Orange Kloof tented camp, Table Mountain

Website: Orange Kloof tented camp

We slept here for one night as part of the Hoerrikwaggo hiking train on Table Mountain, but you can book the accommodation separately from the hike. It would be wonderful to spend a weekend here: it's super-close to town, but feels very remote. You're staying in a forest, surrounded by mountains. 

There is a swimmable river just outside the camp, and walks and hikes all around. There are also fantastic sitting spots in the camp, for chilling, reading, bird-watching, sundowners etc. The camp is quite spread out, with wooden walkways between all the structures. 

The camp is uber-ecofriendly: all the wood was cut from alien forests, there are recycling bins, and the camp is solar powered.

There is a well-equipped communal kitchen, private but open showers, and a lovely open braai area. Most of the tents sleep two people, with one larger tent sleeping four.

Price: R200 per person per night.

Accommodation: Five tents, sleeping max 12 people  

Private showers that open onto a spectacular view.

Separate toilets.

Kitchen with gas stove, fridge, plenty of indoor seating

Outside braai, with plenty of outdoor seating.

Owners: Orangekloof is owned and run by Cape Nature, or National Parks or something, so it is very well managed, and there is a guide staying near by to make sure you don't set the whole place alight.

Getting there: Either walk there, as part of the Hoerikwaggo trail, or drive to Constantia Nek and then take the secret little road to the left, towards Hout Bay. 

Notes: Beds are very comfy (well, mine was) but you'll need to bring your own sleeping bag/bedding and towels. Fires aren't permitted on high risk fire days. Children-friendly, no pets. 

Papkuilsfontein (near Niewoudville), Northern Cape

Website: Papkuilsfontein

We've been to Papkuilsfontein three times now, staying at the same cottage (De Hoop) each time. It's very comfy, cosy in winter, cool in summer. There is lots to explore on the farm, including the massive canyon. The sunset views from the edge of the canyon are worth your finest champagne. The rock pools are also impressive, and a fun spot to spend an afternoon in the sun. In winter the area gets pretty darn cold, and in spring it's famous for its flowers. We were there late spring and got some flowers and lovely weather. It's a working sheep farm, but we also saw scrub hares, dassies (and babies!) and lots of birds. 

Price: R220 - R250 per person per night.

Accommodation: Two rooms, one with an awesome double bed, and one with two singles. 

Bathroom with bath.

Outdoor shower (lovely!)

Kitchen with fireplace and gas stove, gas fridge. (no electricity)

Outside braai.

Other accommodation: Three cottages.

De Hoop and another one are quite close together. The other is smaller, with just one double bed. House looks lovely. 

Gert Boom is bigger: sleeps 6, and is set apart from the other two. All very private. 

Owners: Papkuilsfontein has grown quite big, so you're dealing with a family company more than a farming couple, but everyone is terribly pleasant and helpful.   

Getting there: Either 350 km from CT through Clanwilliam, Calvinia, Niewoudville, or a day's drive through the Cedarberg, with many farm gates. 

Extras: You MUST order the food at least one night. The smaller meal is HUGE, so no need to bother with the large meal. The lamb shanks are incredible and come with gravy, mashed potatoes, various other veg and salad and pudding.  

Fraaigelegen Farm, Tulbagh, Western Cape

Website: Fraaigelegen Farm

We went to this spot just after the first snowfall of the season, so it was mighty chilly. But our cottage was cosy - fireplace, heaters in the bedrooms, extra blankets etc. Oooh! Double shower! The farm has olives, grapes, friendly sheep and pigs, and is lovely to wander around. In front of the cottages there is a dam with a rowing boat. Two of the cottages are very close together, and while we weren't at all bothered by our neighbours, it would be more fun to have a larger group booking both cottages. 

Price: R600 per cottage per night.

Accommodation: Two rooms, one with a double bed, and one with two singles. 

Bathroom with DOUBLE SHOWER.

Kitchen with stove, kettle, toaster, fridge, microwave.

