July 2025

Winter camping on the water’s edge

For eager campers, like us, it is really hard to wait for summer to go camping. And with our new camping companion (read here), a winter camp is no longer such a bad idea. So, we gathered our friends to go explore a new camp site.

There are probably a hundred (or more) campsites near Cape Town, and we have quite a few favourite places that we like to return to. But we read about a new campsite, that recently opened, and it ticked all the boxes:

  • It is a short drive from Cape Town,
  • The campsites are spacious and next to a dam,
  • It’s located on a farm,
  • There are stunning views over the mountains and canola fields.

BietjieDam (translated in English as ‘Little Dam’) is a few kilometers outside Caledon. Caledon, a town in the Overberg region, is about 100km/62 miles east of Cape Town.

Now, we knew it was going to be a (very) cold weekend. In fact, it rained when we left on Friday afternoon. BietjieDam rents out wood-fired hot tubs and Berto suggested that we ask them to deliver two hot tubs to our campsites. I can’t tell you what a wonderful sight those steaming hot tubs at our campsite were when we arrived!

Hot tub next to the dam

We had hardly set up our tents when we jumped into our cozzies and then straight into the hot tub. The warm water was like a woolly blanket (and it was a bit bizarre when it started to drizzle lightly), but nevertheless a lot of fun.

That’s how you camp in winter

After the men made a big campfire, we arranged our camping chairs close to the heat of the fire. With dinner finished (prepared by the men), it was time to dive into our beds. The next morning, we were relieved to see that there were no clouds in the sky – there are few things better than a sunny day in the middle of a South African winter.

The view from our rooftop tent

Early morning at BietjieDam

Although it was a beautiful early morning, it was very cold. With the windscreen of our ‘bakkie’ frozen and frost on the grass, everyone grabbed warm jackets, scarves and gloves while we watched the sunrise.

Cold enough to freeze your thoughts

Our campsite in the early morning

Beautiful sunrise

Once again it was the men who prepared a delicious breakfast. A few of us decided to walk the 1.2km/0.7 miles around the dam. After the rain the previous day(s), we had to be careful not to sink too deep into the mud. However, it was a lovely little walk and we enjoyed the views.

Breakfast in the making

A great way to start your day

View of the dam and mountains on our walk

Green farm fields

At first, the path was easy to walk, but later it became quite a challenge

The campsite is now on the other side of the dam

Beautiful arum lilies on our walk

Here is a bit of good news for those of you who aren’t so keen on camping in the winter (or camping in general). There are also other accommodation options at BietjieDam. There is a newly renovated barn with two en-suite bedrooms, as well as a glamping tent with space for four people. Both of these options have their own hot tubs that are included with your stay.

The Barn

Twilight Glamping Tent with a lovely deck

It’s always interesting to see what the camping setup of our friends looks like. It turned out that no one brought their ground tents on this camping weekend. Three couples had rooftop tents, while the other couple slept in their off-road caravan.

Three rooftop tents

Off-road caravan (with tent extension)

You may remember that Berto mentioned in a previous post (read here) that he wants to equip our new camping trailer with a camp fridge and ice machine. Well, I’m happy to say we’ve bought both and it’s working perfectly. In the meantime, something else has been added, but more on that in the next post (I dare say that this is the best camping item ever)!

Camp fridge and ice machine

Many people often ask me what is there to do when you’re camping. Well, we enjoy hiking and sitting by the fire reading a book. At BietjieDam you can also do that, and if you like swimming, fishing or kayaking, you would love it here. Bird watchers will also be occupied with the sight of many different birds. We heard the call of the African fish eagle several times – one of the most iconic sounds of the African wilderness. Oh, and you will also enjoy stargazing at night – we had the most beautiful view of an almost full moon.

Relaxing in the sun

Gideon caught a fish (and released it again)

Great ‘braai’ area at one of the camp sites

Late afternoon at BietjieDam

View of the Twilight Glamping Tent

In the late afternoon, the campfire was lit again and we prepared for another ‘braai’ evening.

Our campfire

A sundowner drink in the hot tub

A warm sunset on a cold evening

Dress code for a winter camp (except for Berto’s flip-flops)

Kayaker on the dam

Stunning view of an almost full moon (Photo credit: Frans Basson)

The next morning, we got up early again. There was a delicate veil of mist hanging over the dam. However, the tranquility was soon disturbed by a few geese that had become involved in a scuffle with each other. We watched them for quite some time until we thought peace was restored between them.

Another beautiful sunrise over BietjieDam

The early morning sun illuminated the fields and dam

The moon was still visible in the morning sky

Mist on the dam

If you look closely, you’ll see an African fish eagle sitting on the middle pole

Lovely morning winter colours

Two geese in a confrontation while a third one comes to see what it’s all about

More spectators arrive

Now everyone wants to join the ‘fight’

There was a flurry of wings and water

For a moment it seemed like everyone had come to an agreement

It’s possible that one goose muttered something about ‘emotional maturity’, and before we knew it, the whole flock was airborne, leaving behind only a few feathers

After all this drama, we all needed a cup of coffee – being a bird watcher is hard work.

Time for a last coffee

BietjieDam was the perfect place for a cold winter weekend and it was a great reminder that the best moments are often the simplest – just good friends, a campfire, fresh air and stunning views.

Final look at the reflections in the waters of BietjieDam