'n Klein kampeerplek op 'n tafeldruifplaas in die Hexriviervallei. Berge, strome en rotspoele in rou natuur.A small campsite on a table grape farm in the Hex River Valley. Mountains, streams and rock pools in raw nature.

Kyk beskikbaarheidCheck availability Sien die kampplekkeSee the campsites

Sonskyn · Orchard · De Doorns  |  33°28′02″S  19°37′41″OE  |  ±130 km van Kaapstad±130 km from Cape Town

Ons storieOur story

Kamp tussen die wingerdeCamp among the vineyards

Soos vir so baie ander het dinge in die grendeltyd van 2020 deurmekaar geloop. Kinders kon nie skool toe nie, en ons het baie tyd in die berg deurgebring om uit die huis te kom.Like so many others, life was turned upside down during the 2020 lockdown. The children couldn't go to school, and we spent a lot of time in the mountains to get out of the house.

So het ons begin kamp bou: eers 'n gelyk staanplek vir die wa, toe 'n braaiplek en lopende water, later krag en badkamers. Gou wou ander ook kom. Ons het soveel stilte en rus hier gevind, 'n verfrissing van ons gees. Daarom die naam Ruah: Gees, asem (Ps 104:30, Job 32:8). Ons deel dit graag met ander.So we started building a camp: first a level stand for the caravan, then a braai and running water, later power and bathrooms. Soon others wanted to come too. We found so much quiet and rest here, a refreshing of the spirit. Hence the name Ruah: Spirit, breath (Ps 104:30, Job 32:8). We are glad to share it.

Die kamp lê op 'n werkende tafeldruifplaas langs die Elskloof-rivier. Dit is ideaal vir tente, kampeerwaens en bossleepwaens, en 'n voertuig met hoër grondvryhoogte.The camp is on a working table grape farm beside the Elskloof river. It suits tents, camping trailers and off-road caravans, and a vehicle with higher ground clearance.

Our family camping in the kloof in 2020, before the campsite was built
Ons gesin in die kloof in 2020, voor die kamp gebou isOur family in the kloof in 2020, before the camp was built
KampplekkeCampsites
5
Mense per plekPeople per site
Tot 6Up to 6
Na die rotspoelTo the rock pool
310 m
GasgraderingGuest rating
4.9 / 5
KragpuntePower points
Ja, 3-penYes, 3-pin
DrinkwaterDrinking water
KraneTaps

KampplekkeCampsites

Vyf plekke, elk met sy eie karakterFive sites, each with its own character

Elke plek neem tot ses mense. Kies volgens wat vir jou saak maak: privaatheid, uitsig of skaduwee.Each site takes up to six people. Choose by what matters to you: privacy, view or shade.

Campsite 1

1 Kampplek 1Campsite 1

Min skaduweeLittle shadePrivaatPrivateKlipbraaiStone braai

Die meeste privaatheid. Op sy eie terras langs die rivier, met uitsig.The most private site, on its own terrace beside the river, with a view.

Campsite 2

2 Kampplek 2Campsite 2

Min skaduweeLittle shadeRivieruitsigRiver viewKlipbraaiStone braai

Kyk oor die rivier, met 'n goeie uitsig oor die vallei. Genoeg gras vir gesinne met kleintjies.Overlooks the river with a good view of the valley. Plenty of grass for families with small children.

Campsite 3

3 Kampplek 3Campsite 3

HalfskaduweeSemi-shadeGrootsteLargestKlipbraaiStone braai

Die grootste plek. Gras met halfskaduwee, naby die ablusieblok.The largest site. Grass with semi-shade, close to the ablution block.

Campsite 4

4 Kampplek 4Campsite 4

SkaduweeShadeKleinerSmallerKlipbraaiStone braai

'n Kleiner grasplek met skaduwee onder groot bome, met die vallei agter.A smaller grassy site shaded by big trees, with the valley behind.

