South Africa is a camper’s paradise, with beautiful camping spots scattered across all nine provinces. Whether you want to trade the hustle and bustle of everyday life for picturesque mountains, relaxing riverbanks or have calming ocean waves soothe you to sleep, there is an option for everyone. However, deciding where to book your next getaway can get a little overwhelming. To help narrow down the numerous options, Rikus Truter from Lekker Kampplekke shares some of his favourites in the Eastern Cape.
1. Medolino Caravan Park
This peaceful caravan park in the popular holiday town of Port Alfred is the perfect base from which to explore and enjoy the various activities in the surrounding area from enjoying the beach to the variety of water sports on the Kowie River, swimming, fishing and exploring the nearby game reserves and historical sites. Set in lush surroundings, each of the caravan park’s 32 large, grassed camping sites has its own power point and a tap, with most sites shaded by big trees. The three well-maintained communal ablution facilities are family- and wheelchair-friendly, and other facilities include a boma, a neat scullery, and a laundry room. While the youngsters enjoy the playground, bird watchers can tick up to 133 different bird species off their lists.
NEAREST TOWN: Port Alfred (2.5km)
SHOP: No, but there is a gift/curio shop at reception and a coffee shop.
PET-FRIENDLY: Yes (permitted out of season and must be arranged beforehand)
FISHING: Yes (ocean)
CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Yes
ACCESSIBILITY: Tar road (access via Hards street)
RATES: R165 per person per night for adults, and R125 for pensioners as well as children under 12 (children under 2 camp for free). Maximum of six people and one vehicle with tent or caravan per site, with a charge of R250 per extra person per night. Additional vehicles, boats or trailers must be parked in the designated parking area. *Limited self-catering options are available – prices available on request.
CONTACT: +27 46 624 1651 | info@medolinocaravanpark.co.za | www.medolinocaravanpark.co.za
2. Green Fountain Farm Caravan Park
Another gem close to Port Alfred, in a peaceful and tranquil country farm setting, is the historical Green Fountain Farm Caravan Park. Boasting a 3-star lodge and 4-star caravan park rating, this park sets itself apart by providing a private ablution, wash-up area and a power point for each of the 48 campsites, with two being wheelchair-friendly. Most of the campsites are on grass and many have shade. Activities include a swimming pool, bird-watching, a games lapa with table tennis and pool table, and two play areas with a jungle gym, trampoline and various other fun games to keep the youngsters busy.
NEAREST TOWN: Port Alfred (7km)
SHOP: Yes, for basic necessities and an à la carte restaurant.
PET-FRIENDLY: No
FISHING: Yes (ocean)
CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Yes
ACCESSIBILITY: Tar road with gravel road inside the caravan park (accessible to non-4WD vehicles and road caravans).
RATES: From R320 per campsite per night for two people (R270 for pensioners). Up to six people can be accommodated per site with an additional R100 per extra person per night and R60 per night extra for children under 12 (children under 3 camp for free).
CONTACT: +27 76 318 9877 / +27 83 5031449 | info@greenfountainfarm.co.za | www.greenfountainfarm.co.za
3. Big Fish Caravan and Camping
Situated on the banks of the Gamtoos River, approximately 2km from the Gamtoos River Mouth, Big Fish Caravan and Camping is a popular campsite for anyone that loves fishing and boating. This family-friendly destination, located on a privately-owned dairy farm, comprises 38 level grass campsites equipped with a power point, night light, drinking water from a tap, and a braai stand with a grid. There are various activities and facilities to keep everyone happy and entertained, from bird-watching to fishing, boating and lounging around the swimming pool which overlooks the river. To keep those lively youngsters busy, there is a play area, trampolines and a volleyball court.
NEAREST TOWN: Jeffreys Bay (15km)
SHOP: Small shop for firewood and ice.
PET-FRIENDLY: Yes (arrange beforehand)
FISHING: Yes (Gamtoos River)
CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Yes
ACCESSIBILITY: Gravel road (accessible to high-clearance non-4WD vehicles, road caravans and boats).
RATES: From R350 per site per night for two people and R75 for each additional adult, while children under 16 stay for free (maximum of six people per site). Prices vary depending on the time of the year and which site you book. Campers can launch their boats for free onto the Gamtoos River.
CONTACT: +27 79 202 5143 | info@bigfishcaravan.co.za | www.bigfishcaravan.co.za
4. Trennerys Hotel and Camping
If you are in search of a somewhat off-the-beaten-track camping spot, Trennerys Hotel and Camping on the Wild Coast is ideal. Your adventure starts with the drive as you have to cross the Kei River via a pontoon and then follow a deteriorating tarred road to get to this secluded and pristine paradise. There are 10 exclusive campsites, each located on lush green grass surrounded by tropical vegetation with picturesque views and the sea only a stone’s throw away. Most of the campsites are shaded under trees, and each site has its own power point, tap and braai area with one communal ablution and wash-up facility. You can enjoy an array of activities from sundowners on the lagoon, to canoeing on the river, bird-watching, rock and surf fishing to adrenaline-filled 4×4 trails. One of the most exciting and rewarding activities has to be the various guided trails and walks, with four designated routes that will take you to spectacular forests and waterfalls, while learning about the local fauna and flora. For the youngsters, there is a play area, trampoline, swimming pool, volleyball court and pool table.
NEAREST TOWN: Qolora Mouth (1km)
SHOP: No, but there is a restaurant at the hotel.
PET-FRIENDLY: No
FISHING: Yes (ocean)
CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Yes
ACCESSIBILITY: Tar road (accessible to all vehicles, and most sturdy caravans and trailer).
RATES: R110 per person per campsite with a maximum of four people per site. Only one vehicle per site is allowed, and all additional vehicles, boats, and trailers must be parked in a designated area. A minimum two-night stay on weekend booking is required. *Various chalet options which include all meals are available – prices available on request.
CONTACT: +27 47 498 0004 | reservations@trennerys.co.za / info@trennerys.co.za | www.trennerys.co.za
5. Sitrusoewer River Camp
The scenery of the Sitrusoewer River Camp, coupled with its excellent facilities and wonderful activities, makes this one of the exemplary campsites en route to the Addo Elephant National Park. Surrounded by citrus orchards, this river camp is situated on the banks of the Sundays River, providing easy access to the river for fishing, swimming, bird-watching and water sports for both young and old. Other activities include mountain biking and hiking routes and a playground for the youngsters. There are 35 grassed campsites, each with a power point and tap, with a wheelchair-friendly communal ablution block, plus a large and well-equipped lapa and braai area.
NEAREST TOWN: Kirkwood (9km) / Addo Elephant National Park (50km)
SHOP: No, but you can purchase firewood at reception.
PET-FRIENDLY: Yes (arrange beforehand)
FISHING: Yes (Sundays River)
CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Yes
ACCESSIBILITY: Gravel road (accessible to non-4WD vehicles and road caravans).
RATES: R120 per adult per night and R75 for school children with pre-school children camping for free (minimum of R200 per site if only one person is camping). *Limited self-catering options available from R650 per night (must book a minimum of two nights during the week and three nights over long weekends).
CONTACT: +27 42 232 0503 / +27 83 290 0466 | sitrusoewer@srvalley.co.za
* Prices and facilities highlighted in this article are subject to change without notice. – Ed.
