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AfriCamps Champagne Valley

AfriCamps Champagne Valley

Drakensberg Mountains

A stay with AfriCamps is all about boutique glamping at the most beautiful working farms, estates, and reserves in South Africa. Their custom-designed boutique glamping tents are fully furnished with everything you need for a comfortable self-catering stay – from the well-equipped kitchens to the spacious showers. You can experience the freedom and beauty of the great outdoors, without compromising on the comforts you love. The tents are suitable for everyone, whether close friends, couples or families.

Each tent includes:

● Ensuite bathroom with shower
● Fully equipped kitchen
● Wood-fired hot tub (at selected camps)
● Outdoor BBQ area
● Tents accommodate up to 5 guests and are ideal for families and groups of friends.
● At each camp you can order a breakfast basket, BBQ basket and firewood at additional cost.

Champagne Valley is located in the Central Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal. The mountain range stretches an impressive 190 miles between Lesotho and down through KwaZulu-Natal. The sheer scale of the Drakensberg can only be experienced first-hand, whether you seek the reward of the views from the top or are perfectly happy unwinding to the views of the mountains in the distance. 

It's a hiker's paradise, with the popular Monk's Cowl entrance to the Maloti-Drakensberg National Park only a short distance from the camp. Apart from hiking, the area boasts an array of other outdoor activities including birding, mountain biking trails, hot air ballooning, ziplining, horse riding, golfing, beer tasting, and chocolate tasting. On the farm, explore the forest where various bird species can be spotted, unwind at the eco farm pool soaking up the mountain views, or recharge from the comfort of your private outdoor wood-fired hot tub. 

The Drakensberg is home to the highest mountain peaks in the country and has been declared a World Heritage site. The flat-topped Cathkin Peak (3,149 m) and Champagne Castle (3,248 m) are two of these peaks, and the valley below it is referred to as Champagne Valley.

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Amenities

Activities, Glamping, Swimming Pool, Walking & Trekking, Hot Tub

Inclusions

Our Offers

Other Options

The lodge is in a wonderful setting located in the Shaba National Reserve, which is part of the larger Samburu ecosystem in northern Kenya. The lodge is set along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, surrounded by lush gardens, Doum palms, and volcanic formations, creating an oasis in the rugged and arid landscape of the reserve. The area is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephant, lion, leopard, and the rare species of the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. 
The lodge’s design draws inspiration from the natural environment, with its use of local materials, thatched roofs, and earthy colours that blend with the surroundings. The 85 chalets, each have a private balcony overlooking the river, where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of wildlife right from your room. The chalets all have en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning. 

Enjoy dinner in the restaurant and swap tales of your game adventures with fellow travellers. Where possible the lodge uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You can enjoy your meals in the open-air dining area, with views of the river and the surrounding bush.

There are a range of activities, including game drives, nature walks, and bird watching. The lodge's tranquil setting makes it an ideal base for exploring the unique landscapes and rich biodiversity of Shaba National Reserve.

Sarova Shaba

Shaba (Samburu)

This is a charming camp set along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River and shaded by Doum palms and other trees that make up this green belt of riverine forest in the Samburu National Reserve.

Samburu is an area of spectacular scenery; its dry plains are bisected by the meandering river, with the backdrop of Africa's dramatic mountains, including Mt Kenya. The 14 spacious tents have rustic and colourful African touches, offering all the comforts, including a private plunge pool on the deck. The lounge and dining area are decorated with in vibrant safari style. Elephants, monkeys, and impalas are among the camp's many regular wild visitors, whilst the reserve has a good number of lions, leopards and many other species endemic to northern Kenya.

There are plenty of activities on offer, from game drives, guided bush walks, cultural visits and lectures on Samburu culture. The lodge supports a local village by selling their beadwork and jewellery so do pick up a souvenir during your stay.

Elephant Bedroom Camp

Samburu

The lodge is situated in the Buffalo Springs National Reserve in northern Kenya, along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. It offers an authentic experience of the African wilderness, surrounded by rugged landscapes, dramatic hills, and a wealth of wildlife that includes elephant, lion, leopard, and the unique species known as the Samburu Special Five: the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. 

The lodge’s architecture reflects the traditional Samburu style, featuring thatched roofs and earthy tones that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Rooms are spacious with private verandas that offer breathtaking views of the river and the sweeping plains beyond. They are a comfortable retreat after a day of game viewing, and all have en-suite bathroom. The restaurant serves a variety of local and international cuisine, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You can dine al fresco on the terrace, enjoying panoramic views of the reserve. 

In addition to game drives, the lodge offers a range of activities, including guided nature walks, bird watching, and cultural visits to nearby Samburu villages, giving you a deeper understanding of the local culture and the diverse ecosystems that make the Samburu region so unique and enchanting.

Samburu Simba Lodge

Samburu

How our Tent Ratings work

These are based on our personal experience of the hotel, camp or lodge and should not be compared against ratings you find elsewhere. We intend to guide you and don’t be put off by a low tent rating as some of our favourites fall into the 2 and 3-tent categories.​

It is also important to bear in mind that standards vary from country to country and a 4-tent hotel in South Africa cannot be compared with a 4-tent hotel in another part of the world. 

To summarise our grading system, we have considered the following.

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High in both quality and luxury of experience, and property must have ‘wowed’ us on many levels.

This is our benchmark for excellent service and experience, location and /or activities. 

Good relative value, excellent location and/or experience, and offering an ideal base for exploring the area.

Budget-focused stopover property, sometimes it’s the ideal location on a driving itinerary.

Don’t be put off, these stays are comfortable and a perfect pit stop on a journey where the choices may be limited. 

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Your Adventure, Your Way

All good things start with a conversation and planning your holiday shouldn't be like flicking through a catalogue. Email us, book a free consultation, or give us a call, to get your next bespoke adventure underway.

Phone:

+44 (0)7516 766404

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