We are totally spoilt for choice in the Western Cape when it comes to a selection of camps, camp sites and glamping experiences. And there are plenty of popular ones – Beaverlac, the Baths, Tweede Tol, Jamaka, Tietiesbaai – to name but a few.
But we’ve put together a selection of 10 campsites that you might not have heard of (so don’t dream about sharing these with all and sundry) that offer something a little less daunting, if you’re not into crowds, and are thus quieter.
If you like the noise and hum of a busy campsite, then these may not be for you.
Some of them supply you with tents so that you don’t have to lug yours along, others are the usual routine. Either way, most of them are either on the edge of rivers, or in the heart of the back of beyond, and thus promise a break from it all.
Campsites in the Western Cape…
Wigwam Rising Moon
Wigwam Rising Moon is a luxurious tepee-tent offering a unique stay. Snuggle up in a comfortable octagonal bed fitted with electric blankets, a thick duvet and warm water bottle.
The en-suite bathroom is fitted with a shower, toilet and basin. Bed linen and towels are provided. There is a seating area, tea / coffee making facilities, a mini bar fridge and free Wi-Fi. Listen to sounds of nature’s nightlife and do stargazing though the skylight window.
There is a covered parking bay available.
World’s Apart Camp Site
Nestled in the heart of the Robertson Wine Valley in Bonnievale is this unique campsite, a riverside haven surrounded by vineyards. Escape to this lush retreat flanking the Breede River, offering luxury tented villas and canvas safari tents.
Explore the river with complimentary canoes or unwind by the communal swimming pool. A rustic experience with modern comforts awaits.
Cederkloof Forest Camp
Nestled under an indigenous forest canopy are four spacious bell tents with the same luxury linen that our guests have gotten used to. Wake up with a cacophony of birds and the rustle of trees overhead, it is truly a unique experience.
The tents are furnished with a King-size bed, bean bags, electricity, a small private kitchen with a fridge, stove and kettle for those excellent Cederkloof morning coffees.
The outdoor showers have hot water and the community area braais and ablutions are a short walk away. There is also a communal swimming pool for guest use.
Pom Gratz Serenity Dome
Pom Gratz Serenity Dome is furnished with a Queen-size bed and has a private bathroom with a shower, waterless toilet and basin.
The toilets are all waterless, and the excess water from the Dome goes into a developing gray water wetland. Electricity is supplied by our off-the-grid solar system.
This dome has a kitchenette with a bar fridge, two plate stove and coffee/tea facilities. The sitting area opens onto a deck, overlooking the picturesque farm with a built-in hammock and an outside bathtub.
West Coast Luxury Tents
Situated halfway between Dwarskersbos and Elands Bay, West Coast Luxury Tents is on a private beachfront farm that has no public access. The beach is accessible with a 4×4 vehicle and there is a private airstrip for light aircraft.
The nearby Verloren Vlei is well known for its abundant bird life while the beach is a great place to spot breeding pairs of Black Oyster Catchers. The beach boasts the most spectacular seaside sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean and no two sunsets look the same.
Peace Haven at Windfarm
Peace Haven at Windfarm glamping tents are located approximately 80m apart, ensuring privacy, and contain a Queen-size bed or two single beds and a seating area.
A stretcher for one child can be arranged. Each tent is equipped with an induction plate, fridge-freezer, microwave, kettle, cutlery and crockery.
Each tent has its own outside braai area with two chairs. Guests have use of separate ladies and gents ablution facilities with baths and showers, toilets and washbasins.
AfriCamps at De Pakhuys
AfriCamps at De Pakhuys is located at the heart of the Rocklands in the northernmost part of the Cederberg Wilderness Area, 26km from Clanwilliam.
Nestled between striking rock faces and picturesque vineyards in the Agter-Pakhuis Valley, this dog-friendly boutique glamping camp welcomes nature lovers, adventure seekers, avid boulderers, and those simply looking to recharge in nature, to a peaceful corner of the vast and beautiful Cederberg.
