Nestle down at Falcon

Next time you find yourself in the Swellendam area, settle in at a brand-new campsite on the banks of the Breede River.

- Leon Botha

The Falcon River Reserve lies halfway between Cape Town and Mossel Bay, about a two-hour drive from either side - close enough for Western Cape campers to slip away for a peaceful weekend in this scenic part of the country.

If you're travelling from farther afield and your Cape holiday includes both the Mother City and the Garden Route, this is an ideal stopover for a night or three. The reserve’s entrance is conveniently right off the N2.

About 300 m before you cross the Breede River from the Cape Town side, turn left at Falcon's gate. The 25 ha property belongs to Izak and Ilse-Belle Louw, with 900 m of river frontage.

Ilse-Belle handles bookings and sends an information WhatsApp message ahead of your stay, including how to let yourself in through the electric gate. From there, it's a short 500 m drive to the campsite, which consists of two neat rows of stands.

A work in progress

The campsite stretches along the riverbank, with the reception area and bathrooms on the upper terrace, 10 stands on the middle level and another 10 right beside the water.