If you’re the kind of adventurer that yearns for escapes into nature where you can experience the diversity and beauty of our country to the fullest and enjoy solitude away from the crowds, these five favourite camping spots around South Africa will be right up your alley. From the bushveld to the beach, they offer something to cater to every camping taste.
Tsitsikamma National Park, Western Cape
Storms River Mouth Rest Camp
With a spectacular coastline and indigenous forest meeting one another, this campsite offers the best of both worlds. There is an adventure around every corner, whether it’s exploring the birdlife in the canopies of the majestic trees or getting to know less travelled waters.
Facilities:
- Pool: No
- Restaurant: Yes
- Bar: Yes
- Wood & ice: Yes
- Excursions: Hiking, cycling routes, horseback riding, blackwater tubing, canopy tours and game drives.
Camping:
- Electricity: Yes (in some cases)
- Stands: Paved/grass
- Kitchen area & water: Yes
- Ablutions: Communal
- Shop: Yes
CONTACT: +27 42 281 1607 | reservations@tsitsikammanationalpark.co.za | www.tsitsikammanationalpark.co.za
Inkululeko Bush camp
Nestled in a Tamboti Grove and offering close encounters with the Big Give, this unfenced and off-the-grid camp allows you to experience nature at a whole new level. Largely untouched by man, it truly is a bucket-list destination and offers a wealth of nearby attractions – such as tiger fishing and boat cruises – less than two hours away.
Facilities:
- Pool: Yes
- Restaurant: No
- Bar: Yes
- Wood & ice: Yes
- Excursions: game drives, birding and stargazing.
Camping:
- Electricity: Solar lights (no plug points)
- Stands: Sand
- Kitchen area & water: Yes
- Ablutions: Communal
- Shop: No
CONTACT: +27 71 067 6276 | office@makongohills.com | www.makongohills.com/wild-camping/
Dinokeng Game Reserve, Gauteng
Kyleu Bush camp
With no distractions and the splendour of the bushveld all around you, this campsite offers you an opportunity to unwind whilst listening to the call of the Big Five. The unfenced and off-the-grid experience is unmatched and allows you to gain a new perspective on wildlife and nature – all within 90 minutes from Jozi!
Facilities:
- Pool: Yes
- Restaurant: No
- Bar: No
- Wood & ice: Yes
- Excursions: Guided bush walks and game drives.
Camping:
- Electricity: Solar lights only
- Stands: Sand
- Kitchen area & water: Yes
- Ablutions: Communal
- Shop: No
CONTACT: +27 60 458 4478 | info@kyleu.co.za | www.kyleu.co.za
Tankwa Karoo National Park, Western Cape
Steenkampshoek
This campsite offers a haven for self-sufficient campers and mountain lovers in the heart of the the Tankwa Karoo, which forms the border between the Northern and Western Cape provinces. With the Roggeveld escarpment to the east, the Cederberg to the west, and the Klein Roggeveld Mountains to the south, it offers biodiversity at its best.
Facilities:
- Pool: No
- Restaurant: No
- Bar: No
- Wood & ice: No
- Excursions: Self-drive game viewing, bird watching, 4×4 trails, hiking and cycling, coupled with scenic viewpoints.
Camping:
- Electricity: No
- Stands: Sand
- Kitchen area & water: No
- Ablutions: No
- Shop: No
CONTACT: +27 21 741 7136| reservations@sanparks.org | www.sanparks.org/parks/tankwa-karoo
Kagga Kama Nature Reserve, Westen Cape
Bobbejaanskrans Campsite
Truly a place to unplug and reconnect with nature, this campsite is only accessible by 4×4 and offers an unparalleled and pristine wilderness experience. For those who are lucky enough to witness it (campers need to be fully self-sufficient), the distinctive rock formations and surrounding environment create a mesmerising and surreal panorama.
Facilities:
- Pool: Yes
- Restaurant: Yes
- Bar: Yes
- Wood & ice: Yes
- Excursions: 4×4 trail, motorbiking, hiking, quad bike safaris and guided tours.
Camping:
- Electricity: No
- Stands: Sand
- Kitchen area & water: No
- Ablutions: No
- Shop: Yes
CONTACT: +27 21 872 4343| reservations@kaggakamma.co.za| www.kaggakamma.co.za
