Usually coated in shrubbery, Cederberg’s Biedouw Valley booms into multi-coloured life each year. Head to Enjo Nature Farm where Canvas Collective Africa’s pop-up field glamping awaits. It’s the perfect place to see the Cape’s wildflowers between August and September.
Getting there
For a short window after the winter rains, daisies coat the land. To see them, the route is a very doable three-hour drive from Cape Town. In the thick of it all is Samara Stern and Dez Lundy’s curation of paradise – their latest pop-up experience. And you don’t need a 4×4 to get there (although smaller vehicles will have to take things slow towards the end of the drive, where a dirt road leads you to your final destination).
The accommodation
Located near Clanwilliam and the Tankwa Karoo National Park, you’ll find yourself sleeping amongst the flowers in a stunning tent that has all the bells and whistles. This is the best way to experience Mother Nature without getting your hands dirty – it’s 5-star camping, and then some. Best of all, there’s no need to fuss about poles and pitching. Step out of your car and into your very own private suite.
If you need anything from your car you won’t have to walk far. There’s secure parking nearby, and as for your luggage, it’s delivered to your door. Because of the remoteness of the setting, electricity is generator-powered. Fairy lights and lanterns illuminate the camps’ pathways at night and, far from city lights, the moon seems to beam brighter than usual. As for the sunsets? A reason to visit in itself.
Each tent is stylishly furnished with all the mod cons and state-of-the-art amenities – including a flushable, portable toilet and private shower with hot water. In fact, everything is exclusively yours. You don’t even have to share a basin because there are two. Tents are also equipped with minibars, Nespresso machines, fans for hot days and heated blankets for cold nights.
The food:
Butler service is on offer, all to create an intimate mobile campsite feel for a perfect getaway. The breakfast-in-bed experience is fabulous, but the call of the Field Kitchen is hard to ignore.
A short walk away from your tent is a full-on restaurant with a professional kitchen and team. Chef Mechell and Sous-chef Rafiq promise delicious, gourmet meals three times a day, and Brenda keeps things in check with a spotless, open-face kitchen. If you’re required to lift a finger, it will be to sip on your ice-cold bubbly. All meals and drinks are included in the overall booking fee.
On warmer days, meals can be enjoyed outside near the water. Picnics at Canvas Collective are pure glam, with buffet-style lunches that you can scoff under gorgeous little umbrellas and on blankets, with trays and pillows for added comfort.
Things to do
The campsite is set up on the banks of the farm’s spring-fed dam. The location is perfect for splashing in the stream, mountain biking, and hiking. Mzamo knows the land like the back of his hand and is the perfect companion to guide your flower-powered hikes.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Cape leopard. But the real stars of the show are the two resident horses, Paloma and Honey, who visit the campsite almost daily to meet new guests.
The area is rich in biodiversity. In addition to the incredible wonder that is the wildflowers, the Doring River is home to the only sandfish species of its kind in the world – and they’re in serious trouble. Sam and Dez are passionate about sustainability and conservation and are planning to work with scientists conducting research in the area to raise awareness. The project is called Saving Sandfish.
Living alongside nature
The spirit of camping and adventure is well and truly alive, but there’s comfort and class at every turn.
Unwind around the campfire with top-notch camping chairs and plush blankets while the team’s excellent staff take your drink order. Duwayne never let’s a glass run dry. Or unwind in the wood-fired hot tub that has a dressing gown and slippers ready to carry your pruned body back to your tent for an afternoon nap. The water is always warm thanks to the team’s master bonfire guardian, Nelson.
You don’t have to be a hardcore adventurer to have an epic time. From rock painting with Ruan to bread-making classes, the team have an activity for everyone to enjoy if you wish to peel yourself off of your king-sized bed. Sam’s introduction to making Challah bead is a real treat and speaks to the very special family atmosphere around camp.
You really do “arrive as guests and leave as friends”. This is the kind of trip that stirs and calms your soul all at once. Canvas Collective is the ultimate place to go to feel the full force of flower power this Spring.
Take a look at what you’re in for
Book your stay
- Location:Enjo Nature Farm, Biedouw Valley, Clanwilliam | S32° 8′ 33″ – E19° 18′ 31″ S32.1404 – E19.2982
- Rates:R3 250 per person per night sharing (R6 500 per tent that accommodates two adults). Children over the age of eight are also welcome by special arrangement.
- Included:The rate includes accommodation, breakfast, a delicious lunch picnic hamper, high tea in the veld, dinner, and midnight snacks to enjoy under the stars. All non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages (except premium wines and spirits) with meals are also included.
- Bookings:[email protected]
- More information and location updates:com
The team will be set up at Enjo Farm until 30 September 2022. But we’ll be chasing them around the Western Cape as they pop up paradise at exciting new locations. Stay tuned …
Pictures: @Robyn_inthe_Hood / Instagram
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