Sabie River glamping
Slow down to the sedate pace of the Sabie River at this new glamping break, says MELANIE VAN ZYL
AfriCamps at Mackers Hazyview, mpumalanga
Mackers has been a popular campground just outside the subtropical town of Hazyview for several years now, while AfriCamps is well-established in the Western Cape. It has finally opened one of its popular glamping destinations upcountry, four-and-a-half hours’ drive from Joburg, in a patch of forest on the banks of the Sabie River.
The spacious, safari-style tents are set apart for a little privacy and face the river, just a few steps from the water’s edge and with soothing green views. All have simple but tasteful decor, are well-shaded below towering indigenous trees (there’s also air con for hot summer days) and sleep up to five in two ‘rooms’. Note: the ceiling is open and noise spreads easily between rooms.
The self-catering setup is great – each tent’s wellequipped kitchen has a small fridge and gas cooker, there are two dining tables (one inside and one outside) and an outdoor braai pit. You have the option of ordering cook-yourown baskets for breakfast (filled with everything from bacon and eggs to fresh crusty croissants) or braai packs for dinner if you’re after an even easier weekend break.
I adored the little vegetable patch on the property, where you can help yourself to herbs and other fresh goodies to spruce up your meals. There’s an honesty shop too, stocked with essentials such as water and firewood plus good local produce. Coffee beans grown on nearby Shiloh Estate are perfect for the French press; macadamia-nut butter comes from neighbouring farms, and you can buy lemons to slice into a must-do afternoon G&T, sipped out on the tent’s deck. Order a massage (R600 pp), which is conducted within the comfy canvas walls of your tent.
There are hiking trails on the property – one leads upriver to waterfalls and rapids – 250 bird species to spot and you can swim in the river. Bring a lilo or floatable so you can bliss out in the water; there’s also a large swimming pool and sundeck on the property, with valley views.
If you do want to get out of camp, Kruger National Park is just a half-hour drive away. This is also a convenient base for day trips exploring the Panorama Route. Self-drive or ask your hosts, the McKains, to arrange a guided tour.
best feature The tent’s outdoor deck, with built-in sofa, that overlooks the Sabie River. I also loved how you can open the front of the tent completely by folding the flaps up into the roof.
COST From R472,50 pp for four people per tent or R745 pp sharing. The breakfast basket costs R110 pp.
Contact 063-170-4222, africamps.com