Jamaka Organic Farm

Jamaka Organic Farm sits deep in the Cederberg, on the banks of the Rondegat River. It belongs to the Nieuwoudt family, it’s a certified organic farm, and it’s one of the most affordable campsites you’ll find in the Western Cape - which makes it a firm favourite with big groups.

Getting there

It’s a 3 to 3½-hour drive from Cape Town. We broke the trip in Piketberg and had an early breakfast at the Spur before getting back on the road. About 28 km past Citrusdal you’ll see the Cederberg / Algeria sign - turn right here onto a 23 km dirt road. It’s well marked but properly corrugated, so slow right down and enjoy the scenery. After about 18 km you reach the Algeria Forest Station; turn left towards Clanwilliam, and roughly 5 km on you’ll spot the Jamaka signboard and turn right to reception. Take it slow and most cars will manage it fine.

Check-in & the sites

Check-in is from 2pm at reception, where there are fridge and freezer facilities (at the office or down at the campground - just ask the staff) and a few supplies to grab before you head over. The campsite entrance is across the road from reception; follow the wooden signboards to your stand.

We stayed on site 9 - close enough to the action but private, and a short walk from one of the five communal ablution blocks. Each block has a washing-up area, well-lit basins with mirrors, three flush toilets and two hot showers (electric kettles can only be used at the ablution power points). Bins are dotted around and emptied daily. Each site has a three-pin socket, so bring a long extension lead, and either a movable or built-in braai - don’t forget your grid.

Camp 9, temperatures in the high 30s, and a rock pool fifty paces away. We knew exactly where we’d be spending the afternoon.

The rock pools

What makes Jamaka special is that they’ve built their own rock pools in the Rondegat River. It’s the heart of the place - lawns to laze on, deep pools to dive into, swings hanging over the water, gentle floating downstream, and a volleyball court for when you’ve dried off. On a hot day it’s exactly where everyone ends up.

Café & bar

Right across from the main swimming area, the Jamaka Café stocks cold drinks, ice cream, pizza, hot chips, firewood, ice and a few essentials. The Jamaka Bar runs happy hour from 4 to 6pm and keeps up with the weekend sport.

Trails & the zipline

There are five hiking trails to choose from. We did the Riverwalk - about 2 km, half an hour to an hour, with a lovely aerial view over the Rondegat and the campsite. There’s a second swimming area further along, closer to sites 30 to 100, with its own zipline café and a zipline running right across the middle of the water - a big hit with the kids and a few brave adults. Smaller rock pools dot the walk between the two, and horse riding is on offer too.

Food & fire

Our evenings were the usual happy routine - a fire, supper, a few games, and an early night under the stars after sun-filled days. On our last morning a couple of us went horse riding before the less glamorous business of breaking down camp. We had an absolute blast, and we can’t wait to be back.

Rock pools, a zipline, hiking trails and a restaurant onsite. For the price, Jamaka is very hard to beat.

Nearby in the Cederberg we also reviewed Wolfkop Grootfontein and Suikerbossie Guest Farm.