April 2026

Camping between vineyards, lavender and majestic mountains

The beautiful town of Franschhoek is just 87km/54 miles from Cape Town and a very popular place to visit, especially among overseas visitors. We have been to Franschhoek several times before on day trips but wanted to spend a weekend here to visit not just the town, but also the surrounding area (read: wineries).

Accommodation in the area can be quite expensive, but we found an option on the internet that seemed very appealing – luxury camping on a farm.

Our campsite

At Franschhoek Camping there are only 10 campsites. Except for 2 sites (which share a bathroom), the other sites each have their own bathroom. Most of the campsites have pergolas covered with bougainvillea and the softest green grass a camper could ever wish for. There is also a ‘braai’ at each campsite, as well as an electrical point.

The ‘braai’ and electrical point

Apart from the absolute tranquility, the views are also more than enough to put any camper in a state of pure happiness.

From our campsite, we had a view of the lavender garden and mountains

The paved pathways leading to the bathrooms are surrounded by pleasantly scented lavender. It is remarkable how neat the gardens are, and we enjoyed taking peaceful strolls through the campsite.

Paved pathways surrounded by greenery and lavender

I won’t say the bathroom is very spacious, but it’s definitely unique. With modern finishes, you have everything you might need – toilet, washbasin, and shower with hot water.

Inside the bathroom

Another pathway ‘hugged’ by lavender

Because wild animals, such as springbok and zebra, roam freely among the vineyards, the campsite is fenced and has electric gates. A remote and keys are given to campers that can be used to open the gates while camping there.

The campsite has stunning views over the valley and mountains

Campsite with pergola covered with bougainvillea

There is an honesty shop where campers can buy wood, ice, and other camping essentials. It’s great to have such a facility when camping, which mean there is no reason to drive to a shop to buy something you might need.

Honesty shop

The presence of an eco pool at Franschhoek Camping makes it easy to cool down on hot days. The water comes from a fresh mountain spring and has a lovely view of the mountains.

Eco pool

Fresh mountain water and more lavender

Pathway leading to the eco pool

I really liked the communal dishwashing area. Besides being a large sink with enough hot water, it had the most beautiful view of the mountains. I didn’t mind washing the dishes after every meal (even Berto offered to help).

Washing dishes with an amazing view

View from our campsite towards the bathrooms (on the left)

I mentioned earlier the presence of wild animals on the farm. Early one morning we went for a stroll in search for them.

Walking through one of the gates to look for wildlife

On the way to the animals, we saw a tram parked outside the farm’s main gate. This is the wine tram of Franschhoek. We have booked an excursion on the tram and will tell you more about our day at different wineries in a next post.

Wine tram of Franschhoek

After we walked a short distance, we came to a small group of animals that were grazing and enjoying the warmth of the early morning sun.

Springbok and zebras

Donkey and zebra (and springbok in the background)

Grazing zebra

Beautiful springbok

We walked a fair distance uphill and were rewarded with the most beautiful views all around.

Walking towards the mountains

The view back down

View over the campsite

Vineyards and mountains

Three crosses in the field

Among the non-wild animals are free-roaming chickens and two farm dogs, the border collies Gemma and Oreo.

The non-wild farm animals

We also had the company of sunbirds every morning, searching for breakfast in the lavender bush next to our trailer.

The lavender bush that attracted many sunbirds

Energetic sunbirds

Before we get to the food that we made during our camping weekend, we first have to show you the beautiful sunsets at Franschhoek Camping. Every evening we sat on our chairs, looking towards the mountains and saw the most beautiful scenes – it was almost like watching a movie.

The start of a beautiful sunset

The mountains behind us were lit up by the setting sun

Clouds and sky in soft colours

Final light before darkness

Moon behind the clouds

Sunrises were just as beautiful. In the early morning, the mist clouds moved slowly over the mountains until the sun made its way through them.

Morning clouds

Everything looks so much brighter early in the morning

And then, finally, we made sure to prepare a few camping meals. Dinners were mostly on the campfire and breakfasts on our gas stove.

The best part of camping – sitting next to the campfire

Dinners

Spinach and Feta omelette for breakfast

Bacon, scrambled eggs and hot cross buns

One morning we just had coffee/tea and rusks

Between the wildlife roaming freely, the amazing views, and the gentle rhythm of farm life, our camping weekend was pure joy. If you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and want to experience a bit of luxury while camping – without it costing you a fortune – then Franschhoek Camping is the place for you.

View from our rooftop tent

In our next post we will take you on a stroll through the streets of the beautiful town of Franschhoek. This is one of the oldest towns in South Africa where the presence of the French Huguenots is still tangible.