Quick Facts
E 19°29'03''
Budget Getaways Review
A fruit farm on the Zonderend River, Champagne offers a small campsite, a new bushcamp and a cottage, all set on the water and with a lovely open outlook towards the mountains.
The campsite is sheltered and private (great for a single group booking!), and the adjoining river has deep pools and is navigable for several hundred metres - you are more than welcome to bring along anything that floats, as long as it's human-powered (as in, lilos, canoes, Castaway rafts, etc).
The ablutions are basic but clean, with two hot showers and two flush toilets (no longdrops at Champagne!), plus there are four power points available - to access these you will need a loooong lead. A small kitchen with wash basin has been recently added, plus you will also find ample places to braai (after all, this is what it's all about...), with the first bundle of wood thrown in free and extra wood available for purchase on the farm.
As the campsite is still developing and the trees mere saplings, shade is at a premium so definitely take along an umbrella, or better still, a gazebo of sorts.
A recent addition to this rustic mix is Champagne Bushcamp, comprisingthree privately located sites set among the trees along the river. The sites vary in size and can accommodate between one and four tents, each with its own pathway leading down to the river. There are shared ablution facilities, with two solar-heated showers and a flush toilet.
Now, if you would like to trade in canvas for concrete, Champagne's new cottage is close at hand. A fairly simple abode with a timber deck facing the river, the cottage sleeps four and is fully equipped. Furnishings and decor are simple but more than adequate in this natural setting.
Apart from the aquatic attractions, there are various routes available for mountain biking, roaming antelope, birdlife along the river and fynbos in the Simonskloof.
As the farm is only 15km from Greyton itself, paying a visit to the Saturday market and spending time at one of several decent coffee shops will fill a decent chunk of your weekend.
"Unspoiled South African beauty, solitude and larking about on the river with my boy. We spent time learning how to skottel braai properly(!), enjoyed a glass of wine by a roaring fire whilst telling tall stories, followed by hot showers - we could not have asked for better! Ivan, the farmer is a fabulous host, always responsive and going out of his way for his guests. We had the best time - father and son bonding at its best. Thank you so much Champagne by the River Campsite; we will definitely be back!"
(visited Dec 2017)
"A beautiful quiet getaway. The kids loved it. It was just what we needed to reboot and relax."
(visited Nov 2017)
"We stayed on the new camp sites with only stars above at night as there is no electricity. We had our solar light which was all that was really needed. We had hot water and beautiful surroundings. We were 3 couples camping here for the first time and we loved it. The weather was lovely and Ivan the owner was fantastic and very accommodating. We will definitely go back."
(visited Apr 2017)
"We had a fantastic weekend at the bush camp! The site is definitely still newer with the grass not as established as the main camp but having it all to yourself is heaven! It was great not to have to share the ablutions (which were sparkling clean)."
(visited Jan 2017)
"We had a fantastic weekend away this past weekend. Getting to the Cottage around 7pm on Friday evening we were greeted with a brand new kitchen (well looked that new) and everything we needed to have a great weekend! Ivan (Owner/Farmer) was fantastic and gave us and the campers space but made sure we knew how to get hold of him if there was an issue. The cottage was great. The bed was comfortable and firm, plenty of clean linen and great shower pressure. There was drinking water supplied in the fridge for us and a beautiful view to boot. We would definitely recommend it again. If you have kids (we don't) then the 2 couches in the lounge become beds which is nice, and then there is still a separate reading room with a view of the river and rocking chairs (yes I found those fun!). We had an indoor cast iron old stove fire place (electric stove too) and there was an outdoor fire drum for us to enjoy. Even an axe for the firewood to keep the guys busy (because you always have to chop wood if there is an axe -- its a rule!)."
(visited Oct 2016)
"We spent a very enjoyable weekend at Champagne cottage. The cottage was very neat, well equiped and exceeded our expectations. A beautiful setting on the river, very peaceful with a view on the mountains. Our host went out of his way to accommodate all our needs. We will definitely be back!"
(visited May 2016)
"Beautiful setting right on the river. The facilities are great - showers, sinks for dish washing and power points, and Ivan kept us stocked up with loads of firewood!"
(visited Apr 2016)
"A hidden treasure! Loved the scenery, tranquility and cycling through the farms was great too. The cottage was spotlessly clean and neat, as well as extremely comfortable. The air was crisp and fresh, good for the soul and a must-do for anyone who loves nature."
(visited Mar 2016)
"I am just back from the most amazing getaway with my boyfriend to this hidden gem. Absolutely beautiful and tranquil, and only a few kilometers from Greyton - it was the best way to start the new year! We felt very welcome and would go back in a heart beat."
(visited January 2016)
"This was the perfect getaway for my partner and I. We stayed in the bush camp and enjoyed the tranquility of being close to nature, no electricity and solar-powered geysers. The farm is also near to the town of Greyton which has a nice little market on Saturday mornings. The host, Ivan, is also one of the friendliest and most helpful people without imposing on your privacy. A huge thank-you to him for providing a beautiful setting for a lovely stay."