Matjiesvlei Guest Farm
On a farm in the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains that also offers self-catering units, find Die Dam Rivier Kamp (the dam river camp) on the shores of the Gamka River. There is hot water and clean ablutions, trees and grass. But it is the setting that you’re here for.
Matjiesvlei is at the bottom of the Huisrivier Pass between Calitzdorp and Ladismith, a largely deserted valley filled with rolling hills, red aloes and farms.
Whilst the campsite is not luxurious there is plenty to do on the river – fishing, swimming, canoeing – and there are good hiking and mountain bike trails (take your own).
Leopard Valley Glamping
Leopard Valley Glamping Tents offers glamping accommodation in Cederberg at Leopard Valley Eco Retreat, nestled in a peaceful valley between Citrusdal and Clanwilliam.
The Leopard Valley Glamping Tents, Wild Olive & Waboom Protea, are each furnished with a double bed. There is an outdoor kitchenette with a fridge and two-plate stove.
The deck has a table and chairs. Braai facilities are available and there is a private wood-burning hot tub. The tents share a bathroom fitted with a shower, toilet and basin.
We allow guests to bring small or medium sized dogs in certain units, one dog per adult.
Mount Ceder Camping
Mount Ceder Camping offers camping in three private camp sites in Cederberg. The Cederberg region is only two and a half hours from Cape Town and yet the landscape is completely different from that of the Mother City; wilder and warmer with raw, dramatic beauty.
Three private self catering campsites, each with their own ablution facility that consists of a kitchen area, shower and toilet. There is no electricity. Gas and solar power only. Solar powered lights, gas geyser and two plate stove.
Each site can accommodate up to six people. Beautiful surrounding mountains and a short walk to the river.
Schoemanskloof Glamping
Schoemanshoek Glamping offers comfortable accommodation in Oudtshoorn, perfectly situated in the Cango Valley for a different experience. Our establishment is 15km from the Cango Wildlife Ranch, Cango Caves, Wilgewandel Holiday Farm, Rus and Vrede Waterfall, Swartberg Pass.
Schoemanshoek Glamping offers two tents. Bed linen and bathroom towels are provided. Each tent has a tea / coffee making facilities and patio with seating. Each unit has a kitchenette for self catering.
Lilly Pod at Glen Eden
Lilly Pod provides glamping in Montagu for four guests. The pod comprises a hand-made, gypsy wagon which is furnished with a Queen-size, extra-length bed and a seating area which can be converted into an additional single bed.
The pod also has a teepee tent which sleeps two people and is furnished with two single beds (if required). It has a private pod with a bathroom fitted with a shower, eco-toilet and basin, as well as a small kitchen.
Outside there is a braai, hot tub and fire pit with tree stump seating to relax and enjoy the fire whilst chatting with friends enjoying a drink or two.
The Gaia Sanctuary
The Gaia Sanctuary invites guests to visit our little slice of sanctuary, our very own heaven on earth, for a completely back-to-mother-earth experience, to leave your hectic city life behind and to come re-ground yourself and reconnect to nature and yourself, on our working farm.
The river is perfect for swimming and fishing and canoes are available for hire. The Gaia Sanctuary is ideal for bird watching, star gazing and long walks. Holiday clubs and a childminding service are also available.
Gecko Rock Camping
Gecko Rock Camping offers a choice of camp sites. Here you can enjoy days of hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, photography and 4×4 trails, or simply just sit in the shade with a good book or your favorite drink.
Echo Valley Campsite is more private and is perfect for a larger group. De Wets Rus Campsite are better for smaller groups and make use of the splash pool which is filled from the middle of September until the middle of April.
Both campsites can make use of the communal area that has a generous kitchen, a central braai area with steel braai drums and grids. There is ample space for up to 20 vehicles.
Useful Planning Links
- Western Cape Attractions
- Western Cape Accommodation
- Western Cape Hiking Trails
- Western Cape Camping
- Things to Do in Western Cape
- South Africa Accommodation