Outside braai.

Other accommodation: Three cottages and an annex. We didn't see the other cottage or the annex.

Owners: Dealt with the charming Christine Bond by email mostly, and then met her to get keys etc. They also sell award-winning olive oil and Broede Bond wine that we are too scared to taste.  

Getting there: 130 km from Cape Town, off the R46. 

Notes: Tulbagh is a lovely little town worth exploring. Twee Jonge Gezellen is definitely worth a visit for their awesome champagne, and for a brilliant spot to while away an afternoon. 

Glen Oakes, Overberg, Western Cape

Website: Glen Oakes

We spent quite a chilly weekend here, so didn't get to take advantage of the little pool in our garden, but we did explore the farm: fluffy cows, sheep, pigs. (Only the cows were fluffy.) The farm is big, with plenty of room to run around, a dam with rowing boats, and a 4x4 trail. 

We stayed in the Stone House, which is bigger than the Wood Cabin. The Wood Cabin is nestled in the trees and looks delightful. There is also camping. Our garden was lovely with rolling lawns, trees, a stoep and a braai. The house was cosy - with an enormous fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen. 

Price: R300 per person per night for a minimum of two nights.

Accommodation: Two rooms, each with a double bed, + 2 sets of bunk beds in the lounge. So plenty of room for a family/two families/two couples. 

Inside bathroom with bath

Outside bathroom with shower and separate toilet. (We only discovered the glorious-looking shower as we were leaving - a pity to miss it.)
Kitchen with stove, kettle, toaster, fridge

Other accommodation: Wood Cabin, sleeps four, and camping: if you book the campsite, then you get the whole campsite - ie they don't book it for different parties at one time. Nice. The two houses and camping are all far away from each other. 

Owners: We did everything by email, and I don't think we ever spoke to anyone. But it was all very efficient and well managed. 

Getting there: From Cape Town via Elgin, towards Caledon, or via Hermanus, through Hemel-en-Aarde, towards Caledon.

Notes: Would like to try the camping next time, the cows are friendly and photogenic, as are the trees. 

Enjo Farm, Biedouw Valley, Cedarberg, Western Cape

Website: Enjo Farm, Cedarberg

What attracted us to this farm was their website promising wild, unspoilt land, secret spot off the main tourist tracks, and the remoteness. We were thrilled with what we found! The farm is on a 30 km cul de sac, so the road sees very little traffic. The chalet we stayed in was right on the river, with a huge shady tree to sit under and a daybed perfect for G&Ts at sunset. The chalet was well-appointed: small, but beautifully done, and perfectly suited to our needs. We could easily have stayed a lot longer.

There is a swimming pool on the farm, complete with deck chairs, weavers' nests and a bottle opener hanging from the trees. In cooler weather there'd be lovely hikes in the mountains. We did go for a long bike ride through other farms, across rivers, over rolling hills, past a snake and many goats and sheep.

Enjo boasts a spectacular flower display during flower season, which we missed, but you'll see them on their website. We did learn all about hoodias though.

Price: R420 for the chalet

Accommodation: double bed, + 2 single beds in the loft, suitable for children who can climb a ladder and aren't scared of sleeping in a loft.

Bathroom with shower
Kitchen with stove, kettle, toaster, fridge

Other accommodation: There is one other chalet (I think) and various other bits and pieces: a cabin, an annex, a campsite. Even if the whole place was full, you wouldn't feel crowded.

Owners: The farm is owned and run by a sweet young German couple with their two small children. They are friendly and knowledgeable about the area, but left us to our own devices. They also prepare meals if you don't feel like cooking. We had delicious bobotie on the first night.

Getting there: Either 3 hours from CT via Clanwilliam, or a day through the Cedarberg and Wuppertal - need a hardcore 4x4 for this route, but it's ever so pretty.

Extras: I believe this farm is pet friendly (saw something in the guest book) and it is very child friendly. The owners also offer flips through the valley in their little plane - a treat we'd like to try next time.