BESTERSHOEK CARAVAN PARK – SOMERSET EAST

I think, the only caravan park in Somerset East….even the locals didn’t know they had a caravan park LOL.  We eventually found it by asking the local Spar Manager.   But oh wow, what a beautiful setting…all the sites were surrounded by big trees and plenty bush.  We could hear the Diedricks  and the red breasted cuckoo…but couldn’t see them.   We were spoilt for choice as we were the only campers in sight.   A security guard came up a little later after giving  us time to settle in.   Gee whizz, it felt like we were in the middle of a forest, so, so stunning.

I noticed that there were also several self catering cottages behind us on the hill, but didn’t ask for rates.  I found the ablution facilities, but all doors were locked.  First impression from the outside was ‘dodgy’, but I reserved judgement until such time as I could track down the Security chap and ask for keys.

After about an hour, he appeared with keys, he seemed to struggle finding them.  I eventually found out that we are probably the first campers they have had staying there in many months.  The park is generally used by the locals for weekend braais and partys and the chalets are rented out quite regularly, but apparently not the camping or caravaning area.

Oh boy, on entering the ladies bathroom and toilet facilities, I was totally horrified, I don’t think the ladies  toilet had been cleaned this century.  The bath had no plug, was brown with rust and the mirrors had been ripped off the walls.   The floors had seen better days.  One of the toilets had no toilet seat and the shower was black with dirt.    So, armed with my bottle of antisceptic, handy andy and a cloth, they were soon workable at least.  The showers had lovely hot water, so that sort of made up for it.

John didn’t even bother going into the mens ablutions as we were the only ones there, so made use of the toilet I had cleaned and chanced the shower facility.  I think if the ablutions had been better, it would have been amazing to spend another night or two there.

At a mere R108,40 per night, its a steal, if you don’t mind the crappy ablutions.