Whether you choose to camp by the river, cosy up in a cabin or give glamping a go, you are guaranteed to have a great time at this family resort on the Breede River!
Where is it?
Kam’Bati River Resort is approximately 20km west of Swellendam. If driving on the N2 from Cape Town, Kam’Bati is on your left, 20km before Swellendam. If you are driving in the other direction, then it’s 20km after Swellendam on the right.
Why stay there?
Kam’Bati has won a myriad of awards and for good reason! There are many different types of accommodation to choose from, the Breede River to swim in or canoe on, green grass to run barefoot on, swimming pools with slides for kids, a putt-putt course, a bar and a shop with all the essentials. It’s camping bliss at its best!
How much does it cost?
Camping R200 per person per night, pensioners R150 per night, kids R100 per night. Cabins from R1 000 per cabin per night. AfriCamps from R645 per person per night, kids under two years stay free.
Can I take my dogs?
Unfortunately they are no longer dog-friendly.
Can I take the kids?
Absolutely – they will have the BEST time here!
Contact details
Telephone 072 357 1131, www.kambati.co.za
I first stayed at Kam’Bati a few years ago when I went camping with friends. To say I was suitably impressed with the grounds and facilities is an understatement. Green grass (perfect for running around barefoot), a beautiful river to swim in or canoe on, campsites with electricity (I arrived with a gas cooker and cooler box and felt a bit silly when I saw my friends’ setup with kettles and mini fridges) and there was also a bar – gin and tonic sundowners for the win! I was also most impressed with the ablution facilities – always clean with plenty of toilet rolls (important to us girls!) and proper showers that didn’t just trickle or splutter.
The campsite was brimming with happy campers, but not once did you feel cramped as the grounds are massive. Kids were everywhere, having a blast with their mates, jumping into the river from the jetty, fishing with their father, swimming, swinging on river ropes, canoeing and generally exploring. Parents were just as gleeful as there is so much to keep children occupied that they could pop into the bar for a beer and a game of pool (or watch rugby on the big screen) or just relax around the fire waiting for the chops to be done. It really was camping bliss at its finest and Kam’Bati has since always been highly recommended by me.
I returned to Kam’Bati in August this year, but this time it was to check out their glamping option. AfriCamps at Kam’Bati opened in August 2016 with five luxury tents in a beautiful and quiet patch of forest close to the river. As with all AfriCamps, you can expect stylish lodgings that have been cleverly laid out to maximize space without compromising your space, along with quality linen and all the gadgets and comforts to make your glamping experience effortless. The AfriCamps option at Kam’Bati is perfect if you don’t feel like fighting with tent pegs, hassling with blowing up a mattress and if you want to be far from the madding crowd.
CAMPING AT KAM’BATI RIVER RESORT
The campsites run next to the Breede River with many of the sites being under giant shady trees. All sites are walking distance from a clean and well-maintained ablution block. All campsites have access to normal 220v/15Amp plugs. However you will need a short 20m extension on certain sites. They have a limited amount of braai drums that they supply free of charge, but best to bring your own if you want to be sure of a braai. Campsites are also serviced daily with cleaning of rubbish bins and braai drums.
CABINS AT KAM’BATI RIVER RESORT
The self-catering cabins cater for both couples two-sleeper units, and families in four-sleeper two bedroom units. The cabins are situated on the edge of a dam, not far from the river. The cabins have a fridge, Snappychef stove (one plate), microwave, toaster and kettle. Bedding and towels are also provided, but please remember your swimming towel.
GLAMPING AT KAM’BATI RIVER RESORT
The five AfriCamps boutique camping tents are located in a beautiful and quiet patch of forest near to the river, but still close enough for you to walk to the river, swimming pools, shop and pub. AfriCamps at Kam’Bati is one of the few AfriCamps that have outdoor wood-fired tubs! There is a braai area, comfortable seating for six people and everything is supplied to make your stay absolutely effortless, including a bar fridge, four-plate stove, microwave, toaster and kettle, along with crockery and cutlery. There’s even an indoor fireplace and electric blankets for chilly evenings! A few additional lovely touches here are the Little Book Exchange boxes where you can leave your book for someone else to read; the branch of Spekboom on your towel that you can take home and plant; and the adventure game they have put together for children to encourage them to go explore the area (it’s also fun for grown-ups!)
If you don’t feel like cooking or organising braai food, you can order picnic baskets, breakfast baskets and braai baskets. We were treated to a picnic basket and it was filled to the brim with delicious goodies, including wraps, salads, breads, cold meats and cheeses. Apart from enjoying a session under the stars in your personal hot tub, I recommend you book a massage in the comfort of your tent – ours was heavenly! The tents sleep five people in two double beds and a single bunk bed.
ACTIVITIES AT KAM’BATI RIVER RESORT
As mentioned earlier, there is plenty to do here if you feel like being active and kids will have a fantastic time. There are canoes for the river, a Putt-Putt course, fishing rods for hire (catch and release) and three swimming pools with slides for the kids. You are also welcome to bring your bike as there are plenty of farm roads to explore.
Bati’s Pub is open on weekends (for the use of Kam’Bati guests only) with DSTV for all the sports fans. Apart from selected alcoholic beverages, they also sell ice, wood, cold drinks and crisps at the bar.
There is a shop during season where you can buy bread, milk, eggs and locally sourced products, along with other essentials you may find yourself needing.
Kam’Bati River Resort has won a myriad of awards and for good reason. Whether you choose to camp by the river, cosy up in a cabin or give glamping a go, you are guaranteed to have a great time by (and in) the Breede River!
Inside information
If you are a fan of the canola
fields when they are in all their flowering glory, be sure to book a stay in
July/August. Kam’Bati is on a canola farm and you will have fields of gold
right on your doorstep. It is a truly impressive sight!
Published October 2019 | Camping own cost, picnic basket and massage at AfriCamps sponsored by OENA Escapes