2-nights Africamps at Gowan Valley - The KZN Midlands

Glamp for 2-nights in the heart of the Midlands Meander at AfriCamps at Gowan Valley , Kwa-Zulu Natal. The perfect destination for a family glamping getaway.

AfriCamps at Gowan Valley boasts Five brand new AfriCamps luxury tents. The farm is truly enchanting with its rolling green hills, endless fields, and mighty river. You will experience an ‘English countryside’ feeling, whilst you are welcomed with true South African hospitality. You can explore the farm during your stay while taking a 4km walk. Pass through indigenous forest to see the enormous 500-year-old Yellowwood tree, walk along the Mpofana River, see the newly planted kiwi fields and Nguni cattle. Take strolls through the gorgeous rose gardens on the farm and settle down at a grassy picnic spot next to the crystal clear river which flows strongly through the farm. Take a dip or try your luck and catch yellow tail or trout – strictly catch and release.

AfriCamps tents consist of a spacious open plan lounge area with a comfortable couch and a fully equipped kitchen. The dining room area has a solid wooden table with enough seating for 5 people. For winter months the fireplace will be the perfect way to warm up the tent, bringing in an intimate setting for you and your love ones. Both bedrooms are furnished with a queen size bed and have their own private entrance which allows maximum privacy. One of the bedrooms also contains an extra single bunk bed, so the tent will comfortably sleep a family of 5. Our tents are equipped with an air conditioning unit to keep you cool during those hot summer nights and a private bathroom with a hot shower cabin, washbasin and flushing toilet. Three of the tents now offer a private wood-fired hot tub where you can take in the breathtaking view while listening to the crackle of fire under the African sky. A wood-fired hot tub is the purest form of relaxation and enjoying the outdoors, ideal for those starry winter nights. With all the comfort of a permanent structure – proper furniture, bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen and a solid wooden floor – they still preserve the romance and atmosphere of staying in a tent.

Activities on site:

Hiking Trail
Guests can enjoy a 4km walk through indigenous forest where they will see the enormous 500-year-old Yellowwood tree, pass the mighty Mpofana River, the newly planted kiwi fields and Nguni cattle.

Picnics
Take strolls through the gorgeous rose gardens on the farm and settle down at a grassy picnic spot.

Swimming & Fishing
The property is graced by the crystal clear Mpofana river which flows strongly through the farm. As part of a water scheme, the river also provides water to the farm. A hollowed-out section in the river is a great spot to go for a dip or enjoy the river from the banks by settling down for a picnic. Try your luck and catch yellowtail or trout – strictly catch and release.

Wood-fired Hot Tubs
All five tents offer the exclusive use of their own wood-fired hot tub. A wood-fired hot tub is the purest form of relaxation. Soak up your beautiful Midlands surroundings while listening to the calming crackle of the fire. Or take a dip to cool off on the hotter days.

Activities in the area

Piggly Wiggly:
A must-visit one-stop hub for food, activities and gifts the whole family will enjoy. In the centre of the Highgate Wine Estate enjoy wine tours and tastings in our beautiful family wine cellar. Indulge in breakfasts, light meals, lunches, pizzas, refreshments and, of course, a variety of coffees and teas at the coffee shop. Candle dipping and the miniature steam train ride around Piggly Wiggly will keep the kids busy on weekends. The active guests can take part in the 5km Parkrun. Visit Meander Fine Wines for 700 wines from the Cape, Natal and around the world. The Pizza Place offers freshly made country pizza. The Greenery will give you your healthy juice fix along with bagels and salads. Stock up on meat from The Pantry and visit chocoholics can visit Chocolate Heaven for the chocolate dipping experience… or just to buy some delicious chocolates.

Notties Junction:
Indulge in all the quirky finds while shopping at The Junction. 16 unique shops invite guests to grab a bite to eat, stretch their legs, or pick up some souvenirs.

Howick Falls:
he nearby area of Howick is waterfall country. Explore one or all three of the trails at Howick Falls to capture the perfect photo. At Howick Falls, also known as KwaNogqaza which means ‘place of the tall one’, the uMngeni river plummets 95m into a gushing pool. You can hike to the foot of this waterfall via the official Howick Falls Gorge Walk.

Midmar Dam:
This well-known dam which also hosts the annual Midmar Mile is perfect for boating, fishing, sailing or just soaking up the sun!

Karkloof Falls:
A visit to the Karkloof Nature Reserve promises a mesmerizing experience considering the 80+ bird species flying overhead, and the 88m Karkloof waterfall crashing down from the cliff face. Bring a picnic or enjoy the braai facilities. For the more adventurous, the Karkloof canopy tour is a must, or bring along your mountain bike for the beautiful trails.

Drakensberg Mountains:
During your visit to the Midlands, you will be able to access parts of the Central and Southern Drakensberg. Not up for the drive? You can simply view ‘The Giant’ from the Nottingham Road turnoff.

Highmoor Nature reserve :
This World heritage site in the Kamberg Valley forms part of the Mkhomzi Wilderness Area and takes you into the Southern Drakensberg mountains surrounded by grasslands and streams. Visit the reserve for hiking trails, fly fishing, rock art sightings.

Maloti Drakensberg Park:
Beautiful day walks like the self-guided Giants Cup Hiking Trail and a wealth of rock art sites are must-sees. Fly fishing, rock-climbing, mountain biking, bird watching and swimming or some more options.

Midlands Meander Horse Trails:
A breathtaking horse trail winds through mountains, hills, dams, and pine trees in Lidgetton, a short 7.5 km drive away. Options include outrides, pony rides and even lessons.

Nelson Mandela Capture Site:
This famous Nelson Mandela Capture Site commemorates a significant moment in South African history with a visitor centre and a world-renowned sculpture. Nelson Mandela was arrested on 5 August 1962 outside of Howick. He spent the next 27 years of his life in prison.

Golfing:
With two world-class golf courses around the corner, make a golfing glamping tour of it! Take a swing at Gowrie Farm, only 11km away. This course is known as one of the top 30 most fun courses in the country. (And we are serious advocates for fun) It is also the 3rd best short course in the world outside of America. Bosch Hoek is a beautiful country course with loads of charm and becomes a beautiful display of colour in Autumn. The cosy club house with its fireplace is particularly inviting after as round of golf during winter.

Midlands Meander Routes:
Pick one of 5 Midlands Meander routes and experience the best food, drinks, arts and crafts of each section. Visit the Midlands Meander website to get your map.