Welcome to AfriCamps at Gowan Valley in the Midlands
Dear Glampers
Welcome to AfriCamps at Gowan Valley where you will get to enjoy an authentic glamping experience in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal’s Midlands Meander.
Five AfriCamps boutique glamping tents are situated on the enchanting Gowan Valley Guest Farm surrounded by rolling hills, endless fields, and the mighty Mpofana river. The Midlands Meander is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, picturesque countryside and welcoming locals. You will experience stunning nature, thrilling adventure activities, inspiring South African history, local crafts and delectable country-style food spots. Balgowan is a farming area, popular for cycling and fishing in the many dams and streams. The Midlands caters to a wide audience from foodies to adrenaline junkies, to serenity seekers – all in the beautiful and mystical surroundings.
On the farm, explore the 4 km walk which passes through indigenous forest to an enormous 500-year-old Yellowwood tree, walk along the Mpofana River, see the Golden kiwi fields and Nguni cattle. Settle down for a picnic next to the river and try your luck at catching Yellow tail or Trout – strictly catch and release! In surrounding areas visit the Howick and Karkloof falls, experience the Karkloof canopy tour, trek the Midlands on horseback, visit the Nelson Mandela Capture site and spend some time at the popular Piggly Wiggly for family fun and sumptuous meals.
Even before AfriCamps opened on the farm, Gowan Valley Guest Farm and owners, Brett and Deanne Bouwer have earned a stellar reputation for their charming farm accommodation in the heart of the Midlands Meander. In 2019 Brett and Deanne Bouwer joined the AfriCamps team becoming our first camp in the KwaZulu-Natal.
How did it all begin? We have our wonderful camp in Wilderness to thank for that! Being keen campers themselves (in the more rustic sense of the word), the Bouwers were quite intrigued by the idea of adding a glamping option to their property. They were already looking for a new and interesting accommodation offering for their farm when they saw the AfriCamps tents for the first time. On a family holiday along the Garden Route, the Bouwers visited old friends, Jake and Claire Crowther, who just happen to be the owners of our camp in Wilderness! Although our Wilderness tents were still being built at the time, the Bouwers knew AfriCamps’ fully equipped glamping tents were going to be the perfect match on their beautiful Natal Midlands farm. Less than a year later, we opened five tents on Gowan Valley Guest Farm!
Apart from their popular accommodation offerings, Brett farms Golden Kiwi. The farm's rich soils, cold winter temperatures, and the Mpofana River that flows through the property contribute to great kiwi growing conditions. See the newly planted kiwi fields on your farm walk.
Brett, Deanne & their two daughters