Camp or Glamp? That is the Question, and We Have the Answer
Mother Nature in all her unaltered beauty is just as enjoyable from a campsite, as it is from a glamsite, although the purists might tend to disagree. Are you a camper or a glamper? There are enough debate points to argue both sides of this coin but what it really comes down to is preference.
CapeNature has both glamping and camping sites dotted throughout the Western Cape to make your choice easy.
Because You Love Glamping
Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve
With the mountains stretched out in front and wilderness surrounding you, there are five glamping tents at Grootvadersbosch structured and pitched on decks separate from the main campsite for your convenience. Choose between Yellowwood, Red alder, Stinkwood, Sequoia (“Si-koi-ja”) and Boekenhout - each with private ablution facilities and wooden fences on either side for privacy. The devil is in the details - each glamping tent is maxed out with every comfort of home while staying true to its natural surroundings.
Fossil Ridge Eco-Lodge within the reserve offers rustic accommodation built from poles and reed situated next to the fossil rich ridge. It’s the ideal private getaway for family and friends and several day hikes can be done from here. The main Lapa consists of a kitchen/dining room and a living area. Separate to this is two safari-style tents pitched on decks, with two single beds in one and a double bed in the other tent. The lodge boasts an eco-splash pool, deck, Lapa and braai area.
Similar to Fossil Ridge, Sweetthorn thicket sits the foot of the Gamkaberg. The main lapa consists of a kitchen/dining room and a living area. Separate to this are three safari style tents pitched on decks, two with two single beds and one with a double bed. A gazebo equipped with hammocks and benches where one can enjoy the viewing of a beautiful sunset. The lodge boasts an eco-splash pool, shaded deck, and lapa and braai area.
Also situated on the Gamkaberg Nature Reserve is where you go to get away from the hustle bustle of the city, with a touch of luxury of course. The main lapa consists of a kitchen/dining room and a living area with a wood stove for the cold winter nights. Separate to this are four safari style tents pitched on decks, one tent is double bed, the other tent a king-size bed and two tents with two single beds each. The lodge offers an eco-splash pool with a shaded deck, big lapa and braai area with hammocks.
This newly built two–sleeper eco-lodge is beautifully designed and built to accommodate special needs guests (disabled-friendly). This lodge offers clients complete privacy with a modern look and feels with all facilities constructed on one deck that includes a kitchen, disabled-friendly bathroom, lounge area, a carport and ramp to the deck, stylish lounge area and a beautiful bedroom that overlooks this pristine reserve. It boasts an eco-pool outside on the deck and braai area.
Because You Love Camping:
Anysberg Nature Reserve is located in the semi-arid Klein Karoo and has a limited five campsites - Duiker, Springbok, Gemsbok, Steenbok and Eland. Campers can enjoy regular sightings of the numerous antelope species and black-backed jackal. If lucky, species such as Cape Mountain Zebra, caracal and the critical endangered riverine rabbit can be spotted. About 180 bird species are regularly spotted on the reserve, making it a popular choice for birders. Besides the mesmerising landscape and rich plant and animal life, the reserve is also home to San rock art, painted thousands of years ago.
Situated close to the office and information centre at the foot of the Gamkaberg overlooking the Klein Karoo Valley and the Swartberg Mountains, are two sheltered areas to pitch your tent. Portable braais are provided to set up your own camping area. Water is on tap at the camp area. Eco-friendly waterless toilets are just a step away and an outdoor work surface and sink or scullery are located about 50m from the site.
Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve
Life is easy-going at this special reserve. Here you will find sites for pop-up tents, each complemented with individual spacious wooden decks and screens for privacy.
There are 9 campsites, each with a wooden deck and screen, lights, electrical and USB points, braai pit and grid, a bench, table and seating with water and scullery. Each site looks onto indigenous forest, providing many opportunities for bird watching. Communal ablution facilities are available. There is a communal fridge, swimming pool and a play area/jungle gym for kids.
Campsite A at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve
This campsite accommodates campervans and caravans strategically located near the sparkling pool and recreational area.
There are five basic campsites available (A1-A5), each with its PowerPoint, USB port, water point, and braai facility. Communal ablution facilities are available with a communal scullery (communal fridge located here). The campsite also has a play area/jungle gym for supervised entertainment for children.
Kliphuis, situated on the flower route to the Biedouw valley and Wupperthal, offers an upgraded campsite. Set against the backdrop of the famous Rocklands bouldering site, it is the perfect spot for climbing enthusiasts. The shady campsite lies in the northern section of the Cederberg Wilderness, in the Pakhuis Pass. The 14 sites lie on the banks of the Kliphuis River – an invitingly cool swimming spot in summer.
Tweede Tol have both standard and private campsites available and caravanners are welcome here too.
The Tweede Tol camp and picnic sites are located at the original tollgate of the beautiful Bainskloof Pass, built in 1853. The campsite has 20 standard sites, each with its own braai area. Activities on the nature reserve include a refreshing dip in several swimming holes and a hike to the waterfall. There is also a play area for children to enjoy.
Algeria is a peaceful, grassy area on the Rondegat River with 48 campsites for tents and caravans. This nature reserve offers a welcome shady break from the sun, with crystal clear pools to cool off in during the Cederberg’s hot, dry summers and a waterfall to hike to with unbelievable views.
Related News
Catch and release helps to conserve the Western Cape’s indigenous fish
Freshwater ecosystems across the Western Cape are rich in biodiversity, supporting a variety of indigenous fish. However, these species are increasingly threatened by the spread of invasive alien fish species, that prey on indigenous species and compete with them for food, space, and breeding grounds.
Celebrating innovative, resilient women in tourism
Women are thriving in tourism and wielding influence from the boardroom to hiking trails, where they beat a pathway for others to follow. They occupy 70% of the tourism workforce in South Africa, and their voices are being amplified in the sector now more than ever. A powerful yet often overlooked statistic that underscores their vital role in the sector.
Rivers, Watersheds, and the Klein Estuary: A 2025 Natural Breach Event
Over millions of years, South Africa’s rivers and watersheds have evolved through the forces of erosion, rainfall, and shifting geology. A river catchment, or watershed, is an area of land where all surface water flows toward a single river, stream, or channel, eventually reaching the sea.
Avian Influenza detected in Western Cape: Public urged to stay alert, not alarmed
High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI or “bird flu”) is a viral disease of birds that can also, on rare occasions, infect humans and mammals. The virus spreads through bird faeces and droplets from the nose and mouth, and is present in other body fluids and tissues of dead birds. The disease can cause high mortality rates in domestic poultry.
Independent experts’ review of draft action plan for baboon management now available
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, wants to inform residents, interested parties, and stakeholders that the independent expert panel’s review of the proposed action plan on baboon management is now available to the public.
Boost for freshwater biodiversity as Wilderness Nature Reserve declared
A new nature reserve has been declared in the Western Cape, marking another significant milestone for the province’s environment. The Wilderness Nature Reserve, spanning over 643 hectares, has been declared a Provincial Nature Reserve in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003).
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?