As far as cover shoots go, I dare say this one was relaxing. Well, almost. It was definitely helped by the January 2016 theme of ‘Places to chill’, and a swinging hammock with endless views over the Cederberg.
Kati and I stayed at Kagga Kamma, a place I’ve had my eye on ever since I saw images of their Cave Suites online. We didn’t stay in the caves though; instead we slept in their Hut Suites overlooking the veld, with air-con, double beds and champagne to welcome us into our rooms. Sigh. The tough lives we lead.
The Hut Suites at Kagga Kamma.
Kagga Kamma is beautiful, and quiet. So quiet that when you sit on your veranda, all you can hear is the wind moving through the grass. Twisted rust-coloured rocks sprout out of the ground, forming natural archways and ledges where dassies bark down at you with faint echoes. It gets hot over midday, nature’s way of ensuring you find shelter and take a siesta, or sip on a gin and tonic while reading a book.
Kati and I had work to do though. We scurried around the mountainsides, looking for the ideal location to hang our hammock and set up a cover shot. With the help of rock-climber and Kagga Kamma manager, Nicholas, we eventually stumbled across it.
Kati and I scouting for a location to shoot.
Walking the blue trail, one of the many routes that snake through the area. This one was a five kilometre loop – made longer when, once we got back to the car, we realised I had left my cellphone two kilometres in.
We finally found this spot, overlooking the valley.
Trying out cover options meant that Kati got quite a fair bit of reading done while she waited.
Sunlight peeking through the rock formations.
Kati cracking open the champagne.
And after the sun set past the horizon and light faded into night, we trailed down the path towards Kagga Kamma, where a dinner table in the boma was waiting for us under the star-filled sky.
You can find more amazing places to chill in the January 2016 issue, on shelves now.
The view down on the lodge.
Find more amazing places to chill in the January 2016 issue of Getaway magazine.
Our January issue is packed full of great holiday ideas for 2016. Get your copy today.
