We Went Glamping in Stanford

I really enjoy the idea of camping.

No really, I do.

You get to experience the great outdoors as it was intended – no need for a TV when there’s so much to explore just outside your tent flap.  Then there’s enjoying smores by the fire place while you tell ghost stories.  And drinking hot coffee early in the morning as the sun rises over the beautiful area where you have set up your tent.

But then there’s also not getting any sleep because there was a rock sticking into your back the whole night.  Or realising that the mountain of blankets that you brought with you was not actually enough to stave off the cold seeping into your bones.  Or like bugs and stuff.  Don’t get me started on the bugs!

So yes, you could say that camping is not really my thing, but guys, glamping is something I could totally get behind!

We recently drove out to Stanford which is a very sweet little town nestled into the valley between Gansbaai and Hermanus.  The reason that we trekked out that far is because it was the opening of the new Africamps tents at Stanford Hills.  It’s glamping at its absolute BEST.

It has everything that you need.  From a full kitchen and comfortable beds, to electric blankets on the beds and aircon for those very hot months.  It even has a indoor fire place.  Oh and don’t forget that you don’t need to go to an ablution block to get a lovely HOT shower.

Plus there is a outdoor braai area that is fully kitted out with wood for days.

We made a little video tour of the tent because although pictures would begin to explain it, you don’t really get the real feel of it.  And the real feel is awesome.

For the grand opening they organised all the amazing local producers in the Stanford area to come out.  There is so much to see, experience, buy and eat in the area.  From craft beers and ciders, to locally made cotton clothing and that’s not even talking about all the delicious food in Stanford.  (I’ve heard that the Italian place is a must visit but unfortunately it was closed when we left on Sunday morning or we’d have tested it ourselves!)

Once the market was closed and they’d refreshed the tents from all the visitors of the day, we got a chance to get acquainted with our tent.

Our tent had an incredible view of the dam (that you can swim in).  We packed out bags away while the kids decided how they were going to sleep.  There is a double bed at the bottom with a single bed as a bunk bed on top of it.  So it comfortably sleeps 5 people which is a huge thing for us.  It’s really not often that you can find a place that sleeps everyone for a decent price.  It was decided that the girls would sleep at the bottom with Knox at the top which was a huge sacrifice for Kyla because sleeping at the top is totally her thing.

After that we joined the Africamps creators, their family and friends for a spit braai dinner.  It was absolutely delish and they are a very friendly and welcoming group of people.

The venue for the Africamps is Stanford Hills which is a working protea and wine farm with restaurant that you can go to for meals.  Or alternatively you can order their braai basket which has all the meats and salads and then all you need to do is braai it.  They also have a breakfast basket.  And I think it’s the best idea ever.  I’m sad that we didn’t get a chance to try that out but we will definitely be back to give it a go (either here or at one of the other locations – Oudtshoorn, Robertson and Swellendam).

That night it was cold and windy and I don’t think I have EVER been more grateful for electric blankets.  I think it might be my new silver Converse.  They are great looking shoes but they are not made to keep your feet warm – that’s for sure.  I got into bed with icy toes that were warmed up in a jiffy with the electric blankets.  Which I’m sure Seth (my usual toe warmer) was very relieved about.

The kids also had a super nights sleep – Knox even slept until 8.30 which means that they felt totally at home.

In the morning we met up with the rest of the team at the restaurant for a hearty breakfast.

Stanford Hills is also totally kitted out for kids.  There are a couple of jungle gyms and an old car to play on and our kids spent hours on there which meant that we had a chance to chill and chat which was great after the long week that we’d had with all the birthday parties.

There is also a fishing dam, swimming dam and a some canoes that you can go out on near the restaurant.

All in all it’s such a great concept.  I love that you can be in nature without having to sacrifice the basics that make me a happy person in the morning.  That’s really key for me.

Thank you Africamps for inviting us to enjoy this special evening with you.  We had a great stay and look forward to see you all again son!