AfriCamps at Doolhof

At long last – a glamping location in the Cape Winelands! Located beneath the historic Bainskloof Pass at the foothills of the Groenberg Mountain Range, AfriCamps at Doolhof is set within the award-winning Doolhof Wine Estate, a short drive from the picturesque town of Wellington and only 50 minutes from Cape Town.

Our 6 AfriCamps luxury glamping tents are surrounded by vineyards, the Kromme River that runs through the farm and glorious mountain views – best enjoyed while soaking in your outdoor wood-fired hot tub.

On Doolhof, two white varietals, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay and a substantial number of reds are grown. They include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Merlot, Pinotage and Shiraz. The white varietals are planted on the eastern slopes of the Groenberg, which allow the grapes cooler days and less direct sunlight. A visit to the estate’s tasting room is a must.

Activities on the estate include a 5km vineyard hike, the river walk that leads you all along the Kromme River, mountain bike trails that start on the property, a kids mountain bike trail, the gorgeous wine tasting room where you can try some of the estate’s award-winning wines along with a platter or lunch and, of course, the outdoor wood-fired hot tub next to your tent. You can also enjoy a selection of spa treatments from the comfort and privacy of your own tent. Off the property, explore the surrounding area’s popular mountain bike trails, hiking trails and fly-fishing in the Limietberg Nature Reserve, horse riding, touring between various Wellington wine farms and distilleries and world-class golf courses.

Check in – from 2pm onwards on day of arrival

As prior arrangements need to be made, guests are kindly requested to inform the specific AfriCamps host of their estimated time of arrival. This way you are ensured that the check in can be arranged without delays. You will receive the host’s telephone number in your bookings confirmation email.

Check out – before 10am on day of departure

ACTIVITIES ON OUR FARM

Wine Tasting

Doolhof’s wine tasting room is situated in an original wagon house built in the late 19th century. A large terrace and a garden adjoins the Tasting Room, making it ideal for enjoying the tastings, platters and lunches on offer. You can taste five Doolhof Wines for R50 or try your luck in the weekly mystery tasting.

Wood-fired Hot Tubs 

All six tents offer the exclusive use of their own wood-fired hot tub. A wood-fired hot tub is the purest form of relaxation. Soak up your beautiful Winelands surroundings while listening to the calming crackle of the fire. Or take a dip to cool off during the hot Wellington summers.

Picnic (booking essential)

Delicious picnic lunches including vegetarian and kiddies’ picnics, are available. Reservations should be made 24 hours in advance with a 50% deposit, and by 12 noon on Fridays for a weekend picnic basket. Doolhof wines of your choice are available at an additional cost. You can enjoy the picnic during a the river walk, vineyard hike or on a grassy spot on the farm.

Spa Treatments:

The following treatments are available from the comfort of your tent. Bookings can be made at Doolhof and should be confirmed 24 hours in advance. Prices are subject to change and will be confirmed by Doolhof on booking.

Massage therapy
Aromatherapy massage
Swedish massage
Deep tissue massage
Back & Neck massage 45min
Manicure 45min
Pedicure 50min
Foot massage 30min
Facial 60min

Hiking

Visitors can enjoy a 5km walk through the vineyards or the shorter river walk. Doolhof, which is known for its mysterious hills and valleys, is also home to many small mammals, including buck, porcupine, baboons and even leopard. Ask your host about Viking Adventures @ Doolhof. Join our guide, Jaco for a ride halfway up Groenberg Mountain and hike to the top.

Mountain Biking

The area is very well known for spectacular mountain bike trails and you can start the trails right from Doolhof. The kids can explore the farm during the 3.5km Vineyard Ride. You can rent mountain bikes from the tasting room at R150 per day (subject to availability) or bring your own. Find the Wild Boar trail map in your tent and pick your route!

The Labyrinth

As a tribute to the estate’s history and typographic Labyrinthine characteristics, a small labyrinth was constructed close to the entrance of the farm. This is a fun spot for the kids to play and make their way through the labyrinth.

Wine Farms and distilleries

AfriCamps at Doolhof is nestled at the end of the Bovlei Valley and offers an authentic Winelands experience. Taste delicious wines on award-winning wine estates such as Doolhof, Dunstone, Val du Charron, Welvanpas or Bosman, many of which offer country style lunches and snacks. Some of the Estates are in walking distance of Doolhof, but you can also enjoy a bike ride between wine farms. Try world class organic Brandy, Grappa, Port and Cabernet Sauvignon from Upland Organic Wine & Brandy Estate or take a distillery tour at James Sedgwick Distillery where grain and malt whiskies are distilled.

Wellington Wine Walk & Horse Riding

Enjoy a horse ride with well-informed guides, who will introduce you to the local personalities and products of the area by guiding you along private property and quaint routes. They promise to unlock many of the well-kept secrets of Wellington and trust that your walk will be a rewarding experience. Horse riding trails vary from a half-day to a three-day ride.

Mountain Biking Trails

Wellington has amazing mountain bike trails, for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders. A detailed map of trails is available in the tents.

