It’s no secret that South Africans are a tad camp-crazy. Fortunately, we are privileged to live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with excellent campsites in all nine provinces. Rikus Truter from Lekker Kampplekke shares his favourites in the often underrated North West Province.
1. Berg en Bos
Break away to Berg en Bos, an easy 90-minute drive from Jozi for a relaxing time surrounded by natural scenery, where you can hear the rush of a nearby river and the call of the fish eagle. The campsite offers five stands, two of them together under a shade net with a private ablution block, making it ideal for a group who want to camp together. The other three sites are surrounded by shady trees with power, water and modern ablution facilities. Anglers can try their luck on the 700m stretch of river, while bird watchers are sure to tick off some great sightings. The 25m long sparkling two-lane swimming pool, smaller splash pool and communal boma/braai area are sure to provide hours of relaxation and fun. Each site also has its own braai facilities, and the hiking trails in the area are great to explore.
NEAREST TOWN: Brits (9km)
SHOP: No (wood available at reception)
PET-FRIENDLY: No
FISHING: Yes (river)
CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Yes
ACCESSIBILITY: Gravel (accessible to high-clearance non-4WD vehicles, but not suitable for road caravans).
RATES: R400 per stand per night (a maximum of one vehicle and four people per stand).
CONTACT: +27 83 608 6325 | bergenbosplaas@gmail.com
2. Konka Caravan Park & Safari Tented Camp
This unique caravan park is nestled in the Magaliesberg, on the banks of the Hex River, and right next to a lion camp – which means you fall asleep with the roar of the king of the jungle in your ears. In addition to the seven standard stands with communal ablution blocks, there are also luxury stands with a private bathroom serviced by staff every day. All campsites have a power point, braai area and a tap. Regardless of your interests, Konka will have an activity for you, as it offers a large swimming pool, playgrounds, trampolines, volleyball courts, putt-putt and various hiking and mountain biking trails. There are several adrenaline-filled activities for the adventurous visitors such as kayaking, ziplines, abseiling, and wall climbing. These activities must be booked in advance and are subject to availability.
NEAREST TOWN: Rustenburg (25km)
SHOP: Yes
PET-FRIENDLY: No
FISHING: No
CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Yes
ACCESSIBILITY: Gravel (accessible to high-clearance non-4WD vehicles and most road caravans).
RATES: Prices vary depending on the time of year you visit and are available on request. Konka also offers various self-catering options and facilities for school groups and corporate team-building events.
CONTACT: +27 76 141 8960 / +27 14 597 5955 | simone@konka.co.za |
3. Bosveld Oasis
Only 15 minutes from Brits in the quiet and intimate bushveld area of Mamogaleskraal lies Bosveld Oasis. The caravan park is located on a 40ha farm and offers a variety of accommodation options to choose from. It includes 111 spacious stands (surrounded by lush green lawns and mostly situated under shady trees) and several self-catering options. The big attractions include ample birdlife, a variety of game species, and a “catch and release” dam for the fishing enthusiast. A water park with several water slides and a sprinkler park guarantees hours of enjoyment for the youngsters. Furthermore, you can hike and bike or spend your days in the large heated indoor pool or cold-water pool. Day visitors are welcome (R100 per person) but only have access to the water park (advance booking is a requirement, and no day visitors are allowed on public holidays).
NEAREST TOWN: Brits (20km)
SHOP: Yes
PET-FRIENDLY: No
FISHING: Yes (dam)
CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Yes
ACCESSIBILITY: Gravel (accessible to high-clearance non-4WD vehicles and road caravans).
RATES: From R450 per stand per night for four people and one vehicle and caravan/tent/ trailer (prices vary depending on the time of the year you plan to visit and which stand you choose). A maximum of six people per stand is allowed, with a fee of R140 per additional person and R100 per additional vehicle per night. R50 admin fee is charged for each booking, whether camping or self-catering. * Various self-catering options are available from R1 550.
CONTACT: +27 12 943 6290| www.bosveldoasebrits.co.za
4. Klipspruit River Resort
Enjoy a wonderful getaway from the city at Klipspruit River Resort, located on the banks of the Vaal River. Only about a two-and-a-half hour drive from Gauteng, you can relax with amazing sunsets over the majestic river. For those who like to combine their holiday with a few activities, there are several options, including bird watching, kayaking, and hiking. This is one of the best fishing spots in the area, while the four swimming pools, playgrounds, putt-putt, volleyball, table tennis and water slides will entertain the little ones.
NEAREST TOWN: Leeudoringstad (23km) / Bothaville (36km)
SHOP: Yes
PET-FRIENDLY: Yes (arrange beforehand – an additional cost is involved)
FISHING: Yes (river)
CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Limited
ACCESSIBILITY: Gravel (accessible to high-clearance non-4WD vehicles and road caravans).
RATES: From R200 per stand per night for four people and one vehicle and caravan/tent/ trailer (prices vary depending on the time of the year you plan to visit and which stand you select). A maximum of six people per stand is allowed, with additional guests charged R125 per person per night and R70 for an extra vehicle. *Various self-catering options available from R500 per night.
CONTACT: +27 72 692 3792 / +27 18 065 0008 | bookings@klipspruitrverresort.co.za | www.klipspruitriverresort.co.za
5. Eastco Holiday & Caravan Resort
On the border between the North West and the Free State you will find an intimate caravan and camping park with only 32 stands on the banks of the Vaal River. Most of the super spacious sites are paved and offer spectacular views of the river, with some under shade nets, others under trees and some in the sun. The communal ablution blocks are serviced daily and are conveniently furnished. Eastco is known for its unmatched tranquillity, so is perfect for relaxing and recharging. Fishermen can enjoy fishing, and the pools and playground will keep the children busy.
NEAREST TOWN: Parys (15km)
SHOP: Yes
PET-FRIENDLY: Yes (arrange beforehand)
FISHING: Yes (river)
CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Yes
ACCESSIBILITY: Tar
RATES: R330 per stand per night for two people and one vehicle. A maximum of six people is allowed per stand, with a fee of R100 per additional person per night and R100 per additional vehicle per night. Kids under 5 stay for free. *Various self-catering options available from R700 per night.CONTACT: +27 83 379 2872/ +27 54 431 0245 | eastcoparys@yahoo.com | www.eastcoparys.co.za
