Agama Tented Camp, near Garies

Agama might only be 10 km from the N7 as the crow flies, but it feels light years away. The camp is in a gorgeous valley in the conservation section of Linda and Vincent Burke’s farm, and it’s a place to seriously slow down and forget about the stress of modern life. Gemsbok and springbok roam the veld, which guests are free to explore on foot or by bike. In-camp entertainment includes a swimming pool and a rustic pub. There’s no cellphone reception, but the hosts have recently installed Wi-Fi – whether or not you use it is up to you. The silence is absolute and the night sky is magnificent – as is Linda’s cooking! Once you’ve tasted her bobotie you’ll understand why there’s no self-catering option. The camp might get booked up quickly during flower season, but it’s a great destination at any time of the year. Where can I see flowers? If you’re looking for iconic fields of daisies, the 200 km loop through Kamieskroon and the Skilpad Wildflower Reserve is great. On the farm itself, you can see an amazing variety of vygies. The differences between the species are best appreciated on foot – just walk along any old animal tracks and follow your nose. There’s a vlei on top of a nearby mountain that becomes a riot of colour some years – the staff at Agama will tell you how to find it. Facilities: Seven twin-sleeper safari tents, all with decks and rustic en suite bathrooms (loo, basin, hot shower). There’s no electricity in the tents, but there are heaters for chilly nights. Rates: R1 150 per person sharing during low season; R1 275 during flower season (dinner and breakfast included). No children under 12. You can book out the whole camp, but this is tricky during flower season. How to get there: Follow the N7 north of Garies for about 10 km and turn onto the Klipfontein/Middelkraal road. The entrance gate is about 2 km further on the right; the camp is another 10 km into the veld. GPS: S30.49313 E17.92461 (entrance gate) Contact: 072 0400 614; agamacamp.co.za – Nick Dall