It’s a beautiful balmy day in May when I make my way to Dome Glamping SA – a luxurious but laid-back glamping site in Paarl – for a two-night mid-week stay.
I’m surrounded by the towering Klein Drakenstein, Stellenbosch and Jonkershoek mountains, and immediately catch my breath, in awe of how incredibly small I feel in comparison. The gentle flowing Berg River is a mere stone’s throw away from where I stand and I’m greeted by a variety of birds frolicking in the water. A family of Egyptian geese gently glide across – mom, dad and two cute goslings in tow.
I take in the soothing scenery before entering my tent. Beautifully and tastefully decorated, there’s a comfortable queen-sized bed, complete with luxurious linen, and the en-suite bathroom has a spacious walk-in shower. Out on the deck, you’ll find an undercover, fully equipped kitchen, braai area and wood-fired hot tub.
Heading back inside, I take a quick, refreshing shower before pouring myself a glass of ice-cold Chenin and plopping down on the comfortable deck chair. Again, I take in the sight of the majestic mountains and the vistas of vineyards in their autumn hues on the other side of the river.
Here, in the quiet and tranquility, is where my mind stops racing and every second reverberates – little pensive pauses between heartbeats. Time goes by slowly – in the best kind of way – and before I know it, the horizon becomes a canvas of yellow, orange and pink. The sunset is remarkable, and, right on cue, the myriad of birds erupt into song – distinct calls evolving into a harmonious symphony.
Dome Glamping is where you go to switch off and reconnect not only with nature, but with yourself or each other. There are no awkward silences, no twiddling of thumbs – there is only peace in the quiet moments and eager anticipation of the beauty that the next day will most certainly hold.
More about the tents and what’s included
- Private camping area
- River views and fishing from your site
- Queen size bed with luxury linen
- En-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and towels
- Fully equipped undercover kitchen with gas stove, gas kettle, fridge, crockery and cutlery
- Undercover braai area
- Woodfire hot tub
- Secure parking
- Aircon
- Wi-Fi
- Coffee, tea, milk and sugar
Rates
Sunday–Thursday
- R2100 per night (one night stays are available)
Weekends
- R2250 per night (full weekend stay)
Long weekends / 16 Dec–15 Jan
- R2750 per night (full weekend stay)
How to book
Book via Nightbridge.