With panoramic views of mountains and valleys, traveling off the beaten track in tranquil surroundings and breaking away to some 4×4 campsites is always a treat when you’re in the Western Cape. Here are 10 must-visit 4×4 campsites in the Western Cape for 2019.
Boegoeberg 4×4
It’s easy to see why Boegoeberg 4×4 attained a “top 10” status as a 4×4 campsite in Drive Out magazine. Situated on the farm Lambertshoek and in the Engelsman se Berge that overlooks Graafwater, Elands Bay, Lamberts Bay and the Clanwilliam Trail.
Boegoeberg 4×4 is committed to be an eco-friendly, family-oriented venue that promises a great vacation with the minimum impact on the environment. Rooibos tea and buchu are also harvested on the farm annually.
Number of stands: 30
Electricity: Yes, at each campsite
Ablution facilities: Yes
Braai facilities: Yes, with hot water showers
Shade: Plenty of shade
Ground cover: Some of the stands have grass
Other facilities: Very large swimming pool, various 4×4 trails (see below)
4×4 Trails: Old Donkey Wagon Trail, River Bed Trail
Pets: No
Cost: R200 per night per vehicle
Contact: Sybrie or Julize, +27 027 482 2933 or +27 083 632 2634
GPS: 32°17’14″ S, 18°45’15″ E
Directions from Cape Town: Take the N7 North. Turn left at the Paleisheuwel signpost (10 km before Clawilliam). Drive 12 km and then turn right at the Graafwater signpost. Turn left after 7 km, at Boegoeberg 4×4. The farm is 3 km down the road.
Cederberg Oasis
Whether you want to add some glamping to your camping weekend or want to rough it, Cederberg Oasis has it all. As it is 3.5 hours from Cape Town you can also be stunned by thousands of stars at night thanks to the little light pollution.
The different types of camping sites will give you as many comforts of home or as little contact with the outside world as you want. From hot water to WiFi, this is truly an Oasis and home away from home. Why not bring your family to this Western Cape 4×4 camping experience during your next getaway?
Number of stands: 7 (1 has a private kitchen and bathroom). There are also 28 pre-erected tents available. 4×4 camping now also available.
Electricity: At the main campsite.
Ablution facilities: Yes, various private and shared.
Braai facilities: Available at each stand. You need to pack your own grid.
Shade: A mix of trees and awnings, giving ample shade.
Ground cover: Grass
Other facilities: Various hiking trails – for permits the reception can be contacted. Overnight trail to Visgat Cave for a minimal fee (March to November only).
Pets: No
Cost: R150 – R250 per night depending on the campsite.
Contact: Gerrit, +27 027 482 2819 or +27 087 550 1360
Website: www.cederbergoasis.co.za
GPS: 32.33075 S, 19.21674 E
Die Hel, Fonteinplaas Campsites — Swartberg Nature Reserve
Grab your 4×4 camping friends and visit the little piece of paradise that is Fonteinplaas in Die Hel, Gamkaskloof. Situated in the Swartberg Nature Reserve. Rugged mountains, fynbos and succulent Karoo veld, a diversity of animal and birdlife, and, of course, the friendly people, are all reasons to venture to Die Hel.
Freshwater angling, bird watching, hiking (including an interpretational trail), and biking are all activities to indulge in after traversing the pass into the kloof with your trusty 4×4 for some proper Western Cape 4×4 camping.
Number of stands: 10
Electricity: No outlets, but there is solar powered lights.
Ablution facilities: Hot water showers, flush toilets and basins.
Braai facilities: Yes, must bring own firewood.
Shade: Yes
Ground cover: Not specified.
Other facilities: Freshwater angling, biking, hiking, bird watching.
Pets: No
Cost: R200 per site per night (max. of 6 people per site)
Contact: Annetjie, Marinette or Pieter – 087 808 5730
Website: www.diehel.com
GPS: 33°21’30.68″ S, 21°41’23.22″ E
Enjo Nature Farm, Clanwilliam
Enjoy the silence of the elements. The jewel that is Enjo Nature Farm is situated far from the main tourist tracks, in the Biedouw Valley of the Cederberg and Karoo. With fantastical carpets of flowers from July to September, you can be sure that this is a piece of earth plucked from paradise itself.
The 3 large campsites is rustic, but still has the convenience of electricity and running water. Doing some 4×4 camping at Enjo Nature Farm truly means resting, relaxing, and recharging.
