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Embark on a journey filled with epic trails, food, wine, laughter, friendship and a deeply intimate experience with nature. Leading the way on this unique African wilderness getaway is Buttonquail Trails.

Buttonquail Trails hosts group experiences in the Buttonquail Private Nature Reserve are set deep in the hills of the Elgin Valley. The reserve borders and forms part of the Kogelberg Biosphere, a world heritage site voted as one of the most biodiverse locations on the planet.

Food, wine and all things naturally divine, this group adventure is full of spoils and surprises. Here’s what you’re in for:

Picture: Cape Nature Walks.

Buttonquail Trails caters for groups of 18 or more and they organise it all. All you need to bring along is an adventurous spirit and a cooler box filled with your favourite refreshments and snacks.

Picture: Cape Nature Walks.

What to expect:

  • A 5-star nature experience in a rustic yet beautiful camp, located in the farmlands of Elgin;
  • Buttonquail Private Nature Reserve is set on 560 hectares of pristine Cape Mountain Fynbos;
  • Exclusive use of Buttonquail Camp on the Palmiet River;
  • No cell phone reception in the camp — just blissful solitude;
  • Marked trails through remote private wilderness and beautiful farmlands;
  • Riverside lunches and dinners;
  • A barge trip down the river;
  • Sipping on your favourite drinks at the Elgin River Lodge;
  • Massages on the banks of the Palmiet River;
  • Well marked out trails in a very safe setting where you can run or walk at your own leisure.
Picture: Cape Nature Walks.

There aren’t set dates for the Buttonquail Trail experience. Group bookings are organised subject to camp availability and can last up to four days, with a minimum of two days stay.

Picture: Cape Nature Walks.

Here’s an idea of what a standard four-day package would include:

Thursday:

  • 4pm: Wine tasting at local wine farm (to be confirmed closer to the time)
  • 7pm: Riverside dinner at Buttonquail

Friday:

  • 7am: Tea/coffee and rusks at the boma
  • 8am: 15km walk/run at your leisure on a marked route
  • Breakfast at the boma at Buttonquail after the walk/run
  • 1:30pm: Lunch on the river at Elgin River Lodge
  • 3:30pm: Barge cruise at Elgin River Lodge (weather dependant) or wine tasting
  • 7pm: Riverside dinner at Buttonquail

The sleeping arrangements consist of a number of bedrooms, tents, chalets and cabins, all with en-suite showers and toilets. There are outdoor ‘baths’, too!

Picture: Cape Nature Walks.

Accommodation:

  • Nobody shares a bed, however, the number of guests per unit depends on the size of the unit and group;
  • The bigger units sleep 3 to 4 guests and the smaller units sleep 2
  • The camp sleeps a minimum of 18 guests and a maximum of 24
  • Smaller groups can be accommodated, however, the price per head will increase
  • There is a mix of 2 en-suite chalets which are half brick and half tent, 2 large en-suite tents, an en-suite wooden cabin and a large family brick chalet with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
  • The accommodation is dispersed around the main central kitchen, dining and lounge area.

All meals are included, however, ice, soft and alcoholic drinks and snacks need to be brought along. There is amazing, fresh drinking water at the camp.

Picture: Cape Nature Walks.

Rates:

  • From R1625 per person per night: includes all accommodation, food and activities (price will increase for smaller groups).
  • Minimum 2 nights per group.

For bookings, contact Buttonquail Trails:

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Picture: Cape Nature Walks

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