South Africa is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the world and we are privileged to have excellent campsites in all nine provinces, allowing us to enjoy this beauty affordably. Rikus Truter from Lekker Kampplekke shares his favourites in the Northern Cape.
1. Oranjerus Holiday Resort
The lush green and well-equipped Oranjerus is the perfect pit stop on the way to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Augrabies National Park or Namaqualand. Situated on the banks of the Orange River, there are plenty of activities to choose from, including hiking and mountain biking trails, water activities (bring your own boat, canoe or jet ski), fishing and even wine tasting at the Orange River Cellars in Upington. All campsites are equipped with electricity, and the communal ablution facilities boast a 4-star rating. The self-catering units range from luxury units to budget accommodation and the Ibis restaurant – with a beautiful view of the river – is available for lunch and dinner
NEAREST TOWN: Keimoes (15km) / Upington (25km)
SHOP: Yes
PET-FRIENDLY: Yes (arrange beforehand)
FISHING: Yes (river)
CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Yes
ACCESSIBILITY: Gravel road (accessible to high-clearance non-4WD vehicles
and road caravans).
RATES: R175 per person per night for adults (R140 for pensioners) and R110 for children under 16. Children under 7 stay for free. *Various self-catering options available from R600 per night.
CONTACT: +27 82 772 5896| oranjerus@mweb.co.za | www.oranjerus.com
2. Riverside Country Club & Caravan Park
Situated on the banks of the Modder River, Riverside is a popular campsite for campers who are passionate about angling and enjoy the silence only a secluded spot in nature can bring. There are 33 stands with electricity, and you can choose from communal or private ablution facilities. Attractions in the area include the Big Hole and museum in Kimberley, the Mokala National Park, and Magersfontein Memorial Golf Course. You can enjoy a relaxing sundowner on the banks of the Modder River while the little ones have hours of fun in the pool or at the playground.
NEAREST TOWN: Kimberley (35km)/Modderrivier (3km)
SHOP: No, but necessities are available at reception or the restaurant
PET-FRIENDLY: Yes (arrange beforehand)
FISHING: Yes (river)
CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Yes
ACCESSIBILITY: Gravel (accessible to non-4WD vehicles and road caravans).
RATES: From R330 per stand per night for 2 people (depending on the time of the
year you visit and which stand you book). R90 per additional person and R100 for extra cars or your boat. *Various self-catering options available from R650 per night.
CONTACT: +27 82 924 3075 | riversidecountryclub@absamail.co.za | https://riverside-country-club-and-caravan-park.business.site/
3. Orange River Raffing Lodge
This is the place to enjoy a tranquil atmosphere where you can take in the beautiful river views, sunsets over the mountain ranges of the Richtersveld and quiet, starstudded nights on the banks of the Orange River. The Orange River Rafting Lodge boasts its own private beach and offers several accommodation options from camping facilities to luxury waterfront chalets. It is located on a small lucerne farm10km from Vioolsdrift, near the Namibia border crossing, and attracts visitors far and wide for bird-watching and the popular river-rafting activities (from R650 per person for a half-day session). Kayaks and paddleboards are also available for rent. Visitors can also try their hand at fishing, enjoy the hiking and mountain biking trails or simply relax in the lapa area around a campfire while the little ones enjoy the play area and pool.
NEAREST TOWN: Vioolsdrift (10km)
SHOP: No
PET-FRIENDLY: Yes
FISHING: Yes (river)
CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Yes
ACCESSIBILITY: Gravel road (accessible to high-clearance non-4WD vehicles and
road caravans).
RATES: R450 per stand per night for 2 people and R75 for each additional person (to a maximum of 6 people). *Various self-catering options available from R1 100 per night for 2.
CONTACT: +27 27 761 8777 | book@orrl.co.za | www.orangeriverraftinglodge.co.za
4. Thota Lodge
An ideal overnight stop for adventurers heading to Botswana or the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park from the north, Thota Lodge offers an oasis of silence and natural scenery set to take your breath away. Although there is no power at the Bessiebos private campsite, you will be able to take a hot shower (thanks to a donkey boiler).However, the incredible views of the Koranna mountain range 100km to the south will more than compensate for any inconvenience, with massive Camelthorn trees providing ample shade for the campsite. Activities include bird- and game-viewing, horse-riding (to be booked in advance), hiking trails and the unique bakkie skiing(where you are dragged through the sand behind a bakkie on a type of surfboard).There are also several self-drive 4×4 trails where you may even encounter the elusive and endangered pangolin.
NEAREST TOWN: Blackrock (50km)
SHOP: No
PET-FRIENDLY: Yes (arrange beforehand)
FISHING: No
CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Limited
ACCESSIBILITY: Gravel road (accessible to high-clearance non-4WD vehicles and
road caravans).
RATES: R170 per person per night. *Various self-catering options available from R470 per night for 2.
CONTACT: +27 76 105 3432 / +27 72 145 8616| www.thotalodge.co.za
5. Die Mas van Kakamas
A camping getaway to Die Mas is the ideal way to recharge for a weekend, and even better, for a longer period. Whether you are relaxing around the campfire or touring the many surrounding attractions, you are sure to enjoy this rural gem in the Northern Cape. Die Mas is about 2.5km from the N7and close to the town of Kakamas, on the banks of the Orange River. The campsite has lovely shade trees and grass, with a private wine cellar only500m from the camping area where you can enjoy a variety of brandies, gin, sweet wines and table wines.
NEAREST TOWN: Kakamas (2.5km)
SHOP: No
PET-FRIENDLY: No
FISHING: Yes (river)
CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Yes
ACCESSIBILITY: Gravel (accessible to non-4WD vehicles and road caravans).
RATES: R100 per stand per night plus R60 per adult per night. Children under 18 pay R40 per night, and children under 2 stay for free. *Various self-catering options available from R370 per night for 2.
CONTACT: +27 82 891 8779 / +27 54 431 0245 | accounts@diemas.co.za | www.diemas.co.za