Campsite 5, the green space, with swings and a seesaw

5 Kampplek 5 (Groen ruimte)Campsite 5 (Green space)

Vir alle gasteFor all guestsSwaaieSwingsUitsigView

'n Oop, gedeelde grasperk met swaaie en 'n wipplank vir die kinders, en 'n wye uitsig oor die vallei.An open, shared lawn with swings and a seesaw for the children, and a wide view over the valley.

Campsite 6

6 Kampplek 6Campsite 6

Geen skaduweeNo shadeBeste uitsigBest viewKlipbraaiStone braai

Die beste uitsig en baie privaatheid, met sy rug na die res van die kamp.The best view and lots of privacy, with its back to the rest of the camp.

Tariewe is op 'n kampeerbasis: bring jou eie kampeertoerusting. Sien die nuutste tariewe en oop datums op dieRates are on a camping basis: bring your own camping gear. See current rates and open dates on the besprekingsbladbooking page.

Aerial map of Ruah Camping with numbered sites, the ablution block and the path to the rock pool
Die kamp van boThe camp from above

FasiliteiteFacilities

  • Ablusieblok met twee badkamers, elk met toilet en stortAblution block with two bathrooms, each with toilet and shower
  • Buite-wasbak vir skottelgoedOutdoor sink for washing dishes
  • 3-pen-kragpunte en drinkwaterkrane by die staanplekke3-pin power points and drinking-water taps at the stands
  • Eie braaiplek by elke kampplekOwn braai at every site
  • Skaduwee van bome of skadunet by party plekkeTree shade or shade netting at some sites
  • Vullisdromme en veilige, gratis parkeringRubbish bins and safe, free parking
  • ⚡Krag en waterPower and water
  • ⊘Geen swem by die keerwal of opgaardamNo swimming at the weir or reservoir

StaproetesHiking trails

Die Elskloof van die kamp afUp the Elskloof from camp

  1. 0 mRuah Camping

    Die eerste San-rotskuns is net bokant die ablusieblok.The first San rock art is just above the ablution block.

  2. 310 m · 4–5 minDie rotspoelThe rock pool

    Die hoofpoel om in te swem.The main pool for swimming.

  3. 380 mSan-rotskunsSan rock art

    Teen die rotswand aan jou linkerkant ná die poel.On the rock wall to your left after the pool.

  4. 510 mDie oorhang-grotThe overhang cave

    Nog rotskuns onder die oorhang.More rock art under the overhang.

  5. 1.09 kmRotskampBoulder camp

    Baie poele om langs die pad te verken.Many pools to explore along the way.

  6. 1.12 km · +270 mDie boonste keerwalThe top weir

    Die oorspronklike keerwal van die ou hidro-kragsentrale.The original weir of the old hydro-electric scheme.

San rock art: two red figures
San-rotskunsSan rock art
A small waterfall between the boulders in the kloof
Watervalletjie in die kloofSmall waterfall in the kloof
The clear rock pool under an old tree
Die rotspoel, 310 m van die kampThe rock pool, 310 m from camp

Swem word nie toegelaat by die keerwal by die kamp of in die opgaardam nie. Dit voorsien drinkwater aan sowat 90 gesinne. Swem gerus in die rotspoel.Swimming is not allowed at the weir by the camp or in the reservoir. It supplies drinking water to about 90 families. You're welcome to swim in the rock pool.

GemiddeldModerate

Elskloof

±2 km±2 uurhoursVanaf kampFrom camp

Van die kamp af, verby die poel tot by die ou oorspronklike keerwal. Baie poele en San-kuns om te verken. Plek-plek groot trappe.From camp, past the pool to the old original weir. Lots of pools and San art to explore. Big steps in places.

RoetekaartRoute map →
StylSteep

Bidklip

3.5 km1–1½ uurhoursVanaf kampFrom camp

'n Relatief steil stap berg-op tot by 'n groot reghoekige rots, met 'n besonderse uitsig oor die vallei.A fairly steep walk up the mountain to a big rectangular rock, with a remarkable view over the valley.

