Fancy an outdoor adventure for you and your family that won’t break the bank? Want the kids to switch off the tech gadgets and toys for a few days and get in touch with nature? Or simply need some well-earned rest away from the frenzy of everyday life? Well, then you need to go camping!
There is nothing like fresh air and a cosy campfire to get your loved ones to spend some quality time together. And with sunny days and balmy evenings aplenty in store for the coming months, it might be time to dust off your camping gear and head for the mountains, river, bush, forest, plains or sea…
Whatever rocks your boat, we have no shortage of excellent camping spots in South Africa. There are way too many to mention actually, but the rave reviews these diverse campsites have been getting have brought them onto our radar:
1. Beaverlac, Cederberg
With its magnificent setting in the beautiful Cederberg Mountains, just 2 hours’ drive from Cape Town, Beaverlac offers adventurous types a getaway like no other. This campsite’s signature rock pools and waterfalls, an abundance of hiking trails, excellent facilities and a stunning natural setting make it a must-visit. As a bonus, it is also pet-friendly.
2. River Goose, Bonnievale
Relax to the soothing sounds of the Breede River cobbling at this leafy waterside campsite. Situated a short drive from Bonnievale, it is a good base from which to explore the surrounding Winelands. Alternatively, you can simply spend your days relaxing next to the river. Paddling a canoe or swimming in its pristine waters are also popular pastimes of course.
3. Cape Vidal, KwaZulu-Natal
Cape Vidal is one of the most popular camping spots in South Africa and for a good reason. It combines sea and bush in a spectacular setting to give holiday-goers the best of both worlds. Situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park which is a World Heritage Site, it is teeming with wildlife and boasts a large dune forest campsite near the beach. Sports fishing and snorkelling are must-do activities here.
4. Perdekloof, Tankwa Karoo
If outstretched desert plains are your idea of camping bliss, look no further than Perdekloof in the Tankwa Karoo. Off-the-beaten-track and mystical, this is where you come to gaze at the stars and truly connect with nature. Each of the camp’s six shaded stands has its own bathroom and kitchenette. Bird watching and game viewing are some of the area’s main draw cards, but there are also 4×4 trails for the more adventurous traveller.
5. Nature’s Valley, Tsitsikamma
When it comes to picture-perfect natural splendour, few things can trump the Garden Route. Situated in the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park, this rest camp is on the banks of the beautiful Groot River. Nature’s Valley is a secluded little village surrounded by incredible forests that offer great hiking and close to the sea with magnificent beaches.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore – adventure and soul-reviving downtime are beckoning at a camping spot near you. And don’t forget that all-important camping essential – the mobile fridge. To keep your braai goodies fresh and your Douglas Green wines ice cold, naturally.
