Frequently Asked Questions
Check-in is from 2:00 pm and check-out is by 12:00 pm to allow enough time for site preparation between guests. Earlier arrivals or later departures may be possible depending on availability, so please contact us before booking by emailing info@swartrivierkamp.co.za.
If you need to cancel or change your booking, please do so at least 72 hours before your stay and refer to our Booking and Cancellation Policy page for full details regarding notice periods, refunds and booking changes. If you have any questions about your reservation, feel free to email us at info@swartrivierkamp.co.za. before your arrival date.
Guests should arrive fully self-sufficient for camping. Recommended items include drinking water, lighting, cooking equipment, warm clothing, insect repellent, sturdy footwear, cooler boxes, power banks and camping chairs. You can find a full recommended packing list in our What to Bring section.
SwartRivierKamp follows a simple “Leave No Trace” approach to help protect the natural environment and river ecosystem. Guests are encouraged to use the garage bags provided. Please use biodegradable soaps away from the river, avoid damaging vegetation and help conserve water during dry periods so the landscape can be enjoyed by future visitors. For more information visit our Terms & Conditions.
Mobile phone reception on the farm can be limited and may cut in and out depending on your network provider and where you are on the property. Some areas have better signal than others, so we recommend planning ahead if you need reliable connectivity during your stay. For many guests, it’s also a chance to switch off, slow down and enjoy a little break from everyday distractions.
No 4x4 is required under normal weather conditions, and most standard vehicles can reach the campsites. The final stretch does include gravel farm roads and uneven sections, so vehicles with decent ground clearance are recommended, particularly after rain. If you have any queries on campsite conditions, please email us at info@swartrivierkamp.co.za.
Yes. Guests are welcome to swim in the Swartrivier and enjoy the natural river environment. Please supervise children carefully and take caution around slippery rocks, changing water levels and uneven riverbanks. Refer to our Swimming & River Use section in our Terms & Conditions for more information.
Yes. Guests may fish for catfish, carp and other local species along the Swartrivier during their stay. Please bring your own fishing gear and enjoy the river responsibly while respecting the natural surroundings and other campers nearby. Refer to our Swimming & River Use section in our Terms & Conditions for more information.
Yes. Well-behaved pets are welcome at SwartRivierKamp. Pets must remain under effective control at all times to protect local wildlife, farm livestock and the experience of other guests. Dogs may be allowed off-lead with prior management approval provided they remain under voice command. Unless permission is given, all pets must remain leashed or contained during the duration of your stay. Please make sure you advise you intend to bring your pet/s at time of check-out and ensure you complete the Pre-Arrival Form which will be sent as a link in your booking confirmation email. For more information visit our Campsite Pet Policy.
Yes. Campfires and braais are permitted in designated areas provided weather conditions and fire restrictions allow it. Fires must never be left unattended and should be fully extinguished before going to sleep or leaving the campsite. Check with management at time of arrival for fire safety rules during dry periods. Bags of firewood are available for purchase at time of booking or on site. Refer to our Firewood & Fires section in our Terms & Conditions for more information.
Yes. SwartRivierKamp is an off-grid camping experience with no electricity available at the campsites. Guests should bring their own lighting, portable power packs or solar batteries for charging devices and running small equipment. Refer to our What to Bring section in our Camp Guide.
Small generators may be used considerately during reasonable daytime hours only. Please be mindful that excessive generator noise can disturb both wildlife and fellow campers, especially in an off-grid environment where guests visit for peace and quiet. Quiet-hour generator restrictions are common at nature-based campgrounds.
Yes. Guests are asked to keep noise, music and vehicle movement to a respectful minimum during the evenings and overnight. The campground enforces quiet hours from around 10:00 pm to help everyone enjoy the natural surroundings peacefully. Please refer to our Conduct & Quiet Enjoyment section in our Terms & Conditions.
The farm and surrounding Bot River landscape are home to a variety of smaller wildlife species including the cape grysbok, steenbok, cape grey mongoose and rock hyrax (dassies) and the occasional klipspringer. Birdlife is especially active around the river and fynbos areas. Refer to the Activities & Adventure section in our Camp Guide for more information.
Bot River and Caledon both offer grocery stores, fuel stations, pharmacies and other everyday essentials within a short drive of the campsite. Dassiesfontein Farm Stall is also nearby and is popular for meals, baked goods, coffee and local produce. More nearby recommendations can be found in the Nearby Supplies & Amenities section of the Camp Guide.
Yes. Guests can enjoy bush walking, mountain biking, bird watching, fishing and swimming directly on the farm. The surrounding area also offers hiking trails, wine farms, scenic mountain passes, wildlife experiences and farmstalls within roughly 30 minutes of the campsite. More nearby recommendations can be found on the Explore Nearby page to find more fun things to do close by.
Yes. Families are welcome and children must be over 12 years old to enjoy the river, open space and outdoor farm environment. Parents should supervise children around the river, rocky areas and campfires at all times. For further details visit the Children & Supervision section in our Terms & Conditions.
SwartRivierKamp is designed as a peaceful off-grid farm camping experience focused on nature, open space and slower living. Guests are encouraged to respect the quiet atmosphere, natural environment and privacy of fellow campers throughout their stay.
If you have any questions about your upcoming stay, please feel free to send us an email at info@swartrivierkamp.co.za.