Southern Yurts: A Unique Glamping Experience in The Overberg

Tented love – with a side of luxury.

It’s no secret that glamping, or luxury camping, is more popular than ever for those seeking a one-of-a-kind, close-to-nature experience (without the sleeping-on-the-floor part). And, if you thought cabins and canvas tents were the only options, think again: you can now gaze up at the stars through the crown of a magnificent yurt.

Once the standard choice of accommodation for nomads in Mongolia, Siberia and Turkey, yurts (circular tents made of felt or skin on a collapsible framework) have made their way onto our mountains – a first-of-its-kind in South Africa – thanks to Cape Town manufacturer, Southern Yurts.

Located in the Diepklowe Nature Conservancy on Porcupine Hills Guest Farm, a short drive from Bot River, the collection of private yurts are immersed in endless nature, providing a get-away-from-it-all escape.

The lodgings

Made from wooden beams draped in canvas, yurts offer all the amenities of a luxury camp, without any of the dust and schlep associated with DIY camping. In addition to Forest View Yurt (in its own secret location), the Yurt Camp has two more yurt accommodations: Malachite and Kestrel.

Forest View Yurt

Perfect for couples

• indoor fireplace and fan/heater
• enclosed outdoor bathroom with hot shower
• deck overlooking the valley
• enclosed open-plan kitchen
• wood-fired hot tub

Yurt Camp

Perfect for groups

• Malachite camp, sleeping four
• Kestrel camp sleeping two (includes a wood-fired hot tub)
• private bedrooms
• private bathrooms
• each unit has a private kitchen and bathroom
• spacious lounging space
• outdoor braai area

With the Forest View Yurt situated on a north-facing slope of the conservancy, next to the reserve’s “secret forest”, and the Yurt Camp hidden at the base of a cliff in the valley, the yurts provide majestic views of every sunrise and sunset, and offer front-row seats to the surrounding flora, fauna and abundant birdlife.

While you’re there

Should you tire of sitting on your own private deck under the stars, the farm offers countless activities: swing under an ancient oak tree, venture out on one of the many hikes, birdwatch, take a dip in your private hot tub or enjoy a sundowner on the floating raft in the dam.

For those with more time to kill, take a zipline through the Overberg mountains with Cape Canopy Tours, go horse-riding or go wine-tasting at one of the nearby wine farms.

There’s hardly a better way to get away from it all than waking up to the sounds of birds, and falling asleep under the stars.

Distance from CT 1 hour
Child friendly? Yes, on request
Pet friendly? Yes, Forest View Yurt allows pets by prior arrangement (additional fee of R100) but the Yurt Camp is not pet-friendly due to its proximity to a pair of breeding black eagles.
Where to find it Diepklowe Private Nature Reserve, 113/7 Van der Stel Pass Road, Bot River
Cost From R1 200 per unit per night (depending on season and unit type)
Minimum 2 night stay required on weekends.
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