RoetekaartRoute map →
MaklikEasy

Osplaas

±4 km±1 uurhour10 min ry10 min drive

Om die Osplaas-dam, met mooi uitsigte en plantegroei. Vir 'n langer stap (±11.5 km): agter die dam op na die treinspoor, tot by die ou tonnel en terug met die ou dienspad.Around the Osplaas dam, with lovely views and plants. For a longer walk (±11.5 km): up behind the dam to the railway line, along to the old tunnel and back on the old service road.

RoetekaartRoute map →

GeskiedenisHistory

Krag uit die kloofPower from the kloof

In 1902 het die Dicey-familie van die Cape Orchard Company die moontlikheid van hidro-elektrisiteit in die Elskloof ondersoek. Die Pelton-wiel het per boot uit Italië gekom en is van Kaapstad se hawe met perdewaens na Orchard vervoer.In 1902 the Dicey family of the Cape Orchard Company explored hydro-electric power in the Elskloof. The Pelton wheel came by ship from Italy and was carried from Cape Town harbour to Orchard by horse wagon.

Die krag het die koelkamers by Orchard-stasie, 'n konfytfabriek, die pakstoor en die omliggende huise voorsien, 42 jaar lank tot die vallei in 1944 by Worcester se steenkoolkragsentrale aangesluit is. Die murasies van die sentrale is net bokant die kamp, en langs die paadjie in die kloof sien jy nog die ou ysters, nissies en pype.It powered the cold stores at Orchard station, a jam factory, the packing shed and nearby homes for 42 years, until the valley was linked to Worcester's coal power station in 1944. The ruins of the station are just above the camp, and along the kloof path you can still see the old irons, niches and pipes.

67 mval van keerwal tot wieldrop from weir to wheel
670 mpyplyn, 35.56 cm deursneepipeline, 35.56 cm across
±60 pkongeveer 44.7 kWabout 44.7 kW
1902–1944in gebruikin service

NatuurleweWildlife

Fynbos aan die skadukantFynbos on the shady side

Hier aan die skadukant van die Hexrivierberge groei groter bome en struike as deel van die Kaapse fynbos: die protea-familie, sandolyf, kliphout en hoër op in die kloof ook waterbome.On this shady side of the Hex River mountains, bigger trees and shrubs grow as part of the Cape fynbos: the protea family, sand olive, kliphout and, higher up the kloof, water trees.

  • BobbejaneBaboons
  • DassiesRock hyrax
  • MuishondeMongooses
  • KlipspringersKlipspringers
  • WitkruisarendeVerreaux's eagles
  • LuiperdLeopard
  • Kaapse jakkalsCape fox
  • RooikatCaracal

Witkruisarende broei teen die kranse. Vermy asseblief alle wilde diere, sodat niemand beseer word nie.Verreaux's eagles breed on the cliffs. Please keep your distance from all wild animals so nobody gets hurt.

Ons video'sOur videos

Kyk hoe dit lykSee it for yourself

Ruah CampingKamp, vriende, rotskuns, die poele en kampvuur. 2 min 40 s.Camp, friends, rock art, the pools and campfire. 2 min 40 s.
A fresh BreathNá die vloed van Junie 2023: herbou, nuwe blomme en 'n nuwe seisoen. 2 min 50 s.After the June 2023 flood: rebuilding, new flowers and a new season. 2 min 50 s.

