This is a park which is well-named. You see, Uhuru is Swahili for freedom. And, in this instance, it’s the freedom from noise that’s most telling! When you arrive, the sound of silence is almost deafening, as all you can hear is a couple of squawks from the exotic parrots, macaws and monkeys kept in large aviaries on the property.
Once you’ve set up your caravan and are enjoying your first cold beverage, you quickly get that platteland feeling as you look out over the vlaktes (valleys) towards the Swartberg in the distance.
Uhuru used to be a farm, but the owner, Gerrie Matthee, decided to convert it into a guest farm about two years ago. What a good idea! Uhuru is located about 500m from the Calitzdorp Spa, which is run by the Eden Municipality. As a result of stringent budget cuts, the spa closed their lovely bar and restaurant, and scaled down their conference facilities, and this has made Uhuru very popular. Uhuru offers two campsite levels, each containing 24 sites, and with each level serviced by an ablution block. The upper level has 24 level, semi-shaded, grassed sites, each with 220 V, braais and enough taps and bins.
The ablution block is quite small: there are two showers and three toilets for the men, and four showers and four toilets for the ladies. This might be a problem during a busy weekend. The bonus is a lovely outlook towards the Swartberg and lovely sunrise views. The lower level has 24 level, grassed and semi-shaded sites. Here you have a view of mountains to the south-west, and great sunsets. This level has the larger ablution block, which also boasts a chemical toilet disposal unit.
The main building accommodates the heated pool, restaurant, kitchen, bar, main hall and an outside deck. The main hall, which is large, is popular for weddings. There is a large dam full of koi-fish, geese and ducks. The hall has a 270° view of the surrounding mountains, and is a great place for sundowners or a meal. Management is always available here.
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