October is decorated with bright mornings and fresh evenings, and tucked away amongst the vineyards in Wellington, we were able to experience the best qualities of spring in the quiet meadows of the Doolhof AfriCamps.
AfriCamps offer boutique glamping experiences set on working farms, nature reserves and hidden countryside gems across the country. Each camp combines the comfort of modern amenities with the adventure of the outdoors, with this luxury extending to 19 different locations, as remote as the Cederberg, Kruger and Drakensberg or as close and convenient as the Cape Winelands. I’ve been lucky enough to stay at a few AfriCamps over the years, and while the accommodation remains consistent in design, practicality and appeal, a lot of the allure lies in the variety of choice when it comes to location. Couples may be looking for an adventure into the mountains, while families may prefer the convenience of a quiet escape, closer to home.
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Situated on the border of Limietberg Nature Reserve, Doolhof is reachable via normal roads; however, a stretch of gravel road to the entrance, as well as the dirt tracks within the farm (to the tents), make a car with higher clearance and hardier tyres preferable. Thankfully, Isuzu equipped us with the top-spec D-Max V-Cross 4×4, meaning a comfortable and confident drive up the highway before tapping into the bakkie’s agricultural roots when making our way to the tents.
The 16 AfriCamp tents at the Doolhof Wine Estate present the first glamping experience in the Cape Winelands, just an hour outside of Cape Town. Nestled beneath the historic Bainskloof Pass, at the foot of the Groenberg Mountains, the boutique glamping tents are cradled by vineyards of brilliant green and dramatic peaks that soften in purple against the warm evening sky. Six of the tents overlook a tranquil meadow along the Kromme River, while 10 sit on the hillside with stunning mountain views. Activities on the estate range from a 5 km vineyard hike, the river walk that leads you all along the Kromme River, mountain biking starts on the property, and a kids’ mountain bike trail.
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Hidden away in cabin six, my partner and I enjoyed the quiet of the meadow for our first night at Doolhof, while families rolled in over the week to add the hum of laughter and play to the afternoon and evening soundtrack. The expansive meadow provides an awesome field for kids, where parents can watch from the deck of the camp without worry. The location’s proximity to the city makes it an easy escape, while the closeness of Wellington provides the comfort of a town, with shops nearby should one need extra supplies.
Bar our own drinks and a few snacks we bought up, there wasn’t much need for supplies – AfriCamps provides both breakfast and braai boxes on demand, delivered promptly each morning and evening, catering to the number of people necessary. High-quality meats, traditional braai salads and broodtjies are the theme at dinner time, while breakfast boxes come packed with eggs, bacon, croissants, bread, condiments and juice. It is such a pleasure for one’s only mealtime concern to be when to fire up the stove in the morning and how hot the coals are at night, rather than having to worry about planning meals and buying groceries ahead of time.
Epic scenery and a host of activities are AfriCamp prerequisites, but it is the luxury of time and quiet that stands out the most. To spend a few days in the company of one’s partner, a book and the steady symphony of river and birdsong is a luxury rarely afforded to one’s everyday life. On day two, after hours spent underneath the early October sun, we got the wheels in motion and meandered our way down the vineyards to the tasting room.
A complimentary tasting of Doolhof’s award-winning wines is offered to AfriCamps guests, and we went home with two bottles of the Limietberg Rose Brut. We finished off the first bottle while waiting for the temperature to rise in the wood-fired hot tub. When the very friendly staff at Doolhof tell you that it takes about three hours to heat up, listen. We started our fire late and endured some lukewarm water before the tub started to steam.
Beyond the estate, you can explore Wellington’s mountain biking routes, hike through the Limietberg Nature Reserve, enjoy horse riding, visit nearby wine farms and distilleries, or tee off at one of the region’s world-class golf courses. It’s wonderful to have these options, but the theme of our stay was the calm of the immediate surroundings, and we took our last evening to stroll aimlessly along the river and through the vineyards before circling back to get the hot tub going well in advance.
The setting at Doolhof – with the powerful mountains on the horizon and the freshly cut grass of the meadows, soaking up the sun until the final amber light of the day – asks of one a certain tranquillity, telling one to move slowly and contentedly in the surroundings of brilliant forestry and the comforts of a luxury canvas home. The convenience of the location is that you are not further than an hour away from Cape Town, and the AfriCamps at Doolhof do a wonderful job of making escape accessible.
For more information, visit AfriCamps at Doolhof or Doolhof.com
Images: Oliver Keohane
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