Campsite Spotlight - Dwarsberg Trout Haven 4x4 Campsites- Go Camp

Favoured by those who prefer seclusion and privacy while enjoying uninterrupted quality time in nature with family and friends, Dwarsberg Trout Haven provides 11 riverside campsites and 3 new 4×4 mountain vista campsites. We spent a weekend away camping between the mountain slopes at Geelbos Vista, one of Dwarsberg Trout Haven’s 4×4 campsites…

All images by Otto du Plessis Photography

Stettynskloof Pass

The drive along Stettynskloof Pass to Dwarsberg Trout Haven is just under 20 kms and offers a whole lot of scenery to take in. The Holsloot Rivier to your right remains constantly in sight, as does the pipeline to your left. Although the pipeline may seem a bit of an eyesore, it forms part of the Breedekloof Irrigation Scheme and as mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za puts it “if the pipeline wasn’t built, there wouldn’t be a road either.”

The route is also where some of Dwarsberg Trout Haven’s excellent hiking trails can be found, one of which leads to a waterfall. (We were unable to experience the hiking trails for ourselves during our stay due to the rains, but had plenty of other things to keep us occupied in the mountains during our camping weekend.)

Private amenities. Pristine facilities

Those who’ve booked or have tried to book will know that finding camping availability at Dwarsberg Trout Haven isn’t always easy. Known for quality, family-friendly campsites with pristine amenities, private ablutions and stunning views – you’ll need to book well in advance to ensure you get a spot.

The immaculate condition of Dwarsberg’s property is noticeable from the moment you arrive. Beautifully maintained grass, orchards and vineyards lead to the reception area where guests are met by warm and friendly management for check-in.

You’ll also find a bistro and small farm shop near the main area for you to stock up on any last-minute essentials like wood, ice, drinks and snacks, before heading up to your weekend hideaway in the mountains.

Everything you need (and then some)…

While the original campsites, located on the banks of the Holsloot Rivier, offer everything one needs to accompany a relaxing camping retreat, Dwarsberg’s latest (even more) private mountain vista campsites take things up a notch. Each 4×4 campsite has a private wood-fired hot tub for campers to warm up and relax in while taking in spectacularly cinematic views of the Dwarsberg Mountains directly in front of you, decorated by abundant fluttering birdlife and accompanied by the therapeutic sounds of the river below.

For those who prefer to rinse off between a dip in the hot tub (or after a hike), your private ablution block includes a large, spacious shower with hot water, a flushing toilet, and a kitchen/wash-up area.

Perhaps the only real excuse we have for not calling this a total glamping weekend is that all 4×4 campsites are non-powered, for campers who still want that off-the-grid experience and time to disconnect from the pressures of daily life.

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4×4 – inspired

The three 4×4 campsites, Vallei, Waboom and Geelbos, are inspired by those who prefer camping off-the-grid and off-the-beaten-track. While there isn’t anything too technical or challenging about the drive from reception up to the sites, Dwarsberg Trout Haven does stipulate that all guests are required to have a 4×4 or high-ground clearance vehicle to access them. As we drove up to Geelbos, the 4×4 campsite allocated to us for the weekend, our wanderlust kicked in and had us pulling over several times to explore further on foot or to take in the view from various vantage points.

What you need to know:

Dwarsberg is located on a working fruit and wine farm just 15 km outside of the town of Rawsonville in the Western Cape.
In addition to its hiking and mountain trails, it is also known as a popular fly fishing destination.
Dwarsberg is not pet-friendly.
The 4×4 Mountain Vista Campsites are for those wanting an off-the-grid camping experience. These are no-electricity campsites.
A 4×4 or ground-level clearance vehicle is required to access the mountain vista campsites.
Private ablution & hot tub provided at each mountain vista campsite.

Build-your-own-Basket

We opted for a Build-your-own-Basket picnic experience; which allows guests to pick delicious food and wine items from Dwarsberg’s Bistro. Your selected items include a picnic blanket, plates, glasses and cutlery – perfectly packed into a gorgeous picnic basket to enjoy during your stay. Guests can also opt for a romantic picnic next to the river by prior arrangement.

Pizza Braai™

We took up management’s offer to add one of the chef’s pizza bases with toppings’ to our picnic basket and to try out one of their Pizza Braai™ ovens during our stay. Pizza Braai™ is a small, compact pizza oven designed to remain in your braai without taking up space, whether you’re still braaing or not. If you’ve got time during your stay, or you’re looking for a fun camping meal to try with the kids, we recommend giving this a go. The Pizza Braai™ ovens are on sale at Dwarsberg’s kiosk (at the time of publication 29.09.2022) but are also available to order online.

More info:

Pricing for 4×4 Mountain Vista Campsites:
From R320 per person per night (min of 6 adults on weekends)
R120 per child additional (4-12 years)

Weekends and School holidays (minimum of two nights)

Children 3 years and younger stay free.
Click here for more details and bookings.

Contact
Phone: +27 (0) 23 349 1919
Email: info@trouthaven.co.za

[Disclaimer: We do our best to ensure that the information we feature on Go Camp is correct at the time of publication. However, these details provided to us are subject to change over time. Please verify any pricing or locations ahead of a trip with the relevant establishments.]