Firm family favourites

Family camping trips can be tricky. Sitting around a campsite all day, content with taking in and appreciating the natural beauty while you do nothing more exhausting than simply relaxing and staring into the campfire, is not everybody’s cup of tea. Some campers – especially the younger generation and the little ones – prefer plenty of action, activities and facilities to keep them busy. It is precisely because they have so much to offer visitors that Forever Resorts are so popular. With resorts spread across the country there is something to suit everyone’s taste. In addition, they bear the stamp of approval from Rikus Truter, of Lekker Kampplekke.

Badplaas (Mpumpalanga)

The resort is located at the foot of the Hlumuhlumu Mountains and although the main attraction is the hot spring, there are also a host of other activities and facilities to enjoy. There are 48 hotel rooms and 161 log cabins, chalets, rondavels and guest houses. For campers, there are around 300 campsites to choose from. However, no campsites are allocated in advance and are granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests can go bowling, or play golf, putt-putt and tennis. Activities and facilities to keep the children busy include a playground, pony rides and a super tube.

TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION: Camping and self-catering

NEAREST TOWN: Carolina (50km)

STANDS: 300 (8 people per stand)

SHOP: Yes

PET FRIENDLY: No

FISHING: Yes

CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Yes

ACCESSIBILITY: Tarred roads

Blyde Canyon (Mpumalanga)

Blyde Canyon offers beautiful views of the Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world. The resort is conveniently located near Nelspruit, Lydenburg and Graskop. It’s the ideal starting point for trips to Pilgrim’s Rest and the various other attractions in the province, but also offers activities such as tennis, badminton and putt-putt on site. Visitors can also explore the area by mountain bike or enjoy one of the many hiking trails.

TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION: Camping and selfcatering

NEAREST TOWN: Graskop (50km)

STANDS: 30 (8 people per stand)

SHOP: Yes

PET FRIENDLY: No

FISHING: No

CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Yes

ACCESSIBILITY: Tarred roads

Gariep (Vrystaat)

In the heart of the Free State, about 200km from Bloemfontein and on the way to the Cape, you will come across Gariep. This village was named South Africa’s Town of the Year in 2010 and it’s easy to

understand why – the hospitality is top notch and there is myriad of adventure activities to choose from. The resort has 106 campsites, each with electricity, and there are two neat ablution blocks. There are also 16 luxury campsites, each with its own ablution facilities.

TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION: Camping and self-catering

NEAREST TOWN: Gariep

STANDS: 106 (6 people per stand)

SHOP: Yes

PET FRIENDLY: No

FISHING: Yes

CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Yes

ACCESSIBILITY: Tarred roads

Loskopdam

(Mpumalanga)

Loskop Dam is certainly one of the most popular campsites in Mpumalanga. The resort offers excellent facilities for the discerning camper. The caravan park is within walking distance of the dam and there are 252 stands, 146 with power points and 106without. With beautiful mountain bike and hiking trails, boat cruises, game viewing, trampolines and a holiday programme offered during the April and December holidays, there are plenty of activities and facilities to keep visitors busy. Selfcatering options include 39 quaint log cabins, 18 chalets, 8 family homes and a 3-bedroom guest house.

TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION: Camping and self-catering

NEAREST TOWN: Middelburg (48km)

STANDS: 236 (8 people per stand)

SHOP: Yes

PET FRIENDLY: No

FISHING: Yes

CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Yes

ACCESSIBILITY: Tarred roads

Phalaborwa Safari

Park (Limpopo)

Phalaborwa Safari Park is situated only 100m from the Kruger National Park’s Phalaborwa gate. Accommodation consists of three-star self-catering units, as well as camping and caravan stands. It is the ideal place to come and relax after an exhausting day of game viewing and adventure and there is a gorgeous rock pool to cool off in. The little ones can frolic on the playground or play putt-putt while the grown-ups hang out in the coffee shop.

TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION: Camping and self-catering

NEAREST TOWN: Phalaborwa

STANDS: 45 (8 people per stand)

SHOP: No

PET FRIENDLY: No

FISHING: No

CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Yes

ACCESSIBILITY: Tarred and dirt roads

Plettenberg (Western Cape)

The Plettenberg resort is a true jewel of the Garden Route. Accommodation options consist of selfcatering chalets and log cabins, as well as camping and caravan stands, some of which have a view of the river. Located on the banks of the Keurbooms River, there are five beaches in the immediate area. Various water activities are offered at the resort and there are trampolines and a putt-putt course to keep the youngsters entertained.

TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION: Camping and self-catering

NEAREST TOWN: Plettenberg Bay (6km)

STANDS: 116 (8 people per stand)

SHOP: Yes

PET FRIENDLY: No

FISHING: Yes

CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Yes

ACCESSIBILITY: Tarred roads

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