Sometimes the best food moments don’t happen in restaurants. They happen around a fire, with a simple meal, good company, and a sky full of stars overhead.
That’s exactly the kind of experience waiting at The Bike Forge, a laid-back camping and glamping escape just one hour from Cape Town.
Tucked into the countryside near Tulbagh, The Bike Forge feels like a proper pause button.
- The air is fresher, the nights are quieter, and time seems to slow down in the best possible way. Whether guests arrive on two wheels or four, the destination is the same: a relaxed outdoor space made for switching off and settling in.
The setup is refreshingly flexible. Campers can pitch their own tents and create a little home base under the stars, or opt for one of the comfortable glamping tents for an easy, no-fuss stay. Either way, evenings tend to follow a familiar rhythm — fires are lit, food is shared, and conversations stretch late into the night.
From a food lover’s point of view, this is where the magic happens. The Bike Forge is the kind of place where meals are unpretentious and memorable. Think braais that last for hours, simple breakfasts enjoyed outdoors, and that unbeatable flavour that only comes from cooking in the open air. It’s less about elaborate plating and more about enjoying the moment, one bite at a time.
There’s no rush, no strict schedule, and no pressure to do anything other than relax. Days can be spent exploring the surrounding area, lounging at camp, or doing absolutely nothing at all. Nights are all about the stars, the crackle of the fire, and the feeling that real life is very far away.
For anyone looking to squeeze in one last escape before routines kick back in, The Bike Forge offers an easy, memorable option. It’s close enough for a spontaneous weekend away, yet far enough to feel like a true reset. Sleep under the stars, camp your way, and make a memory or two while you’re at it.
De Heuvel Estate Tulbagh, Cape Town
073 281 0896
bikeforgetulbagh@gmail.com
