I have thoroughly enjoyed exploring more of our own country over the past two years and with many coastal and road trips under my belt, it was time to explore something more inland.
With so many options for accommodation online, we decided to look into something other than a cute BnB nestled in a charming town or an epic camping weekend in the Drakensberg, don't get me wrong, those are both incredible options and have been ticked off multiple times. We just wanted to find something different. That was when we decided to travel to the Midlands and stumbled upon Africamps.
Africamps is a company that offers middle to high-class perma-tents with campsites scattered all around the country. Mainly located in the Western Cape, with a campsite in Stanford and Swellendam, even in Oudtshoorn sitting right along a watering hole in Hoedspruit in the Kruger National park.
I cannot recommend Africamps enough! The campsite in the Midlands was beautiful. Out of five tents, we were lucky to get the one right at the top in the centre. Away from the other tents and an incredible view over the hills. Each perma-tent sleeps 5 people, with one bathroom, and comes with a fully equipped kitchen. A brilliant braai, because let's face it, this is SA and we love to braai. To top it all off (for me) was the private hot tub! Every tent had its own and ours was neatly tucked away but still had a stunning view. The staff was super accommodating as they contacted us before we arrived asking if we would like them to preheat our hot tub…how amazing!
Meals aren't included in your booking, but Africamps have amazing meal baskets that you can purchase (breakfast and/or dinner) and they deliver it right to your tent all neatly packed and presented. If you are looking to keep active, they have trails that begin right at the campsite, and with the Midlands Meander being one single, long stretch of road, it is definitely a road cyclist's dream!
Being our first time exploring the Midlands we decided to check out the sites in the neighbourhood. We took a drive down the Midlands Meander and discovered so many cute restaurants and boutique shops. We even got to try chocolate-coated biltong! There are amazing coffee spots, you can go for a wine tasting at Highgate Wine Estate or a beer tasting at Nottingham Road Brewery. There really is plenty to do.
Not far from our campsite was Swissland Cheese, an adorable goat farm and little cheese shop that gives you the opportunity to take a basket and go have a picnic on the lawn whilst sitting at the top of the valley.
Feel like taking in more natural sites? take a drive out to Howick falls with a cute craft market nearby, with some classic locally made bits and bobs. Loving the sites of waterfalls, before heading back up the Midlands Meander, take a drive out to the Karkloof Valley! Such beautiful views, be fully immersed in the forest, and look up and see nothing but beautifully spread canopies and the backdrop of the blue skies. Take a walk a find yourself gazing at the Karkloof Falls! If your car can manage the rough terrain, take a drive to the top of the falls and picnic along the banks of the water. Totally worth it. Depending on the season and on the tide, a sneaky little swim can be possible...just not anywhere near the drops. Please and thank you.
Africamps is very popular, so make sure you book! Take a look at their website for all their sites around the country, and their great advice on things to do. There are so many to choose from and they all have different offerings depending on where they are.
Being our first Africamps experience, and our first trip through the Midlands, I can honestly say this place has delicious food, amazing attractions, a great vibe, and an experience I recommend to everyone.
