Camping on Heaven’s Door
Die Mond is a Tankwa bucket-list destination. Nestled on the banks of the Grootriver with a beautifully grassed camping area. There are technically no designated campsites but rather one large communal site with fire pits spread out around the area.
The ablutions are basic but kept stunningly clean and warm water is provided through a good old donkey boiler which not only adds character but also means hot showers need to be planned. There is no cell reception or Wi-Fi at the campsite so peace and digital freedom is guaranteed.
Die Mond is probably one of the stranger places the Tankwa is famous for (note I said stranger place not weirder places), the roads leading to the campsite are all gravel and the surrounding Karoo could be described as a real desert scene. Once you pass the Palm trees you enter an oasis, complete with a river running through it. The water-based activities include fishing, swimming and kayaking. I must admit I have spotted the the odd SUP being paddled up the river. If water-based activities are not your thing there are plenty of places to take a hike, birdwatch, photograph or simply enjoy a coffee on the riverbank. Sunsets and sunrises at Die Mond are a photographer’s dream with great blue hours and plenty of birds.
Die Mond is 130kms from Ceres just off the R355, pretty much halfway between Ceres and Calvinia making it a great overnight stop when venturing south from Gauteng along the backroads. There is no fuel along the route so, best to refuel at either Ceres or Calvinia before visiting the area.
A word of warning to prospective campers, beware of pitching your tent in the low-lying places close to the river. The river has at times pushed its way into the campsites and it’s not strange to wake up to your evening braai spot being surrounded by water.
32º32’36.0″S 19º32’32.0″E
