Kameeldoring
Vachellia erioloba — Namibia & Botswana
Burns (approx./Drop)
~4–5 hours
Moisture
10–15%
From
R110/Drop
Why choose Kameeldoring Firewood?
The 'Rolls-Royce' of braai wood. A super-dense Namibian hardwood that burns almost smokeless and leaves hours of even, glowing coals — the premium pick for serious braais and pizza nights.
About Kameeldoring
Kameeldoring (Camel Thorn) is harvested from the arid regions of Namibia and Botswana, where the dry climate naturally cures it to moisture levels of 10–15%. It is one of the densest hardwoods on the African continent.
It burns incredibly hot, produces almost zero sparks, and leaves behind long-lasting, even coals that hold heat for hours — perfect for cooking over. Dried to 10–15% moisture, it is the safest premium choice for open fireplaces.
The density that makes it exceptional means it needs a firelighter and patience to fully catch — but once it's going, you'll be rewarded with a fire that outlasts any other wood on our menu.
Sourced fromNamibia
Hand-harvested from Camel Thorn (Vachellia erioloba) trees in the Kalahari and Namib regions of Namibia and Botswana. The arid climate air-dries the wood naturally before it reaches Cape Town.
Best for
- Braai & BBQ
- Open fireplaces
- All-night fires
- Serious cooks
- Pizza nights
WoodDrop tip
Light with a firelighter and let the coal bed build before cooking. The coal bed it produces is exceptional — patience makes the best braais.
How much Kameeldoring do I need?
Kameeldoring goes approximately six to eight braai sessions per Drop (≈ 18 kg) for a standard grill — one third to one half of a Drop is enough for a full evening fire. For a winter fireplace with fires two to three times per week, one Drop lasts two to three weeks. At R110/Drop, Kameeldoring works out cheaper per hour of fire than lighter woods once you factor in burn time.
How long does Kameeldoring burn?
Kameeldoring burns for four to five hours per Drop — among the longest of any firewood available in Cape Town. The density of 1 100 kg/m³ explains this: at more than twice the density of Vine and significantly denser than Blue Gum, Kameeldoring stores more energy per kilogram. Each log weighs 1.0–1.5 kg.
Kameeldoring vs Sekelbos
Kameeldoring and Sekelbos are both premium braai hardwoods at R110/Drop. The difference is density: Kameeldoring at 1 100 kg/m³ burns for 4–5 hours, Sekelbos at 970 kg/m³ for 3–4 hours. Kameeldoring produces virtually no aroma; Sekelbos adds a subtle earthy character to braai meat. For maximum burn time choose Kameeldoring. For flavour with long coals, choose Sekelbos.
How to light Kameeldoring
Kameeldoring is the densest wood in the catalogue and needs patience to light. Use a firelighter cube — not newspaper — under a tent of kindling, and place two or three Kameeldoring pieces on top. Kameeldoring requires sustained heat to ignite fully; rushing to cook before the coal bed is established produces inconsistent results.
Storing Kameeldoring in Cape Town
Kameeldoring arrives at 10–15% moisture, air-dried by the arid Namibian and Botswanan climate before it leaves the country. In Cape Town's wetter winters, store Kameeldoring covered on top with sides open, on a raised rack. The dense wood absorbs moisture more slowly than lighter species and re-dries quickly if it gets wet. For long-term storage across multiple seasons, Kameeldoring holds quality better than any other wood in the catalogue.
Common questions about Kameeldoring
Why does Kameeldoring cost more than other braai wood?
Kameeldoring (Camel Thorn, Vachellia erioloba) costs R110/Drop because it is sourced from Namibia and Botswana, harvested by hand in remote arid woodland, transported overland to Cape Town, and air-dried over months by the Kalahari climate. The performance difference — 4–5 hours versus 1.5–2.5 hours for Rooikrans — justifies the premium for serious braai cooks.
Is Kameeldoring sustainable?
Kameeldoring (Camel Thorn) grows slowly in the arid Kalahari and northern Botswana. It is harvested under regulated conditions in Namibia and Botswana, where the tree grows naturally. Traditional harvesting of Camel Thorn has been practised for generations and is managed at the community level in the harvesting regions.
Can I use Kameeldoring in a closed combustion stove?
Kameeldoring can be used in closed combustion stoves but with caution. At 1 100 kg/m³, it burns very hot and can overheat smaller stoves. If your stove is rated for high-heat hardwood, Kameeldoring works well and produces long, sustained heat. For most domestic slow-combustion units, Blue Gum or Mopane are safer choices — check your stove's maximum operating temperature first.
How many pieces of Kameeldoring are in a Drop?
A Kameeldoring Drop (≈ 18 kg) contains approximately 12 to 18 pieces. At 1 100 kg/m³, each piece weighs 1.0–1.5 kg — substantially heavier than Rooikrans or Blue Gum pieces at the same size. For a braai, four to five pieces is typically enough for a full evening fire.
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Vachellia erioloba — Namibia & Botswana
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