South Africa is a country filled with stunning landscapes and amazing locations. What better way to experience the beauty of this country, than to go camping, for a few days (or weeks), in some of the most beautiful campsites in South Africa. So pack the tent, the smores and the blankets and let’s hit the road; It’s relaxing time!
1. Tietiesbaai, Wild Coast, Western Cape
The amusingly named, Tietiesbaai, is a popular camping spot for adventurers and sea lovers alike. With its white sandy beach and crystal blue waters, this bay is the perfect place to kick back with a beer in hand and relax to the sound of waves hitting the shore. The camping grounds has 60 campsites and allows for 6 people per campsite. Stuff to do in the area includes hiking, fishing and visiting the nearest town, Paternoster, only 6 km’s away. This bay is the perfect place to escape your daily routine and get some peace and quiet, even it means you have to sacrifice a few minor creature comforts, like hot showers and no electricity for a few days.
Contact Info: Fax Number: 022 7522 015 (Ye I know, they’re old school)
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2. Augrabies Falls National Park, Northern Cape
Augrabies Falls, from which the park is named, is a 56m high waterfall, that pumps out 300 cubic metres per second of water. This number is said to rise to an astounding 7800 cubic metres per second, when the river is flooded. The falls have wooden viewpoints and walkways from which you can admire this natural beauty up close. There are 40 camping sites with ablution blocks, a kitchen and laundry facilities. There’s a restaurant here, a choice of three swimming pools, a central area with a fully stocked shop and a petrol station. The park is rich in wildlife with many species of birds, reptiles and even some bigger game like Hartmann’s mountain zebra, springbok, gemsbok and giraffe.
Contact Information: Call 054 452 9200
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3. Glen Reenen Rest Camp, Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State
The magnificent Golden Gate National Park is named after the exquisite shades of gold reflected by the sun on its famous sandstone cliffs. The park is a hiker’s dream come true, and a trek up the Brandwag Buttress will provide panoramic vistas over the surrounding area. Found in the trees on the banks of a stream, the campsite offers full ablution and braai facilities, as well as power points at some sites. The park also offers chalet accommodations if you don’t want to camp (Where’s the fun in that, though?).
Contact Info: Call 058 255 0909 / 058 255 1000
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4. Mvuba Campsite, Addo Elephant Park, Eastern Cape
Need a remote escape somewhere deep in the bush. Mvuba is perfect for you. Mvubu is a small campsite on the banks of the Sundays River, in the Kabouga section of the Addo Elephant National Park, and serves as a wonderful base for exploring the park, while enjoying quiet evenings in the bush. When you’re not out exploring the park on self-drives or hikes, you can relax in the river and pools inside the camp or set out on a day of bird watching. There isn’t electricity, but hot showers are provided.
Contact Information: Call 042 233 8600
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5. Mahai River Campsite, Royal Natal National Park, Kwa-Zulu Natal
Set in the stunning Mahai valley of the Drakensberg, Mahai River is the perfect place to kick back with a book in hand and relax. If this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, there are many beautiful hikes in the area, of all lengths and difficulties. Just make sure you secure your stuff safely before you leave because the campsite is often visited by mischievous Chacma baboons.
Contact Information: Call 033 845 1000 / 107 175 1001
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6. Ebb and Flow, Western Cape
The Western Cape Wilderness and the Garden Route National Park, in particular, is renowned for its lush landscape. The Ebb and Flow camping site is the ideal spot from which to take it all in. Surrounded by forest and mountains, this is the perfect getaway for adventure seekers. From whale watching to hiking and canoeing, there’s a whole range of activities to enjoy.
Contact Information: Call +27 44 877 1197
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7. Fiddler’s Creek, Orange River, Northern Cape
Fiddler’s Creek is the ultimate mix of glamping and roughing it. Each campsite is equipped with an undercover kitchen, basins with running water, electricity, a built-in braai area and the coolest part, a reed fence, that wraps around the campsites. The campgrounds have a bar, a volleyball court and a pool table to pass the time. You can also book rafting expeditions ranging from a half-day to 5 days. Now that’s an adventure!!
