UMOYA RESORT

From the moment you enter the campgrounds; you know that it is a place for families. The petting zoo at the entrance may be a dead giveaway, but everywhere you look there are kids’ playgrounds. I mean nice jungle gyms; a bike course; even an old Landy has been converted for the kids to play in. And the guests understand this – everyone drives very very slowly – kids have the right of way.

All of this is very convenient as it surrounds the bar and restaurants. The bar boasts a ‘grown up’ swimming pool for those who prefer to enjoy their R&Rs on nifty tables and chairs built into the swimming pool. The restaurant prepares lovely food, and I can recommend the baskets – they are just fantastic. There are also two pool tables; right within eyesight of the play area; so that you can keep an eye on the little ones while enjoying yourself.

The hot and a cold swimming pool are laid out uniquely and are popular amongst especially the older kids. There are built-in pool loungers around the pool, and what I really liked is that there are four holes in the corners so that you can move the umbrellas to where you need shade… or a bit of sun for the serious tanners ????.

The shop keeps the basic items you might need during your stay. As always, there are lots of toys for the kids and the prices are very reasonable compared to some other resorts. It is no supermarket but well-stocked with essential items.

Once you’ve done a quick look around at the campgrounds (probably with a beer you bought at the bar in your hand) it is time to set up camp.

There are several stands with private ablutions (I think it is 24). You have the choice between a bath and shower or just a shower, but there is a slight price difference. Most of the private stands have ample trees; some have mesh coverings. A few are without trees for those guys who prefer the protection of a reflective sheet against birds and tree gum.

The private ablutions are stunning. The layout is perfect, and the finishing and trimmings are top-notch. I would have liked a bit more hanging space – even though there is a built-in towel rack mounted on the outside. The reason why I bring this up is because we got some rain ???? This is just a personal note; I don’t think everyone will feel inconvenienced by that.

Each private ablution stand has a gravel area to put up your tent. At first, I was skeptical (this was because I camped on one of these when I had a crawling baby – a traumatic event ????). But the gravel turned out to be fantastic and was very clean – not even a thorn or cigarette butt anywhere. We were the idiots who set up camp the wrong way around because we wanted to give our neighbors some privacy. Don’t do that. You will literally fry in the summer months.

Umoya even supplies you with a braai – so you don’t have to schlep one with you. There are a few different shapes and sizes, but ours looked like an antique wheelbarrow and I loved the quirkiness.

At the back of the grounds, (forming an L shape with the private ablution stands) you will find the shared ablution stands. Trees are abundant, but some of these stans have smaller trees which means you will need a reflective sheet to protect you from the summer heat. There are 37 shared ablution stands. The stands are 11x11m each which I think is very generous. The shared ablutions are simply gorgeous, and several resorts and campsites can learn a thing or two from the layout and practicality.

The owner is a great person, and it is clear that the campground is his pride and joy. He is constantly seen fixing, upgrading, or assisting his guests. It is apparent, when you look at the various features of this campsite, that the owners are campers too. They know what campers need and even include some of the nice-to-haves we love.

Umoya is a very pleasant campground; I would definitely recommend it to family and friends.