Camping For Grown-ups

[ DESTINATION ] RIEBEEK VALLEY, WC

- Stuart Reichardt

On a recent trip to the Riebeek Valley, where I camped at the Fish Eagle River Lodge, I had a couple of days to uncover what this picturesque area filled with magnificent scenery, vineyards as far as the eye can see and some very friendly folk had to offer.

Within a diverse community such as this, you’re bound to bump into musicians, artists, farmers and a wide spectrum of highly entertaining people along the way.

The owners of Fish Eagle River Lodge are a prime example of what you can expect in the Riebeek Valley. When I asked Steve if I could get a photograph of him and his wife Kay, he called her over to the front of their large guest house, which borders their wonderful riverside campsites and said, “Kay, come over here quickly and take off your clothes, Stuart needs a photograph for the magazine.”

Much laughter followed as the couple stood for a quick snapshot... fully clothed, I might add.

WINE & OLIVES

Fish Eagle River Lodge is set on the banks of the Berg River and is named after two breeding pairs of African Fish Eagles that nest in the area. During my stay, I saw numerous other birds including a family of Kingfishers, birds of prey, a blue crane, Cape Robins, Cape white eyes, malachite sunbirds, bee-eaters, and weavers.

After setting up my tent on the lush green lawns of the campsite, which overlooks the Berg River, and getting everything sorted out for my stay, I decided to take a drive through the town of Hermon and then onto Riebeek Kasteel, Riebeek Wes and surrounds.

My first stop was Kloovenberg Wine & Olive Estate for wine tasting. I was drawn in by the beautiful façade of the main building which was beckoning a photograph. Wine tasting is free at Kloovenberg and what delicious wines they produce.