MORE CAMPING … but this time, a bit more luxurious
FEBRUARY 2021
While it’s still summer in South Africa, camping is always a good option for a weekend activity.
Kleine Paradys – never heard of it – where is that?
Kleine Paradys (meaning “Little Paradise”) is just around the corner from where we stay – about an hour’s drive. We took the R27 and at Velddrif, turned east on the R399. Turn right at Moravia and follow the road towards Broodkraal – drive through the farm community’s houses until the sign for Kleine Paradys’ indicates a right turn.
Friends of us, who had their last (disastrous) camp about 13 years ago, asked whether we can take them along on a camping trip. We’ve decided that “wild camping” (what we normally do) won’t be the best option for them and therefor choose a camp site with all the amenities you can hope for while away from home 😉.
And this is exactly what Kleine Paradys is … a beautiful camp site with soft green grass, paving with shade cloth overhead for your tent, an electrical outlet for lights (or kettle, camping fridge, etc.) and a braai (barbecue). And to top it off, your very own ablution block! Yes, for us, this is like 5-star camping … and hopefully it will wipe out the last terrible camping experience our friends had!
Probably the best part of this camping site, was the view over the mountains. In the evenings, with sunset, we were sitting on our camping chairs and enjoy the spectacle that nature gave us.
As mentioned before, the Berg River is flowing passed Kleine Paradys. Although there is a fence between our camp site and the river (we’ve chosen the child friendly camp site as our friends have a little boy), there is a gate which led down to the river.
As the sun was setting on our first evening, we made a fire to braai (barbecue) steak on the coals.
The next day, we’ve made use of all the amenities offered by Kleine Paradys. I can promise you, there is no way that you will get bored while staying here.
The day turned out to be a real scorcher – temperatures were close to 40º Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), so there was really only one place we could be heading for … the swimming pool!
There is even a small indoor pool and jacuzzi under roof to use by the adults … I presume this is a popular place during winter months. We however, enjoyed most of the day at the swimming pool – our friends’ little boy had a real ball of a time at the slide and shallower side of the pool.
Close to the swimming pool is a big playground for the little ones – again under shade cloth, to protect them from the fierce sun in summer time.
There is even a paved area with a road mapped out where children can get on their bikes to play – safe and out of the way of cars.
Oh yes, and no need to bring your own canoe or kayak to explore the river … these are provided by Kleine Paradys. Johann, our friend, took his fishing rod and jumped into one of the canoes and drifted for a while on the river.
Just in case, you’ve forgotten something at home … don’t worry, there is a small farm shop at Kleine Paradys. Here you can buy wood, ice, cold drinks, sweets and even camping equipment that you may need. Just make sure of the times, because they are not open the entire day (and they’re closed on Sundays).
After a long day in the water, everyone was hungry. We’ve decided to make a chicken “potjie” (a stew in a 3-legged pot) over the fire.
As the sun was setting, we’ve noticed thunder clouds forming in the east … we’ve heard we might expect rain tomorrow … we’ll see …
On Sunday morning it was the turn of our friends to prepare brunch (you know right – that meal between breakfast and lunch). Annelie prepared a delicious frittata over the fire that basically filled us for the day!
And then, as predicted the clouds start moving in and we had a few hours of soft rain.
So, what do you do when there is a rainy day on a camping weekend? You make it fun of course! We’ve reached out for a bottle of wine and a board game!
We’ve had so much fun, that we did not even noticed when it stopped raining.
While our friends took their little boy to the playground, Berto decided it’s a good time for a nap. I was happy to get my book out (and a big packet of chips) to enjoy the afternoon.
After our friends returned, we’ve agreed that we all need to stretch our legs a bit. It was time to take a leisurely stroll through the farm and show all the animals to our little camper!
Once we got back to our camp site, it was time again to lit another fire – it was time to prepare our last dinner on our camping weekend.
On the menu tonight was lamb rib and beef kebabs in a red wine sauce … we could not have asked for a better evening to conclude our weekend.
We’ve chatted ‘till late that evening next to the fire. It’s difficult to understand how just 3 days of camping in nature, can have such a relaxing effect on us … that’s why we are already planning the next camping trip 😁.
Thank you to the staff of Kleine Paradys that give so much of themselves to make this such an enjoyable experience for us campers – we will surely come again!
And may I add … our friends enjoyed this camping experience so much, they are already planning for the next one!
Wet and Dusty Roads 
Love a campfire – there’s something so primal about it.
Can’t wait for our next one! 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
That’s so true! Really hope your camp is around the corner – I can’t wait to read about it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw bless you!
Thankfully, I’m still catching up on last year’s travels, but we’ve had our Covid jab now and are looking forward to the borders opening!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I never camped in my life 😳 I would love to try it one day, and your photos are definitely inspiring. The place is beautiful, not surprised it’s called Little Paradise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You should definitely try camping! Choose a sunny weekend and a couple of great friends … and your camp is halfway there 😉 … I’m sure you have a whole lot of “little paradises” in Portugal!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, we do – I’ll have to seek the opportunity out, maybe need to convince some friends as well 👀😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really does look like a small paradise! What a lovely weekend you must have had and your barbecued meals are second to none, quite delicious! I’ve not come across the 30 Second board game before but just looked it up on Amazon and it sounds fun, I love general knowledge type games. Hope you have a good week.
LikeLiked by 3 people
If you love general knowledge games, 30 Seconds is THE board game for you 😁. Yes, I don’t know what I like more on our camping trips … the fire or the food (they normally both equally good!)
