Luxury packed lightly
Camp Canoe in Franschhoek offers all nature lovers a unique winelands escape, ensconced in the beauty of Boschendal’s enchanting estate, where luxury is stitched from the canvas to the stars.
Perched upon the beautiful peaks of the iconic Boschendal Wine Estate, only a 45-minute drive from Cape Town, Camp Canoe incites all of the romance one envisages, when seeking an escape into nature. Dialled up by the opulent grounds of a prestigious wine farm. One of the most revered in Franschhoek. Seven luxury tents stand poised like dashing safari-suited squires.
Ready to escort you and your chosen travelling companions on an adventure amidst the wilderness of the winelands. Quaffing the crisp mountain air, gazing over the vineyards, and revelling in the quiet solitude of this extraordinary place. Without all of the struggles of pitching your own tent, or foraging for food – or WiFi – every canvas-clad suite is thoughtfully equipped, whimsically styled, deliciously secluded, and inspiringly scenic.
Spending time at Camp Canoe is like returning to those innocent roots of mischief. The childlike curiosity that wants to know more about the natural world, and oneself in it. Under the parental powers of the managers and their staff. The team that take care of every little incidental thing that you can consider necessary. With a broad smile on their dials, daily. The wood-fired hot tubs beckon your bodies, bobbing about in the toasty-warm waters. A tranquil sauna session for the mind. Fireplaces, barbecues, and all of the little bits and bobs are prepped ready for your holiday play.
The interiors; inimitably styled by the revered design duo, MR. Catering to your assumed levels of luxury, with a few side servings of humour. The picnic and braai baskets packed, ready for your camp feasting, mountain meandering, dam daydreaming or garden gallivanting. The grounds of the estate are yours for exploring. The sampling, the sightseeing, the tasting, and the mingling. Sourcing from the market, the deli, the vegetable and herb gardens. Guided horse rides and vineyard tours. Floating across the dam in your canoe, or snoozing on the banks in the sunshine.
Tents and tales
Whatever your motive for the escape to the winelands, you’ll be at your leisure to pick and choose from silver platters, as to which excursion you’d like to embark on. Which golden goblet you’d like to taste the next bit of nectar from nature’s eden. Whether you arrive with hiking boots or hardcover novels, it’s up to you to set the pace at Camp Canoe. Dip in and out of the village, or remain sublimely secluded in your canvas kingdom.
Whether it’s the two of you, or ten of you, there are enough hours in the day to decide what floats your boat, tickles your tastebuds and incites that childlike play in one of the most spectacularly beautiful spots in the Cape’s countryside. Whatever the season, whatever the occasion, the bonfires will be lit and the mist will carry its energetic essence across the valley.
The waterfalls will cascade, and the birds will soar through the open skies. The moon will rise over the mountain, and the sun will dip into the shallows of the dam. The stars will blanket the night like African dust dancing for your gaze. The memories are all yours for the making, at this magnificent hideaway.
What we love!
- Spending time on the deck beside the dam. Listening to the birds and admiring the beautiful views of the landscape. A delightfully tranquil spot to savour the South African sunshine.
- The tents are beautifully styled and fully equipped for you to simply soak up, laze around, cook, and be still. They are as sophisticated as they are rustic and simple. With all of the essentials, and the soul of South Africa emblazoned on the artisanal furnishings.
- Enjoying an evening around the bonfire, toasting marshmallows, enjoying the best of the best vintages. Watching the stars from the hammock as you swing in sync with the conversation.
- You can definitely put your own stamp on the stay, but everything is catered for. All of your refined desires considered. As if little fairies scurry around, discreetly setting up little moments of joy, leaving little treasures for you to enjoy.
- Having access to the entire Boschendal experience. The flagship restaurant – Werf Conservatory – the Friday evening and Saturday morning markets, the butchery, the bakery, the farm shop and those famous picnic baskets. Lest we forget the fabulous wine tasting. It’s a destination that will have you captivated by its beauty and serenity.
What you need to know…
- The property is less than a 15-minute drive from the main hub of Franschhoek, on the grounds of Boschendal Wine Estate. All resting at the foot of the majestic Simonsberg and Drakenstein mountain ranges. With Jonkershoek Nature Reserve around the corner.
- Cape Town International Airport is only a 45-minute drive to and from the camp.
- Every experience at Camp Canoe is tailored to your needs. Your choice of activities and your unique palates. Excursions around the estate. The way you like your days to gently unfold.
- Adding to the luxury of the tents, there is daily housekeeping included in your stay. A fully equipped kitchen for you to tend to your own meals. You can pre-order the picnic, braai and breakfast boxes. Source your ingredients from the deli or the market. Some days you might like to venture out for lunch and return for dinner, and others you might light to swap the plans around.
- Franschhoek is not only about food and wine it’s also about art, cars, culture, history and health. The Drakenstein Correctional Centre, marked by a bronze statue of Nelson Mandela, is where the former president walked out a free man. The Franschhoek motor museum on the L’Ormarins Estate is a backseat journey through a billionaire’s garage.
- The village of Franschhoek is overflowing with fabulous eateries – Liam Tomlin’s Chefs Warehouse at Maison, La Petite Colombe, Bread & Wine, and Le Coin Français. There are also plenty of less fussy, more laid-back restaurants on several reputable wine estates and within the village itself.
- If Camp Canoe is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in Franschhoek.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie