When budgets are tight, we often aren’t able to plan a getaway in a 5-star hotel. So when you find yourself eager to get out of the city on short notice, why not look into camping? There is nothing quite like spending a weekend “roughing it” under the starry skies, huddling around open campfires, and cuddling in cosy tents with the expansive bush around you that gives one a new appreciation for our beautiful country. Here are some great places to go camping in South Africa.
Biesievlak Cottage and Camp, Western Cape
Biesievlak is a stunning campsite situated in Citrusdal and is perfect for those who want to camp without the hassle of pitching tents themselves. Visitors are accommodated in a large Bedouin marquee with excellent views over the river. Depending on group size, 1 – 3 canvas tents can be pitched beneath the marquee. The tents are equipped with blow up mattresses, bedding, blankets, towels, and extra sleeping bags. You will also have your own braai grid, power point, cooking utensils, chairs, table, electric light, cooler box, and more. The camp has clean ablutions with hot showers, hammocks, and a communal fridge. Activities include fishing, birding, cycling, swimming, and canoeing. Find out more.
Aldam Estate, Free State
Aldam Estate is situated on the banks of the Allemanskraal Dam in the Willem Pretorius Nature Reserve. The estate offers caravan and camping sites, as well as a restaurant, shop, ladies bar, and braai areas. The whole family can look forward to use of the swimming pool, super tube, volleyball net, tennis courts, rugby field, putt-putt course, and paintball area, with trampolines and a jungle gym for the kids. While enjoying the magnificent views of the dam, you can also keep an eye out for giraffe, black wildebeest, and other animals from the reserve. Find out more.
Silver Rocks Caravan Park, Limpopo
Silver Rocks Caravan Park offers caravan and campsites in Modimolle on a 510 hectare game farm. There are 51 fully equipped tent stands on offer with lawns and paved roads to prevent dust. Campers can look forward to electricity, fantastic ablutions with washing machines and tumble dryers, two family bathrooms (one wheelchair friendly), and a baby bath facility. There is also a swimming pool and jungle gym. Guests can enjoy use of the facilities at Silver Stream’s Lodge, including DStv, a ladies bar, 5-star restaurant, bass fishing, guided game drives, mountain biking, cricket field, putt-putt, and a trampoline. Find out more.
Peace of Eden, Western Cape
Peace of Eden is a magical campsite in Knysna set alongside an indigenous forest full of chattering monkeys, bushbuck, porcupine, and birdlife. Travellers can choose between 4 Safari Tents set on elevated timber decks in the forest or pitch their own tents on one of the two eco campsites on the edge of the forest. The eco campsites have no electricity, but the communal kitchen hut has electricity, a gas shower, and a long-drop loo, and there are braai facilities and a bar on-site. Tents and campers are welcome, but not caravans. Spend your days relaxing on a hammock, exploring the forest, paddling on the lily pond, horse riding, doing an adventure or cultural tour with the owners, or indulging in spa treatments in the Deep Forest Therapy Tent. The lagoon, beaches, forest trails, and river are all mere minutes away. Pets welcome by arrangement. Find out more.
Die Appelboom, North West
Die Appelboom offers camping and caravanning accommodation on a farm in the Magaliesburg, just 60km from Johannesburg. There are only 12 camp sites, some of which have electricity. The campsite offers a jungle gym, kiddie’s foefie slide, braai facility, and clean ablutions. Activities include playing with the farm animals, hiking, hot air ballooning, canopy tours, biking, and more. If camping’s not your thing, there is also a barn with dormitory-style accommodation for up to 20 people. Find out more.
The Growcery, Northern Cape
The Growcery is located on the banks of the Orange River in Vioolsdrift with endless views of the river and surrounding rock formations in the Nababeep Conservancy. The camp is suitable for over landers, campers, rafters, and 4×4 self-drivers, and offers 10 campsites with dome tents, stretchers, and mattresses. Camp right on the banks of the river and enjoy bush braais on an open campfire. There are clean ablutions with hot open air showers, a fully stocked bar, as well as day tours and meals on request. Find out more.
Where do you enjoy camping in South Africa?