Number of stands: 3
Electricity: Yes, an electric point at each site.
Ablution facilities: Yes, and a tap at each site.
Braai facilities: Yes
Shade: Yes
Ground cover: Part sand, part grass
Other facilities: Hiking, walking, mountain biking, swimming.
Pets: Yes
Cost: R100 p/p/p/n
Contact: Andrea, Tessa or Kobus — +27 027 470 0055
Website: www.soulcountry.info
GPS: 32° 8′ 33″ S – 19° 18′ 31 E
Klein Tafelberg 4×4
Voted SA’s number 1 4×4 trail!
Come and experience the splendour and silence of the Sandveld. Situated in the heart of the breathtaking Sandveld, overlooking the lonely yet magnificent landmark, Klein Tafelberg, is the campsite of Klein Tafelberg 4×4. Only a 2-hour drive from Cape Town, your visit to Klein Tafelberg 4×4 will be your gateway to exploring this fascinating region.
The adventure-filled 4×4 veld trail snakes along sandy fynbos-covered slopes and weathered sandstone formations that reveal panoramic views of more that just the Sandveld flats. You can pitch your tent in the shadow of Klein Tafelberg under Rooikrans in our bushcamp that is specially reserved for 4×4 camping enthusiasts.
Number of stands: 17
Electricity: Each campsite has its own power points.
Ablution facilities: Yes, neat and clean, with plugs in the bathrooms.
Braai facilities: Yes, shaded with wind nets. Also a communal lapa with fridge, freezer, urn, and basins.
Shade: Yes
Ground cover: Some grass
Other facilities: Hiking trail on Klein Tafelberg (3-5 hours). Veldpool and small baby pool.
Pets: No.
Cost: Booking essential. R250 per vehicle per night (two people). Extra person R25 per night. 50% deposit required.
Contact: Stephen and Anneli Burger, 082 558 4575
GPS: 32°33’4” S, 18°28’44” E
Koningskop Campsite
Located on a working farm 27 km from Citrusdal, the Koningskop Campsite offers a wonderful family weekend and holiday destination. Owned by the Spreeth family for four generations, the farm cultivates rooibos tea and citrus and now also welcomes guests like family at their family campsite and beautiful venue.
The two 4×4 trails offer panoramic views, rock art, and adventure — challenging but great fun!
Number of stands: 50
Electricity: Yes, each stand has electricity
Ablution facilities: Yes, with warm water
Braai facilities: Yes
Shade: Most stands are in the shade
Ground cover: Grass
4×4 trails: Petoorskrans Trail (challenging), Boesmansklip (see original San rock art)
Other facilities: Hiking trail, mountain biking (no noisy 2, 3 or 4 wheelers allowed), fishing, 3 swimming locations, and a children’s play area.
Pets: No
Cost: Pensioners (Mon-Thur): R95 p/p/p/n, Adults: R130 p/p/p/n, Children (2-11 years): R70 p/p/p/n, Children under 2: free. 50% deposit required.
Contact: Bertie or Barbara Spreeth: +27 021 100 3758 or +27 076 175 2520
Website: www.koningskop.com
GPS: 32°49’8407” S, 18°84’8838” E
Kroonland 4WD Trail
Situated on the farm Kaaimansgat, some 10km from Villiersdorp, this is a 4×4 camping adventure with sights you don’t want to miss. Not only can you truly get away from city life and all its trappings, you can also enjoy a circular 4×4 trail (average rating of 2) that traverses the mountains overlooking the town, Theewaterskloof Dam and orchards in the valley below.
The comfortable camping site on the bank of a perennial water stream has a large, roofed lapa that gives you all the space you need after a long day — and a hot shower definitely won’t go amiss!
Number of stands: 20
Electricity: No
Ablution facilities: Yes, flush toilets and hot showers
Braai facilities: Yes
Shade: Limited
Ground cover: Grass
4×4 trail: Yes, a circular trail with an average rating of 2. The 15 km trail takes 2-3 hours to complete.
Other facilities: Swimming, mountain biking, bird watching,
Pets: No
Cost: Adults and children 13 and older: R70 p/p/p/n, children under 12 free.