(visited April 2015)
"We had a wonderful stay. Will go again. Good value for money."
(visited April 2015)
"Champagne by the River Cottage is hard to forget now that we're back at work and we're missing the tranquility of the river bank, swaying of the trees, calling of the birds! Over the past five years we've stayed in many places but this tops our list for venue, hospitality and setting! We hope to be back in the hotter months and perhaps even in the cold. The outlying towns of Genadendal is a wonder. The church square and historical museums are well preserved and were even interesting to our five year old. Greyton, I can't believe we've only found you now! The most memorable mini holiday in years."
(visited April 2015)
"We were lucky enough to be the only campers at Ivan and Joanie's farm after heavy rains the previous week. We spent three days watching the beautiful landscape and a picturesque river flow past the entrance to our tent. Facilities are brilliant and the owners have put a lot of effort to give campers a great time."
(visited April 2015)
"It was such a nice chilled weekend out of the city. The campsite had lots of room to set up all our tents on level ground. There wasn't a lot of shade so luckily we had a gazebo. The ablution facilities we great, nice hot showers! All in all I would definitely recommend a visit."
(visited March 2015)
"Had a very lekker stay. I will be back."
(visited February 2015)
"Fantastic setting! We've spent more than one weekend here and will definitely return again in 2017."
(visited Jan 2015)
"The proprietor, Ivan, is the most accommodating guy who tirelessly answers questions about any possible thing from cutlery to mosquitoes. The camping site sits snugly on the bank of the river so sunsets and sunrises are spectacular. It's not a big resort, so it's intimate and can easily be booked our for family reunions like we did. The ablution facilities are clean and neat, there are plug points and taps. The little cottage is a real gem. It's an ideal size for two people and if your kids are smaller they use the fold out couches. You don't have to take a thing! I loved that there were decent wine and water glasses and the cottage has a charming appeal. I suggest you book out the entire cottage both upstairs and downstairs for full privacy. The cottage has an upstairs and downstairs section. The stoep is the best. It's heading toward the festive season and we took sling our Christmas baubles to get us in the mood and to brighten up even more our pretty surroundings. Thanks, Ivan, we had a great time."
(visited January 2015)
"This is a lovely camp site with lots of shade and luscious grass. Each camp site is situated next to the river which makes it easy to dive in for a quick swim or cool down in the hot summer.The farm manager is hospitable and friendly. We will definitely recommend this campsite."
(visited January 2015)
"We really had an awesome time with friends. Owner is very friendly and ablution facilities were neat and clean."
(visited January 2015)
"Wat 'n pragtige juweel van 'n plekkie. Die huisie was baie netjies en skoon. Ek en my gesin het heerlik gekuier. Ons sal defnitief weer gaan."
(visited January 2015)
"One of our favourite campsites. Excellent value for money, with a beautiful setting. We all love swimming and paddling up and down the lazy river and it's never over crowded. The farmer is super friendly and the whole place is clean and well kept."
(visited January 2015)
"One of our favourite campsites. Excellent value for money, with a beautiful setting. We all love swimming and paddling up and down the lazy river and it's never over crowded. The farmer is super friendly and the whole place is clean and well kept."
(visited January 2015)
"My entire family enjoyed the camping by the river experience. The children had fun fishing and swimming in the river, as well as their canoe trip with our camping neighbors. And it was very affordable. Thanks for a memorable experience, our children loved it."
(visited January 2015)
"What a wonderful establishment to visit if you need a weekend away which is not too far from Cape Town, close to a town if needed and yet in a restful environment. The cottage was spotless and had everything we needed. It's setting, on the banks of a river, was wonderful. I highly recommend the cottage to anyone who needs a few days rest and relaxation."
(visited January 2015)
"Made to feel very welcome by Ivan, peace and tranquility was wonderful, wished we could have stayed for longer. Would love to go back and try the chalet next time!"
(visited December 2014)
"Even on a rainy weekend it was a fantastic experience to camp at this amazing camp site. The children had such fun on the river! It is a wonderful place to explore, we saw several bird species as well."
(visited November 2014)
"We have been visiting the farm since back in January 2011, and a lot has changed, great improvements have been made to the now available cottage an camp sites (which were brilliant in 2011). We stayed in the cottage again and it's absolutely stunning with its few improvements to make ur stay so much better, like the indoor fire, pure bliss on those cold nights. I can't rave enough to people about this place an especially the host Ivan, who always goes above an beyond for the guests to make you feel at home and comfortable."
(visited November 2014)
"A fabulous place surrounded by peace and tranquility. The cottage was spotless and well-equipped. Ivan was an attentive, fantastic host. Thanks so much! Will definitely be back."
(visited September 2014)
"The cottage was truly amazing and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We will definitely be going back soon. Friendly host with a beautiful setting. What more could we ask for!"
(visited March 2013)
"Thought this place was awesome. Bird life was brilliant. Clean and tidy even the campsite was awesome. Worth a visit."
