Bonnievale River Lodge And White Linen Camping

Sometimes the end of a story is the story. Our stay in Bonnievale is a classic case where a mishap could make or break one's enjoyment of the moment. We have friends who are Swallows; they spend six months in South Africa before migrating back to the UK for the summer. Somewhere along the line, our paths crossed, and they didn’t get to see our Honey Badger at our “official” unveiling last year. We’ve spent many getaways together, and they were disappointed not to have met HB. To make up for it, we planned a weekend getaway.

To accommodate everyone, we left the choice of destination in their hands, as they no longer camp traditionally and prefer to stay in a chalet or bungalow rather than sleep in a tent. By the time we’d set a date to suit everyone, time had ticked by, and the only suitable spot was the Bonnievale River Lodge. Our friends could do “white sheet camping”, a term I’d never heard before. Apparently, it happens when you stay in a chalet or tented camp, enjoying the freedom of camping with all the bells and whistles and white linens. Very glamorous indeed.

They loved the wooden one-bedroom bedsit. A proper “Wendy house” with its rickety floor, shabby-chic décor and wrap-around deck. The kitchen was well appointed, and I believe the bed was comfortable and really good for sleeping. We enjoyed our Saturday night braai on the deck, laid our usual pretty table, and didn’t miss out on any of our usual comforts.

The campsites are well maintained, and ours on the upper slopes, a little way from the riverfront, had a super wooden deck where you could quite comfortably “camp out”. I also saw other campers in tents who transformed the area into a living space, large enough for a kitchen and dining area. Large deciduous trees provide deep shade and allow sunlight during the chilly months. The leaves were turning to their autumnal shades, and I enjoyed watching the yellow leaves flutter in the breeze.

Since it was the school holidays, the campsite was full of families enjoying the last days before returning to work. Children were entertained on the lawns, and the children’s play area served them well. We didn’t hear a commotion once as they played and frolicked. I assume that during the summer months campers will make more use of the river in canoes, etc.

It is our tradition to go hiking, and on Saturday we set out to do our usual recce of the area. Sadly, there were no suitable hikes, so we had no choice but to do a circular walk from the campsite along the main road back to Bonnievale. Although it was a good few kilometres, I didn’t find it exciting or picturesque. If I may have my say, I’d like to suggest that the management negotiates with neighbouring farmers to allow campers to hike on their land. It’s so much nicer to hike in nature than along a busy tarred road.

After a gruelling walk, we needed a rest stop, and we found one in the village. Joe and I had our new favourite drink, a Rooibos milkshake, a first for the kitchen, but we’re sure it's going to be included in the menu!

On Sunday, after a leisurely brunch, we packed up amid much mirth as we watched Joe pack up his pop-up tent. I couldn’t resist recording a video. Amid the confusion and haste to get ourselves off by 12h00, Butch’s phone was mislaid.

Without our phones, we are lost, as they are such an integral part of our lives now. We not only communicate with them, but they also store much of our personal and business data. Fortunately, Butch could message me on Facebook from his laptop. Did you know one can use FB to communicate verbally too? Yep, one can. I could reach Lynnette at the campsite, and she located the phone within minutes. On Monday, first thing, Butch used all his muscle to get his phone safely back into his pocket!

Lynnette, thank you for taking the stress out of the entire process by being so prompt and willing to help. I think you realised how stressful the situation was and dealt with us with great compassion and insight. Butch only smiled once the phone was safely back in his hands and he knew his OTPs were secure! You are a credit to Bonnievale River Lodge!

I can recommend the Bonnievale River Lodge for a weekend escape. It’s a good place to recharge, with more than just camping options. Although Bonnievale is quiet, Robertson hosts festivals such as the Wacky Wine Festival and has many wineries and eateries. The area offers outdoor activities, art walks, and local events, making it an appealing destination for outdoor enthusiasts and leisure travellers alike.

Bonnievale River Lodge

Once again, I realised that one's tools make camping a joy or a mission, and I can’t go without my Victorinox utility paring knives and the fantastic tomato peeler I use.  Sharp as a blade, it peels anything from tomatoes to carrots paper-thin. I have a selection of vegetable and steak knives in different colours, coded to make them visible but also to distinguish where I use them, e.g. red at home, yellow and green in the Honey Badger, and blue ones in my seaside kitchen. All my friends know about my knife fetish and believe me, it’s contagious.

Browse Victorinox Kitchen Knives

Victorinox Tomato Peeler 

Lunch was at Van Loveren in Robertson, where we had a super simple lunch under the shade of large, ancient trees at Christina's restaurant. The trio of colourful Bantams were a talking point as they all vied for our attention and got it. The craft beer, named Boet, was disappointing, our brewer Joe said.