Deep in a valley
There’s a group of seven camping families from Mossel Bay who try to go camping somewhere in the area once a month. Their previous visit to Molenrivier Farm was so lovely, they decided to visit it again, says Theron Strauss.
We’ve been camping together as a group for the last three years. We’re all in our forties and call ourselves the Campmasters. It’s just a name and nothing official. A while back other friends of ours told us about Molenrivier, so the Campmasters headed there to see what it’s like.
DID THE DIRT ROAD BOTHER YOU?
The campsite is on the other side of the Great Brak River, but on a farm – so you expect a dirt road. We needed to know exactly what we were getting ourselves into, because there are no less than four double-axle caravans among us: three Jurgens Exclusive models and an Elegance. For safety, Herman Liebenberg, Stan Fry and I decided to check out the road the day before. Our conclusion? We were willing to risk it! The long caravans didn’t get stuck or scratched anywhere. The twin-track down the mountain eventually becomes a concrete twin-track, which means there’s plenty of traction.
WHAT’S THE CAMPSITE LIKE?
You camp in a valley, and there are nine stands here on a large lawn. The first few are to the left next to one another as you enter the campsite with a cliff on one side. Most of the stands are a short distance away, right around a bend. You have a three-point socket on your stand, as well as a tap and a freestanding braai. Some of the stands aren’t too level, but it doesn’t require that much effort to get the caravans level. If you occupy all nine stands with large caravans, it can get a bit cramped. We simply pitched our patio tents and had plenty of room for everyone.
AND THE ABLUTION FACILITIES?
Across from the last stands is a small
dam, and the water extends under the bathroom building on its stilts. The facilities are, of course, clean and tidy, but the kids found the water itself odd: it’s brown and tastes somewhat brackish. It’s safe to drink, but the kids thought it was dirty. We all took our own drinking water along.
RELAXING IS THE REAL IDEA, RIGHT?
You’re in nature, away from the hustle and bustle, but it’s also so much more enjoyable if you can enjoy the peaceful environment with your own close friends or family. They’ve got a hiking trail, but it’s challenging and I wouldn’t recommend it for kids under the age of six. The three young hikers among us thoroughly enjoyed it, though. We divided our group in half on the Saturday night for a potjiekos competition. The owners, Jerry Rademeyer and Marius Myburgh, helped with the judging.
WHAT’S THE COST?
From now until the beginning of December, it costs R130 pn per stand and R60 pppn (free for kids under the age of six). They allow up to six people per stand. If you make prior arrangements with management, your pets may be welcome too.
The twin-track down the mountain eventually becomes concrete, which means there’s plenty of traction