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Experience the great outdoors with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay away from the eveyday hustle and bustle.
History
The history of Balie’sGat starts when a surveyor by the name of Byley came across the deep and remote valley in the southern Cederberg in 1885. Over time the Afrikaans speaking families that settled on this patchwork of fertile farms referred to it as Balie’s Gat. After the Hanekom family originally owned the land, it was divided into two farms in 1915, one for Piet Esterhuysen and the other for Carel Nieuwoudt.
Around this time, one of Carel Nieuwoudt daughters married a Bothma, four generations later his great grandson Marius Bothma still farms here. The farmers have vegetable and fruit crops and fruit trees that keep them busy throughout the year. In the summer there are the oranges as well as peaches and pears, most of which are dried using traditional methods to retain their sweetness. Various of onion seeds, watermelons, cabbages pumpkins and squash are regularly planted, and a flock of dorper sheep roam in the fields.
The road to the valley runs through the farm Tandfontein on the plains of the Koue Bokkeveld and then precariously winds its way down to the valley floor. A track was originally built for ox-wagon in 1945. It took the farmers seven winters to build the road with pick and shovel until they had use of a drilling machine and dynamite. After it was widened, Johannes Kershoff was the first person to drive the road down in December 1950, and in 1951 it was opened for the public and named The Piet Esterhuysen Road.
Tourists are slowly discovering this epic road and the valley. Marius first started working on the campsite in 2002 and it was used by family and friends until 2013. finally In 2014 we opened the 4 campsites it to the public and in 2017 we added 2 romantic self-catering log cabins. We have 4 campsites, 2 romantic self catering log cabins and 2 luxury tented camps.
Next to a stream, and under some blue-gum trees and in between large rocks, you are intimate with pristine nature. Here are spectacular walks up the many kloofs which few people have ever seen. You can enjoy homemade products made in the valley with passion and love by “Babsie se Kombuis” and the most succulent dried fruit made by Marius himself.
A visit to this valley will restore song in your heart and you’ll drive the long bumpy road out the valley with peace in your mind.
About Us
For an unforgettable breakaway, visit our remote valley and in deep nature, recharge your body, soul and mind.
For those who love hiking, trail-running and mountain-biking, there are many paths and trails.
For those you like relaxing and unwinding, come and sit in the shade on the grass and read and swim and absorb the sights of the rock formations and sounds of the birds and bees.
For night-owls, there is spectacular star gazing.
Most importantly, for everyone there is the resonating silence of nature and also lots of space to have a lovely time with your family and friends.
We also offer catering services for group bookings.
Please Take Note
Before embarking on your trip, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the guidelines set in place to ensure a successful journey.
• We can only be reached with a high-ground clearance vehicle.
• When making use of any sort of Trailer or Off-Road Caravan a 4×4 vehicle is essential.
• No electricity and no cell phone reception.
• We do not allow any day visitors.
• We require you to please take your garbage with you on departure.
• Bring cash for your purchasers of wood, ice, beverages, homemade preservatives and many more.
• Right of admission is reserved.
• Only pre arranged and agreed dogs allowed.
• We only allow small dogs to smaller medium size dogs at our main campsite and private campsites.
• No dogs at our our self catering units (Wooden Cabins and Secluded Tents)
• We offer a transfer service for guest that book one of our self catering units from the top of the mountain into the valley to your accommodation.
• At our self catering units no electrical appliances is allowed.
Accommodation
Main Camps – Campsites
Please remember to bring the following for your stay at the main campsite:
– Your own camping gear
– Cast Iron for “potjie kos”
– Gazebo for extra shade
– Ground net (not a ground sheet)
– Braai grid and stand
– Toilet Paper
– Black Bags
– Binoculars
– Incest repellent
Boesmansklip
(sleeps 10+ people)
Boesmansklip is a large spacious campsite set under shaded blue-gum trees.
It is the last campsite towards the river, and although other guests may walk past this site to access the river and rock pools, the layout still allows for a very private camping experience.
The site includes its own braai area, firepit, water tap, and dishwashing station with a bucket and drying rack.
Bushman paintings can be found on the rock formations at the campsite, adding a unique historical touch to your stay.