Contact Information: Call 027 761 8953
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8. Bruintjieskraal Campsite, Baviaanskloof, Eastern Cape
The perfect base from which to explore the spectacular Baviaanskloof Wilderness area, Bruintjieskraal Campsite boasts one of the most idyllic settings in which to roll out your tent. It’s located at Grootrivier Poort, the entrance to the area, and spreads out on the shores of the Grootrivier. There are 10 spacious campsites on the riverbanks and another four further afield, each with a flush toilet and separate shower and braai facilities. Hot water is available, but you need to bring fresh drinking water with you. The Bruintjieskraal Campsite is an excellent base for exploring your surroundings from on scenic walks, or swimming, fishing and game viewing.
Contact Information: Call 084 515 0993
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9. Beaverlac Camping, Cederburg, Western Cape
Beaverlac is the perfect adventure playground, with many adventurous activities to pass the time, such as hiking, mountain-biking and swimming. Go swimming in the waterfalls and rock pools which are only a short walk from the campgrounds. There are also caves with rock paintings to explore. The campsite itself is rustic and peaceful with ablution facilities, some offering hot water, braai areas, a well-stocked shop and is pet friendly. Beaverlac is located just 2 hours out of Cape Town; the perfect weekend getaway for Capetonians. This is quite a popular spot, so you have to book a spot well in advance.
Contact Information: Call 022 931 2945
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10. Stoney Ridge, Colenso, Kwa-Zulu Natal
Located amongst 6000 acres of unspoiled natural beauty on a private game farm Stoney Ridge offers keen campers superb game and bird life viewing as well as killer 4X4 trails. Spend a few nights camping on the banks of the Bloukrans River while you take in the sights and sounds of the area. The campsite offers meal catering for campers should they wish to partake as well as ablution facilities. But be warned, it is rustic and you’ll have to leave your creature comforts at home.
Contact Information: Call 073 697 5108
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11. Botsalano Game Reserve, North West Province
Botsalano is a thornveld escape that’s close to Johanessburg and has an abundance of springbok, gemsbok, buffalo and giraffe. With luck, you might even spot a rhino. Four rustic bush camps, each with basic ablutions (cold/donkey boiler showers), are scattered around the park in unfenced bush where blue and violet-eared waxbills busy themselves in the acacias. Botsalano is an excellent first stop for trips into Botswana.
Contact Information: Call 018 386 8900
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12. Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, Tsitsikamma National Park, Eastern Cape
Camping in the Tsitsikamma National Park is the stuff dreams are made of. There’s no doubt about it, this is one of the most breathtaking regions in South Africa. Located on the seashore, Storms River Mouth Rest Camp offers an unbeatable setting with guests having access to over 80km of beautiful coastline. The facilities at this camping spot are also great and campers have access to a communal ablution block, laundromat, kitchen facilities, restaurant and a small shop. The wildlife here is truly spectacular with an abundance of birdlife, dolphins, otters and even Right Whales.
Contact Information: Call 042 281 1607
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13. A Forever Resort, Gariep Dam, Gariep Nature Reserve, Free State
Gariep Dam, the largest dam in S.A, is the perfect halfway point on your journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town. There’s plenty to do, including various water sports, fishing, sunset cruises and excellent game viewing by boat. The campsite offers 122 sites in all, 16 of which have their own ablution blocks. Other facilities include braai areas or you can enjoy the restaurant located here, as the resort also offers chalet and caravan accommodation.
Contact Information: Call 012 423 5600
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14. Tsendze Rustic Campsites, Northern Kruger National Park, Limpopo
This beautifully rustic camp offers 30 campsites with kitchen and ablution facilities (with open-air showers!). You will get hot water, electricity and lights and, honestly, what more do you need in the bush? Tsendze Rustic Campsite is a very popular spot and it’s all due to its incredible setting and excellent bird and game life spotting and a down-to-earth feel. If you’re lucky you can expect to see everything from elephant, zebra and various antelope, and even lions and leopard.
Contact Information: Call 013 735 6535 / 6
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So that’s it – 14 of the Most Beautiful Campsites in South Africa. Have you been to any of these scenic camping spots and if so what was your experience at these places? Drop a comment below to share your experience.
This blog post will be updated every now and then, to add new camp spots that deserve to be on this list, so feel free to check in every so often to discover new camping spots. Also, stay tuned for lots more blog posts coming about the beautiful country that is South Africa.
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Let the Adventure Begin!!
All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Adventured will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of out-dated or incorrectly noted information.
We just came back from the Mahai Royal National Park.
Wonderful and the staff is pleasant. Feel close to nature. Can recommend to all.
One of the most beautiful camping at Forever Resorts Swadini is not mention.
This is amazing place.