Something for everyone at Altydwater

Drive through the Huguenot Tunnel and discover a marvellous campsite next to a river where you and your friends can relax while the kids play.

In this era of YouTube, tablets and smartphones, nature still provides the best entertainment, especially for youngsters. And what’s more fun than a camping weekend outside the big city? A weekend with hordes of mates, a giant lawn and enough swimming space for everyone. For Capetonians, Altydwater is such a place. Should you ever want to go on one of those mega camping weekends where everyone you know – kids and dogs included – then head to Rawsonville for a weekend of fun, togetherness and swimming. Do make arrangements in advance with the owners if you want to take Rex and Chappies with you. As the name suggests, they’ve always got water. The campsite is located on Groot Eiland, the Smith family’s vineyard on the banks of the Smalblaar River. This patch of land lies about 3 km past the Du Toitskloof cellar – it is a dirt road, but you could drive it with your VW Polo. Coming from the Huguenot Tunnel side, turn right onto the R101 towards Rawsonville, and then right again just before the Ou Meul bakery. Stop here and get your coffee for the weekend. After about 900 m, the road turns sharply to the left, and 800 m farther you again turn, this time to the right and immediately left again (almost like those Topsport Esses at Kyalami). You stay on the dirt road, but look out for the sign that says ‘CL Smith/Groot

Speaking of the swimming spot: this is without a doubt one of Altydwater’s biggest attractions

Eiland’. Turn right here, drive past the ruins of an old farmhouse, then head right and left again past the chicken coops – now you’re on the last 600 m down to the campsite next to a fence. ALTHOUGH STANDS can be booked individually, Altydwater is actually a wonderful spot to rent out in its entirety – and then to fill it with tents, caravans and kids. You could comfortably camp here with a group of up to 50 people. The maximum they allow is 70. Other than the expansive lawn measuring about 150 x 30 m with plenty of shade trees (mostly on the southern side), there’s a common area with a number of fridges, giant braai drums and a dishwashing area with lots of basins – a great headquarters for the weekend’s activities. It’s close to the swimming hole and there’s plenty of space for games and activities – you could even run a potjiekos competition (just make sure the judges are properly objective and preferably unattached). People can sit around tables and eat, socialise and make music – it’s always good if one or two of your friends bring a guitar – who doesn’t love campfire songs? Speaking of the swimming spot: this is without a doubt one of Altydwater’s biggest attractions during the Cape’s hot summer months. The deep pit near the shore provides hours of water-bombing fun. Kids build forts on the opposite riverbank and can float on inflatables for hours on the clear, clean water. If Bakkies Botha, Eben Etzebeth and Duane Vermeulen aren’t in your group, think carefully about how you’re going to braai. The braai drums are very heavy

(they’re deep, round and filled with sand) and cannot easily be moved around. You also need to bring your own grids and tripods along. The owners provide enough bins with black bags (which are replaced). The bathrooms are cleaned at least once a day, but you’re responsible for keeping your campsite tidy – for most campers, especially the weekend brigade, this isn’t too much to ask. As we’ve mentioned, space is not an issue at Altydwater. It’s a large campsite – all the stands are on grass and partly under trees with ample power points scattered all over the site. So you won’t have to put up with your neighbour’s snoring or be kept awake by a kid with midnight stomach cramps. The lawn is level and although not as smooth and perfect as the Newlands outfield, you sleep well without worrying about your blood pooling in your head or toes. WHEN NATURE CALLS in the middle of the night, the ablution block next to the vineyards is just behind the communal area, up against a slight embankment. There are two showers, two toilets with basins, and two full bathrooms with

The facilities are perfect for those campers who love to relax around a fire

showers – plus a second dishwashing area with two sinks. Gas geysers provide the hot water. And if you urgently need braai wood, beer, bread or milk, Rawsonville and its variety of shops is a mere 5 km on tar past the Du Toitskloof cellar. Just remember, it’s not Tyger Valley mall; you won’t necessarily find all your kids’ winter clothes or the latest camping gear here. It is, of course, easy to keep kids busy over a camping weekend, even without screens. But at Altydwater, the young ones can frolic in the lovely swimming spot, and there is more than enough grass for them to play tag or touch rugby. If the young ones (or dads) decide to tackle a serious five-day cricket match, drives will work better than a hook toward the square leg boundary… it’s a very long lawn. There’s plenty to do for adults, too. The facilities are perfect for those campers who love to relax around a fire, but there are also plenty of activities for the

adventurous of spirit – you can hike or run on the beautiful mountain tracks on the other side of the river or on the farm roads between the vineyards, and there are also fantastic mountain bike trails on farms in the area and in the surrounding hills. The Du Toitskloof MTB trails were launched in September 2018, and the Cape Epic and Gravel & Grape have already used these trails. A day permit costs R30 and you simply pay with Snapscan at the information board at the start of the routes (next to the restaurant). Mountain biking trails range from 14 to 22 km, and for trail runners there are options ranging between 13 and 19 km. There are also those who claim it’s possible to fish in the Smalblaar River. If this all sounds too active, a wine tasting at any of the beautiful surrounding wine farms is also a wonderful option. We should mention the issue of safety at Altydwater: shortly before our second visit earlier this year, a group of people wrote on social media about a theft that happened when they camped here for a weekend. Such happenings are unfortunate, but the owners have taken measures to prevent this from happening again – they have, among other things, appointed security guards who patrol the campsite throughout the night. We were aware of what had happened – this is apparently turning into more of a problem at campsites in the area – and were hyper-cautious. We locked up our bikes at night and nothing was left lying around. Our group never felt uncomfortable or at risk. The guards also did not get in the way at all and performed their job extremely competently and professionally.

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME. Altydwater is on the farm Groot Eiland and belongs to the Smith family. The family’s vineyards lie on the shores of the Smalblaar River near the sleepy hamlet of Rawsonville. Gather your friends and go as a group to this marvelous c

MAKE MINE A LARGE. Space isn’t an issue at Altydwater. There are loads of stands – all on grass, partially under trees and with plenty of electrical outlets to power your campsite. But don’t only bring iPads, and let your kids play as nature intended.

KEEP ‘EM PEELED. There have been reports of theft in the past, but after a recent incident the owners took steps to ensure your safety and security. Guards now patrol the perimeter when there are guests. You are ultimately still responsible for your own c