A private ablution facility is provided, featuring an outdoor hot-water shower, two toilets, and an indoor hot-water shower with solar-powered lighting.
This ablution block is wheelchair friendly.
Boesmansklip can accommodate 2 to 5 camping rigs or up to 15-20 people (depending on the size of your off-road caravan, trailer, or tent setup).
Kransklip
(sleeps 6+ people)
Kransklip is our second campsite, offering plenty of shade under mature blue-gum trees.
The site is situated between Boesmansklip and Rietdakkie, and with the addition of one or two wind nets, it can be set up to feel completely private.
The campsite includes its own braai drum, firepit, water tap, and dishwashing station with a bucket and drying rack.
A private ablution is provided, featuring an outdoor hot-water shower and a toilet with solar-powered lighting.
Kransklip can accommodate 2 to 3 camping rigs or up to 6 adults (depending on the size of your off-road caravan, trailer, or tent setup).
Rietdakkie
(sleep 2+ people)
Rietdakkie is our smallest campsite, nestled under shaded blue-gum trees.
Located between Kransklip and Baliekamp 1, the site offers a surprisingly private setup. Wooden and grass dividers along the edge, together with a thatched-roof shelter with a table and the positioning of the ablution, create a secluded and comfortable camping space.
The campsite includes its own braai drum, firepit, water tap, and dishwashing station with a bucket and drying rack.
A private ablution is provided, featuring an outdoor hot-water shower and a toilet with solar-powered lighting.
Rietdakkie can accommodate 2 to 3 camping rigs or up to 6 adults (depending on the size of your off-road caravan, trailer, or tent setup).
Baliekamp 1
(sleeps 4+ people)
Baliekamp 1 is a medium-to-large campsite featuring a 3 x 6 m thatched gazebo, with shade from a few medium-sized Ash trees and additional afternoon shade from the blue-gum trees.
The site is located next to Rietdakkie and Baliekamp 2.
There is no dividing boundary between Baliekamp 1 and Baliekamp 2.
Although each site is booked individually, the two adjacent campsites are ideal for larger groups wanting to stay close together.
The campsite includes its own braai area, firepit, and dishwashing station with a bucket and drying rack.
The water tap is shared with Baliekamp 2.
A private ablution is provided, equipped with solar-powered lighting and a hot-water shower.
Baliekamp 1 can accommodate 3 to 4 camping rigs or up to 6 adults (depending on the size of your off-road caravan, trailer, or tent setup).
Baliekamp 2
(sleeps 4+ people)
Baliekamp 2 is a medium-to-large campsite featuring a 3 x 6 m thatched gazebo and a few medium-sized ash trees for shade.
This is the last campsite towards the reception area and is situated next to Baliekamp 1.
There is no dividing boundary between the two sites; however, with the addition of one or two wind nets, Baliekamp 2 can be set up to offer a more private space, facing away from the rest of the campsites.
The campsite includes its own braai drum, firepit, and dishwashing station with a bucket and drying rack.
The water tap is shared with Baliekamp 1.
A private ablution is provided, equipped with solar-powered lighting and a hot-water shower.
This ablution block is wheelchair friendly.
Baliekamp 2 can accommodate 3 to 4 camping rigs or up to 6 adults (depending on the size of your off-road caravan, trailer, or tent setup).
Private Camps – Campsites
Please remember to bring the following for your stay at the private campsites:
– Your own camping gear
– Gazebo for extra shade
– Ground net (not a ground sheet)
– Cast Iron for “potjie kos”
– Braai grid and stand
– Toilet Paper
– Black Bags
– Binoculars
– Incest repellent
Ribbok
(sleeps 4+ people)
Unfortunately Ribbok is still under development but will be open to the public soon. Please watch this space.
Arend
(sleeps 4+ people)
Unfortunately Arend is still under development but will be open to the public soon. Please watch this space.
Secluded Tents – Self catering
Please remember to bring the following for your stay at the secluded tents:
– Camping chairs
– Cast Iron pot for “potjie kos”
– Body wash and shampoo
– Binoculars
– Incest repellent
Unfortunately no dogs allowed at the secluded tents.
