The Hex River Valley, known as the gateway between the Cape and the Great Karoo, is an enchanting valley worth a spot on your Western Cape bucket list. Here folklore meets thriving agriculture, meets remarkable rocky landscapes, and visitors get their first real peek into the Karoo.

AfriCamps at Karoo 1, Hex Valley, boasts 13 boutique glamping tents overlooking the picturesque farm and its surrounding rock faces. The tents dot the landscape and lead the way to a stunning natural kloof pool – an oasis against the arid Karoo backdrop.

AfriCamps at Karoo 1 welcomes families, couples, wedding guests, or close groups of friends to retreat away from the busy city, only a short two-hour drive from Cape Town. Guests are welcomed by Benji the lovable sheepdog – your first glimpse into the warm Karoo hospitality you will experience during your stay.

As much as we love this location for its tranquility and rest for the soul, guests can also opt for a more adventurous approach. Hiking trails, mountain biking trails, swimming in the kloof pool and even rock climbing all await on the property. Coupled with the world-class facilities available at the established hotel, there is something for everyone. The property offers a restaurant, bar, boma, communal swimming pool, kids play area and gym. The camp is dog-friendly, so no member of the family has to miss out on the fun!

AfriCamps at Karoo 1 is situated just north of the Hex River Pass between De Doorns and Touws River on the popular Karoo 1 Farm Estate. Mountains, rivers and valleys meet in the Hex River Valley, where the Great Karoo begins. The surrounding mountain ranges, of which the Matroosberg is the highest peak, create majestic views and beautiful rugged landscapes, softened by the first sight of Karoo shrublands. The narrow valley stretches along the N1 from Worcester to Touws River, with De Doorns, South Africa’s leading table grape growing region, at the centre. Did you know that more than half of the country’s table grape exports are from the Hex River Valley? Take in the beautiful tapestries of colour en route to AfriCamps at Karoo 1, especially when visiting in Autumn.

The name Hex River Valley is one of myth and mystery. The area used to be called the Exe River Valley, so named after the crissing and crossing of rivers and ox-wagon trails, but a folk tale of the witch (or heks in Afrikaans) of the Exe River Valley was the reason locals started referring to the Hex River Valley instead. Legend has it that a witch visits the Matroosberg mountains during a full moon in search of her long lost love. The legend dates back to 1768, but remains a popular local folk tale to this day.