Suikerbossie Guest Farm

I had an indescribable camping experience at Suikerbossie last month. The plots are all beautiful and spaced apart well. Clean ablutions with aesthetically pleasing design and showers with a view. Lots of hikes and lots of time spent in the river. The owners are super friendly and helpful. Thank you for a peaceful stay.

Suikerbossie is set in an incredible location - the mountains on the one side are possibly more impressive than the Wolfberg Arch range which are already impressive. And when the sun catches them at sunset, it is quite something - the best view spot is at the toilets as the campsites are surrounded by trees to create shade. The deep, cool river is just what you want on your campsite doorstep and the sites are mostly private, but not all to the same extent. "Boetas" where we camped is the most private of all and at the end of all the sites. Getting into the river is a bit of a clamber down at some sites, but they've put up ladders to help - some are more stable than others. The communal swim area has steps to a lovely jetty and my kids thoroughly enjoyed fishing off there.

But my complaint is about the poor hospitality at Suikerbossie. Restocking toilet paper in communal toilets is not on their to-do list so all campers walk past each other clutching their own roll of TP on their way to the loos at all times of the day. Surely TP isn't too much to ask when you're paying for a great campsite? And then all the rules, and requirements and threats of R200 fines if you break any rule, and signs everywhere telling you to be careful with their taps, and their toilets and don't eat their fruit. One gets the impression that even though you've paid to camp there, you are still not really welcome and they don't trust you and they definitely don't like you (not that I care, but it does make a difference to your overall experience). And then, hospitality hit an enormous low on the hottest day of the year - with temps reaching well over 40 degrees the camp kiosk did not open in the afternoon (no notice given on their notice board - although it was a Sunday so they obviously would give this as a reason for not opening despite it being school holidays) and so we couldn't buy ice.... The kiosk only opens for 2 half hour slots a day (that's what the sign said) and woe to you if you miss those slots! But the next morning every last camper in the campsite was waiting to buy ice and then to add to our frustration the kiosk opened 15 mins later than advertised and we all sat around waiting and wondering for the lady to turn up. Poor form.

The sign (one of many) that really sums it all up is found on the inside of the toilet door which reads: Even paradise can be ruined - depending on your neighbour. Please report anyone who breaks the rules to us. But really, in my review this would be changed to: Even paradise can be ruined, by too many rules and threats. What a pity.

I camped at Suikerbossie. Campsites are next to the river. Sites are clean and tidy. Green thick grass at the sites. Ablutions are excellent with hot water. The other activities available are also a treat. 4x4 route, bushman paintings and a crystal clear waterfall and swimming in the river only seen in books and on tv. The mountains and sandstone rock are also something that has to be seen. I will definitely recommend everybody to visit suikerbossie.

i camped at boeta's camp end September, and this has been such an amazing experience. the campsites are so well looked after, presented and clean, functional and camp rules makes this an amazing site to camp. The hosts is the best i have experienced in such a long time. Johny and Karin and Vivian go out of their way to receive you and make you feel at home. this is a well kept gem!

We had a 2 night stay at the most beautiful campsite (Boeta) . Right on the river bank. Amenities crisp and clean. We just arrived there, no prior booking and the process was facilitated in an easy and friendly manner. Highly recommended!

Important: cash only