Campsite Spotlight – Oudeberg Campsite, Roggeveld

Oudeberg: A New Camping Escape on the Ouberg Pass

There are some camping destinations where the journey is almost as much a part of the experience as the campsite itself. Oudeberg, situated near the top of the historic Ouberg Pass outside Sutherland, is one of those places.

We recently spent some time camping at Oudeberg and were able to experience the area for ourselves. With its dramatic mountain scenery, wide-open Karoo landscape and exceptionally clear night skies, it is a destination that feels a long way removed from everyday life.

And now there is another reason for campers to put Oudeberg on their list – new camping options at Kruisrivier.

Kruisrivier Campsite

The main camping option at Oudeberg is the new Kruisrivier Campsite, an attractive campsite overlooking the valley.

This is the option we would particularly recommend for campers who want to experience the area without giving up the basics that make a camping trip comfortable. The campsite has been designed with outdoor living in mind, with an open terrace and expansive views across the surrounding landscape.

It is the kind of setting where you can arrive, set up camp, get the fire going and simply take in your surroundings.

There is also something special about the location. Oudeberg sits among the rugged mountains and indigenous Karoo vegetation of the Roggeveld, with the landscape stretching out in every direction. During the day, the scenery changes with the light, while at night the absence of city lights becomes very noticeable.

For campers who enjoy photography, hiking, 4×4 exploring or simply sitting around a fire with a view, there is plenty to keep you occupied.

Kruisrivier Campsite offers a truly secluded and private camping experience, with just two camping stands available. 

The smaller stand can accommodate approximately 1–2 trailers, depending on the size of the setups, and has its own shower, toilet and braai area.

The larger stand can accommodate approximately four trailers, again depending on the size of the setups, and has two showers, two toilets and two braai areas. This makes it particularly well suited to families, friends travelling together or small overlanding groups who want to camp together while still enjoying a private and peaceful setting.

What We Loved About Kruisrivier Campsite

One of the things we enjoyed most about Kruisrivier is that it gives you a genuine off-grid camping experience, while still providing a few comforts that make the stay easy.

• No electricity: There is no mains power at the campsite, which makes it a great place to switch off and enjoy the surroundings. Solar lights are provided inside, so you aren’t completely in the dark once the sun goes down.
• Bathrooms with running water: The campsite has its own bathroom facilities with a shower and toilet. Hot water is available by heating the donkey boiler, adding some welcome comfort after a day of exploring.
• Large braai area: The spacious braai stand is perfect for settling in around the fire, cooking dinner and enjoying the incredible Karoo night skies.
• Wash-up area: A dedicated wash-up area makes cleaning up after meals simple, while still keeping the campsite’s rustic, back-to-nature feel.

A Destination for More Than Just Camping

One of the things that makes Oudeberg interesting as a camping destination is the range of activities available on the property.

You can make your stay as active or as relaxed as you like.

Activities at Oudeberg include:

• Walking trails – Explore the Karoo landscape on foot, with trails taking in the open veld, rocky ridges and surrounding mountains.
• Stargazing – The Sutherland area is famous for its exceptionally dark skies, making a clear night at Oudeberg something worth staying up for.
• 4×4 trails – Get out and explore the rugged terrain around the property in a capable 4×4.
• Arranged picnics – For something a little more relaxed, Oudeberg can arrange a picnic in the veld.
• Wildlife and birding – The surrounding landscape provides opportunities to see wildlife and a variety of birdlife in a natural setting.
• Photography – The combination of mountains, Karoo vegetation, changing light and huge skies makes this a particularly photogenic part of the country.
• Hunting – Hunting is also available on the property for those interested, with arrangements and permits handled through the lodge.

You certainly don’t need to do all of these. In fact, one of the attractions of Oudeberg is that doing very little is also a perfectly good option.

And Then There Is the Wild Camping Option

For those who prefer their camping a little more remote, Oudeberg also offers a wild-camping option.

This is a completely different experience to staying at the established Kruisrivier Campsite and is aimed at campers who want to get further away from the main facilities and immerse themselves in the landscape.

If this sounds more like your style of camping, it is worth contacting Bianca at Oudeberg directly to discuss the wild-camping options and what is currently available.

For most campers, Kruisrivier will be the natural starting point. But knowing that you can also arrange something more remote adds another dimension to the destination.

Need an off-road trailer to explore further off the beaten track? RENT one from Go Camp for your next trip: Click here for more. 

Why Put Oudeberg on Your Camping List?

Oudeberg isn’t somewhere you visit simply to tick another campsite off the list.

It is the location that makes it special.

You are up in the mountains, surrounded by the wide-open Karoo landscape, with very little to disturb the silence. The drive up the Ouberg Pass is an experience in itself, and once you arrive, the views make it tempting to slow down and stay a little longer.

For those travelling with a 4×4 or camping trailer, the area also provides plenty of opportunity to explore beyond the campsite.

And then there are the nights.

Sutherland is renowned for its dark skies, and at Oudeberg you don’t have to go looking for the stars. Once the sun goes down and the lights disappear, the sky becomes the main attraction.

Planning a Trip to Oudeberg

Oudeberg is situated near Sutherland in the Northern Cape, at the top of the historic Ouberg Pass. The property combines accommodation with its newer camping options, giving visitors different ways to experience the area.

For campers, the Kruisrivier Campsite is the obvious place to start. It offers the opportunity to enjoy the scenery and activities of Oudeberg while still having a dedicated campsite to return to each evening.

And if you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten track, speak to Bianca about the wild-camping possibilities.

Oudeberg is one of those places where the camping is only part of the attraction. The mountains, the silence, the open Karoo landscape and the night sky are what make the trip memorable.

Pricing
Kruisrivier – R200pppn 

Wildlife camping – R150pppn
*Enquire to arrange for braai wood or ice at an additional cost when booking.

*Please note that this campsite requires visitors to be self-sufficient with their own drinking water and power supply. 

Contact

Phone/Whatsapp: 082 777 6522

Email: oudeberg@mohein.co.za

You can find out more about Oudeberg and also make enquiries directly through their website: Oudeberg Lodge

[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.]

For camping gear rentals from Go Camp click here.

Also see: CAMPSITE SPOTLIGHT: Leopards Tree Campsite, Citrusdal