Old Mac Daddy / Elgin Valley

During the second week of spring holidays, we went on a little road trip through the Western Cape, aiming to explore some campsites. Packing was quite the challenge, given our way too small car and the mountain of gear we needed, but after a game of Tetris with our luggage, we finally managed to squeeze everything in and hit the road. Our first stop: Old Mac Daddy, famous for its vintage Airstream trailers, each with its own theme. Just a 70-minute drive from Cape Town, you simply follow the N2 to Strand, then cross Sir Lowry’s Pass. Not far after Grabouw, you take a turn into the beautiful Elgin Valley before you arrive at Old Mac Daddy – the perfect family weekend getaway. A big plus: The “are we there yet” count stayed blissfully low thanks to the relatively short drive. Just avoid rush hour. Those robots in Strand can really test your patience.

Old Mac Daddy is known for its iconic Airstream trailers, but they also offer other accommodation options, such as self-catering villas and tented camps which is great if you come with a bigger group of friends or rather want to experience the camping vibe. Each of the 12 trailers has a different theme designed by talented Cape Town artists, so if you come back, you will always find something new and unique. Our trailer, themed around bees, celebrates the importance of these industrious creatures in nature, especially in the Elgin Valley, where fruit orchards rely on bees for pollination. The interior design looked beautiful, with honeycomb patterns and a blend of yellow and black tones that creates a cozy atmosphere. Have a look at the photos below for some impressions.

The trailer was equipped with everything we needed—a queen-sized bed, air-conditioning and a heating unit, a mini-bar, a coffee station, and a bathroom with a shower. The built-in lounge area had two single beds for the kids, so I could get some proper rest in the trailer unit after a busy day. But the highlight was surely the wood-fired hot tub on the outside deck which was just perfect for the chilly evening when we arrived. The kids couldn’t wait to jump straight in!

Aside from the trailer accommodation, Old Mac Daddy also offers a wide range of activities for guests to enjoy. There is an outdoor play are with jungle gym where the kids spent a good amount of time on the trampoline and there is also an indoor playroom where kids can watch movies, play video or board games, colour in books, play with toys and building bricks. They had most fun trying to use all building bricks to build the longest domino chain reaction Old Mac Daddy has ever seen. We succeeded in our second attempt to knock them all down. This kept the kids busy for quite a while and there was also table tennis which kept them active and busy.

For those looking for more adventure, Old Mac Daddy has a variety of activities available at an extra cost. Joscha had the best time trying archery with one of the friendly staff members, Denver. After a few attempts, he even managed to hit the bullseye—such a proud moment! Other paid activities include catch-and-release fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, zorbing, tractor rides, and mountain biking (kids should bring their own bikes as the few bikes they rent out are for adults). They also have a jumping castle and slip ‘n slide that are available for a small fee when the weather is nice. I really liked the lakeside beach area at Old Mac Daddy. It was quiet when we were there due to the weather but I can see it being a total vibe in summer with its sun beds and a small bar which is perfect for parents to relax while the kids are busy exploring or play in the water.

And while we ware at relaxing. There is also an on-site spa where you can book a treatment. I liked that Old Mac Daddy caters to the whole family, ensuring there’s something for everyone which is great when you have kids that like to ask: “what can we do next?!” (Don’t we all?!).

The Barn Restaurant, where breakfast is served, has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. There are large fireplaces where you can gather and there is also a fully stocked bar. Happy Hour is from 4 to 6pm daily, offering a 2 for 1 cocktails and draft beers. The food menu consists of wood-fired pizzas, burgers, salads, meat and vegan dishes so there is a choice for everyone.

Even though the weather wasn’t on our side during our stay, we still had an amazing time. We couldn’t try out all the activities, but the setup in the Elgin Valley is so fantastic that we know we’ll be back—especially to experience the lakeside beach in summer! Next time, we’ll bring friends to enjoy the vibes and stay in another one of their themed trailers.

Our Experience

All in all, we can say that Old Mac Daddy is the perfect base for a family-friendly adventure in the Elgin valley – not far from Cape Town. We’re grateful to the friendly and welcoming staff for making our stay so memorable. After our stay at Old Mac Daddy, we had to drive to Montagu but there is so much more to explore in the Elgin Valley that we will be back for sure. You can go ziplining over fynbos and waterfalls, kloofing, quad biking, mountain biking or go for a wine and cider tasting at one of the boutique wineries. We’ll save it for our next stay!

If you’re looking for a fun, relaxing, and unique experience just outside of Cape Town, definitely check them out.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️