Cape Columbine – Paternoster

Glamping by the sea

No, it’s not the name of some tiny English village, but is rather a fabulous way to camp that includes no erecting or dismantling of tents close to the Atlantic ocean! This particular campsite (for want of a better word) is in the Cape Columbine reserve 5km from Paternoster.

It was the brilliant idea of a friend to hire out the whole place for his birthday celebration and what a find! Sea Shack was re-vamped and opened in December 2015 so it’s all sparkly and new still.

Situated right on the beach – any closer and the water would be in your room – the 10 wooden A-frame shacks are gorgeous bedrooms, each fitted with a queen size bed (2 of them have single beds) and a couple of pegs for hanging clothes. The ablutions are spotless with a constant supply of hot water in the showers and the only thing you need to bring is your towel.

A communal kitchen and eating space completes the complex. All cutlery, glasses and crockery are supplied as are a fridge and gas rings for cooking. We were looked after brilliantly by the lovely Daniel from Zimbabwe who couldn’t do enough to make our stay problem free and had the biggest smile.

Art in the sand

There are fascinating wooden sculptures dotted around and a labyrinth, overlooking the sea, that begs to be walked. Contemplating life and the universe seems such a peaceful thing to do while sitting at the centre of the circle.

When we were there the tide lapped gently in and out and the night wasn’t so cold although is was early winter. We sat around the large fire pit until the early hours, with wine in hand and stars overhead listening to ever expanding stories and the constant noise of the waves. What a fabulous night it was!

A soul spot

This really is one of the loveliest places I’ve stayed at in a long time and it’s such a hidden gem, which makes it all the better for discovering and sharing with like-minded souls.