CEDERBERG

After not seeing each other for more than a year, Lynnqwinda Scott from Brackenfell and her sister, Mariska van Niekerk, decided to spend some quality time together at the Jamaka Organic Farm in the Cederberg.

My sister, Mariska, lives in Johannesburg and came to visit recently. We planned to camp together at Jamaka, and because it’s slightly less than three hours from Cape Town, we decided to make a mini road trip of it by taking the long way round. Tell us more about Jamaka. It’s paradise! It truly is a hidden gem in the middle of the Cederberg. There are lush green lawns and trees everywhere. The atmosphere, scenery and everything else takes your breath away. Describe the campsite. The stands are really big compared to other places we’ve camped before. Each one has a built-in braai, river water tap and electricity point. Most are covered by big shade trees. Some stands are closer to the river and river pools and some are closer to the mountain. The stands cost R200 per night. Are the ablution facilities adequate? There’s only one ablution block with hot water. At the other you’ll have to make do with cold showers. They are cleaned every morning and are neat and tidy. The showers each have a dressing cubicle. There’s more than enough basins to wash dishes and there is also a fridge and freezer at the main ablution block. You have to take your own toilet paper, however, and the use of hair dryers and kettles aren’t allowed. How do you keep yourself occupied here? There are three big river pools in which you can swim, five hiking trails, a volleyball court erected during summer months, donkey cart rides to explore the farm on, and there is plenty of space for mountain bikers. What other kind of accommodation is there? There are cottages and caravans that are permanently on-site that you can rent. Any tips for those wanting to go there? If you don’t want to share space in the communal coolers you will need to bring your own fridge or freezer. Take sufficient drinking water and inflatables for the river pools. Can you stock up there? The shop at the office will cover the basics like snacks, sweets, beverages, ice and wood. But make sure you buy enough food and fill up on fuel in Clanwilliam or Citrusdal. How did you get there? We drove in my Volkswagen CrossPolo. Halfway between Citrusdal and Clanwilliam you’ll see the sign “Cederberg Algeria” where you need to make a right turn onto a gravel road that becomes a scenic pass, crossing the Olifants River. After 18 km you get to the Algeria Forest Station where you turn left toward Clanwilliam once again. After another 5 km you’ll see signage for Jamaka. What’s the road like? The gravel road is rugged and more ideal for people towing bush caravans and trailers. It’s definitely not meant for smaller vehicles, those with low profile tyres or regular caravans.