(visited February 2013)
"This was truly a great find. Great value for money. Great setting. Great view. I would advise anyone to visit Champagne. You can be sure to see me again."
(visited February 2013)
"A big group of friends and I stayed at the Champagne Cottage and campsite near Greyton this past weekend. We had a brilliant weekend and the site was exactly what we were looking for. It was a beautiful setting alongside the river, with a wonderful mountain view. We booked both the cottage and the campsite and we therefore had the whole place to ourselves. It was a perfect venue for a large group getaway. Ivan was very accommodating and made sure we had everything we needed. Thank you to Ivan. I would definitely recommend this venue."
(visited December 2012)
"We visited in January 2012 on short notice. The host Ivan was very friendly and helpful. A very lovely cottage on the riverbank close to nature. We really enjoyed ourselves and the price is pretty good. Definitely value for money."
(visited January 2012)
"Ons het 'n vinnige nawekie weg gesoek en toe op Budget Getaways gekyk en daar kry ons toe die juweeltjie met die naam Champagne. Ivan het vinnig op ons email gereageer tot op die laaste minuut wat ons iets wou weet. Die huisie was silwer skoon en dit was doodstil. Dit was n heerlike webreek naweek. Ons sien julle gou weer."
(visited November 2011)
"I've just re-read the description on the website, and re-looked at the pictures, and there's absolutely no indication there anywhere that the cottage is double-storey and, in fact, two cottages. One on top of the other. We could hear the dude move around above us. We come out from the city to get away from people, so you can imagine our disappointment in finding our rustic mountain hideaway was, in fact, a duplex. Like we have piles of in town. No impressed. We were booked for two nights but left early the first morning to find somewhere more enjoyable."
(visited October 2011)
Getaway Reply
"Beste Duncan en Budget Getaways. Ons is regtig jammer om te hoor mnr Boag se slegte ervaring by ons verblyf. Tot dusver het ons nog net positiewe terugvoer gekry oor die verblyf en almal wil graag weer kom. As ons weer soortgelyke klagtes kry sal ons defnitief slegs een van die eenhede op 'n slag verhuur. Dit was nooit ons intensie om misleidende inligting te verskaf nie. Die ander huurder vir dieselfde naweek was baie tevrede, hulle wil graag terugkom. En ek verstaan hulle het ook die stilte geniet en volgens terugvoer van bestuur was hulle natuurmense wat die minimum geraas gemaak het. Weereens my opregte verskoning aan mnr Boag."
(Arno Reuvers - owner)
"Ons was die naweek van 27 Augustus in die cottage. Dit was 'n awesome tyd - rustig en mooi. Baie dankie Ivan, ons het dit REGTIG geniet!"
(visited September 2011)
"We visited the farm and, I must say, we had a fantastic time. As newly weds my husband and I wanted a relaxing getaway and that is was we got - pure bliss. Peace and quiet and the host was such a nice guy. We are going back as soon as possible."
(visited January 2011)
"We had a fabulous time - we never had to worry about the kids. Friends and family loved it. See you soon."
(visited February 2010)
"Very very nice spot for camping. We'll definitely be back!"
(visited April 2008)
"This is a fantastic spot, and for R30 a night! What a bargain. The owner is a great host, he supplied us with so much wood we were able to make great big camp fires every night! We sat by the fire, telling stories and just admiring the wonderful night sky. Warm showers and very clean ablution facilities rounded off the weekend and made it very enjoyable. Will definitely go back!
(visited March 2008)
"Stunning place!!!"
(visited February 2007)
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Where You'll Also Find Us
Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) • Barrydale • Beaufort West • Betty's Bay • Bonnievale • Bot River • Bredasdorp • Caledon • Calitzdorp • Cape Agulhas and Struisbaai • Cape Town area • Ceres • Citrusdal • Clanwilliam & Cederberg • Darling • De Rust • Franschhoek • Gansbaai • George • Grabouw & Elgin Valley • Greyton • Heidelberg • Hermanus • Knysna • Ladismith • Laingsburg • Lamberts Bay • Langebaan • Malgas • Matjiesfontein • McGregor • Montagu • Mossel Bay • Napier • Oudtshoorn • Paarl • Paternoster • Plettenberg Bay • Porterville • Prince Albert • Pringle Bay • Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond • Riebeek West and Riebeek-Kasteel • Riversdale • Riviersonderend • Robertson • St Helena Bay • Stanford • Stilbaai • Strand, Gordon's Bay and Somerset West • Swellendam • Tulbagh • Uniondale • Velddrif • Vermaaklikheid • Wellington • Wilderness • Witsand • Worcester & Hex Valley • Yzerfontein • Baviaanskloof • Cape St Francis • Cape St Francis & St Francis Bay • East London • Graaff-Reinet • Hogsback • Jeffreys Bay • Makhanda (Grahamstown) • Middelburg • Nieu-Bethesda • Rhodes • Sutherland