South Africa is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, and we are privileged to have excellent campsites in all nine provinces, surrounded by exquisite nature scenes and wildlife. Rikus Truter from Lekker Kampplekke shares his top choices in Limpopo.
1. Klein Paradys Guest Farm
You can relax at this popular campsite in the heart of the bushveld. The resort is sited against a koppie with a beautiful view over the plains below, and most of the campsites enjoy lovely shade, surrounded by lush green lawns.
NEAREST TOWN: Modimolle / Nylstroom (12 km)
SHOP: Yes
PET FRIENDLY: Only if arranged in advance during low season
FISHING: No
CELL PHONE SERVICE: Yes
ACCESSIBILITY: Tar road
RATES: From R475 per night, per campsite for four people (prices vary depending on what time of the year you visit)
www.kleinparadys.co.za | +27 87 808 5464
2. Sondela Nature Reserve & Spa
Sondela’s caravan park has a 4-star rating and has been named one of South Africa’s Top 100 resorts. At this family-oriented resort, campers can watch wildlife and the children get to learn about farm animals from up close. All the campsites are large and have a braai area and power outlet. As a bonus, you receive complimentary bags of ice and wood, and there are work teams that can help with setting up and packing up.
NEAREST TOWN: Bela-Bela (10 km)
SHOP: Yes
PET FRIENDLY: No
FISHING: No
CELL PHONE SERVICE: Yes
ACCESSIBILITY: Gravel road (you will not need a four-wheel-drive vehicle)
RATES: From R500 per night for a four-person campsite and R770 for a six-person campsite (prices vary depending on what time of the year you visit)
www.sondela.com | info@sondela.com | +27 14 736 8900
3. Rinkhalskop Safari Lodge & Inibos Luxury Bush Camp
Enjoy a tranquil bushveld atmosphere where you can see free-roaming small game and enjoy a challenging 4×4 trail, game drives, hikes and biking trails. For the young ones, there is a large swimming pool, sandpit and playground. Each campsite has its own braai area and power outlet.
NEAREST TOWN: Marble Hall (27 km)
SHOP: Yes
PET FRIENDLY: No
FISHING: No
CELL PHONE SERVICE: Yes
ACCESSIBILITY: Gravel road (sand)
RATES: From R475 per night per four-person campsite (prices vary depending on what time of the year you visit)
www.rinkhalskopsafarilodge.com | tersia@rinkhalskopsafarilodge.com | +27 83 990 3413 / +27 12 808-9915
4. ATKV Eiland Spa
ATKV Eiland Spa is in the heart of Hans Merensky Nature Reserve, 68 km east of Tzaneen on the southern bank of the Letaba River. The diverse scenery and warm, sunny weather all year round explains why it is one of South Africa’s most popular resorts. A bonus is that it also offers a chance to relax at the healing hydro spa.
NEAREST TOWN: Tzaneen (68 km)
SHOP: Yes
PET FRIENDLY: No
FISHING: Yes – dam
CELL PHONE SERVICE: Yes
ACCESSIBILITY: Tar road
RATES: From R835 per night per six-person campsite (special rate available for ATKV members)
www.eilandspa.co.za | eilandspa@atkv.org | +27 15 386 8000
5. Pulani Park
Pulani Park is a wonderful place to relax and is ideal for the whole family. Situated within a nature reserve in the Waterberg stocked with various game species, it offers a real bushveld farm experience. The area is rich in birdlife and offers several hiking and mountain biking trails as well as mountain climbing opportunities.
NEAREST TOWN: Naboomspruit / Mookgophong (22 km)
SHOP: No (wood and ice for sale at reception)
PET FRIENDLY: Yes
FISHING: No
CELLPHONE SERVICE: Yes
ACCESSIBILITY: Tar road
RATES: From R250 per night, per campsite for four people
+27 79 011 8567 | +27 64 686 2265
Rikus’ top camp tips
- If you are camping next to water where the temperatures can drop quite low at night, take a few newspapers with you and put them under your inflatable mattress to insulate from the cold.
- For those who like to make salad when camping, wrap the lettuce head in newspaper as it will stay fresh for up to 10 days.
- If you have not been camping for a while and your water bottles have started to smell musty, pour in four teaspoons of baking soda, shake, and let them stand for one hour before rinsing.
- If you like fishing when camping, line the inside of your fishing box with foil – this will help prevent your hooks, sinkers, and other equipment from rusting.
- Make a pancake mixture at home and pour it into a 2-litre bottle – and, just like that, you have a quick and easy meal sorted! You simply pour the right amount into your hot cooking pan and soon everyone will be enjoying the treat.
*Prices and facilities are based on information received – subject to change without notice.
For more information on camping sites near you, visit the Lekker Kampplekke website: https://www.lekkerkampplekke.co.za/