Contact: Johan or Sonél Roux: +27 028 840 1979 or +27 082 567 4570
GPS: 33°97’7219” S, 19°30’6969” E
Marcuskraal 4×4 and Camp Site
With spectacular views of the rugged Cedarberg Mountains and 4×4 trails winding through mountain fynbos to reveal panoramic views, Marcuskraal is a playground for nature and 4×4 camping and trail enthusiasts. The campsite boasts with lawn-covered terraces and plenty of trees to provide ample shade.
Marcuskraal is only two hours from Cape Town, making it a perfect getaway without having to spend to many hours on the road (more time for the trails!). Experience the splendour of the Cedarberg Mountains when you spend some well-deserved time out at this 4×4 campsite in the Western Cape.
Number of stands: 15 (max. 6 persons per stand)
Electricity: Yes, at all stands
Ablution facilities: Yes
Braai facilities: Communal covered braai area as well as dishwashing facilities
Shade: Yes
Ground cover: Grass
4×4 trails: Yes, routes offer wide range of driving conditions including thick sand, loose rock and steep rocky inclines. The route of 24 km takes approximately 4 hours to complete and costs R250 per vehicle. Some of the trails are easy enough for novice 4×4 enthusiasts, while others need some more experience.
Other facilities: Swimming pool, biking, catered meals can be provided on prior booking for groups, etc.
Pets: No
Cost: Adults: R130 p/p/p/n, Children (2-11 years): R90 p/p/p/n, Children younger than 2: Free
Contact: +27 082 551 1668 or +27 082 448 4941
GPS: 32°26’383” S, 18°56’551” E
Skurwekop Caravan Park
Only an hour and a half from Cape Town International Airport, on the Vinefera Wine Farm is the Skurwekop Caravan Park. A gem next to the Breede River outside Robertson, and surrounded by stunning scenery, this is a must-visit site for families and groups alike.
Just be sure to book early as the stands are in high demand! Skurwekop Caravan Park is in the Rooiberg bio-diversity area and a variety of plant and animal species are there to enthrall and delight. Be sure to look out for the fish eagle…
Number of stands: 60 – Wheelchair-friendly.
Electricity: Yes, all sites have 20 amp power. Cell reception available.
Ablution facilities: Yes, fully tiled with cold and warm water. Washing and ironing facilities also available.
Braai facilities: Steel braais available.
Shade: Some of the stands have shade.
Ground cover: Grass
4×4 trail: Yes,
Other facilities: Fishing, swimming, play park for the kids, canoeing (hire or bring own), hiking, bird watching.
Pets: No
Cost: (Max. 6 people per stand, children under 1 year incl., only caravan/bushtrailer per site.) R265.00 per site = 1 – 2 persons + 1 vehicle (Holidays & long weekends R345). R397/R530.00 for = 3 / 4 persons + 1 vehicle (holidays & long weekends R530). ONLY for 5th/6th person = R133.00, Extra = older than 12 years, R69.00 extra = younger than 12 years. For extra vehicle = R45.00 (once-off).
Contact: +27 (0)23 626 5588
Website: www.skurwekop.co.za
GPS: 33°82’4761” S, 19°80’9356” E
Xamarin Guest Farm
Between the vineyards of Sir Lamberts Wines and only 5 km from Lambert’s Bay lies Xamarin Guest Farm. Many species of indigenous fauna and flora add to the unique character of the area; a blend of the rich Nama soil and cool ocean breeze in the golden African sun.
Accommodation is rustic and old school and it’s difficult to believe that Xamarin Guest Farm is just off the R364 main road as you feel a world away from the hustle and bustle when you’re at the campsites. Enjoy a 4×4 game drive while you’re camping and why not indulge in some of the Sir Lamberts Wines as you watch the sun go down after a long day of rest?
Number of stands: 18
Electricity: Yes
Ablution facilities: Yes
Braai facilities: Yes
Shade: Some shade available.
Ground cover: Grass
Other facilities: Hiking, fishing, swimming, access to golf, wine tasting, and a 4×4 game drive also available.
Pets: No
Cost: From R250 per site per night, Private bushcamp R1 000 p/p/p/n (min. 2, max. 4). Bushcamp is strictly 4×4.
Contact: John: 083 250 4706
Website: www.xamarin.co.za
GPS: 32°09’47456” S, 18°32’9139” E
More 4×4 campsites in the Western Cape here
More 4×4 campsites in Southern Africa here
* Please note that all details are correct as of time of writing. Please consult individual campsites for booking and further information.