FYI: We paid for this holiday, it wasn’t a trade exchange or anything. I’m being really nice about it, because it was… really, really nice.
I like to pretend that I’m outdoorsy. There’s something so strong and independent about being able to chuck your camping stuff in your car, take to the road, and drive off. But other than my boyfriend’s potentially leaky 2 man tent, ONE camping chair, and a slightly mouldy cooler box, we have no “stuff” to make the experience comfortable – and as much as I like to be strong and independent, I realllly like being comfortable.
TL;DR: Camping is kak because I don’t have enough stuff to make it nice.
ENTER STAGE RIGHT: Brackenhills Nature Reserve. About 3 hours out of Cape Town, between Swellendam and Heidelberg. I found it online and immediately texted the BF: “Let’s go glamping at Brackenhills!”
If we didn’t feel useless enough already, soon after arriving we learnt Simon and Lee, owners of this little slice of heaven, built the entire place with their bare hands. After buying the land, and while living in a caravan, they chopped down alien trees to make a clearing, then used the wood to build the foundations of 3 glamping tents and their house too! Once they moved into the house (which has the most magnificent view, but we’ll get to this later), they turned the caravan into the 4th glamping space.
Accomodation
So their are four spaces to choose from, each with it’s own personality. Depending on what kinda person you are you can find one to suit you. We stayed in Mountain View Tent, because of it’s amazing view of the mountain (duh), but most importantly, the bathroom is completely outdoor – the shower is in a tree and the toilet is in the centre of the forest. It’s also the closest tent to the communal area, which is convenient because I don’t like schlepping, but if you want more privacy or a less exposed bathroom I’d go for one of the other options. The Wattle Tree Tent was a tiny bit smaller than ours, but it has an attached bathroom, a giant hammock, and an overflow tent right next to it, which is perfect if you have kids, because they can share the bathroom with you. Next up is the Forest Tent, which is the most secluded. It’s up on stilts, has a huge balcony and a giant indoor bathroom, which is completely enclosed from the elements. Finally, you can also rent the uber cute caravan, which has a double bed as well as a lounge area that can be converted into another double bed. It’s right by the communal area, so if you want privacy, this ain’t for you.
All the tents have a double bed, a table, cupboard, seating area, balcony, electricity, a tea and coffee station, mosquito net and other homely comforts that really make you feel like you could live there forever. They’re also huge, so there’s no stooping over, tripping over your lost pantoffel, trying to find your bra. You really do live a good life.
Food
There’s a communal kitchen area that’s super well stocked with all the crockery, cutlery and utensils that your heart could yearn for. You can bring all your own food along with you and put it in the fridge or Lee will cook for you at an extra cost. We went for the breakfast option, and each morning were greeted with delicious coffee, juice, and healthy, home-cooking, made from seasonal, local produce that Lee was able to get her hands on. On the second morning we had the pleasure of joining Simon and Lee on the deck of their home, where we had granola, homemade compote, and yogurt, followed by pancakes with cooked cinnamon apples, cream, honey and jam, as well as fried eggs with all the trimmings.
At night, we all braaied together, Simon and Lee, us, and the other guests, where we all shared wine, food, and stories.
Things To Do
This place is a mountain biker’s and hiker’s delight, with trails of varying difficulties. On the first day we took a “granny” hike, which is a flat stroll to the most magnificent lookout area, with a bench and swing.
On the second day we hiked to the river. We chose to go a the easier route (we actually had no idea where we were going, and found out afterwards that it was the less steep way) which was lovely, but when we got to a the last bit, just before the river, it was rocky and steep. We thought we were lost and sat down, feeling slightly defeated and were staring deeply into our map, hoping it would give us the answers. Then out of nowhere, the Dutch couple who were staying at Brackenhills appeared like angels from heaven with very long, rock traversing legs, and showed us that we were right, we just needed to do a bit of jumping. It was worth every sweaty second. The cold, refreshing, beautiful water, was an absolute treat. We were told is safe for drinking, so gulped down litres of the stuff and I’m here to tell the tale. We took a picnic down with us, had an amazing lunch, and at one point both fell asleep on a shaded, smooth rock, as the water trickled past us. It was one of the most perfect moments of my life. On the way back, we went the shorter trail home, which was possibly the steepest place on Earth (probably not).
There are also guided trail walks including a picnic and off-road bakkie adventures at a cost. You can chat to Simon about the various offerings.
Lee also took us on the back of the bakkie to feed their group of 9 gigantic African Buffalo. We stood on the back of the car and entered their area – they knew it was dinner so they came charging at us like hungry, huge, dogs, ready for a snack. We helped empty their food out, and watched them happily munch away as the sun went down.
We spent two, blissful nights at Brackenhills, surrounded by amazing views, food, and even more amazing people. Simon and Lee took the entire experience to the next level. Sharing meals with them, learning from them, and hearing their stories made the trip one that wasn’t just a nice memory for us, to something that makes me want to tell everyone I meet that they need to go and visit. Do yourself a favour, and book.
