Orangekloof is one of the overnight camp sites for hikers on the Hoerikwaggo Trail which extends from Cape Point to Table Mountain. This particular venue is also available for overnight stays for those who wish to escape the city without having to drive too far or participate in the hike.
We plan to do at least part of the Hoerikwaggo trail some day but didn't have the time right now, so we simply booked one of the wooden tents for the night.
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| Orangekloof Tented Camp |
What a hidden treasure! Orangekloof is just outside of Hout Bay in the ancient Afromontane forest - but you feel as if you're a hundred miles into the mountains. Apart from the very distant sound of traffic around 5 pm the place is a haven of peace and solitude - especially in our case as we were the only campers booked in that night. Should you book for a weekend however you can expect to be among up to 12 campers as that is how many the venue sleeps - four 2-sleeper tents and one 4-sleeper family tent.
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| Sleeping quarters and baby trees |
Initially I was a little nervous about being in this rather isolated though beautiful space all night with no-one but my sister - we were contemplating taking turns to stand guard! - but then our Guide Mxolisi arrived and assured us he would be there all night!
We explored the tents and delighted over the bathrooms - you can enjoy a hot shower with the door opening to lush mountain views! The bathrooms and sleeping tents have simple, rustic and appealing fittings. The tents and amenities are joined by a wooden walkway to ensure campers don't tread on the baby indigenous trees that have been planted in the central area of the campsite.
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| Rustic bathrooms |
The communal dining area comprises a wooden boma equipped with a fridge, microwave, gas plates and is stocked with crockery and cutlery - ideal for those who enjoy Slackpacking! There is also a large wooden dining table and a kitchen bar counter which opens out to an incredible view of the mountains. Being situated in a Kloof, the camp site is surrounded by mountains so close you feel you could touch them.
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| Communal boma and fireplace |
Our favourite spot was the viewing deck situated to give the best views above the campsite on to the mountains, with wooden benches and a table making it the ideal place for sundowners.
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| Sundowners |
Alongside the Boma is an outdoor communal area with a large stone fireplace where Mxolisi built a fire.
While chatting to the very knowledgeable Mxolisi I mentioned that I had never before seen a snake in the wild.
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| Mxolisi at the fireplace, looking up at a buzzard flying overhead |
The next morning, after a very refreshing night's sleep, Colleen and I went for a walk along a circular route as indicated to us by Mxolisi. Not many minutes into the walk a large bird of prey flew right across our path carrying a large, writhing snake in its talons! I had finally seen a snake outside of a snake park! Not much further along Colleen spotted a massive Cape Cobra coiled on the side of the path. It lifted up its head, tongue flickering in and out as we kept walking pretty fast (ignoring Mxolisi's advice to stand still if we encountered a snake). That was two snakes in less than 30 minutes! I was very excited - but sadly not quick enough with my camera both times.
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| Flowers along the trail |
We ended our walk at a dammed off section of the river flowing near the campsite where, after Colleen slipped off the wall into the water, we both had an impromptu swim. The water was lovely and fresh but as I was about to swim a little further out to where the sun was shining on the water - a large white snake swam right in front of me. The third snake in an hour! Needless to say our swim came to an abrupt end.
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| Alongside the swimming spot before we got wet |
Later Mxolisi, who was delighted to hear of our three encounters, said he had never heard of or seen a white snake in the area, let alone swimming in that pool. Perhaps it was the spirit of the river?
I can highly recommend Orangekloof as a wonderful, accessible place for an overnight or weekend getaway.
Bookings at Orangekloof
- All bookings are for a minimum of 2 and maximum of 12 persons.
- Accommodation price – R 200pp per night.
- Guiding Services can be supplied.
- Should a trail guide be required to sleep over at the tented camp, then the client will need to pay the applicable accommodation price.
- To book the trail or sections of it or for more information, please e-mail: hoerikwaggobookings@sanparks.org
- Telephone the Hoerikwaggo Trails Booking Office on +27 (0) 21 422 2816, between 08:00 and 16:00 weekdays.
- For discounted rates and winter specials please enquire at the above telephone number.
- Alternately book luxury accommodation in Hout Bay with Portfolio Collection
