Claiming the title of “Best City in the World”, Cape Town, which is located in the Western Cape is surrounded by a wide variety of beautiful camping locations. From waking up to the sound of the waves crashing down onto the beach to the sound of rivers running and birds tweeting we’ve got your covered with our top 5 picks that are no more than 4 hours away from the CBD
- Enjo Nature Farm
Located in Clanwilliam, this isolated campsite is the place to go if you are wanting to switch off from real life and get in touch with yourself and nature. The facilities lie next to a river flowing through the majestic Cederberg mountains providing the ultimate spiritual connection. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the natural beauty on the many hiking trails surrounding the farm followed by cooling off in the spring-fed dam.
Cost: R100 per person (depending on season) ; Children: Free (0-12 years)
Drive: 3.5 hours
| Facilities: | Activities: |
| 3 private campsites with water, fireplace and a charging point. | Swimming in farms spring-fed dam |
| Thatch cottage with hot water shower and toilet | Games room with pool table, dartboard and board games |
| Self-catering although breakfast and dinner can be booked in advance | Children can bottle feed lambs |
| Firewood available for purchase | Sevilla Rock Art trail exploring the Bushman paintings |
| Honesty bar selling drinks and snacks | Stargazing |
2. The Baths Natural Hot Springs Resort
Located in the beautiful Olifants River Valley, dating back to 1739, this rustic resort situated on a citrus farm near Citrusdal, provides the ultimate relaxing escape. There are both hot and cold baths, with waters reaching 43 degrees at the source it is definitely worthwhile experiencing.
Cost: R120 – R150 per adult (depending on season). R50 – R60 per child under 12 (depending on season)
Drive: 2.5 hours
Contact: 022 921 8026; reservations@thebaths.co.za
| Facilities: | Activities: |
| 3 communal ablution blocks spaced around the campsite | Natural hot springs |
| Braai facilities | Beautiful hiking trails around Olifants River |
| Power Points | Tennis court |
| Children’s playground | |
| Explore nearby town of Citrusdal |
3. Platbos Forest & Owl Camp
Off the grid, eco-friendly, set beneath beautiful old stinkwood trees, what more can one ask for to provide the unique camping experience. Platbos, located in Gaansbaai is owned by private conservationists whom are committed to the sustainability of keeping the rich diversity of Flora and Fauna, the baboons, Antelope, Leopard’s and thousand year old Milk-Wood trees. The entire site uses solar power lighting as well as heats water through the old school donkey boilers. There are a wide range of accommodation options available, from pitching a tent to secluded log cabins to boutique tented rooms.
Cost: Forrest camp: 120 – R150 per night for up to 4 guests, Owl Camp: R275 per night for 1-2 guests
Drive: 2.5 hours
Contact: 076 923 3349; admin@platbos.co.za
| Facilities: | Activities: |
| Firewood provided for donkey boilers | Forest trails |
| Off grid (no power points) but solar powered | Labyrinth made from mother of pearl seashells |
| Open air shower | Platbos forest tree nursery |
| Campsite under forrest canopy | Grootbos Nature Reserve |
| Fire pit and brain grid | Klein River Cheese farm |
4. Kleine Eike
Situated in the countryside just outside the old Cape Dutch town of Greyton, overlooking the breath taking Riversonderend Mountains and riverside views of the Sonderend River. Kleine Eike is the perfect couples getaway, to be in nature, away from civilisation and get in touch with life and each other.
Cost: R400 per night for 1-4 people (depending on season)
Drive: 1.5 hours
Contact: 082 809 9896; info@kleineeike.com
| Facilities: | Activities: |
| hiking, running, and cycle trails | newly-built campsite along the riverbank |
| explore the restaurants, galleries, and shops in Greyton | each camping spot has its own braai facility and electricity |
| Greyton farmers market (every Saturday morning) | bathroom ablutions with 8 shower cubicles and toilets, 10 basins and wash troths |
| apple and pear picking (January to May) | |
| canoeing and fishing on the river |
5. Kam’Bati River Resort
Situated just outside Swellendam, on a quiet farm in the Overberg, under the shade of towering gum trees alongside the flowing Breede river lies this picture-perfect taste of the countryside living. The working farm, producing Wheat, Barley, Canola and Corn provides city slickers the opportunity to witness how all these products that land up packaged in their shelves gets produced. Great for children due to the excess amount of activities available.
Cost: R200 per person per night, R100 per night for children (depending on season)
Drive: 2.5 hours
Contact: 079 200 9098
| Facilities: | Activities: |
| camping areas offering individual campsites of 90 square metres each | swimming pools with waterslides |
| braai drums are available, but it’s best to bring your own braai in case they’re all in use | Putt-Putt course |
| central ablution blocks with hot-water showers | Jungle Gym |
| select plug points | canoe and tube rides on the Breede River |
| daily servicing of bins and braai area | Fishing & Hiking trails |
Fat Pig’s checklist of Camping equipment:
| Tent/Caravan | Gas Cooker with gas | Braai & Wood |
| Fridge | Sleeping Bag | Gazebo |
| Table & Chairs | Torch | Food & Supplies |
| Cutlery bag | Mattress | LED Light |
With so many options available out there it is sometimes hard to narrow down exactly the best place to will meet all your current requirements and needs for your camping excursion. The places listed above are our personal Fat Pig top 5 and not necessarily the top rated 5.
We understand the difficulty and admin that comes with camping, therefore we have made every effort to make this much easier for you. On Fat Pig, one can rent everything they might need in order to make this camping trip one to remember. From your rooftop tents to your Knife and Forks and everything in between Fat Pig has got you covered.
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