IN BRIEF Go glamping in Grootvadersbosch Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve – in the foothills of the Langeberg in the Western Cape – has set up five new luxury safari tents, each with a view of forest and mountains. On sunny days you can roll up the canvas walls and feel as though you’re truly living outdoors. Birdsong fills the air: Red-chested cuckoo, sombre greenbul, greater doublecollared sunbird… When the weather takes a chillier turn, batten down the hatches and play cards around the table. (Tip: August gets pretty windy. Rather opt to stay in one of their chalets.) Each tent is fully equipped for self-catering and can sleep either three adults, or two adults and two children, on a stretcher bed and sleeper couch. The glamp camp is in an opening on the edge of the forest, which was previously used as two private campsites. In accordance with CapeNature’s movement towards more sustainable building practices, the existing bathrooms have been incorporated into two of the luxury tents: Boekenhout and Yellowwood. Those tents also have sheltered braai areas at the back. The remaining three tents have outdoor showers. Red Alder is wheelchair-friendly. Although they’re close together, the tents are relatively private. Once the shrubbery separating each one has grown out a bit, you won’t be in danger of seeing your neighbour in his pyjamas and slippers. Grootvadersbosch also has some “regular” campsites, and stands with amenities like a deck, plus a sink, shelf, braai area, table and benches. Ablutions are shared. A kilometre west of reception, the old forestry cabins on a hill have been converted into tidy self-catering chalets. Where? Grootvadersbosch is about 45 km east of Swellendam via the N2 and the R324. Rates: Camping from R190 per night for two people. Glamping from R570 per night for two people, plus R185 per extra person. Chalets from R980 per night for four people. Contact: 087 087 8250; capenature.co.za
– Esma Marnewick
24 go! #179
