at our first camp in Oudtshoorn. We looked out over the dam and saw the tents looming in the distance under the splendour of the setting sun. An unforgettable feeling.’

Jeroen: ‘The moment our investors decided to invest a serious amount in the wild plans of two boys, a sewing machine and a self-made glamping tent. Manou and I dreamed enormously and all of a sudden there were serious entrepreneurs who dared to dream with us! I got the opportunity to start up a unique company for the second time and, once again, realized that South Africa is the country of unlimited possibilities.’

What are your favourite spots in South Africa? Where would you take us?

‘That’s easy. Of course, we’ll take you on a 21-day glamping tour through the Western Cape, where you’ll visit all our camps.’
• AfriCamps at Doolfhof in Wellington. Glamp on a working wine farm in the Cape Winelands and learn everything about some of the world’s greatest wines.
• AfriCamps at Stanford Hills. Owner Peter Kastner tells you all about the protea floriculture, about his wines and you can enjoy a delicious lunch at his own restaurant.
• AfriCamps at Kam’Bati in Swellendam. This is a children’s paradise with activities on the farm and Breede River.
• AfriCamps at Oakhurst in Wilderness. A beautiful dairy farm with mountain bike trails through the woods, a private waterfall and a very special church.
• AfriCamps at Ingwe, Plettenberg Bay. See beautiful views of the green hilltops of Plettenberg Bay, hiking trails through the primeval forests and the beach around the corner.
• AfriCamps Klein Karoo, Oudtshoorn. Learn all about a working ostrich farm, with a beautiful view over the Cango Valley and the Swartberg Mountains.
• AfriCamps at Pat Busch Mountain reserve. This is one of our most popular camps with gorgeous views of the mountains in the reserve. A true hidden gem!

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Photo: AfriCamps at Pat Busch Nature Reserve in Robertson.

Blog post: AfriCamps at Ingwe

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.

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(Click here to go to our camp page  in the Crags or continue reading this blog post below)

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.

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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.

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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.

Activities at each of our AfriCamps camps

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.

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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

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Rent a Mountain bike at AfriCamps at Pat Busch

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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

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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!

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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!

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Enjoy your AfriCamps stay with us!