Our suggested mountain bike routes are:

• Potbelly kids ride: This route starts and finishes at Val Du Charron where beginners can experience the 3.3km long trail through vineyards or flat roads.
• Cross country: This route starts and ends at Doolhof Wine Estate. The route is 4.3km long for intermediate to advanced mountain bikers.
• Flat Hog: This 42km trail is for beginners to intermediate riders. The trail will take 1.5 – 3 hours and will take you through beautiful open gravel roads and small sections of jeep track.
• Scout loop: The Scout Loop is a beautiful trail for intermediate to advanced riders with an ascent of 928m. The trail is 20.5km long and takes 1-3 hours.
• Wild Boar: This 42.3 km trail has an ascent of 1495m. It is loved by itermediate to advanced riders.
• Warthog: The Warthog trail is 36.3km long and will take 2.5 – 5 hours of your time. It will take you to a high top with an ascent of 1229m.
• Porcupine: The Porcupine Loop is a short ride for adventurous intermediate riders and will take 1.5 – 3 hours.
• Hedgehog: The Hedgehog Loop is 16.4 km trail with a 679m ascent and fir for intermediate riders.

Bainskloof Pass

In the mid-nineteenth century a good connection route from the region around Wellington to the inland of South Africa was needed. In 1846 Andrew Geddes Bain explored the mountain and in 1849 began with the construction of a road through the gorge. Today the 26km Bainskloof Pass is recognized as a national monument and makes for a beautiful drive with stunning views over the Boland.

Hiking

The Limietberg Nature Reserve offers various hiking trails through fynbos rich areas dotted with clear rock pools giving hikers the opportunity to cool off. The reserve is only 10 minutes’ drive from Doolhof. Here are a few of our suggestions.

Wellington Museum

The museum features not only the cultures, artefacts, traditional tools, musical instruments and jewellery of various African ethnic groups but also prides itself in having ties with countries as far afield as America, England, Scotland, France and the Netherlands. It exhibits Stone-Age artefacts, a major collection of Egyptian artefacts and tells the stories of various pioneers who made their mark on the history of South Africa. Visit the Museum and discover the age-old mysteries of Africa.

Wellington Heritage Trail (Walking tour)

Starting at the Wellington Tourism Info Office, which is located next to The Dutch Reformed Church with the statue of Dr. Andrew Murray dating back to the 1840’s, follow this walking tour of the historical centre of Wellington

Breakfast

‘Cook Your Own’ Breakfast baskets available to order

Placed in the tent for guests to prepare themselves

• Eggs
• Venison Sausage
• Rashers of streaky bacon
• Homemade muesli
• Low fat Bulgarian yoghurt
• Seasonal fruit salad
• Croissant
• Butter & strawberry jam
• White & brown bread
• Milk
• Orange juice
• Cooking oil

R110 per adult
R 75 per child (4 to 12 yrs)

Dinner

Traditional South African Braai Pack available to order

Placed in the tents for guests to prepare

• 100g Chicken kebab with lemon butter
• 100g Traditional boerewors
• 150g Rump steak
• Vegetable kebab with butternut, zucchini, button mushrooms, peppers and onions
• Roosterkoek (traditional South African bread to be cooked on the braai)
• Garlic potato wrapped in foil
• Greek Salad consisting of salad leaves, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, olive and Buffalo feta cheese
• Couscous and bean salad with coriander, onions, red peppers, corn and black beans
• *Substitute the rump steak with Wagyu steak at an additional cost

R175 per adult / *R282 per adult (Wagyu option)
R110 per child (4 to 12 yrs)

Meal baskets are charged per person per day.
Breakfast and Braai baskets should be booked a day in advance.

Picnics

Reservations should be made 24 hours in advance with a 50% deposit, and by 12 noon on Fridays for a weekend picnic basket. Please contact: 021 873 6911 or e-mail: [email protected]. Picnics include your choice of Doolhof white or red wine as follows:

White

• Lady in White Chenin Blanc
• Sauvignon Blanc Single Vineyard
• Chardonnay unoaked Single Vineyard

Red

• Dark Lady Pinotage
• Lady in Red (Bordeaux style blend)

Doolhof Picnic: R360 per person

• Freshly baked home made bread
• Bacon meatballs
• Mini cheese and chacuterie board
• Chicken kebab with lemon and herb
• Greek pasta salad
• Dessert of the day

Vegetarian Picnic: R300 per person

• Toast Mosbolletjies
• Mediterranean Salad with cherry tomatoes, yellow bell peppers, red onions, black
  pitted olives, cucumber, Buffalo feta and sun dried tomatoes
• Mini Cheese Board
• Falafel Balls with Tahini Pesto
• Pasta Salad
• Dessert of the day

Other options

There are a number of great restaurants in the town. From coffee shops to fine dining.

• Villamar Restaurant
• Oude Wellington Restaurant
• Langkloof Roses
• The Stone Kitchen
• The Grillroom
• Welvanpas

Thank you for considering AfriCamps at Doolhof for your stay in Cape Town. Book with Us for the lowest rates available online, guaranteed!