Rondom die kampAround the camp

View out of the kloof over the Hex River Valley
Uit die kloof oor die valleiOut of the kloof over the valley
The narrow gorge with a tree and rock walls
Die nou kloofThe narrow gorge
Fynbos-covered slopes higher up the kloof
Hoër op in die kloofHigher up the kloof
Another clear pool below a small waterfall
Nog 'n poel langs die roeteAnother pool along the trail

KampreëlsCamp rules

Sodat almal dit kan genietSo everyone can enjoy it

  1. Geen harde of versterkte musiek nie.No loud or amplified music.
  2. Stilte tussen 22:00 en 08:00.Quiet between 10 pm and 8 am.
  3. Geen swem by die keerwal of in die opgaardam nie: dit voorsien drinkwater aan sowat 90 gesinne. Swem gerus by die rotspoel.No swimming at the weir or in the reservoir: it supplies drinking water to about 90 families. Swim at the rock pool instead.
  4. Los net jou voetspore. Vullisdromme is beskikbaar.Leave only your footprints. Rubbish bins are available.
  5. Hou die badkamers asseblief netjies, soos jy dit graag sou wou kry.Please leave the bathrooms as neat as you'd like to find them.
  6. Geen vure buite die geboude braaiplekke nie.No fires outside the built braais.
  7. Beskerm die natuur, die San-rotskuns en ander erfenis.Protect nature, the San rock art and other heritage.
  8. Geen gewere, jag of teikenskiet nie.No guns, hunting or target shooting.
  9. Plaaspersoneel bestuur soms die besproeiing by die opgaardam. Hulle doen net hul werk en sal jou nie pla nie.Farm staff sometimes manage irrigation at the reservoir. They're just doing their job and won't bother you.
  10. Stap, draf en ry gerus fiets op die plaas.Feel free to walk, jog and cycle around the farm.

14:00–19:00

Inklok. Laat ons weet as jy later gaan wees.Check-in. Let us know if you'll be later.

10:00

Uitklok op die dag van vertrek.Check-out on your day of departure.

4x4 / hooghigh

Die grondpad van die hek af is plek-plek moeilik. 'n Voertuig met hoër grondvryhoogte word aanbeveel.The gravel road from the gate is tricky in places. A vehicle with higher ground clearance is recommended.

NetgrondseileMesh groundsheets

Gebruik net netgrondseile, sodat die gras gesond bly.Use mesh groundsheets only, to keep the grass healthy.

In die omgewingNearby

Vir dit wat jy vergeet hetFor whatever you forgot

Veldskoen PadstalRestaurant, winkelsRestaurant, browsing
Hexvallei LedeklubRestaurant, funksiesRestaurant, functions
Hexvallei GolfklubGholf, restaurantGolf, restaurant
De Doorns WynkelderWynproe, toeriste-inligtingWine tasting, tourist info
Uys SlaghuisSlaghuisButchery
Shoprite De DoornsKruidenierswareGroceries

Wat gaste sêWhat guests say

4.6

uit 5, uit 33 resensies op Googleout of 5, from 33 reviews on Google

4.9

uit 5, uit 21 resensies op LekkeSlaapout of 5, from 21 reviews on LekkeSlaap

“Pleasantly surprised by this gem!”
Google
“For serious campers that likes peace and quiet.”
Google
“The best campground shower I've ever used!”
Google
“Great rock pools to cool down in.”
Google
“Best swimming hole.”
Theo S · LekkeSlaap
“We had a very relaxing weekend.”
Camping in Africa
Lees al die Google-resensiesRead all Google reviews Camping in Africa-resensieCamping in Africa review

Bespreek & kontakBook & contact

Kom kamp in die valleiCome camp in the valley

Bespreek aanlyn om oop datums en tariewe te sien, of skakel ons gerus met vrae oor die kampplekke, die pad of die roetes. Ná jou bespreking stuur ons die toegangsinstruksies.Book online to see open dates and rates, or call us with any questions about the sites, the road or the trails. After booking we'll send you the access instructions.

Bespreek aanlynBook online WhatsApp

Kry aanwysings op Google MapsGet directions on Google Maps  ·  Volg ons op FacebookFollow us on Facebook

Telefoon / WhatsAppPhone / WhatsApp
082 774 4216
E-posEmail
christofdp@breede.co.za
AdresAddress
Sonskyn, Orchard, De Doorns, 6875, Wes-KaapWestern Cape