Thanks for popping in and hope your week is also a good one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, these pictures are stunning, what camera do you use if you dont mind me asking? Your photos really capture the beauty! Also, your chicken “potjie” looked very yummy! 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you 🌸. Normally we use our more steady camera (Canon EOS) or even the GoPro 5, but on this weekend we’ve taken things much more chilled and I’ve only used my cell phone (OPPO AX5).
And you’re so right … that “potjie” was indeed yummy 😋.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like a great place to camp. I haven’t camped in my life but maybe we should . The chicken stew looks great.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes, you must try that one day … we love camping and the great thing about this is you can choose between a real luxury camping experience or wild camping (which is not for everyone). And to prepare great food on these camping trips are not difficult 👍🏻.
LikeLike
Beautiful views of the mountains and sunset! It’s great that you were able to show your friends that they could enjoy camping, especially as their little one seems to have had so much fun!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Sarah, yes we knew who we had to convince that camping is fun 😉.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful and family friendly place! My goodness you can cook on the fire!!!! I have a fire pit in my backyard feel free to stop by and cook anytime! Just make sure I am here and I’ll bring dessert! 🤤
LikeLiked by 3 people
This is indeed a “little paradise” … and yes, ideal for families with small children! We always try new recipes on camping weekends (we call them “braai” recipes). Hmm, and knowing how great your desserts are, we will definitely come when you’re home 😁.
LikeLike
Ahh so beautiful. When my aunty and Uncle lived in SA, I remember camping at kleine Paradys when I was a kid and it being the biggest adventure ! Thanks for bringing back some lovely memories 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
That’s so nice to read … thanks for reading and sharing! I’m glad we could bring back those happy memories! Take care 🌸.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too – have a lovely evening 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for bringing us all along.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And thanks for checking in Carl … wish we had you around that fire with us 😊.
LikeLike
That’s not camping, that is 5-star glamping! I like your style! 😉 Mel
LikeLiked by 3 people
😄 … So true Mel, that’s indeed glamping!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s what I was thinking, LOBA! 🌞
LikeLiked by 2 people
😄
LikeLike
Great minds think alike! 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow what a fantastic place, looks like they have made a great effort for everyone. I am so glad your friends had a good time and that they are inspired to go camping again. 😀🏕️
LikeLiked by 3 people
We had a chat with the owners of Kleine Paradys and they themselves have been camping for years … this way, they’ve learned what others campers like and this is how this idea was formed (I think they’ve really listened well 😊).
LikeLiked by 1 person
That looks absolutely magical. My kinda camping 😉 as for a camp fire and sunset…is there a better combination??
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m telling you … nothing better! Thanks for popping in 👍🏻.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My goodness, what a camping trip! We are planning to go to California’s Sierra Nevada with our tent in early summer. First camping trip for me in probably 7 or 8 years, and the very first time for my significant other! I am super excited, although our experience won’t be quite as fabulous as yours! 🌞
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are more the “wild campers” type (camping where there are no facilities), but every now and then it’s great to just show up at such a nice place as Kleine Paradys!
I really hope your camping trip in Sierra Nevada will be a great outing (the secret for a great camping trip, is the planning thereof) … make a list of what you will need – and don’t forget the wine bottle opener 😅.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely! And thank you! 🌞
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a nice campsite! I love the wide view and especially the wonderful swimming pooI. I can well imagine spending a few relaxing days in this beautiful place and enjoying everything. We own a motorhome and love to drive it to different places on our days off and have a good time.
Greetings from the beautiful Rhine-Highlands / Germany…
Rosie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow Rosie, you live in a beautiful part of our world! I do hope you get your motorhome out soon and show us all of your stunning places 😊.
We definitely hope to visit this camp site again in the near future – it was a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Thanks for reading our post and commenting.
Groete (Grube) from sunny Langebaan in South Africa, Corna 🌸
LikeLiked by 1 person
🥰 🌷🌸 🌼
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would prefer wild camping myself, especially in some of the lovely places you have shown us on your blog, but I completely understand your reasoning for a more “luxurious” site with your friends previous experience and this looks like an excellent choice. As always the food looks delicious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed Fergy … sometimes, the luxury of luxury camping pays off because our friends are more than willing to camp with us again 😁. But we still like the concept of wild camping more and hope to take them on such a trip in the not so far future … if only they know … 😉.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Go for it, the best way is to just go easy. Obviously I do not know what happened to put them off camping but just work round it.
You have such a wonderful country there to camp in it would be a shame to think of them missing out. I know you and Berto will do the right thing by them and make it not too scary.
Obviously the biggest bonus will be turning the “little camper” onto the wonderland that you are so lucky to live in.
I know you’ll let us all know how you get on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Their bad experience was a mixture of bad weather, not the right camping equipment and braai disaster (that all happened a long time ago and they never tried camping again) … but now, their little boy enjoyed this so much, they will have no other choice than to go camping with us again 😄.
Thanks for your confidence in us to make them love camping again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is nothing you can do about the weather, Mother Nature is a lot more powerful than us. As for kit, Berto will tell you the value of good kit and appropriate kit for whatever it is you are going to do. It’s an Army thing.
I am almost afraid to ask about the braai disaster. What did they do, burn the campsite down? As for the little lad, I am so glad he enjoyed it. I think I went on my first camping trip when I was about nine or ten, a whole 30 miles from our home in a place called Castlerock which may just be visible on Google maps! I loved it and kept it up until my health caught up with me.
You and Berto know better than me, just break them in easy, nothing too wild or extreme. That lovely seaside place you went on one of your Braai Weekends might be good. I am sure there would be enough on the seashore to keep the little lad happy. Perhaps Berto can teach him to dive for crayfish.
Yes, I have absolute faith in you two, don’t forget that through the wonderful medium of the internet I know what you are capable of!
LikeLiked by 1 person