Oupa Carl
(sleeps 4 people)
(1 queen size and 2 single beds)
Oupa Carl is one of our secluded luxury tented camps, set in a remote kloof surrounded by dramatic rock formations.
With spectacular views across pristine fynbos, Verreaux’s Eagles often circling overhead, and a gentle stream flowing alongside ancient waboom trees, this camp offers a truly special retreat and reset experience.
Guests also have access to a private waterfall with a sit rock pool, just a short 300 m hike from the tent.
Perfect for families wanting to experience the authentic Cederberg.
The tent offers comfortable accommodation with quality beds and linen, complemented by vintage crockery and classic Cape furniture.
Facilities include a gas stove, fridge/freezer, solar lighting, and a gas geyser providing hot water for an indoor shower, as well as an outdoor starlight bath for a unique and memorable experience.
Oupa Tienie
(sleeps 4 people)
(1 queen size and 2 single beds)
Oupa Tienie is one of our secluded luxury tented camps, set in a remote kloof surrounded by dramatic rock formations.
With sweeping views across pristine fynbos and a gentle stream flowing alongside ancient waboom trees, this camp offers a peaceful retreat and true reset experience.
Perfect for families wanting to enjoy the authentic Cederberg.
The tent offers comfortable accommodation with quality beds and linen, complemented by vintage crockery and classic Cape furniture.
Facilities include a gas stove, fridge/freezer, solar lighting, and a gas geyser providing hot water for an indoor shower, as well as an outdoor starlight bath for a unique and memorable experience.
Wooden Cabins – Self catering
Please remember to bring the following for your stay at the wooden cabins:
– Camping chairs
– Gazebo for shade
– Black pot for “potjie kos”
– Body wash and shampoo
– Binoculars
– Incest repellent
Unfortunately no dogs allowed at the wooden cabins.
Klipbokkie
(sleeps 2-4 people)
Klipbokkie is perfect for a couple’s romantic getaway, surrounded by mountains and facing east over a stretch of green grass.
The cabin features a comfortable double bed with bedding provided.
The kitchen is fully equipped with basic cutlery and crockery, pots, pans, and a kettle, as well as a two-plate gas stove and a small gas fridge/freezer.
Located just 80 metres from the main camp, Klipbokkie is also ideal for guests who want to join friends or family who are camping, while still enjoying the comfort of their own private accommodation.
As the last cabin along the road, it offers a greater sense of privacy compared to Grysbokkie.
The cabin has its own private ablution, with towels provided. A braai drum with a grid is also available for your use.
Solar power is provided for lighting and the fridge and lights.
There is an option to set up a small tent (your own) for two additional guests or teenagers, with a floor area of approximately 4 x 2.6 m, situated under a 3 x 3 m thatched gazebo.
Grysbokkie
(sleeps 2-4 people )
Grysbokkie is perfect for a couple’s romantic getaway, surrounded by mountains and facing north over a stretch of green grass.
The cabin features a comfortable double bed with bedding provided.
The kitchen is fully equipped with basic cutlery and crockery, pots, pans, and a kettle, as well as a two-plate gas stove and a small gas fridge/freezer.
Located just 50 metres from the main camp, Grysbokkie is ideal for guests who want to join friends or family who are camping, while still enjoying the comfort of their own private accommodation.
Although guests staying at Klipbokkie may pass by the cabin, Grysbokkie still offers a private and peaceful setting where you can relax and enjoy quality time together.
The cabin has its own private ablution, with towels provided. A braai drum with a grid is also available for your use.
Solar power is provided for lighting and the fridge.
There is an option to set up a small tent (your own) for two additional guests or teenagers, with a floor area of approximately 4 x 2.6 m, situated under a 3 x 3 m thatched gazebo.
Book Now To Avoid Disappointment!
Things to do
more to do around us
Gallery
A few pictures from our gallery.
Satisfied Campers
Read reviews from our happy campers.
600 Hectares of Natural Beauty
Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Balie’s Gat, with over 600 Hectares of untouched wilderness to explore.
Trails to Hike
6
Campgrounds
7
Rock pools
4
Playgrounds/jungle gym
1
Get in touch
Contact us for booking and inquiries. We’re here to help you plan your outdoor adventure!